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Updated: Feb 1, 2026

The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties
Published on: June 7, 2020
Plastic waste as a global challenge: are biodegradable plastics the answer to the plastic waste problem?
Tanja Narancic1,2, Kevin E O'Connor2,1
11BEACON - Bioeconomy Research Centre, Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Abstract:
The strength, flexibility and light weight of traditional oil-derived plastics make them ideal materials for a large number of applications, including packaging, medical devices, building, transportation, etc. However, the majority of produced plastics are single-use plastics, which, coupled with a throw-away culture, leads to the accumulation of plastic waste and pollution, as well as the loss of a valuable resource. In this review we discuss the advances and possibilities in the biotransformation and biodegradation of oil-based plastics. We review bio-based and biodegradable polymers and highlight the importance of end-of-life management of biodegradables. Finally, we discuss the role of a circular economy in reducing plastic waste pollution.
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