Bio-based Polymers From Renewable Resources. From Biopolymers to Bioplastics Compounding is The Key

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Bio-based Polymers From Renewable Resources. From Biopolymers to Bioplastics Compounding is The Key"

Transcription

1 General Introduction Into Polymers And Plastics Structure Introduction Resource Efficiency Through Plastics Products Degradation of Plastics Risks And Opportunities From Biopolymers to Bioplastics Compounding is The Key 1

2 Definition Sustainability Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. (World Commission of Environment and Development, 1987) Change of the consumer behaviour Increasing ecological consciousness 2 2

3 Change of The Consumer Behavior Increasing ecological consciousness Bio-food Bio-plastics Bio-energy Biodegradable Plastics ( origin (fossil or renewable carbon Bio-based Plastics ( origin (only renewable carbon Biodegradation: Biological process of organic matter, which is completely converted to water, CO 2 /Methane, energy and new biomass by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Renewable: "Based on raw materials, harvested after 2 periods of growth (e.g. corn, wheat, grass, wood) Typical Applications: Packaging, Agriculture, Gardening (Medical engineering) Typical Applications:: Packaging, Automotive, Consumer Electronics 2 3

4 Renewable Carbon Source Bio-based plastics are based on polymers derived entirely from renewable resources (biomass). It is important to understand that bio-based polymers are not always biodegradable and biodegradable polymers are not always bio-based. Bio-based plastics made from renewable resources can offer similar, additional or even better functionality depending on its composition. The use of renewable resources as feedstock in the production of bio-based materials is seen as a way of reducing the dependency on fossil ressources. 4

5 Different Natural Origins Polymer synthesis in plants Polymer synthesis in microorganisms Monomer synthesis in microorganisms Chemical synthesis of biomonomers Polymer synthesis in animals/humans starch, lignin, natural rubber, cellulose bacteria aeromonas hydrophila: PHA lactic acid bacteria: LA bioethanol Bio-PE castor oil Bio-PA chitin, casein, spider silk Bio-based Polymers 5

6 Fossil Energy Carriers Bring Archaic CO 2 in The Today s Atmosphere Bio-based = only renewable carbon source Millions of years ago, dead organisms (biomass) drowned to the sea-bottom. Sea Ground Over a long period of time, parts of the sea dried out and many layers deposited above. Under temperature and pressure, anaerobic bacteria transformed the biomass into fossil hydrocarbons. Bacteria Gas Raw Oil Every year we produce fossil hydrocarbons, equivalent to a million years of drowned dead organisms, and bring them into today. 6

7 carbohydrates Closed CO 2 Loop Plants store CO 2 during their growth in the form of complex carbohydrates sunlight CO 2 sink Digestion of the plant emits the same amount of CO 2 as previously stored CO 2 neutral biodegradation ash Even burning of the plant emits the same amount of CO 2 as stored CO 2 neutral 7

8 ? Resource Oil a Reliable The major result from this analysis is that world oil production has peaked in Production will start to decline at a rate of several percent per year. (...) By 2020, and even more by 2030, global oil supply will be dramatically lower. This will create a supply gap which can hardly be closed by growing contributions from other fossil, nuclear or alternative energy sources in this time frame. ( ) The world stands at the beginning of a structural change of its economic system. ( ) Source: Crude Oil The Supply Outlook. Energy Watch Group 5/2008 8

9 First oil boom Russian Oil export Start Production in Sumatra New discovery in Texas first shortage worries in USA Production starts in Venezuela New discovery in Texas Reconstruction after 2 nd worldwar Losing Iranian production Suez-Crisis Yom Kippur-War Iranian Revolution Iraq attacks Kuwait Financal crisis Asia 2 nd Iraq war Shortage worries World economic crisis Price for Crude Oil (Brent) in $ (Data of 2010 and adjusted to inflation; Source: BP) Oil price is affected by shortage and speculation! 9

10 ? Resource Oil a Reliable WAKE UP! You are here! Actually here! Peak Oil 10

11 Will Bioplastics Save The World? The Use of Oil in Germany Diesel and heating oil Crude oil is mainly used for power generation ( primary energy carrier ). Bio-based plastics help prepare our society for the post petroleum era. Motor fuel Others Chemicals Polymers 6 % (~2,6 % Plastics) Others Chemicals However, despite the growing use of renewable resources, the plastics industry cannot save the world alone. Only ~ 2,6 % of the German oil demand is used for the production of plastics. Further 3,4 % for glue, coatings, fibers and additives. 11

12 General Introduction Into Polymers And Plastics Structure Introduction Resource Efficiency Through Plastics Products Degradation of Plastics Risks And Opportunities From Biopolymers to Bioplastics Compounding is The Key 12