Análisis de la competitividad de los bioplásticos derivados de residuos orgánicos: producción, propiedades y aplicaciones

Abstract

Environmental concern about the pollution caused by conventional plastics has driven the development of sustainable alternatives aimed at reducing ecological impact and promoting the utilization of agro-industrial waste. This work aimed to analyze the competitiveness of bioplastics made from organic waste. A systematic review of recent scientific literature was carried out, using academic databases and technical documents, in order to identify the raw materials used, production methods, and the functional properties of bioplastics. The content was organized by first describing the most relevant raw materials, then the identified production processes, the evaluated physicochemical properties, and finally, an economic comparative analysis with traditional plastics. Raw materials such as corn starch, banana peel, cassava, potato, and cocoa waste were identified, along with accessible production techniques such as thermal gelatinization, mixing with plasticizers, and heat molding. It was found that the addition of functional additives significantly influences properties such as flexibility, mechanical strength, and permeability. Likewise, many bioplastics derived from waste show biodegradation times ranging from 15 to 60 days under natural or composting conditions, which constitutes a significant environmental advantage. It is concluded that although the use of agroindustrial waste helps reduce costs and promotes sustainability, the competitiveness of bioplastics compared to petroleum-derived plastics remains conditioned by technological, regulatory, and economic aspects, making investment in industrial processes and support policies necessary to consolidate their large-scale use.