Explorando o universo dos bioplásticos e de sua biodegrabilidade: uma revisão da literatura

Abstract

Plastics are essential for contemporary society, as they have a variety of applications, high durability and relatively low production costs, and are therefore present in practically all sectors of society. However, while they are indispensable and in high demand due to their high resistance to degradation and their derivation from non-renewable resources, such as petroleum, conventional plastics are emerging as a critical issue in the 21st century, with negative impacts on the environment and society. In this context, there is a need for alternatives that, while minimizing these problems, must meet current demand and be capable of absorbing future growth. Thus, bioplastics and biodegradable compounds are gaining prominence and being studied as potential solutions. Therefore, this work conducted a literature review focused on gathering the main knowledge acquired to date about bioplastics and their biodegradability, using scientific articles on the subject published on ScienceDirect and Wiley platforms over the last five years. This allowed for a clear understanding of concepts and a brief overview of some currently popular materials, including their properties and origins, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polyethylene furanoate (PEF), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and drop-in plastics. Furthermore, the impacts of these emerging materials were analyzed from a socioeconomic and environmental perspective, considering the real benefits of this solution, as well as its future development prospects. Therefore, this study aimed to foster connections between the studies developed to date and to aid in understanding the proposed topic.