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Bio-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF) from lignocellulosic biomass adapted to the circular bioeconomy
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This review examines the production of bio-polyethylene furanoate (Bio-PEF) from lignocellulosic biomass waste as a sustainable, biobased alternative to conventional PET plastic, highlighting its potential within a circular bioeconomy framework.
There is a global trend to replace the production of conventional recyclable plastics with biobased ones, allowing a sustainable alternative adapted to the current concept of a circular bioeconomy. Forest-industrial and agricultural biomass wastes (lignocellulosic biomass waste, LCBW) produce severe problems in some developing countries because they are improperly disposed of or burned in the open air. Such wastes are attractive as a raw material to produce bioplastics due to their low cost. Furthermore, low-pollution processes can complete an economical and environmentally friendly approach. This review focuses on bio-polyethylene furanoate (PEF) production from LCBW as an alternative for polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most widely used fossil-based plastic. The standpoint is based on the replacement of fossil-based monomers for the manufacture of PET, terephthalic acid (TPA), and ethylene glycol by two bio-based monomers, namely 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and bio-ethylene glycol (Bio-MEG). This study describes the processes to obtain each bio-monomer, as well as the resulting polymers’ performance aspects, biodegradability, environmental and economic considerations, and recycling.
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Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF): Advances in Synthesis, Properties, Recycling, Applications, and Future Challenges
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Researchers reviewed the synthesis, properties, recycling options, and industrial applications of poly(ethylene furanoate), a fully biobased polyester derived from renewable feedstocks, finding it outperforms petroleum-based PET on gas-barrier and thermal properties while facing remaining challenges in scalable, circular production before widespread commercial deployment.
Biobased Polyethylene Furanoate: Production Processes, Sustainability, and Techno‐Economics
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This comprehensive review critically examines the full production pathway for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a biobased alternative to PET plastic, evaluating each unit process from feedstock to polymerization for technical efficiency, economic viability, and environmental sustainability based on life cycle assessment and techno-economic analyses.
Biodegradable Properties of PET Analogous Furan‐Based Polyesters in the Seas
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Researchers tested whether polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a bio-based alternative to PET, biodegrades in marine environments using seawater from Osaka Bay. Laboratory BOD tests confirmed that PEF is marine biodegradable, suggesting it could reduce persistent plastic pollution compared to conventional PET.
Bio-Polyethylene Furanoate Production in Latin America as a Response to the Current Needs for Sustainable Food Packaging
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This study evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of producing bio-based polyethylene furanoate (bio-PEF) in Latin America using regional biomass feedstocks as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. The analysis considers local supply chains, production costs, and environmental performance compared to fossil-derived plastics. Results suggest Latin America has meaningful potential to support bio-PEF manufacturing given its agricultural resources, though infrastructure investment would be required.
Bio-based plastics – a sustainable solution to plastic pollution
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This review outlines the production, properties, and sustainability potential of bio-based plastics derived from renewable or recycled raw materials, arguing they can form part of a circular economy with lower carbon footprints than conventional petroleum-based plastics.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.