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End-of-life biodegradation? how to assess the composting of polyesters in the lab and the field

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The aerobic composting of biodegradable plastics can be a promising solution to the growing issue of waste accumulation. Therefore, this article offers a review of papers investigating the biodegradability of polyesters (PLA, PHB, PBS and PCL) in home- and industrial composting. Not only the thermal and biodegradation properties are discussed, but also a comparison is made between the different polyesters under the same composting conditions. From this review, it becomes clear that composting shows promise for polyester waste management. However, although several methods for assessing the composting properties of polyester have been developed, the fact that they rarely follow the same standards does not allow for a comparative analysis that would clearly define composting as the most viable solution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)36-48
Number of pages13
JournalWaste management
Volume154
Early online date6 Oct 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
    SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  2. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Keywords

  • Biodegradation
  • Bioplastic
  • Compost
  • Polyester
  • Polylactide
  • Polymer
  • UT-Hybrid-D

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