Availability and suitability of agroindustrial residues as feedstock for cellulose-based materials: Brazil case study

Abstract

Bio-based polymers have emerged as a feasible alternative to petrochemical polymers mainly due to their biodegradability and renewable feedstock. Brazil is considered one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities. Hence, the country is also distinguished by the large generation of this residue type, which can be potentially used as a source to obtain biopolymers, such as cellulose. Based on the Brazil agriculture market, the study aims to analyze the suitability of agroindustrial residues as raw material for cellulose-based materials. A methodology for the selection of the most suitable residues is proposed, which takes into account the chemical composition of residues, namely the cellulose content and the cellulose-to-lignin ratio, as well as, their availability. In order to meet conservation issues, the availability of residues is calculated as a function of sustainable removal rates and competitive uses. Taking as reference the main crops identified, the average amount of agroindustrial residues available in Brazil was estimated at 108 million tons/year. Among the most suitable residues to be used as cellulose feedstock are soybean straw, sugarcane top/leaves, maize husk and stover and sugarcane bagasse.