Environmental and energy analysis of biopolymer film based on cassava starch in Brazil

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2017-02, Vol.143, p.76-89
• Main Authors: de Léis, Cristiane Maria, Nogueira, Alex Rodrigues, Kulay, Luiz, Tadini, Carmen Cecília
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biopolymer film; Cassava; Casting; Energy and environmental performance; LCA; Packaging
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.12.147

Consumer markets have questioned the use of plastics in packaging because of their environmental impact, and alternative, bio-based films are being developed for this purpose. This study employs Life Cycle Assessment to analyze the environmental and energy performances of producing cassava starch-based film made from casting in Brazil. Results indicate that impacts are mainly caused by the cassava crops, the film manufacture, and the fossil glycerin and ethanol additives used. Resource efficiency and cleaner production measures were devised to reduce the environmental and energy impacts of the product. In terms of energy, an arrangement using both renewable glycerin and biofilm made by extrusion combining cassava starch and polyethylene was shown to be an adequate option to reduce impact. The use of sugarcane ethanol led to an increase in impact for most of the analyzed categories. On the other hand, if the carbon balance considers both carbon dioxide sequestration and biogenic carbon dioxide emissions, the use of renewable alcohol leads to lower impact in Climate Changes. This systemic analysis also allowed for the identification of trade-offs in terms of environmental impacts when considering cultivating and processing cassava in other sites. •We verified the environmental and energy impacts of processing cassava biofilm in Brazil.•The main impacts refer to cassava cultivation, energy consumption, and additives.•Hypothetical scenarios for improving the processing performance were verified.•Industrial processes have more decisive impacts than agricultural processes.•The combination of biofilm with fossil film was positive on an environmental level.