Frontiers in Sustainability,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
5
Published: Dec. 10, 2024
This
study
critically
examines
the
socio-economic
impacts
and
practical
challenges
of
implementing
plastic
policies
regulations
such
as
bans
in
Caribbean
small
island
developing
states
(SIDS),
within
broader
context
global
environmental
efforts.
By
employing
a
mixed-methods
approach,
research
uses
qualitative
data
from
expert
interviews
Windward
Islands
south-east
Caribbean,
on
ground
observations
documentation
alternative
usage
Grenada.
The
findings
highlight
significant
“plastic
policy
hypocrisy,”
where
single-use
plastics
exist
alongside
heavy
reliance
imported
goods
predominantly
packaged
plastic.
contradiction
points
to
issue
policymaking,
surface-level
solutions
like
are
employed
without
addressing
underlying
systemic
challenges,
inadequate
recycling
infrastructure
or
lack
export
opportunities
for
recyclable
materials.
highlights
how
these
policies,
though
well-intentioned,
may
fall
short
practicality
alignment.
need
holistic,
globally
informed,
context-sensitive
approaches
marine
related
SIDS.
Emphasizing
integration
ecological,
economic,
cultural
dimensions,
it
advocates
regional
international
collaboration
enhance
litter
specifically
development
technical
expertise.
Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 24
Published: Jan. 3, 2025
Biodegradable
plastics
show
promise
in
addressing
traditional
plastic
waste
issues.
However,
most
commercially
available
biodegradable
products
are
blended/composite
materials,
combining
polymers
with
other
polymers,
fillers
and
additives.
Non-reactive
functional
additives,
such
as
plasticizers
stabilizers,
raise
concerns
due
to
potential
leaching
well
release
on
degradation.
Thus,
understanding
how
these
additives
affect
biodegradation
rates
processes
is
crucial,
a
comprehensive
overview
missing
the
literature.
This
review
highlights
that
localized
additive
concentration
levels
adjacent
materials
could,
at
least
for
time,
exceed
threshold
concentrations
substantial
impacts
microbial
activities,
especially
slow
transport
media
soil
compost.
Of
literature,
it
concerning
only
small
fraction
reported
continuous
quantitative
data
sampling
frequency
duration
adequate
synthesis.
In
those
studies,
presence
of
resulted
an
extended
lag
time
compared
virgin
polymer.
Interestingly,
also
typically
increased
rate
following
this
initial
time.
Overall,
variation
was
observed
half-life
polymer/additive
blends
when
considering
both
rate.
The
likely
key
controlling
factors
dictating
impact
include
leaching,
alterations
polymer
properties
induced
by
their
intrinsic
characteristics
themselves.
Future
life
cycle
analysis
environmental
assessments
new
bioplastic
must
consider
influence
ACS Omega,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 11, 2025
This
study
explores
the
production
of
bioplastic
films
from
sugar
cane
bagasse,
wood
pulp
waste,
and
boxboard
waste
using
a
three-step,
sustainable
process.
First,
cellulose
was
extracted
biomass
through
deep
eutectic
solvent
(DES)
pretreatment
system
composed
choline
chloride,
ethylene
glycol,
oxalic
acid
(ChCl-EG-OA),
which
effectively
removed
lignin
enabled
an
efficient
alkaline
treatment
for
hemicellulose
removal.
Among
sources,
bagasse
yielded
highest
content
(72.86%),
followed
by
(43.82%)
(38.81%).
In
second
phase,
optimal
conditions
acetylation
were
established.
Wood
achieved
acetate
yield
(81.25%),
(70.78%)
(47.2%).
waste-derived
also
exhibited
acetyl
degree
substitution
(DS)
at
2.83.
final
derived
demonstrated
superior
mechanical
properties,
with
tensile
strength
11.23
MPa
elongation
3.14%.
contrast,
plastic
moderate
(4.56
MPa)
minimal
(1.0%),
while
bagasse-derived
showed
weakest
performance.
The
further
highlights
adaptability
mixed-source
bioplastics,
as
blend
7.26
1.63%,
illustrating
potential
to
enhance
properties
source
combination.
approach
contributes
advancement
sustainable,
high-performance
bioplastics
broad
range
applications.
IntechOpen eBooks,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown
Published: March 5, 2025
The
innovative
conversion
of
agro-industrial
wastes,
such
as
sugarcane
bagasse,
corn
husks,
and
fruit
peels,
into
valuable
bioplastic
materials
is
explored,
contributing
to
sustainable
industrial
practices.
focus
on
utilizing
residues
from
agricultural
processes,
typically
underutilized
or
discarded,
raw
for
producing
environmentally
friendly
plastics.
scope
includes
examining
the
types
wastes
suitable
production,
technological
advancements
enabling
this
transformation,
environmental
economic
impacts.
Specifically,
it
discusses
how
these
bioplastics
can
significantly
reduce
greenhouse
gas
emissions
compared
traditional
plastics
their
potential
cost-effectiveness
in
long
term.
It
also
addresses
challenges
opportunities
scaling
practices,
role
policy
supporting
waste-to-wealth
initiatives,
integrate
enhance
circular
economy.
This
chapter
aims
provide
a
comprehensive
understanding
academics,
industry
professionals,
policymakers
waste
pave
way
more
manufacturing
processes.
