Amar Mohanty
University of Guelph, Canada
Title: Circular economy and sustainability of bioplastics and biobased materials: New challenges and future prospective
Biography
Biography: Amar Mohanty
Abstract
Renewable resource-based nature of bioplastics and biobased materials is not enough in bringing these emerging bioproducts to market place for societal benefit. Circular economy is a concept that targets waste minimization through a closed loop system thereby helping a sustainable development. The co-product and byproduct of one industry can find value-added uses if appropriately integrated in the design and engineering of biobased materials of commercial attraction. Bioplastic as such may be comparatively expensive as compared to traditional and petro-based plastics. An undervalued co-product of one industry can be integrated into a bioplastic in creating novel biobased materials for new industrial uses. The coproducts from biofuel, pyrolysis as well as food processing industries show immense potential as fillers or reinforcing materials for plastics in creating a range of eco-friendly and sustainable biocomposites. This presentation will provide an overview on the recent development of these biobased composite materials for industrial uses in green packaging, consumer products and light weight auto-parts.