We want to move away from the use of petroleum-based plastics. The downsides of petroleum are well known: its use results in considerable CO2 emissions and it will eventually run out, and therefore also become expensive. Plastics can also be produced using sustainable raw materials such as starch or lactic acid. The problem, however, is that petroplastics have some important properties that we do not want to have to give up.
Bacteria, fungi, yeast, algae… Although it’s not something we’re aware of every day, much of what we eat and drink is processed by these microscopic organisms. Fermentation is the natural process which determines the flavour, aroma, colour, nutritional value and shelf-life of many products. As a process it offers food producers infinite possibilities, only a fraction of which are currently being used.
The production of platform chemicals is one of the developments with lots of potential, as we gradually need to become less dependent on petroleum.
What is the effect of biodegradable plastic on the ocean litter problem? This is the subject of a recent study by UNEP, the environmental programme of the United Nations. One of the conclusions was that biodegradable plastics do not offer the solution to these problems. Although I largely agree with…
The interest in lignin from the industry is undiminished. Although there are still plenty of challenges to face on the road to successful market introductions, the potential of lignin is excellent. The green gold of the biobased economy? I believe so.