1. What is a biopolymer and what might be the motivation(s) for conducting (or t
ID: 191666 • Letter: 1
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1. What is a biopolymer and what might be the motivation(s) for conducting (or trying to understand the results of an LCA on biopolymers? 2. As with many of the LCA studies that you all found and shared in class, the global warming potential and non-renewable energy use (abbreviated as GWP and NREU, respectively, in the paper) impact categories have been the main focus of biopolylmer LCAs. Why do you think this is the case? 3. In interpreting the results of the LCAs reviewed in this paper, list at least 6 variables that could lead to discrepancies in the relative magnitude of impact categories reported from one study to another. Provide an example of each variable from the paper, and list which phase of LCA this variable pertains. You can use the following example as a guide Study variable Inclusion of carbon sequestration by feedstocks LCA Phase(s) Example of effect Goal & Scope Studies in which carbon sequestration by Inventoryfeedstock materials (eg, com) were included reported lower GWP impacts (Fig 1) 4. Consider the statement: biopolymers have less environmental impact than fossil/petrochemical-based polymers (i.e., conventional plastics). Do you believe the LCA results reviewed in this paper support this statement? Explain your answer and/or why it is difficult to answer this question in precise terms. 5. Beyond environmental impacts of biodegradable iopolymers, describe 2 of your major take aways from this review as applicable to LCAs in generalExplanation / Answer
A polymer occuring in living organism or produced by living organism is known as biopolymer.
Motivations for conducting an LCA on biopolymers are as follows:
1. Growing space problems accompanying urbanisation. The use of biopolymers would create a sustinable industry.
2.Rise in the standard of living has motivated the development of measures to reduce waste production.
3. The development of biodegradable materials which can be treated in composts and so recycled.
4. The polymer is also made from renewable raw-material, which increases its attraction and makes it particularly interesting from the life cycle point of view.
5. The biodegradable waste can be converted into compost products, which can be used to enhance soil quality and partly to substitute mineral fertilisers. Thus, the amount of landfill waste is substantially reduced.
6. Environmental considerations are also an important motivation to develop LCA on biopolymers.
7. It has the ability to cut carbons emissions and reduce CO2 quantities in air.
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