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Falzarano M, Marìn A, Cabedo L, Polettini A, Pomi R, Rossi A, Zonfa T. Alternative end-of-life options for disposable bioplastic products: Degradation and ecotoxicity assessment in compost and soil. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 362:142648. [PMID: 38906189 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Four different end-of-life options for disposable bioplastic cups were investigated and compared based on their environmental implications. Two products with distinct polymeric composition were tested simulating the following scenarios at laboratory scale: i) industrial composting (180 days at 58 °C); ii) anaerobic digestion followed by industrial composting (45 days at 55 °C and 180 days at 58 °C); iii) anaerobic digestion followed by direct digestate use on soil for agricultural purposes (45 days at 55 °C and 180 days at 25 °C); iv) uncontrolled release into a soil environment (180 days at 25 °C). Ecotoxicity tests were run at the end of each experiment to investigate the effects of the materials on three main groups of terrestrial model organisms: plants, earthworms and nitrifying bacteria. Complete biodegradation of the cups was observed in 180 days in the scenarios involving composting environment. A low degree of biodegradation (22.9 ± 4.5%) of the digestates in soil was observed, warning for a potential micro-bioplastics discharge into the environment. No degradation was observed for the cups in soil during the same testing period. Ecotoxicity tests revealed a negative effect on plants biomass growth across all samples, which was 17-30% lower compared to the blank sample. The experimental campaign highlighted the need for a systematic assessment of controlled treatment of bioplastics, as well as the need for a harmonized legislative framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Falzarano
- DICEA Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Roma, Italy.
| | - A Marìn
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/n, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - L Cabedo
- Polymers and Advanced Materials Group (PIMA), Universitat Jaume I, Av. Sos Baynat S/n, 12071, Castelló, Spain; CEBIMAT LAB S.L, ESPAITEC, Universitat Jaume I, Av. Vicent Sos Baynat S/n, 12071, Castelló, Spain
| | - A Polettini
- DICEA Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Roma, Italy
| | - R Pomi
- DICEA Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Roma, Italy
| | - A Rossi
- DICEA Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Roma, Italy
| | - T Zonfa
- DICEA Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184, Roma, Italy
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Parveen N, Naik SVCS, Vanapalli KR, Sharma HB. Bioplastic packaging in circular economy: A systems-based policy approach for multi-sectoral challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:173893. [PMID: 38889821 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Bioplastics have long been publicized as a sustainable plastic packaging alternative; however, their widespread industrialization is still embryonic due to complex challenges spanning multiple sectors. This review critically analyses the bioplastic lifecycle and provides a holistic evaluation of both the opportunities and potential trade-offs along their value chain. Their lifecycle is divided into three sectors: 1) resources, extraction, and manufacturing, 2) product consumption which discusses availability, consumer perception, and marketing strategies, and 3) end-of-life (EoL) management which includes segregation, recycling, and disposal. In the production phase, the primary challenges include selection of suitable raw feedstocks and addressing the techno-economic constraints of manufacturing processes. To tackle these challenges, it is recommended to source sustainable feedstocks from innovative, renewable, and waste materials, adopt green synthesis mechanisms, and optimize processes for improved efficiency. The consumption phase encompasses challenges related to market availability, cost competitiveness, and consumer perception of bioplastics. Localizing feedstock sourcing and production, leveraging the economics of scale, and promoting market demand for recycled bioplastics can positively influence the market dynamics. Additionally, dispelling misconceptions about degradability through proper labeling, and employing innovative marketing strategies to enhance consumer perception of the mechanical performance and quality of bioplastics is crucial. During the EoL management phase, major challenges include inadequate awareness, inefficient segregation protocols, and bioplastics with diverse properties that are incompatible with existing waste management infrastructure. Implementing a standardized labeling system with clear representation of suitable EoL techniques and integrating sensors and machine learning-based sorting technologies will improve segregation efficiency. Further, establishing interconnected recycling streams that clearly define the EoL pathways for different bioplastics is essential to ensure circular waste management systems. Finally, designing a comprehensive systems-based policy framework that incorporates technical, economic, environmental, and social drivers is recommended to promote bioplastics as a viable circular packaging solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naseeba Parveen
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India
| | - S V Chinna Swami Naik
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Uttarakhand 247667, India
| | - Kumar Raja Vanapalli
- Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Mizoram, Aizawl 796012, India.
