SEABIOPLAS: Producing Plastic From Seaweed

SEABIOPLAS is an FP7-funded project which aims to introduce sustainably cultivated seaweeds as feedstock for biodegradable bioplastics. Europe produced 57 million tonnes of plastics in 2010, with the majority (39%) being used in the packaging sector. The production of plastics puts a strain on our already depleting fossil fuel resources. It also impacts on the environment in terms of recyclability and biodegradability. There is a need for increased production of biomass-based, biodegradable plastics in order to achieve the EU2020 target of 10% of market plastics being bioplastics. PolyLactic Acid (PLA) will be one of the leading contributors to bioplastic growth. PLA was the most produced biodegradable-biopolymer in Europe in 2010. It is a sustainable alternative to petroplastics and is compostable and biodegradable. Currently, the production of PLA and other bio-polymers is based on the use of important food sources for humans and animals (e.g. corn, wheat, sugar beets and sugar cane) and other natural resources. With the production of bioplastics expected to rise, the use of these resources will also increase and compete with food and energy production. This in turn will have effects on biomass prices and environmental degradation. SEABIOPLAS is developing a greener alternative to these plastics.

Fuente : http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=1...