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We present here a novel strategy for the chemical recycling of bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate)s (PEF) to value-added high-performance bio-based poly(ethylene-co-isosorbide furanoate) (PEIF) copolyesters by the combination of cyclodepolymerization method with rapid cascade polycondensation-coupling ring-opening polymerization (PROP). The solution cyclodepolymerization of commercially available PEF affords cyclic oligo(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate)s (COEFs), and the effects of reaction conditions on the yield of COEFs were studied. PEIF copolyesters with different isosorbide (IS) contents were synthesized via the cascade PROP of COEFs with IS, which show significant enhanced glass transition temperature. By melt spinning, PEIF fibers with different orientation factors were prepared, with excellent thermal stability and mechanical performance. The obtained PEIF fibers can lift a weight ∼25000 times higher than its weight. The PEIF fibers are stable under ambient conditions but are biodegradable following the "surface erosion" mechanism. These sustainable value-added biodegradable PEIF fibers offer a solution to the environmentally friendly fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on single-use plastics emanating from the food and beverage industry are polluting the environment, and there is increasing public pressure to find ‘green' solutions to plastic pollution. Topics include considered the introduction of more bio-based and biodegradable plastics, increased plastic recycling, and enhanced degradation of plastics in the environment can holistically contribute to solve the problem for future generations.

The nonwoven industry is one of the most innovative and important branches of the global fiber products industry. However, the use of petrochemical-based materials in many nonwoven products leads to severe environmental issues such as generation of microplastics. Synthetic material use in nonwovens is currently around 66%. This review covers potential technologies for the use of bio-based materials in nonwoven products. The current generation of nonwoven products relies heavily on the use of synthetic binders and fibers. These materials allow for products with high functional properties, such as permanence, strength, bulk, and haptic properties. The next generation of nonwoven products will have a higher fraction of natural and renewable materials as both binders and fiber elements. There are a wide range of materials under investigation in various nonwoven product categories. Especially, lignocellulosic materials are of interest. This includes traditional pulp fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, lignin binders and nanomaterials derived from wood. The development of water stable, strong interfiber bonding concepts is one of the main problems to be solved for advancing bio-based nonwoven products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to replace petrochemical products with those from renewable sources due to the unsustainability of petroleum feedstock, and the continued volatility in the price. This work describes the synthesis and thermal properties of two new lignin‐derived poly(ether‐amide)s as alternative thermoplastics to petroleum‐based commodities. Poly‐4‐(2‐aminoethoxy)benzoate (PEAB) and poly‐4‐(2‐aminoethoxy)‐3‐methoxybenzoate (PEAV) are synthesized by a melt polycondensation and characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The number average molecular weight (Mn) of the polymers are estimated from the 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis, and were shown to be 4100 and 12,000 g/mol for PEAB and PEAV respectively. The PEAB had a higher decomposition temperature (Td) as well as glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to PEAV; albeit, with a lower molecular weight. The polymers' Td were in the range of 330 °C–380 °C and the Tg were between 100 °C and 120 °C. The thermal properties of the polymers are in the desirable range for thermoplastic materials used in the packaging, storage, and coating industries. Furthermore, the polymers are susceptible to degradation under acidic conditions in a short period; a property that is highly desirable for degradable polymers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2154–2160 As the debate continues concerning the fate of petroleum and its products, commodity products from alternative feedstock are currently being pursued. Lignin is a bio‐based polymer rich in phenolic units that can be used as polymeric precursors. This manuscript describes the investigation into the use of lignin‐derived phenolic groups as precursors for preparing aromatic poly(ether amide)s as alternative polymers with thermal properties similar to petroleum based commodities used in the packaging, storage, and coating industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) and Starch are both bio-based biodegradable polymers that have properties that are complementary to each other. PLA/starch blend exploits the good mechanical property of PLA and the low cost of Starch. However, PLA/Starch blend is intrinsically brittle. This paper reviews the current state of arts in toughening of PLA/Starch blend, which are categorized as: Additive Plasticization, Mixture Softening, Elastomer Toughening and Interphase Compatibilization. These strategies are not mutually exclusive and can be applied jointly in a single blend, opening up a wide range of toughening techniques that can be employed in PLA/Starch blend. Even though significant progress has been made in this area, there is still much room for research, in order to achieve easy to process, fully bio-based and completely biodegradable PLA/Starch blends that have mechanical properties suitable for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first reversible acetalization of cellulose is presented. • No metal catalyst is needed for acetalization of cellulose to high degrees of substitution. • Cellulose acetals display high solubility and can be processed thermally and from solution. • Thermal and mechanical materials properties of cellulose-acetals can be controlled by the chemical structure ofthe acetal linker. • Complete biodegradation mechanism of cellulose acetals proven under aqueous and composting conditions. Bio-based and biodegradable polymers are essential for a sustainable society. Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth; however, derivatization is necessary for its processing, which slows down its biodegradability dramatically, e.g. used cigarette filters made from cellulose acetate are barely biodegradable. We developed the first reversible modification of cellulose, which allows processing and guarantees full biodegradation even at high degrees of substitution as the linkers, acetals, can be cleaved first during the degradation process releasing native cellulose that biodegrades in a second step. Acetalization is a versatile platform approach to bio-based and fully degradable cellulose-derivatives, which are characterized by solubility in common organic solvents (alcohols, aromatic and chlorinated solvents), adjustable glass transition temperatures (-48 °C < T g < 80 °C), young's modulus (1.9 MPa < E < 58 MPa) and contact angle (86°< θ < 124°). In contrast to previously known cellulose modifications, cellulose acetals remain fully degradable as the acetal bond is reversible and undergoes an acidic cleavage under desired conditions, for instance in compost, followed by enzymatic degradation of the remaining cellulose backbone. With climate change and plastic pollution, these new and versatile cellulose acetals provide bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to fossil-based and non-degradable polyolefin plastics, leading to a more sustainable future for our planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) play important roles in our daily life, as they are applied in products for hygiene, agriculture, construction, etc. The most successful commercially used types of SAPs are acrylate-based, which include poly(acrylic acid)s, poly(acrylamide)s, poly(acrylonitrile)s and their salts. The acrylate-based SAPs have superior water-absorbent properties, but they have high molecular weight and in addition an entirely carbon atom-based and cross-linked backbone. These factors endow them with poor (bio)degradability, which has a devastating impact on the environment where such SAP-containing materials may end up at the end of their lifetime. Furthermore, the raw materials for production of acrylate-based SAPs are mostly petroleum-based. From the viewpoint of sustainability, a bio-based resource would be the ideal candidate to replace the fossil-based ones. To overcome the shortcomings of the existing SAPs, bio-based and degradable SAPs are required. This review will then cover the following topics: (1) the technology development history and state-of-the-art of current SAPs; (2) the product designing principles of SAPs; (3) an in-depth introduction and discussion of the structural characteristics and properties of different kinds of SAPs derived from both fossil or renewable resources and (4) novel polycondensate-based, potentially biodegradable SAPs with promising industrial applicability. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a potential substitute for some petrochemical-based plastics. This biodegradable plastic is derived from microbial fermentation using various carbon substrates. Since carbon source has been identified as one of the major cost-absorbing factors in PHA production, cheap and renewable substrates are currently being investigated as substitutes for existing sugar-based feedstock. Plant oils have been found to result in high-yield PHA production. Malaysia, being the world's second largest producer of palm oil, is able to ensure continuous supply of palm oil products for sustainable PHA production. The biosynthesis and characterization of various types of PHA using palm oil products have been described in detail in this review. Besides, by-products and waste stream from palm oil industry have also demonstrated promising results as carbon sources for PHA biosynthesis. Some new applications in cosmetic and wastewater treatment show the diversity of PHA usage. With proper management practices and efficient milling processes, it may be possible to supply enough palm oil-based raw materials for human consumption and other biotechnological applications such as production of PHA in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because plastics contribute to healthy and sound everyday life, global usage volume of plastic is expected to increase. However, the chemical industry is facing challenges in plastics from the viewpoints of resource depletion and environmental burden. These trends have led to discussions on how plastics should move forward in a sustainable society and a circular economy considering resource conversion, efficient after‐use utilization, and environmental protection. Bioplastics, both bio‐based and biodegradable, have reemerged as potential solutions. To clarify the role of bio‐based, biodegradable, and fossil‐based plastics, it is meaningful to assess lessons learned from experiences in the 1990s and 2000s. Although industries have been delivering solutions through the provision of materials, a coordinated and innovative approach throughout the value chain is necessary to achieve an integrated business model that incorporates efficient resource utilization, applications, and after‐use utilization, including chemical recycling, mechanical recycling, and energy/thermal recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present review, the possibilities for blending of commodities and bio-based and/or biodegradable polymers for packaging purposes has been considered, limiting the analysis to this class of materials without considering blends where both components have a bio-based composition or origin. The production of blends with synthetic polymeric materials is among the strategies to modulate the main characteristics of biodegradable polymeric materials, altering disintegrability rates and decreasing the final cost of different products. Special emphasis has been given to blends functional behavior in the frame of packaging application (compostability, gas/water/light barrier properties, migration, antioxidant performance). In addition, to better analyze the presence of nanosized ingredients on the overall behavior of a nanocomposite system composed of synthetic polymers, combined with biodegradable and/or bio-based plastics, the nature and effect of the inclusion of bio-based nanofillers has been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]