In the heart of India, at Manipal University Jaipur, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of sustainable materials. Led by Jayana Rajvanshi from the Department of Biosciences, the research delves into the world of biomaterials, offering a beacon of hope in the fight against plastic pollution and the quest for a circular economy. Published in the journal Engineering Proceedings, the study, titled “Biomaterials: A Sustainable Solution for a Circular Economy,” is set to revolutionize how we think about and use plastics.
The construction industry is already taking note. With the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) calling for immediate mitigation of climate change, the sector is turning to biobased materials to reduce CO2 emissions. “The construction industry has started using biobased materials to focus on reducing CO2 emissions,” Rajvanshi explains. “These materials offer improved barrier, mechanical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making them suitable for various applications.”
But the implications extend far beyond construction. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain significantly from this shift towards biomaterials. Traditional plastics, derived from petroleum, are a major source of global pollution. They persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to a linear economic model of “take, make, dispose.” This model is not only environmentally damaging but also economically unsustainable.
Enter biomaterials. These innovative substances, derived from renewable resources, offer a viable alternative. They can be produced using easily available and inexpensive substrates, such as waste streams. This not only reduces the reliance on fossil resources but also promotes a circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are maximized.
The potential is immense. Bioplastics, a broad term that covers bio-based and biodegradable polymers, are growing at a pace of 10% per year. They account for approximately 10–15% of the total plastics industry and are used in various applications, from structural components to functional polymers like inks, adhesives, and coatings.
One of the most promising types of biobased polymers is Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Produced by various microbes, PHA serves as a storage material for energy and carbon. Its biodegradability and favorable material properties make it a potential alternative to non-degradable petro-based plastics.
The shift towards biobased plastics presents an opportunity for a circular economy, resulting in a reduced dependence on fossil fuel consumption. It also addresses the global plastic pollution crisis, leading to a cleaner environment. “The success of such plastics depends on the sustainability credentials, resources, technology, regulations, and consumers,” Rajvanshi notes.
The energy sector, with its vast infrastructure and resource-intensive operations, could benefit greatly from this transition. By adopting biobased materials, the sector can reduce its carbon footprint, minimize waste, and promote sustainability. This aligns with sustainable development goal no. 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements.
The study, published in Engineering Proceedings, outlines the need to replace fossil-fuel-based plastic materials with biobased polymers. It provides a strategy for cost-effectively and efficiently producing these biomaterials and details their significance and applications in different sectors.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in materials science, the work of Rajvanshi and her team offers a glimpse into a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The energy sector, with its vast resources and influence, has a crucial role to play in this transition. By embracing biomaterials, it can lead the way towards a circular economy, reducing plastic pollution, and promoting a cleaner, greener future. The question is, will the industry rise to the challenge? The potential is there, and the time to act is now.
