Circular bioeconomy potential of rice husk as a bioplastic resource: Techno-environmental assessment

Abstract

Rice is the most common cereal and staple food to about half the world's population, with high annual production. The effective utilization and exploitation of rice husk, a significant by-product of rice have been challenging. The negative environmental consequences of current practices, primarily by open-air combustion have led to several other utilization options being explored for more sustainable use. Therefore, in this study, we examine the techno-environment potential of rice husk as a resource for bioplastic production relative to open-air combustion. Specifically, we explore three technologies and their environmental implications for biodegradable bioplastics production pathways: carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate, and cellulose nitrate. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), we examine the environmental impact and associated environmental cost for bioplastic transformation relative to open-air combustion. The result suggests that carboxymethylcellulose would be the most sustainable pathway, reducing the impact on human health and the cost of open-air combustion by 82 % and 74 %, respectively.