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Biocomposites: technology, environmental credentials and market forces
Author(s) -
Fowler Paul A,
Hughes J Mark,
Elias Robert M
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of the science of food and agriculture
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.782
H-Index - 142
eISSN - 1097-0010
pISSN - 0022-5142
DOI - 10.1002/jsfa.2558
Subject(s) - business , automotive industry , commerce , industrial organization , food market , natural resource economics , agriculture , economics , engineering , ecology , aerospace engineering , biology
Biocomposites offer a significant non‐food market for crop‐derived fibres and resins. Considerable growth has been seen in the use of biocomposites in the automotive and decking markets over the past decade or so, but application in other sectors has hitherto been limited. Nevertheless, with suitable development, the potential exists for biocomposites to enter new markets and thus stimulate an increase in demand for non‐food crops. This paper reviews some of the technological challenges being faced in bringing these materials to a wider market together with potential solutions, as well as discussing market forces influencing their commercial uptake. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry