Comparative Analysis of Bio-Based and Traditional Plastics: Life Cycle Assessment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Health Impact Evaluation

This article compares extensively the essential parameters of three important parameters between bio-plastics and their traditional petroleum-based counterparts: life cycle analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and health impact analysis. Given the environmental concerns regarding traditional plastics today, studies on and applications of bio-based alternatives made from renewable feedstocks are now forthcoming. Based on a systematic review of the literature and empirical evidence, this paper compares the environmental performance of the two types of plastics along their entire life cycle, from raw material production to end-of-life treatment. Economic viability of bio-plastics is analyzed by cost-benefit analysis based on production prices, market conditions, and long-run economic impacts. This research also covers the health effects of the two plastics, which include toxicity, leaching of chemicals, and exposure routes for human beings. Results show that bio-plastics tend to have improved environmental performance and fewer health impacts, but are economically limited, which prevents their application at present. The review will be useful to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers who aim to create green alternatives to traditional plastics.