Chapter 20 - Agriculture waste to bioplastics: a perfect substitution of plastics

Abstract

The physico-chemical composition of biopolymers, environmental circumstances, and the microbial populations to which the bioplastics are exposed are the most critical elements in biodegradation. Carbon-rich precursors for bioplastics are made via microbial, biopolymer mixing, and chemical techniques. The manufacturing of bio-based polymers is critical given the amount of worldwide environmental pollution caused by synthetic plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Commercial production is constrained by cost, manufacturing economy, sustainability, and biodegradation issues, as well as the availability of adequate agro-waste, despite the advancement of advanced synthetic methods and the use of biofilms in food packaging, construction, exclusion nets, and medication. Despite advances in sophisticated synthetic processes and the application of biofilms in food packaging, building, exclusion nets, and pharmaceuticals, commercial production is limited by cost, manufacturing economy, sustainability, and biodegradation difficulties, as well as the availability of sufficient agro-waste. The chapter discusses the commercial development of biopolymers and their replacement of synthetic polymers, as well as novel and cost-effective production processes.