Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. [1] Biodegradable plastics are commonly produced with renewable raw materials, micro-organisms, petrochemicals, or combinations of all three. [2]
[59] [60] The environmental impact of bioplastics is often debated, as there are many different metrics for "greenness" (e.g., water use, energy use, deforestation, biodegradation, etc.). [ 61 ] [ 62 ] [ 63 ] Hence bioplastic environmental impacts are categorized into nonrenewable energy use, climate change, eutrophication and acidification ...
Renewable resources are a part of Earth's natural environment and the largest components of its ecosphere. A positive life-cycle assessment is a key indicator of a resource's sustainability. Definitions of renewable resources may also include agricultural production, as in agricultural products and to an extent water resources. [2]
Additionally, an eco-cost to value ratio can be useful [6] The goals are to improve the long term viability and quality of life for humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. Sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. [ 7 ]
Biodegradation is the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. [a][2] It is generally assumed to be a natural process, which differentiates it from composting. Composting is a human-driven process in which biodegradation occurs under a specific set of circumstances. The process of biodegradation is threefold ...
Biodegradable additives. Biodegradable additives are additives that enhance the biodegradation of polymers by allowing microorganisms to utilize the carbon within the polymer chain as a source of energy. Biodegradable additives attract microorganisms to the polymer through quorum sensing after biofilm creation on the plastic product.
From biofuels, renewable energy, and bioplastics to paper products and "green" building materials such as bio-based composites, Bioproducts engineers are developing sustainable solutions to meet the world's growing materials and energy demand. Conventional bioproducts and emerging bioproducts are two broad categories used to categorize bioproducts.
Recycled resources require less labor and energy to convert into new products, which reduces environmental pollution and production costs. Therefore, closed-loop recycling may be considered part of environmental sustainability programs. [8] One goal of closed-loop recycling is to reuse materials in an identical role as before recycling.