Insights of bioeconomy: Biopolymer evaluation based on sustainability criteria

This article explores how cellulose-based biopolymers compare with other major biopolymer families, including PLA, PHA/PHB, starch-based, and protein-based materials, within the context of a sustainable bioeconomy. Using a structured multi-criteria assessment framework, the authors evaluate environmental, economic, technical, social, and circularity indicators to determine which materials offer the most balanced sustainability performance.

The study also examines how agricultural and biological resources can be converted into higher-value products that support sustainable development while reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics.

The analysis identifies cellulose-based biopolymers as the strongest overall performer across the evaluated sustainability criteria, achieving the highest ranking in the majority of the decision-analysis methods applied. The results suggest that cellulose-based materials combine favorable environmental characteristics with competitive technical and economic attributes, making them a promising option for advancing bio-based material systems. For cellulose acetate and related cellulose-derived products, these findings are particularly relevant for product development, sustainability strategies, and policy discussions, highlighting the potential of renewable cellulose resources to support the transition toward more circular and resource-efficient material solutions.

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