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Sustainable polymers from renewable resources

Author

Listed:
  • Yunqing Zhu

    (Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford)

  • Charles Romain

    (Imperial College London)

  • Charlotte K. Williams

    (Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford)

Abstract

Renewable resources are used increasingly in the production of polymers. In particular, monomers such as carbon dioxide, terpenes, vegetable oils and carbohydrates can be used as feedstocks for the manufacture of a variety of sustainable materials and products, including elastomers, plastics, hydrogels, flexible electronics, resins, engineering polymers and composites. Efficient catalysis is required to produce monomers, to facilitate selective polymerizations and to enable recycling or upcycling of waste materials. There are opportunities to use such sustainable polymers in both high-value areas and in basic applications such as packaging. Life-cycle assessment can be used to quantify the environmental benefits of sustainable polymers.

Suggested Citation

  • Yunqing Zhu & Charles Romain & Charlotte K. Williams, 2016. "Sustainable polymers from renewable resources," Nature, Nature, vol. 540(7633), pages 354-362, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:540:y:2016:i:7633:d:10.1038_nature21001
    DOI: 10.1038/nature21001
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