(49d) Circular Economy Driven Sustainable Composites through Waste Valorisation for Single-Use Plastic Alternatives

Plastic waste is a global pollution problem that appears daily on news headlines, with microplastics even showing up in Mount Everest’s snow. “New Plastic Economy” by Ellen MacArthur’s Foundation targets “100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025”. The application of plastics can be found in many sectors and products including, but not limited to, food packaging, transportation, medical, housing, and other high-end products. Packaging is the major sector for plastic use; ~50% of which is in single-use products like grocery bags, takeout containers, straws, six pack rings and plastic cutlery. Plastic wastes account for ~300 million tons annually, which is equivalent to the weight of the entire human population (United Nations). Thus, immediate and vigorous action is required in reducing plastic wastes. There remains a huge challenge in alternative solutions for three categories of packaging – multi-layer packaging, mixed-material (plastic, metal, and paper) and mono-material packaging that are impractical to recycle. Biodegradable plastics show leading trends in sustainable packaging. The global bioplastic market is growing at a CAGR of ~12% and several biodegradable plastics are being commercialized through cost competitive blends and biocomposites. The biodegradable plastic market is expected to grow to a ~$5 billion market in 2025. The end-of-life solution for biodegradable plastics should grow and should be expanded through government and industry leaders as well as policy makers. Special interest is growing around home compostable and soil biodegradable products over industrial composting. Disruptive technology in creating high barrier biodegradable packaging can help in reducing food wastes. This presentation will highlight challenges and opportunities towards a zero-waste plastics economy in supporting circular economy. The combination of circular economy with bioeconomy can lead to advanced sustainability.