Recent Updates on Biopolymers: Precursors, Process, Properties, Challenge, and Future Perspectives

Fossil sources are common raw materials in the polymer industry because they are cost-effective and ensure a straightforward manufacturing process. However, the insufficient supply of fossil sources failed to afford adequate feedstock for polymer production in the future. Fossil sources are projected to reach a saturation point where supply would be less than demand due to the increasing human population. Another important concern is the fact that fossil-based polymer creates several environmental problems, such as non-degradable products, air pollution, and wastewater contamination (Okkerse and Bekkum 1999). These two main reasons are the main factors why the switch of the raw materials of polymers from fossil to renewable materials is necessary, and the research on biobased polymeric materials becomes an interesting yet urgent topic. In this chapter, we review the current updates on the development of biopolymers. The precursors, technological processes, and updates on the currently available biopolymers are being reviewed. Challenges and future perspectives are also being discussed.