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Emerging industries and technologies are made up of objective, practical requirements and ideas that encompass broad hopes for what future newness might enable. The bioeconomy is one such emerging industry. Its recent evolution has involved a complicated and dynamic mix of promises, reality checks and subsequent ambivalences. This article frames and investigates the emerging algae-based bioplastics industry as one niche within this broader system envisaged for social, technological, economic, political and ecological change. As such, our paper presents two categories of knowledge that in practice interrelate: 1) specific and practical recommendations that can assist a future algal-based bioplastics industry to develop in Australia in ways that are conscious of socio-ecological and socio-cultural dimensions, and 2) critical extensions that go beyond the attributes of newness, impact, suddenness and universality often emphasised in both popular and scientific research into emerging green technologies. In particular, our analysis highlights the importance of specific temporal, tonal and spatial factors when framing the contextual factors associated emerging industries, technologies and the different pathways for change they might help support. • Pathways and enabling factors for a algal-based bioplastics industry in regional Australia are presented. • The 'social idea' of the bioeconomy is analysed with reference to algal-based bioplastics. • The algal-based bioplastics industry is contextualised in relation to transition pathways literatureon the bioeconomy. • Themes and recommendations are synthesised from literature review and semi-structured interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-criteria decision-making is a tool that facilitates decision-making in complex situations, given multiple criteria to consider. This research proposes the integration of multi-criteria analysis and geographic information systems to establish evaluation criteria that guide the appropriate selection of waste of agro-industrial origin for its revaluation in Ecuador. The final objective is to select agricultural waste potentially available as raw material in the production of bioplastics. From the survey of the most frequently used methods in this field, a modified and adapted analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was adopted, with four criteria analyzed: Waste availability, industrialization, social-environmental impact, and geomorphological aspect. As initial materials, databases of 23 waste belonging to 11 items located from geographical coordinates extracted from satellite maps provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Ecuador were considered. When carrying out the weighting and respective data processing, the criterion with the greatest impact on the selection of alternatives is the social-environmental criterion, followed by the availability of the waste. To validate the method contrast a panel of experts was used. Agricultural items make up a ranking of the possibility of success according to this panel, led by bananas, followed by plantain and corn. This conclusion is concomitant with that obtained by the proposed method. The sensitivity analysis carried out indicated that the changes in the score of the industrialization criterion are the ones that most influence the results obtained in the AHP. Although the methodology used focused on the use of agroindustrial waste for the production of bioplastics, it applies to other bioproducts and even in other countries with characteristics similar to the one studied. Although AHP techniques and GIS tools are commonly used their integration as a simple and open-access tool provides local governments (mayors and municipalities) with a tool for decision-making in complex situations such as the one studied here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has adverse effects on the ecosystem and on the human body. Bioplastics might provide an alternative to plastic for environmentally friendly consumers. A systematic literature review was conducted to analyze and summarize the state of the art regarding consumers' response to bioplastics using a hierarchy of effects model. The model holistically represents the relevant steps in understanding consumers' journey from stimuli to the behavioral stage. The review was based on 67 scientific journal articles on consumer studies related to bioplastics published in English language (all peer-reviewed). Most studies researched bioplastic packaging applications e.g., food and beverage packaging using quantitative consumer surveys. Many studies focused on consumer preferences and willingness to pay for bioplastics, while awareness, knowledge, and post-purchase behavior—usage and disposal—was the least researched. Many of the studies applied text or oral and rarely real product stimuli. The results of the synthesis pointed out some purchasing barriers e.g. consumers' low knowledge about the environmental impact, characteristics such as material source or end-of-life character of bioplastics; or consumers' uncertainty about bioplastic recognition versus conventional plastics. Drivers of consumers' purchasing bioplastics are also identified, for instance consumers' positive attitude, available product information or consumers' green value. Bioplastic products meeting consumers' preferences such as low price, biogenic resource base, and local origin also act as purchasing drivers. Studies also found that bioplastic related information of a