In a world facing global challenges such as population growth, food security and climate change, it is essential to adopt more efficient solutions to ensure sustainable development and leverage the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy. In this context, polymers, due to their unique properties, play a crucial role.

Polymers have become fundamental to the economy and everyday life, being used in sectors as diverse as, for example, transport, construction, packaging, healthcare and renewable energy. Its use in automobile and aircraft components, reducing their weight, leads to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. In buildings they are used as thermal insulators, for example, increasing their energy efficiency; in food packaging guarantees safety and reduces food waste, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

With the world population expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, increased resource use will be inevitable. In this scenario, polymers will continue to be important, but it will also be essential to improve environmental policies, develop more sustainable products and adopt more effective waste management systems. Regardless of the type of material, it is essential to promote reduction, reuse and recycling behaviors.

The current economic model, based on “extract, transform and discard”, has proven to be unsustainable. The future involves a circular model, where products, after their useful life cycle, are recycled and transformed into new raw materials. In the case of polymers, this is already possible thanks to mechanical and chemical recycling, which allows them to be given a new life. With the support of existing technologies and the change in society's behavior, therefore, the extraction of new resources can be avoided and, thus, the environmental impact can be minimized.

Portugal is an example of success in this area, having an ecosystem that brings together high scientific and technological knowledge in the area of polymers. The University of Minho, through its Department of Polymer Engineering (DEP) and the Institute of Polymers and Composites (IPC), offers the only undergraduate and master's degrees in Polymer Engineering in Portugal. In all courses in which DEP is involved, subjects dedicated to sustainability and ecodesign are taught; At IPC, several research projects are developed in this area aiming, for example, at the synthesis of polymers from precursors of renewable origin. The Polymer Engineering Innovation Hub (PIEP) stands out for its applied research, innovation and with a strong bias towards connecting and transferring knowledge and technologies to the industrial fabric.

The Portuguese industry has been proactive in responding to the “stigma” of plastic, seeing it as an opportunity to improve processes and develop more sustainable products. Innovation has focused on developing reusable and recyclable materials, directly contributing to the circular economy. If plastics are disposed of properly after use, they become valuable resources for new products.

Collaboration between universities and industry is essential to promote innovation. The University of Minho and PIEP have been working on several common projects that integrate the concept of circularity in all phases of the product life cycle.

In conclusion, education, scientific research and innovation in polymer engineering will continue to play a crucial role in promoting a circular economy. Portugal, with its strong scientific ecosystem in this area, is well positioned to be an example of good practice and to contribute to global sustainability. Ensuring the sustainability of the planet undoubtedly involves transforming the way we produce, consume and recycle the materials we use daily.

PHOTO: Olga Sousa Carneiro, | Professor/Researcher at DEP/IPC, University of Minho

Noticia: VALORMAGAZINE