Bio-based Plastics: a ‘Sustainable’ Alternative for the Plastic Industry?

Abstract

Today, the pollution caused by plastics is undeniable, and the plastic industry is facing radical choices. One of these choices concerns the alternative between the increasing use of bio-based plastics or the recycling of petro-based plastics. Currently, in order to achieve the goal of a circular economy where plastics are recycled and reintegrated into the production process, the recycling of petro-based plastics is encouraged by regulations. Besides, bio-based plastics seem to offer considerable environmental advantages. However, the construction of a sustainable circular economy requires certain conditions to be met, such as the establishment of dedicated recycling chains, cost reduction, and "securing" the supply of raw materials.