SR192 Bio-derived polymers and composites (2018)

Presented in this report are a review of materials and an initial study to examine the performance and potential of bio-derived polymers (plastics) and composite materials for the building industry.

Interest in and utilisation of bio-derived polymer materials in consumer products has steadily grown over the last 5 years. Their potential for a reduced environmental footprint, biocompatability and biodegradability are advantages for an increasing number of diverse applications from packaging through to medical devices and electronics.

However, this is a complex subject area, and this study report presents only a brief overview of the materials that are currently available.