Integrating bioplastics into the US plastics supply chain: towards a policy research agenda for the bioplastic transition

Abstract

Bioplastics have the potential to fill the role of conventional plastics but with lowered environmental and ecological impacts. But bioplastic production suffers from high production costs and as an immature technology, it proves less competitive than its petrol-based counterpart. Debates about the social versus private benefits of bioplastics are also cited. The literature argues that various bio-feedstock sources can produce high-quality drop-in plastics and that scaling up bioplastic production will provide the cost competitiveness needed to transition away from petroplastics. However, the market remains uncoordinated and lacks a strategic and comprehensive plan for the plastic transition. Moreover, the science-to-policy literature on bioplastics is very limited, providing scarce evidence or analysis to policymakers attempting to argue for bioplastics industrialization and integration. In this study we highlight this missing link particularly in the North American context in order to encourage further inquiry on these matters. Using Stern’s policy framework gap analysis approach, our evaluation identifies gaps in existing policy frameworks pertinent to bioplastics supply chains. On this basis we identify and prioritize five pointed areas for policy focus to advance bioplastics sector growth and integration. These are developing a strategy to sustainably coordinate and promote biomass production; incentivizing bioplastic investments and production; incentivizing bioplastic substitution; and enhancing the end-use management. Additionally, research is needed to support the technical performance of bioplastics, industrialization methods, supply chain integration, and the impact of exogenous factors.

New insights into Chlorella vulgaris applications

“…The process of producing bioplastics is expensive and, being a relatively new technology, less competitive than that of fossil‐based plastics (Shah & Gangadeen, 2023). That being said, given a stable price for fossil fuel, the price gap is anticipated to close considerably by 2030, considering a stable price of fossil fuel, and the price of fossil‐based plastics will be higher in a case of higher fossil fuel costs (Horvat et al, 2018).…”

Carbon Recycling of High Value Bioplastics: A Route to a Zero-Waste Future

“…In the USA, there are several policies to develop and support a bioeconomy; however, historically, the focus has been on the production of biofuels, rather than bioplastics [ 151 ]. This focus has shifted in recent years, with the Biden administration announcing “bold goals” in 2023, which aim to replace 90% of current plastics with biobased alternatives [ 152 ].…”