Characterization of tars from recycling of PHA bioplastic and synthetic plastics using fast pyrolysis

Organic waste-to-bioplastics: Conversion with eco-friendly technologies and approaches for sustainable environment

Petrochemical-based synthetic plastics poses a threat to humans, wildlife, marine life and the environment. Given the magnitude of eventual depletion of petrochemical sources and global environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing of synthetic plastics such as polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP), it is essential to develop and adopt biopolymers as an environment friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic plastics. Research into bioplastics has been gaining traction as a way to create a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment with a reduced environmental impact. Biodegradable bioplastics can have the same characteristics as traditional plastics while also offering additional benefits due to their low carbon footprint. Therefore, using organic waste from biological origin for bioplastic production not only reduces our reliance on edible feedstock but can also effectively assist with solid waste management. This review aims at providing an in-depth overview on recent developments in bioplastic-producing microorganisms, production procedures from various organic wastes using either pure or mixed microbial cultures (MMCs), microalgae, and chemical extraction methods. Low production yield and production costs are still the major bottlenecks to their deployment at industrial and commercial scale. However, their production and commercialization pose a significant challenge despite such potential. The major constraints are their production in small quantity, poor mechanical strength, lack of facilities and costly feed for industrial-scale production. This review further explores several methods for producing bioplastics with the aim of encouraging researchers and investors to explore ways to utilize these renewable resources in order to commercialize degradable bioplastics. Challenges, future prospects and Life cycle assessment of bioplastics are also highlighted. Utilizing a variety of bioplastics obtained from renewable and cost-effective sources (e.g., organic waste, agro-industrial waste, or microalgae) and determining the pertinent end-of-life option (e.g., composting or anaerobic digestion) may lead towards the right direction that assures the sustainable production of bioplastics.

Study on extraction and characterization of anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) starch and reinforced enset (Ensete ventricosum) fiber for the production of reinforced bioplastic film

Population expansion is causing an increase in dependence on plastic materials. The worst aspects of conventional plastics were their inability to biodegrade, their poor capacity to transmit water vapor, and their production of greenhouse gases. Usages of bioplastics are necessary for the advancement of a green economy and environment in order to eradicate these drawbacks of traditional plastics. In this study, reinforced bioplastic film was produced from anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica) starch and enset (Ensete Ventricosum) fiber. Starch from anchote was extracted and its properties were characterized via adequate techniques. The maximum carbohydrate content (86.26 ± 0.25%w/w) of anchote starch indicates that it is suitable feedstock for plastic film production. In addition, extracted starch was characterized by SEM, FTIR, TGA and XRD. The reinforcing material enset fiber was extracted and characterized by FTIR and XRD. The results of both feedstock materials exhibited the good characteristics and viability for bioplastic film production. Enset fiber loadings used were 0 %, 4 %, 8 %, 12 % and 16 % w/w in starch basis. Tensile strength, elongation, thickness, moisture content, transparency, solubility and density of produced bioplastic were determined. Tensile force grew and elongation reduced as fiber loading rose up to 8 %. The tensile strength gradually declined with increasing fiber loading. Additionally, the created bioplastic film's groups of functions and chemical bonds were examined. In comparison to unreinforced plastic film, the results showed that the reinforced bioplastic film used in this study was an excellent and effective product.

Bioplastic production in terms of life cycle assessment: A state-of-the-art review

The current transition to sustainability and the circular economy can be viewed as a socio-technical response to environmental impacts and the need to enhance the overall performance of the linear production and consumption paradigm. The concept of biowaste refineries as a feasible alternative to petroleum refineries has gained popularity. Biowaste has become an important raw material source for developing bioproducts and biofuels. Therefore, effective environmental biowaste management systems for the production of bioproducts and biofuels are crucial and can be employed as pillars of a circular economy. Bioplastics, typically plastics manufactured from bio-based polymers, stand to contribute to more sustainable commercial plastic life cycles as part of a circular economy in which virgin polymers are made from renewable or recycled raw materials. Various frameworks and strategies are utilized to model and illustrate additional patterns in fossil fuel and bioplastic feedstock prices for various governments' long-term policies. This review paper highlights the harmful impacts of fossil-based plastic on the environment and human health, as well as the mass need for eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable bioplastics. Utilizing new types of bioplastics derived from renewable resources (e.g., biowastes, agricultural wastes, or microalgae) and choosing the appropriate end-of-life option (e.g., anaerobic digestion) may be the right direction to ensure the sustainability of bioplastic production. Clear regulation and financial incentives are still required to scale from niche polymers to large-scale bioplastic market applications with a truly sustainable impact.