Composite materials often combine different types of materials (e.g., fibers and polymers) that are difficult to separate, making recycling challenging. This contributes to waste and environmental impact at the end of the material’s life cycle.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool used to evaluate the total environmental impact of a material, including its raw material extraction, processing, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its sustainability.
Biodegradable polymers are being extensively researched due to their ability to break down naturally in the environment, reducing long-term pollution and waste accumulation, especially in applications like packaging.
Metal production, especially for materials like aluminum and steel, requires significant amounts of energy, primarily in the extraction and smelting processes. This energy consumption contributes to environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions.
