Systematic Evidence Mapping to Assess the Sustainability of Bioplastics Derived from Food Waste: Do We Know Enough?

Spyridoula Gerassimidou, Olwenn V. Martin, Gilenny Yamily Feliz Diaz, Chaoying Wan, Dimitrios Komilis and Eleni Iacovidou ()
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Spyridoula Gerassimidou: Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
Olwenn V. Martin: Department of Arts and Science, University College London, London WC1H, UK
Gilenny Yamily Feliz Diaz: Division of Environmental Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
Chaoying Wan: International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
Dimitrios Komilis: Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, 67100 Xanthi, Greece
Eleni Iacovidou: Sustainable Plastics Research Group (SPlasH), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-27

Abstract: The production of bioplastics from food loss and waste (FLW), termed FLW-derived bioplastics, is considered an attractive alternative to first-generation bioplastics. To our knowledge, a clear understanding of the sustainability performance of FLW-derived bioplastics from environmental, economic, technical, and social aspects is still lacking. This systematic evidence mapping aims to fill this gap by undertaking a reality check on the life cycle sustainability performance of FLW-derived bioplastics from a multidimensional perspective underpinned by systems thinking approach to assess their potential to revolutionise the plastics economy. Results revealed that FLW-derived bioplastic production is highly complex and uncertain. The low technological readiness of FLW valorisation processes and the under-researched logistics of FLW management on a regional scale currently withhold advancement in this field. Nonetheless, progress is looming, and ensuring that FLW-derived bioplastics production enables the transition toward a sustainable bioeconomy is critical. Innovation in both the food and plastics value chains is urgently needed to address their challenges and mitigate pollution. Yet, any steps forward need to be holistically calculated to yield sustainability benefits and prevent unintended consequences.

Keywords: bioplastics; sustainability assessment; systematic evidence map; food supply chain; second-generation feedstock (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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