product influences consumers' willingness to pay. The review revealed research gaps, highlighting in particular the need for cross-cultural studies, non-hypothetical research designs and the analysis of labelling systems related to bioplastic products. • Results of a systematic literature review on consumers' response to bioplastics are presented. • Categorization and analysis of selected studies is provided on bioplastics applications and consumers purchasing processes. • Several drivers and barriers for purchasing bioplastics are identified e.g., lack of consumer knowledge about bioplastics. • Potential research gaps concern more cross-cultural, representative, and non-hypothetical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industries are working to minimize their reliance on petrochemicals and petroleum-based industrial components and replace them with biobased, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternatives due to the global warming emergency caused by the uncontrolled production of greenhouse gases. The agricultural waste provides large volumes of lignocellulosic biomass, a sustainable resource material to develop a wide portfolio of bioproducts. Recent developments in integrated biorefineries have enhanced the utilization of waste lignocellulose components to generate biofuels, platform chemicals, resins, bioplastics, additives, and other biobased materials for a variety of applications. Here in this review, we have summarized recent advancements in the processing of lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural waste. Additionally, this review thoroughly discussed the recent technological advancements in the utilization of various lignocellulose biomass constituents for biofuels, biocomposites, and bioplastics. Finally, an assessment of the currently existing literature gaps and prospective future perspectives for the development of lignocellulosic biomass from agricultural waste has been conducted. [Display omitted] • Circular economy principles can help in reducing the impact on natural resources. • Researchers and businesses are showing interest in lignocellulose biorefineries. • LCB offers renewable feedstock for many application areas i.e. bioplastics and fuel. • This review gives readers a clearer grasp of how LCB is used in circular economies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastics play an increasingly important role for consumer products. These new materials might increase product sustainability but they are currently confined to niche markets. While research has gained important insight into the technical challenges, few studies to date explore the behavioral aspects for product developers as they move to employ bioplastics in their development efforts. This manuscript reports the findings of a grounded inductive study based on interview data with 32 product developers in the consumer goods industry. The Theory of Planned Behavior is employed to guide the research and provide a theoretical background to derive implications. The study finds that behavioral challenges impede the increased use of bioplastics. Product developers experience a lack of perceived behavioral control and struggle with doubts about the environmental benefits and incurring trade-offs of bioplastics with respect to the Triple Bottom Line. While product developers are intrinsically motivated to make more use of bioplastics, they often refrain from bringing products to the mass market due to uncertainties of customer receptiveness and fears of greenwashing allegations. Implications for industry and research are detailed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considerable interest in the development of biobased polymers is being garnered due to their diverse applications and biodegradability. In this communication, bioplastics (as polyhydroxyalkanoates) production using wastewater as a substrate was studied by varying the reactor microenvironment (aerobic and microaerophilic) and operating pH (6, 7 and 8). Redox reactions occurring in the mixed culture during polyhydroxyalkanoates production were investigated. Maximum polyhydroxyalkanoates production in terms of dry cell weight (%) was observed in microaerophilic operation (56%), compared to aerobic (34%) operation. Neutral pH showed better polyhydroxyalkanoates synthesis (56%) than basic (44%) and acidic (28%) redox microenvironments. Neutral pH operation documented higher dehydrogenase enzyme activity, reduction currents, substrate degradation than acidic and alkaline pH at microaerophilic environment that correlated well with higher polyhydroxyalkanoates production. Biopolymer composition showed the presence of co-polymer, poly-(3-hydroxybutyrate- co- 3-hydroxyvalerate). Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed the presence of phylum Proteobacteria , Acidobacteria and Firmicutes in mixed culture which are known for polyhydroxyalkanoate production. This study illustrated that efficient utilization of wastewater for bioplastics production at optimum conditions can be viewed as viable solution for tackling the problems of increasing waste advocating the concept of ‘waste to wealth’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing global population, matched with constraints imposed by the natural resources' system, entails either productivity growth (i.e., making more output with the same input) or developing new uses for waste (i.e., finding new sources of inputs among unused outputs). Biowaste emerged as a resource with a significant potential to be employed as a raw material for the