THE CHALLENGES FOR THE DIFFUSION OF BIOPLASTICS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

This article aims to understand the intervening factors (especially challenges) in the diffusion of bioplastic as a raw material for the Brazilian plastic industry, in order to contribute to mitigating the barriers imposed on its diffusion processes. The research has an exploratory objective and a qualitative nature. It is based on relevant business agents, collected through interviews. As main results can be highlighted: the disruptive innovation character of non-drop in bioplastics promotes the destruction of capital already constituted by conventional plastic industry and drop in bioplastics, which sets up a barrier to the diffusion of innovation as it requires the readjustment of machinery by the industry. On the other hand, non-drop in molecules also open up opportunities for new applications that are still unknown. The high cost of biopolymers compared to traditional polymers is an obstacle to diffusion, as well as the strategic weakness of the sector when using bioplastics for low-end value products.