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Plastics are widely used in modern life but pose significant environmental challenges. Petrochemical plastics, made from fossil fuels, contribute to pollution, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions, while also being difficult to recycle and nonbiodegradable. Bio-based plastics, derived from renewable resources, offer an alternative with potential environmental benefits. They perform better in terms of reducing non-renewable energy use and emissions but have drawbacks, such as the environmental impact of raw material production. These plastics also face challenges in waste management and sustainability. Improving bio-based plastics through better design, raw material sourcing, and end-of-life strategies can enhance their environmental performance.
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Al-darkazali et al. (2024) studied this question.
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