This book presents detailed discussions concerning the environmental footprints of various packaging systems and materials, life cycle assessments of packaging, sustainable design of various packaging systems and materials, as well as the biodegradation of various packaging materials.

Providing guidelines for implementing sustainable practices for traditional petroleum based plastics, biobased plastics, and recycled plastics, Sustainable Plastics and the Environment explains what sustainable plastics are, why sustainable plastics are needed, which sustainable plastics to use, and how manufacturing companies can integrate them into their manufacturing operations. A vital resource for practitioners, scientists, researchers, and students, the text includes impacts of plastics including Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and sustainability strategies related to biobased plastics and petroleum based plastics as well as end-of-life options for petroleum and biobased plastics.

This book presents the methodology of environmental and financial performance evaluation in 3D printing processes using the MFCA and LCA. This methodology is divided into 7 main steps, which are: a) identification of the analysis problem (for example, comparison of different types of 3D printer for use in a given purpose, comparison of different printing materials for the same 3D printer technology, among others) and definition of printing parameters; b) definition of the product to be printed; c) preparation of the printing process flow diagram; d) definition or measurement of the lifespan of the printed product; e) data collection for the implementation of the LCA tool (for example, mass and energy balances); f) data collection for the implementation of the MFCA tool (for example, mass balances, energy balances, mass costs, energy costs, labor costs, etc.); and g) comparative assessment of the financial and environmental performance of 3D printing. As a way of exemplifying the application of this methodology, a real case is presented involving the comparison of two types of materials (Polylactic Acid – PLA – and Polyethylene Glycol Polyterephthalate – PETG) used in the 3D printing process by FDM technology. The part printed in this real case was a clearance gauge used as a joint spacing control by an automobile industry located in Brazil. The development of the methodology and consequent application has shown that it can be used by users of 3D printing, in the most diverse areas, to support their decision in choices that can present the best performance, both financial and environmental.

Sustainable Polylactide-Based Blends provides a critical overview of the state-of-the-art in polylactide (PLA)-based blends, addressing the latest advances, innovative processing techniques and fundamental issues that persist in the field. Sections cover the fundamentals of sustainable polymeric materials, polylactide and polymer blends, current and upcoming processing technologies, structure and morphology characterization techniques for PLA and PLA-based blends, and the processing, morphology development, and properties of polylactide-based blends. Final chapters focus on current and future applications, market potential, key challenges and future outlooks. Throughout the book, theoretical modeling of immiscible polymer blends helps to establish structure-property relationships in various PLA-based polymer blends. With in-depth coverage of fundamentals and processing techniques, the book aims to support the selection of each processing method, along with an understanding of surface chemistry to achieve improved compatibility between phases. - Explains fundamental aspects of polylactide-based blends, including characterization methods and property measurement techniques - Offers comprehensive and detailed coverage of processing, morphology and properties, all organized by blend material - Analyzes novel methods and addresses challenges associated with PLA-based blends, with a focus on applications and market potential

Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymer Composites: Processing, Properties and Applications begins by discussing the current state-of-the-art, new challenges and opportunities for various biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composite systems. Interfacial characterization of composites and the structure-property relationships in various composite systems are explained in detail via a theoretical model. Processing techniques for various macro and nanocomposite systems and the influence of processing parameters on properties of the composite are also reviewed in detail. The characterization of microstructure, elastic, visco-elastic, static and dynamic mechanical, thermal, rheological, optical, and electrical properties are highlighted, as are a broad range of applications. The book is a useful reference resource for both researchers and engineers working in composites materials science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, and is also useful for students attending chemistry, physics, and materials science and engineering courses. - Presents recent outcomes and highlights the going importance of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composites and their impact on the environment - Analyzes all the main processing techniques, characterization and applications of biodegradable composites - Written by leading international experts working in the field of biodegradable and biocompatible polymer composites - Covers a broad range of application fields, including medical and pharmaceutical, agricultural, packaging and transport

