Polymers from Renewable Resources: A Perspective for a Special Issue of Polymer Reviews

TLDR

Polymers derived from renewable, non‑petrochemical feedstocks are rapidly gaining commercial and academic momentum, offering economic and environmental benefits and driving fundamental research that will shape the future of the field. This issue of Polymer Reviews surveys the production and properties of renewable‑resource polymers, emphasizing current trends and future research directions.

Abstract

The field of polymers derived from non‐petrochemical feedstocks is gaining a great deal of momentum from both a commercial and academic sense. Using annually renewable feedstocks, such as biomass, for the production of new plastics can have both economic and environmental benefits. Fundamental research in the production, modification, property enhancement, and new applications of these materials is an important undertaking. The new materials, concepts, and utilizations that result from these efforts will shape the future of polymers from renewable resources. This issue of Polymer Reviews focuses on the production and properties of renewable resource polymers and highlights current trends and research directions.