production of chemicals, materials and fuels given its abundant volumes generated globally. This study aims at providing insights into the potential development of the bioplastics technological niche that uses secondary feedstock (biowaste) instead of dedicated crops and into the factors that may hinder the full development of this niche. Specifically, looking at the Italian bioplastics market, the following three research questions are addressed: (1) What are the structural characteristics of the Italian bioplastics network? (2) What is the social network architecture? (3) How does the network architecture affect the potential development of the bioplastics technological niche that uses a secondary feedstock? The empirical investigation provides evidence that the architectural structure of the Italian bioplastics producers network offers great opportunities for the development of a technological niche based on biowaste valorization. However, the system has shown to be weak especially as far as expectations are concerned, as these are generally low and, more critically, are low for those actors occupying central positions in the network. This shortcoming could jeopardize the niche development process, if no appropriate policy actions are undertaken. More specifically, this study could support decision makers in developing specific strategies to unlock the enormous potential of biowaste as well of the bioplastics sector by: (i) empowering knowledge creation and its diffusion and by (ii) supporting strategic collaboration schemes. For instance, policy measures could be introduced to the possibility to stimulate social learning as a driver of expectations. Finally, although this study addresses a single case study, the proposed methodology and the specific findings may pave the way for further investigations that consider stakeholders' behavior and what is needed in order to mobilize them to embark on bioplastics production projects on a commercial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding nanoparticles to a host polymer can lead to performance improvements that can be twice as beneficial to the environment: first, sustainable nanocomposites based on bioplastics or recycled plastics could replace ubiquitous petroleum-based polymers; second, substantial plastic saving could be achieved by profiting from the superior specific properties of the nanocomposites. Nevertheless, the inherent environmental burden of nanoparticles can compromise the expected benefits. Here we address the controversial issue of the environmental sustainability of "green" polymer nanocomposites based on bioplastics and recycled plastics. A critical review of life-cycle assessment studies regarding nanocomposites and their individual constituents is presented. Nanoparticles have a remarkable environmental impact despite their typically low content. Except for organo-clays and graphene, the production of common nanofillers (nanocellulose, titanium dioxide, silver and, above all, carbon nanotubes) emits relevant amounts of greenhouse gases and requires high energy, nullifying the advantages of using green polymer matrices. Reaching high performance becomes hence crucial to make polymer nanocomposites truly sustainable through material saving. For this purpose, increasing the content of nanoparticles or functionalizing them to enhance their dispersion in the host polymer can unexpectedly entail environmental benefits. [Display omitted] • Sustainability of polymer nanocomposites is investigated by reviewing LCA studies. • The impact of the nanoparticles is far larger than that of the polymer matrices. • Clay and graphene have the lowest impact, CNTs are the least sustainable. • The keys for PNC sustainability are material saving and high specific performance. • Nanoparticle functionalization could entail environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The case of bioplastics illustrates how business models can link producers and customers through the development of new technologies and products. Chemical companies have assumed that reducing costs, increasing yields, and developing better feedstock supplies will guarantee the success of bioplastics in the market, yet a number of unconventional hurdles exist. Companies need to build markets for bioplastics and to assure customers that bioplastics are indeed sustainably made. We contend that companies are most able to develop business models that bring bioplastics to market effectively when they develop and mobilize their “dynamic capabilities” around sustainability. DuPont, BASF, and Braskem have identified new market opportunities for bioplastics, designed distinctive types of business models to seize these opportunities, and devised ways to create increased value by communicating performance advantages and environmental impact reduction to downstream entities. Because they have not included societal actors in their efforts to define sustainability, the firms face significant risk that their sustainable value propositions may not endure without further innovations in creating accountability systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As with food packaging, bioplastics can play a significant role in sustainability for textiles. This study carried out interviews with 64 experts from the clothing trade and manufacturing industry on the conditions required for an innovative plastics transition. Statements were clustered, coded and statistically analysed according to the Triple Bottom Line Principle. It was shown that the greatest success is achieved when