Lignin is present in different plants and trees, it is the substance that gives the necessary rigidity to these living beings, together with cellulose it forms a vegetable composition. A few years ago it began to be considered as an ideal biopolymer for the manufacture of various products based on plastic.
It is a renewable natural resource so we can consider that it has potential industrial use, however, it is required to evaluate the number of products that are based on polymers to consider the feasibility of its use. Spruce, pine, eucalyptus, and acacia are the main tree species that have this resin.
Estudios a nivel internacional avalan la generación de bioplásticos a base de lignina, esta es mezclada con otras resinas obteniendo beneficios y características comparables a las resinas poliméricas más comunes.
The search for ways to reduce the environmental impact has led researchers to find innovative techniques and materials to replace mainly single-use plastics, as an alternative to polymer resins works well, however, for lignin to be inserted as a preferred raw material in the market requires an in-depth study that analyzes advantages and disadvantages.
Firstly, the extraction process that the resin needs to have the properties to replace certain polymers must be evaluated, since many of these techniques can be just as polluting, secondly; it is necessary to calculate the total production costs and lastly, to determine the number of trees required to meet market needs, for example, water bottles.
De acuerdo con un estudio publicado por Nature Sustainability, this material has benefits such as mechanical resistance and resistance to ultraviolet light, as well as excellent liquid retention, in addition to the fact that the way it naturally reintegrates into the environment is friendlier, in addition to this, the recycling of products made with lignin is simple and in general if they have a lower impact than plastics derived from petroleum or others made from biomasses.
Producción a gran escala
Actualmente los estudios y prácticas se realizan de manera aislada, es necesario concientizar a la ciudadanía y a la industria que la producción masiva supondría el uso de recursos que no necesariamente provienen de residuos, así que el uso de una simulación forestal es pertinente para hacer un cálculo que se aproxime a las cifras reales.
The trend of abuse by many industries of materials is a reality, if what is intended is to combat the impact on the environment perhaps we should reconsider the use of packaging and products from trees or other organic materials, the decrease of this type of living beings results in increased temperatures and increased CO2 as there are fewer organisms capable of processing them. Is anyone protecting these forests and ecosystems?
La solución
Sin demeritar los esfuerzos hechos alrededor de este tipo de innovaciones, consideramos que apostar por el . is the most effective way to reduce environmental impact. What is needed is a strategy implemented globally by governments and industry alike.
La única manera de hacer esto una realidad es a través de la educación a la población, entender la importancia y la necesidad de separar cada uno de los materiales presenta una solución que no ha sido debidamente tomada en cuenta.
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