Green Sustainable Process for Chemical and Environmental Engineering and Science: Solid-State Energy Storage - A Path to Environmental Sustainability offers an in-depth analysis of the synthesis methods, manufacturing techniques and underlying mechanisms of ionic and electronic-ion transport in various single phase and multi-phase components for electric power storage, such as lithium and sodium ion batteries, sulfur batteries, and lithium-metal electrochemical systems. Though solid-state batteries are not yet available on the market, many large corporations and small companies pursue the goal of implementing this technology for numerous applications and its transfer to other markets. - Includes information regarding solid-state energy storage technology as key to a green and sustainable environment - Describes recent advances in the areas of solid-state ionics, electrochemistry, materials science and engineering, and sustainable energy - Introduces materials synthesis approaches, including chemicals in aqueous and organic solutions, mechanical ball-milling, and physical approaches, including ink-jet and physical vapor deposition - Provides electrochemical data and in-situ-operando approaches for the evaluation of solid-state battery performance

POLY(LACTIC ACID) The second edition of a key reference, fully updated to reflect new research and applications Poly(lactic acid)s – PLAs, biodegradable polymers derived from lactic acid, have become vital components of a sustainable society. Eco-friendly PLA polymers are used in numerous industrial applications ranging from packaging to medical implants and to wastewater treatment. The global PLA market is predicted to expand significantly over the next decade due to increasing demand for compostable and recyclable materials produced from renewable resources. Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life provides comprehensive coverage of the basic chemistry, production, and industrial use of PLA. Contributions from an international panel of experts review specific processing methods, characterization techniques, and various applications in medicine, textiles, packaging, and environmental engineering. Now in its second edition, this fully up-to-date volume features new and revised chapters on 3D printing, the mechanical and chemical recycling of PLA, PLA stereocomplex crystals, PLA composites, the environmental footprint of PLA, and more. Highlights the biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability benefits of PLA Describes processing and conversion technologies for PLA, such as injection molding, extrusion, blending, and thermoforming Covers various aspects of lactic acid/lactide monomers, including physicochemical properties and production Examines different condensation reactions and modification strategies for enhanced polymerization of PLA Discusses the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLA Addresses degradation and environmental issues of PLA, including photodegradation, radiolysis, hydrolytic degradation, biodegradation, and life cycle assessment Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life, Second Edition remains essential reading for polymer engineers, materials scientists, polymer chemists, chemical engineers, industry professionals using PLA, and scientists and advanced student engineers interested in biodegradable plastics.

Compostable Polymer Materials, Second Edition, deals with the environmentally important family of polymers designed to be disposed of in industrial and municipal compost facilities after their useful life. These compostable plastics undergo degradation and leave no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residue. Environmental concerns and legislative measures taken in different regions of the world make composting an increasingly attractive route for the disposal of redundant polymers.This book covers the entire spectrum of preparation, degradation, and evironmental issues related to compostable polymers. It emphasizes recent studies concerning compostability and ecotoxilogical assessment of polymer materials. It descibes the thermal behavior, including flammability properties, of compostable polymers. It also explores possible routes of compostable polymers waste disposal through an ecological lens. Finally, the book examines the economic factors at work, including price evolution over the past decade, the current market, and future perspectives. Compostable Polymer Materials is an essential resource for graduate students and scientists working in chemistry, materials science, ecology, and environmental science. - Provides a comprehensive study of the composting process - Details methods of compostable polymers preparation, including properties, processing and applications - Presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on ecotoxicity testing and biodegradation under real composting conditions of compostable polymers, as well as biodegradation in various environments, such as marine environments and anaerobic conditions - Discusses the evolution of waste management in Europe and the United States, as well as the status of MSW disposal and treatment methods in countries such as China and Brazil - Overviews biodegradation studies under real composting conditions of products made of compostable polymers, e.g. bags, bottles, cutletry - Analyzes evolution of market development, including price of compostable polymers during the last decade

Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging An expert review of packaging’s role in sustainability and the environment In Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an authoritative and accessible explanation of the role played by packaging in sustainable development and the circular economy. The book offers expansive coverage of every aspect of the packaging life cycle, from design to management and end of life. It is a holistic and integrated evaluation of packaging’s environmental footprint. The authors show students and readers how to incorporate design and life cycle concepts into the development of sustainable packaging materials and help them understand critical background information about pollution and risk management. They also provide readers with learning objectives and self-study questions for each chapter that help them retain and understand the ideas discussed in the book. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the role of packaging in sustainable development An in-depth examination of design thinking in the packaging design process, including the five stages of design thinking and innovation tools Comprehensive discussions of pollution and risk management, as well as soil, water, and air pollution Expansive treatments of global climate change, life cycle assessment, and municipal solid waste. Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students learning about sustainability and packaging, Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life will earn a place in the libraries of chemical, biochemical, plastics, materials science, and packaging engineers.