bioplastics clothing is recyclable, the development is carried out cooperatively and the product is returned via reverse logistics. Bioplastics apparel packaging, on the other hand, should be compostable, developed in-house and returned to the natural cycle by consumers themselves. While statements on material recycling were ecologically oriented, the opinions on the development and recycling process were mostly influenced by business interests. Significant effects could only be proven for the latter two. Absolute majorities were found for bioplastics in apparel packaging and for open innovation, whereas the views on the end-of-life option and on the degree of innovation potential of reverse logistics were balanced. The findings provide impulses for the most innovative plastics transition possible in the fashion industry. • Guided interviews were conducted in the German fashion retail and supply industry. • The Triple Bottom Line criteria differently influenced expert opinions. • Bioplastics clothing should be recyclable and be recovered through reverse logistics. • Bioplastics packaging of textiles should be compostable and disposed of by consumers. • Cooperative developments are more likely in bioplastics clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastics have a high potential to replace conventional and less environmentally friendly plastics. A transition is already well approached in some sectors, such as food packaging. The literature often reports that apparel made from compostable bioplastics could be used in a circular way. To date, such clothes are still rare, although model theory often points to added value from more sustainable clothing. This study investigates whether the textile, food and technics industries see success for bioplastics differently in market and company conditions. Subsequently, it clarifies whether apparel manufacturers should pursue the plastics transition cooperatively with their retailers for better market access, or whether they should align their supply chain with the food or technics sectors ahead in transition. For this, German expert opinions from a cross-sector survey (n = 100) were differentiated by means of portfolio analysis, where the industries are positioned in a McKinsey matrix based on regression models. Regarding resources for a plastic change, the textile industry is only little behind the food sector. However, the market potential is estimated to be similarly moderate as in the technics branch. Obviously, pull effects are still insufficiently pronounced in the fashion market today. Hence, apparel suppliers should cooperatively enhance sales with their retailers providing better market access. Since company factors are less advanced in the technics industry, textile producers should rather follow the food sector when furtherly adopting their supply chain, which might promise cooperation gains then. • A three-stage survey among 100 German retail experts from three industry segments wars carried out. • Market- and company-related attitudes towards bioplastics to be used in products were measured. • A regression analysis and a McKinsey strategy-matrix were established. • In terms of market-opportunity the fashion industry is close to the technics segment. • Concerning resource-related aspects the fashion industry should orientate towards the food segment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastics have introduced numerous flexibilities to humankind. However, bioplastics have brought newer challenges in waste management. Approximately half of the current bioplastic market is not biodegradable, and with a larger market volume, its end-of-life allocation will be problematic for the governments and policymakers. This study aims to provide an overview of the non-biodegradable bioplastics market, including their underlined challenges, typical production methods, characterization, and possible alternative waste utilization perspective. Bioplastic production usually starts from a biological source i.e., biomass and a series of modification techniques such as pretreatment, hydrolysis, and fermentation are carried out to produce bioethanol. Then, bioethanol is converted to non-biodegradable bioplastics. The major non-biodegradable bioplastics are bio-polyethylene (bio-PE), bio-polypropylene (bio-PP), bio-polyethylene-terephthalate (bio-PET), bio-polytrimethylene terephthalate (Bio-PTT), and bio-polyamide (bio-PA). In this review article, an overview of each bioplastic is presented with flow diagrams. Also, the production method of compostable bioplastics—polylactic acid (PLA) — is briefly discussed for comparison purpose. Since the chemical structure of bio-based non-biodegradable plastics is similar to the conventional fossil-based plastics, the characterization and alternative thermochemical utilization techniques of five bioplastic wastes are discussed based on the conventional plastics characterizations. Per ultimate analysis, considering high hydrogen, low oxygen, and low fixed carbon content, bio-PE and bio-PP are recommended as potential feedstocks for the catalytic pyrolysis process to produce gasoline and diesel range liquid hydrocarbons. Alternatively, bio-PET, bio-PA, and PLA are recommended as potential feedstocks for the gasification process, considering their higher oxygen content. • Bioplastics problems, characterization, production methods and its utilization are reported. • Misconceptions on non-biodegradable bioplastics could be subsided by enhancing awareness to consumers. • Biomass-based ethanol is a key intermediate for producing