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CNPEM study reveals that Brazil could become a world leader in the production of bioplastics from sugarcane, boosting the national economy.
Brazil has the potential to become a global leader in the production of bioplastics, according to a recent study carried out by the National Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM). The production of bioplastics from sugarcane can place Brazil in a prominent position in the global market for sustainable plastics, taking advantage of degraded areas for the cultivation of sugarcane and promoting the reduction of carbon emissions.
The role of sugarcane in the production of bioplastics
The study points out that the polyethylene Bio-based polyethylene (bioPE), made from sugarcane, could be an essential material for the world's transition to a low-carbon economy.
Thayse Hernandes, agricultural engineer and researcher at the National Biorenewables Laboratory (LNBR), highlights that the production of bioplastics with sugarcane can replace traditional plastic, maintaining the same properties, which will allow Brazil to significantly expand its production of sustainable plastics.
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According to the study, Brazil has a vast area available for sugarcane cultivation.
Of the 35,6 million hectares of land that could be used for planting sugarcane, around 3,55 million hectares would be sufficient for the production of bioplastics, without harming biodiversity.
This area would be capable of producing approximately 38 million tons of bioplastic annually, which would meet 35% of the current global demand for polyethylene.
The production of bioplastics from sugarcane in Brazil has the potential to be an important milestone for the plastics industry, with positive impacts on the economy and the environment.
Challenges for large-scale production of bioplastics
Although Brazil has all the conditions to become a leader in the production of bioplastics, there are significant challenges.
A production of ethanol, the main raw material for the manufacture of bioplastics from sugar cane, needs to be done in a sustainable manner.
The production of bioplastics in Brazil must be carried out without compromising natural resources and without increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Ethanol production from sugarcane is already an important source of renewable energy in Brazil, but it must be improved to ensure that the resulting bioplastics are truly sustainable.
Thayse Hernandes warns of the importance of maintaining a balance between the production of bioplastics and environmental preservation.
“The challenge is to produce bioplastics in a way that the production of sugarcane for this purpose does not cause negative impacts, such as an increase in carbon emissions,” says the researcher.
Carbon mitigation potential and the importance of recycling
Another benefit of producing bioplastics from sugarcane in Brazil is the potential for carbon mitigation.
Research shows that if bioplastics production were expanded to 22,2 million hectares of sugarcane, Brazil could store around 52 million tons of CO2 per year.
This number represents 12% of carbon emissions from the Brazilian energy sector, which demonstrates the great potential for bioplastics to contribute to reducing global carbon emissions.
However, as bioPE is not biodegradable, efficient recycling is essential. The researcher highlights the need to develop more efficient recycling chains so that bioplastics can be reused effectively.
Brazil will have to invest in new recycling processes, such as chemical and biological recycling, which are capable of preserving the quality of the material and reducing the need for new inputs for the production of bioplastics.
The future of bioplastics in Brazil
With the combination of abundant natural resources and a growing demand for sustainable alternatives, Brazil has the opportunity to lead the global bioplastics market.
A production of bioplastics from sugarcane could be an important milestone for the plastics industry, helping Brazil become a leader in the production of sustainable plastics and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in the world.
It's all going to be left to the Chinese, the Americans or Europe, you'll see, Brazilians are the superman who flies backwards. And the only thing that matters on the battlefield is victory, winning and winning and winning, I win, Sergioguedes, victory.