Green Composites as Panacea? Socio-Economic
Aspects of Green Materials |
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Authors: | Alexander Bismarck Alexis Baltazar-Y-Jimenez Katharine Sarikakis |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Chemical Engineering, Polymer & Composite Engineering (PaCE) Group, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ London, UK;(2) Institute of Communications Studies, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, UK |
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Abstract: | Much academic research and industrial development explores new ways to create greener and environmentally friendlier chemicals
and materials for a variety of applications. A significant part of this work focuses on the development, processing and manufacturing,
recycling and disposal of green plastics, adhesives, polymer composites, blends and many other industrial products from renewable resources. Natural fibres
offer the potential to deliver greater added value, sustainability, renewability and lower costs especially in the automotive
industry. Further research involves the fibre crop production. The ever-increasing volume of scientific literature refers
with enthusiasm to the potential of natural fibres in technological, economic and ecological terms. This enthusiasm tends
to also expand to the areas of human life and socio-economic development for the fibre crop growers and their communities.
However, there is very little debate or evidence to support statements about the assumed advantages for the affected population
in rural areas. We argue that despite the predicted new boom in the demand of natural fibres, it is unlikely that this will
represent a real improvement in the quality of life of crop fibre growers and their communities. This paper examines the experience
of Mexico as a case study and argues that only through consistent political will and co-operation between governments, industry,
scientists, consumer groups and local communities, as well as a suitable economic strategy such as local subsidies, a truly
sustainable economic development, social equity and improved environmental quality will be achieved for tens of thousands
of natural fibre growers. |
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Keywords: | automotive composites end-of life vehicles henequen Mexico natural fibres sisal socio economic development |
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