Opportunities and Challenges of Establishing a Regional Bio‐based Polylactic Acid Supply Chain

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is the bioplastic with the highest market share. However, it is mainly produced from first‐generation feedstock and there are various inconsistencies in the literature in terms of its production and recycling processes, carbon footprint, and prices. The aim of this study is to compile and contrast these aspects and investigate second‐generation PLA production from technical, economic, and ecological perspectives simultaneously. The comprehensive analyses also show the chances and challenges of originating a PLA supply chain in a specific region. Herein, the German Federal State of North Rhine‐Westphalia (NRW) has been chosen as a region of interest. In addition to highlighting the industrial capabilities and synergies, the study quantifies and illustrates the locations of different suitable second‐generation feedstocks in the region. However, the identified potentials can be challenged by various obstacles such as the high demand of bioresources, feedstock quality, spatial aspects, and logistics. Furthermore, the substantial price gap between PLA and fossil‐based plastics can also discourage the investors to include PLA on their portfolios. Thus, the study also provides recommendations to overcome these obstacles and promote the regional value chains of bioplastics which may serve as prototype for other regions.

Poly(ethylene succinate-co-lactic acid) as a Multifunctional Additive for Modulating the Miscibility, Crystallization, and Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)

“…In the expansive realm of environmentally friendly polymers, poly­(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA) stands out as a noteworthy member. − It belongs to the category of aliphatic polyesters and has been synthetically produced through chemocatalysis from renewable biogenic sources for several decades. − PLA has garnered significant attention due to its blend of competitive mechanical strength, exceptional transparency, and commendable biodegradability in industrial settings. − PLA is widely regarded as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived and nondegradable plastics, offering promising applications in various domains, particularly in the realm of disposable products . These applications encompass eco-friendly packaging, tableware, water cups, and nursery items, all of which contribute to mitigating and addressing environmental concerns.…”

Enhancing the Hydrolytic Stability of Poly(lactic acid) Using Novel Stabilizer Combinations

“…A more direct route from the end of life to a new product, for example, through mechanical recycling, would be preferable [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. The existing areas of application for bioplastics are only suitable for this purpose to a limited extent, as they only take up a small amount compared to petro-based plastics, and sorting and recycling them is not economically viable today [ 16 ]. Better suited are materials from more durable applications that can be recycled in a closed loop and do not end up in the general stream of plastic packaging [ 17 , 18 ].…”

The Potential of Bio-Based Polylactic Acid (PLA) as an Alternative in Reusable Food Containers: A Review

“…The most promising of these studies found that a mixture of four strains of bacteria, obtained from waste management landfills and sewage treatment plants, could degrade PP strips up to 56.3% after 140 days [16,17]. As of now, there are no known isolated enzymes capable of degrading in PLA production expected to increase in the US and Europe in the coming years [24]. However, the reusability of PLA for food storage is still largely unknown.…”

“…This lactic acid is polymerized to PLA. Energy consumption occurs throughout this pro-cess, but biopolymers such as PLA have the environmental benefit of carbon uptake during feedstock growth, as shown by various life cycle assessments (LCAs) of PLA [23][24][25]. This positive carbon credit does not occur with fossil fuel-based plastics.…”

“…The utility of PLA as a replacement material for single-use food packaging has been reported [26][27][28] and it is currently the leading bioplastic in this sector, with investments in PLA production expected to increase in the US and Europe in the coming years [24]. However, the reusability of PLA for food storage is still largely unknown.…”