Bio-based versus traditional polymer composites. A life cycle assessment perspective

A comparative LCA between an eco-sandwich made of bio-based epoxy resin (SuperSap 100/1000) and natural fibers against a traditional sandwich made of epoxy/glass-fibers was carried out. The main purpose and contribution of this study is the exploration of the eco-efficiency of this new material which featured applications span from naval to automotive and building sectors. To a minor degree, it is also a contribution in the sense that it provides life cycle inventory data on composites, which as yet are scarce in the LCA community. Life cycle assessments of bio-based polymers have shown favourable results in terms of environmental impacts and energy use compared to petroleum-based products. However, calculation of these impacts always depends on the system and boundary conditions considered during the study.