Bioplástico: alternativa viável e sustentável ao plástico convencional

Abstract

Conventional plastics are macromolecular polymers, synthesized from fossil raw material, petroleum. It is part of the third generation of the petrochemical chain and from the outset has many benefits to society, mainly due to its high resistance. This feature becomes unfavorable when there is insufficient solid waste management, making it one of the main pollutants of fauna and flora with proven toxicity, as well as representing economic and potential waste. The need for innovation in the polymer area has been creating space for the conscious development of new materials, such as bioplastics, derived from renewable raw materials, presenting biodegradability and boasting a good marketing perspective although it costs, on average, twice the conventional plastic because it is a new technology of smaller scale. Brazil, which is the fourth largest producer of plastics moreover, recycles less than 5%, would have lower production costs of bioplastics than countries in Europe, the United States and China. The article aims to present the main bioplastics as alternatives to petrochemicals, in order to support the structuring of this new industry and perform the role of environmental awareness agent.