Advantages and Challenges of Biobased Plastics: A Qualitative Analysis of Stakeholders’ Perceptions

Abstract

The circular economy mostly relies on the reduction of fossil-based materials. Finding economically viable, low-cost, renewable, and biodegradable alternatives to plastic packaging is a major challenge to this aim since it is widely used in the daily consumption of various products. Bioplastics are already considered promising substitutions as packaging materials since they are biodegradable, use renewable resources, and release fewer greenhouse gases. However, the shift from fossil-based to biobased materials also has its own difficulties. This study uses qualitative data collected from three major stakeholder groups in the process of this transition, namely, R&D managers from the packaging industry, researchers, and policymakers. The findings of the research show that stakeholders are mostly in consensus regarding the advantages and challenges of the shift from fossil-based plastic to bioplastics. The level of knowledge and awareness of the process is high and is compatible with the literature on the subject. Additionally, the findings suggest that although bioplastics have the potential to greatly contribute to sustainability goals and the circular economy, challenges such as costs, lack of regulations, incentives and inadequate recycling infrastructure are major obstacles to change. The agreement of stakeholders on the matter of challenges also reveals the need for common ground for a solution.