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Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics: A review of recent advances, feasibility and cleaner production
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Researchers systematically reviewed over 280 articles on bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, finding that while polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates reduce fossil fuel dependence, their higher production costs, lower durability, and tendency to form microplastics when improperly composted remain significant barriers to replacing conventional plastics.
As awareness of plastic pollution increases, there is a growing emphasis on sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics have surfaced as potential substitutes. Yet, their limited properties and high production costs hinder their practicality. This paper systematically reviews more than 280 articles to comprehensively outline the advantages and drawbacks of emerging bioplastics and biodegradable plastics, alongside advancements in cleaner production methods. Bioplastics, sourced from renewable materials, decrease dependency on fossil fuels and help lower carbon footprints during production and disposal. Some bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates, are compostable, but their manufacturing costs usually surpass that of conventional plastics. Additionally, certain bioplastics exhibit lower mechanical strength, heat resistance, or durability. PLA and bio-polybutylene succinate (bio-PBS) are viable for single-use items and biodegradable products, with scalable production using established technologies, although bio-PBS is somewhat pricier than PLA. Biodegradable plastics lessen environmental impact by naturally degrading and can be composted in industrial settings, providing an eco-friendly disposal option. However, they require specific industrial composting conditions for complete degradation, which can lead to microplastic formation in the environment. PBS, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polybutylene succinate-co-adipate seem to be the most promising options, with PBS being a strong contender for replacing traditional plastics due to its biodegradable and compostable nature. It has the potential to be partially or entirely bio-based (bio-PBS). Innovative technologies, especially next-generation industrial biotechnology and microbial cell factories, offer cleaner methods for synthesizing these plastics. This review aids in identifying feasible and sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
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Development of Bio-Based and Compostable Packaging Alternatives to Reduce Plastic Waste
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Researchers systematically reviewed bio-based and compostable packaging alternatives including polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, starch composites, and cellulose-derived materials, concluding that these materials can meaningfully reduce fossil resource dependency and plastic pollution but require composting infrastructure and supportive policy to achieve large-scale adoption.
Recent Preparations and Innovations in the Biodegradable Bioplastics and Biocomposites (A Review)
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This review covered recent advances in biodegradable bioplastics and biocomposites as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, including their preparation methods, properties, and environmental performance. The authors noted that while bioplastics reduce reliance on fossil fuels and potentially decrease microplastic persistence, production costs and performance limitations remain barriers.
Plastic Alternatives: Biodegradable Solutions and Their Real-World Impact
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This review examines biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics, evaluating biopolymers such as polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and starch-based composites for their practical performance, cost-efficiency, and real-world environmental impact as substitutes for petroleum-based plastic packaging.
The Possibility of Using Polylactic Acid and Polyhydroxyalkanoates to Replace the Normal Plastics in Life
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This review examines the potential of polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates as biodegradable replacements for conventional plastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene, evaluating their properties and discussing their capacity to reduce microplastic pollution in major river systems.
Synthesize and Applications of Biodegradable Plastics as a Solution for Environmental Pollution Due to Non-Biodegradable Plastics, a Review
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This review examines biodegradable plastics as alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, covering materials like polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, and polycaprolactone. Researchers detail how these polymers are synthesized from renewable resources and can be modified for various applications. The study highlights both the promise and remaining challenges of biodegradable plastics in reducing environmental pollution from non-degradable plastic waste and microplastic formation.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.