Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
For instance, the popular PLA and PHA (bacterial biopolymer), both in
commercial production, might be considered. Numerous LCA studies have
been carried out on these (Bohlmann, 2004; Groot, 2010; James and Grant,
2005; Madival et al., 2009; Shen and Patel, 2008; Vink et al., 2003, 2004,
2007). Figure 4.15 is the result of a meta-analysis of different LCA studies
where these two polymers were compared to common plastics.
Petroleum-based plastics referred to are LDPE, HDPE, PP, PET, PS, and
PC.Notsurprisingly,differentscopesandboundariesofthesecradle-to-gate
studies yield very different results. But thetrend isclear; bothPLA and PHA
are superior to conventional thermoplastics in terms of their GWP. Savings
of fossil fuel by as much as 68% when using bio-based replacement resins
have been estimated by the producers. 18
 
 
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