The growing environmental concerns associated with conventional plastics, alongside the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil-based resources, have driven global interest in bioplastics and sustainable materials. Agro-industrial residues—often underutilized or discarded—represent a promising and renewable feedstock for the development of biodegradable polymers and value-added additives. Recent advances in green chemistry, materials science, and polymer processing have enabled the transformation of such waste biomass into high-performance biopolymers with diverse functional applications. These efforts contribute not only to waste reduction but also to the development of circular and bio-based economies.

This Research Topic aims to explore innovative strategies for the upcycling of agro-industrial residues into sustainable bioplastics and functional additives. The goal is to showcase the potential of waste biomass as a valuable raw material for producing polymers with improved biodegradability, mechanical strength, and tailored functionalities. In addition to polymer matrices, the inclusion of biobased additives—such as bioactive compounds, plasticizers, and nanoparticles—can further enhance the properties and expand the application range of these materials beyond traditional packaging. We seek to highlight interdisciplinary approaches, from feedstock characterization and conversion technologies to material design and end-use performance. By gathering cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews, this collection aims to support the transition toward eco-efficient materials and promote sustainable solutions across various industrial sectors.

We invite original research articles, reviews, and short communications focused on the valorization of agro-industrial waste into bioplastics and bio-based additives. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):
novel extraction and conversion methods;
synthesis and characterization of biopolymers;
development of bioactive, plasticizing, or reinforcing additives;
performance analysis (mechanical, thermal, barrier, and biodegradability);
potential applications in sectors such as packaging, agriculture, construction, and biomedical devices.
Contributions addressing life cycle assessment, circular economy implications, and industrial scalability are also welcome.
The Research Topic encourages interdisciplinary contributions from materials science, chemistry, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

From Waste Biomass to Sustainable Polymers: Upcycling Agro-Industrial Residues into Bioplastics and Functional Additives