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Innovative feedstocks in biodegradable bio-based plastics: A literature review

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  • Wellenreuther, Claudia
  • Wolf, André

Abstract

This paper reviews recent results of the literature on Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (ELCA) regarding the ecological impacts of alternative and innovative feedstocks for the production of bio-based and biodegradable polymers. The analysis was undertaken for the following popular polymers / polymer classes: polylactic acid (PLA) and the family of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The purpose of the analysis is to support decision-making regarding the feedstock assumptions underlying the life cycles of the products later explored in the project BIO-PLASTICS EUROPE. For each polymer, the pros and cons of different classes of feedstocks are weighed, and specific attention to existing trade-offs between different environmental categories as well as to issues in the comparability of studies paid. An overview on research results concerning the environmental performance of the currently still dominating first generation of bioplastic feedstocks is given. For second- and third-generation feedstocks, the results of recent studies are investigated in detail and compared (as far as possible) to outcomes for the first generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Wellenreuther, Claudia & Wolf, André, 2020. "Innovative feedstocks in biodegradable bio-based plastics: A literature review," HWWI Research Papers 194, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:hwwirp:194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luciano Vogli & Stefano Macrelli & Diego Marazza & Paola Galletti & Cristian Torri & Chiara Samorì & Serena Righi, 2020. "Life Cycle Assessment and Energy Balance of a Novel Polyhydroxyalkanoates Production Process with Mixed Microbial Cultures Fed on Pyrolytic Products of Wastewater Treatment Sludge," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-27, May.
    2. Roel J. K. Helmes & Ana M. López-Contreras & Maud Benoit & Helena Abreu & Julie Maguire & Fiona Moejes & Sander W. K. van den Burg, 2018. "Environmental Impacts of Experimental Production of Lactic Acid for Bioplastics from Ulva spp ," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Kunnika Changwichan & Thapat Silalertruksa & Shabbir H. Gheewala, 2018. "Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Bioplastics Production Systems and End-of-Life Options," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-15, March.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bioplastics; Environmental Life Cycle Analysis; Polymer feedstocks; PHA; PLA;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics
    • Q21 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Demand and Supply; Prices

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