Environmental and economic prospects of biomaterials in the automotive industry

Abstract

This study provides an overview of the application of biomaterials in automotive industries and their economic and environmental implications. It also discusses the recent developments, ongoing activities, and the major constraints that need to be addressed for commercial application. Innovative material selection and processing methods improve the environmental performance of biocomposite materials as well as their properties. Numerous efforts have been made in evaluating the environmental impacts of biomaterials; however, impacts of land use change have been left out, and the economic analysis has been conducted to a limited extent. A broader sustainability analysis is essential for its commercial applications and for any investment in biocomposite industries to alleviate environmental, economic, and safety risks. The proliferation of life cycle sustainability assessment and common material data system in the biocomposite industry may accelerate the acceptance of biocomposite, thus improving the potential social and environmental benefits.