non-biodegradable bioplastics. • Non-biodegradable bioplastic waste will contribute to circular plastic economy, if utilized properly. • Bioplastic waste can be utilized through pyrolysis or gasification processes to derive fuels and chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bio-based innovations do not evolve independently from each other, but are interrelated and may enjoy synergies, but also compete for resources (i.e. biomass, skills). Therefore, we explore possible transition pathways that distinct bio-based niches could follow during a joint transformation process. We apply the Multi-Level-Perspective's transition pathways to the four distinct niches of (i) bioplastics, (ii) biolubricants and of biofuels for (iii) road and (iv) aviation. A subsequent scenario exercise that combines possible transitions paths of these niches enables us to explore the special relation between the individual niches and to detect possible synergies or conflicts. The scenarios show that diverse developments between bio-based niches in terms of scale and type of transition in the future are highly plausible. Finally, based on the results we derive conclusions about appropriate governance arrangements for the bioeconomy. • Future transitions of different bio-based niches are highly dependent upon each other. • Diverse transition paths to the bioeconomy in terms of dominant niches are plausible. • Environmental policy aimed at climate and ecological issues plays a key role for the transition to the bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a green, waste-free method of synthesizing hydrophobic bioplastic films from tea waste, an industrial byproduct of tea brewing. Utilizing only spent tea leaves, citric acid, and water—all of which can be sustainably sourced—this facile technique is completely non-toxic, generates zero waste, and requires mild conditions and short processing times. The resultant bioplastics were chemically characterized by XPS and HPLC-MS, mechanically characterized by uniaxial tensile tests, and surface characterized by contact angle, SEM, and confocal microscopy. Citric acid did not fully react with the tea waste matrix (53.6% reaction efficiency), yet it is hypothesized that unreacted citric acid acts as a hygroscopic plasticizer in the bioplastic films, which exhibited an ultimate tensile strength of 6.16 MPa and an elongation at break of 13.33%. The tea waste bioplastics demonstrated strong hydrophobic character with a water contact angle of up to 117°, which we attempted to explain by quantifying the surface roughness of the films. Mechanical and hydrophobic characteristics were also found to be dependent on relative humidity. Biodegradable and sustainably sourced, these tea waste bioplastics and the findings herein represent a step towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Image 1 • Tea waste was synthesized into bioplastic films (6.16 MPa UTS, 13.33% elongation at break) without hazardous materials. • Citric acid is a hygroscopic plasticizer, yet imparts hydrophobicity to the bioplastics (up to 117° water contact angle). • Rough bioplastic surfaces were measured by confocal microscopy, quantified by Wenzel roughness, and linked to hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review assesses the state-of-the-art in comparative Life Cycle Assessment of fossil-based and bio-based polymers. Published assessments are critically reviewed and compared to the European Union Product Environmental Footprint (EU PEF) standards. No published articles were found to fully meet the standards, but the critical review method was used to classify the articles by their level of compliance. 25 articles partially met the PEF standards, giving 39 fossil-based and 50 bio-based polymer case results. Ultimately, it was possible to compare seven bio-based polymers and seven fossil-based polymers across seven impact categories (energy use, ecotoxicity, acidification, eutrophication, climate change, particulate matter formation and ozone depletion). Significant variation was found between polymer types and between fossil-based and bio-based polymers, meaning it was not possible to conclusively declare any polymer type as having the least environmental impact in any category. Significant variation was also seen between different studies of the same polymer, for both fossil-based and bio-based polymers. In some cases this variation was of the order of 400%. Results suggest that a large part of this variation is related to the Life Cycle Assessment methodologies applied, particularly in the end-of-life treatment, the use of credits for absorbed Carbon Dioxide, and the allocation of multifunctional process impacts. The feedstock source and processing method assumed for bio-based polymers were also major sources of variation. The challenges of Life Cycle Assessment, particularly in a complex, geographically diverse and young industry like bio-based polymers, are recognised. It is proposed that the PEF standards should be adopted more widely in order to homogenise the methods used and allow meaningful comparison between LCA studies on fossil-based and bio-based polymers, and between studies of the same polymers. • Claims that Bioplastics reduce environmental impact lack sufficient evidence. • Existing literature results are incomparable due to methodological variation. • No existing work fully complies with the EU Product Environmental Footprint method. • End-of-life treatment and multifunctional process treatments show most variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]