Uses Byproduct of Paper Production for Cost-Competitive Production of Synthetic Fibers, Food and Beverage Containers, Films and Resins
This cost-competitive bioplastic is more environmentally friendly than plastics made from petrochemicals. Most plastics are produced from crude oil or natural gas, disappearing resources that will continue to rise in price in the long term. One common petroplastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), is expected to be the fastest growing product segment, growing at a CAGR of 8.5 percent until 2020. Researchers at the University of Florida have designed a sustainable alternative to PET using lignin, the second-most abundant naturally occurring organic polymer found in plants. This bioplastic is the first truly viable substitute for PET, as it matches the important thermal properties of this commercially dominant polymer. Available bioplastics, such as those made from corn, usually rely on costly fermentation processes and have sub-standard thermal properties, both major obstacles to their widespread success. Because lignin is an inexpensive byproduct of paper production, plastics derived from this material can compete on cost with traditional PET. This lignin-based bioplastic has impressive market potential. Global demand for bioplastics is expected to reach 6 million metric tons in 2019. Competitive prices could help bioplastics capture an even larger proportion of the total global plastics market, which was valued at $381.83 billion in 2013.
Application
Biodegradable, eco-friendly polymer made from plant materials for the production of synthetic fibers, food/beverage containers, films and resins
Advantages
- Polymer is biodegradable and recyclable, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to petroplastics
- Made from potentially inexpensive raw materials, reducing manufacturing costs
- Starting components are abundant, ensuring that supply keeps pace with growing demand
- Reduces the need for petroleum-based polymers, providing a competitive marketplace advantage
Technology
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a cost-competitive "green" alternative to the petroplastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). They employed a two-step process that uses readily available lignin extraction products, vanillin or ferulic acid, as a starting material for the production of poly (dihydroferulic acid) (PHFA). In one embodiment of the invention, the researchers derived acetyldihydroferulic acid from lignin and then combined this monomer with a catalyst to initiate polymerization (i.e. plastic formation). The starting materials are byproducts of paper production and the polymer decomposition product is dihydroferulic acid, a common plant metabolite. Thus the new PHFA bioplastic is an attractive, ecofriendly alternative to PET.
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