Contents:
1 Introduction.
Defining the Topic. What are Biopolymers? General Requirements for Biopolymers.
2 State of Knowledge.
History of Biopolymers. Development of Successive Biopolymer Materials Generations. Biological Degradability and Compostability. Oxo-Degradability. Resource and Land Requirements for Manufacturing Biopolymers. Sustainability and Entropic Efficiency of Biopolymers. The Proprietary Situation of Biopolymers.
3 The Regulatory Framework for Biopolymers.
Framing for Testing Compostability. Test Standards for Execution (Normative References). Permissible Auxiliary Substances and Additives. Certification of Compostability.
4 Manufacture and Chemical Structure of Biopolymers.
Manufacturing of Biopolymers. Chemical Structure of Biopolymers.
5 Engineering Property Profiles of Biopolymers.
Property Profiles of the Most Important Biopolymers. Properties in Comparison with Conventional Plastics.
6 End-of-Life Options for Biopolymers.
Landfill. Recycling. Composting. Incineration. Anaerobic Digestion (Biogas Generation). Product-Specific Disposal. Littering.
7 Life-Cycle Assessment for Biopolymers.
Methods of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). Data for the Life-Cycle Assessment of Biopolymers.
8 Market Characterization for Biopolymers.
Current Availability and Future Capacities. The Current Price Situation. Biopolymer Manufacturers and Material Types. Biopolymer Processors/Converters.
Appendix: Manufacturers, Trade Names, and Material Data Sheets.