| | - Hari Bhakta Sharma
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Rangpo, Sikkim 737136, India
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Peng W, Nie R, Lü F, Zhang H, He P. Biodegradability of PBAT/PLA coated paper and bioplastic bags under anaerobic digestion. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 174:218-228. [PMID: 38064993 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) are two of biodegradable plastics with the highest production capacities in 2021. Bioplastic waste management can be easily integrated with organic waste management, especially when bioplastics are used as food packaging material, since they are potentially biodegradable. The aim of this study was to assess the biodegradability of biodegradable polymer-coated paper (BPCP) and bioplastic bags made from PBAT/PLA blend during mesophilic and thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) and to reveal the changes in the physicochemical properties of the bioplastics. BPCP obtained 155 NmL-CH4/g VS and 307.3 NmL-CH4/g VS under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions, respectively, but left bioplastic film residues. The bioplastic bags did not exhibit significant biodegradation during the AD processes. 1H NMR results indicated that the ratio of PLA to PBAT decreased significantly after AD of the BPCP film and that PLA monomers were formed from the bioplastic bags, leading to a decrease in the hydrophobicity on the surfaces of the materials. Methanoculleus was found to be enriched on the bioplastic surface after mesophilic AD. From the perspective of coupling bioplastic waste management with the food waste management, the incorporation of BPCP into the AD reactor not only enhances system stability and methane production to a greater extent than biodegradable plastic bags but also raises concerns regarding the residual biofilm when utilizing the digestate for direct land applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Peng
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Rong Nie
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fan Lü
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pinjing He
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China.
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Namphonsane A, Amornsakchai T, Chia CH, Goh KL, Thanawan S, Wongsagonsup R, Smith SM. Development of Biodegradable Rigid Foams from Pineapple Field Waste. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2895. [PMID: 37447540 DOI: 10.3390/polym15132895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pineapple materials sourced from agricultural waste have been employed to process novel bio-degradable rigid composite foams. The matrix for the foam consisted of starch extracted from pineapple stem, known for its high amylose content, while the filler comprised non-fibrous cellulosic materials sourced from pineapple leaf. In contrast to traditional methods that involve preparing a batter, this study adopted a unique approach where the starch gel containing glycerol were first formed using a household microwave oven, followed by blending the filler into the gel using a two-roll mill. The resulting mixture was then foamed at 160 °C using a compression molding machine. The foams displayed densities ranging from 0.43-0.51 g/cm3 and exhibited a highly amorphous structure. Notably, the foams demonstrated an equilibrium moisture content of approximately 8-10% and the ability to absorb 150-200% of their own weight without disintegration. Flexural strengths ranged from 1.5-4.5 MPa, varying with the filler and glycerol contents. Biodegradability tests using a soil burial method revealed complete disintegration of the foam into particles measuring 1 mm or smaller within 15 days. Moreover, to showcase practical applications, an environmentally friendly single-use foam tray was fabricated. This novel method, involving gel formation followed by filler blending, sets it apart from previous works. The findings highlight the potential of pineapple waste materials for producing sustainable bio-degradable foams with desirable properties and contribute to the field of sustainable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atitiya Namphonsane
- Center of Sustainable Energy and Green Materials, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Taweechai Amornsakchai
- Center of Sustainable Energy and Green Materials, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- TEAnity Team Co., Ltd., 40/494 Soi Navamintra 111, Khet Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
| | - Chin Hua Chia
- Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kheng Lim Goh
- Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering, Newcastle University in Singapore, 172A Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 #05-01, SIT@NYP Building, Singapore 567739, Singapore
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture & Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Sombat Thanawan
- Rubber Technology Research Center, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Rungtiwa Wongsagonsup
- Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Siwaporn Meejoo Smith
- Center of Sustainable Energy and Green Materials, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
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