Future perspectives of environmental friendly polymer materials

  The environmental impacts produced by conventional polymers on the planet are now clearly observed. As a consequence, these materials, especially plastic bags, have suffered many attacks in several countries, and alternative solutions to their use have been encouraged. However, to date, no definitive and universal solution for the replacement of conventional polymer materials has emerged. And it is very likely that the path to be taken is exactly this: to promote the diversity of materials available, according to the local diversities of the planet. Depending on environmental conditions, available raw materials, local cultures, industrial parks, etc., different polymeric or not polymeric materials may be elected as the most appropriate for a given population at a given time in history. The effects of globalization and the current facility of transportation from a continent to another can not be neglected.

   The continuous worldwide implementation of renewable forms of energy might permit the use of petroleum as a petrochemical feedstock for many more years. However, mechanical, chemical and energy recovery would need to be improved greatly, and the products difficult to recycle should be mixed with pro-oxidant additives. Another interesting solution is the production of biodegradable polymer materials from agricultural and other organic wastes, such as PHAs produced from stover. Anyway, composting units should be encouraged in all countries around the world.