Biobased Polyethylene Furanoate: Production Processes, Sustainability, and Techno-Economics

Polyethylene furanoate (PEF) is a biobased plastic, similar to synthetic polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is produced from the platform chemical 2,5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Much of the literature surrounding PEF is focused on unit processes, with little regard for their sustainability and economic viability. In this comprehensive critical review, the entire process of PEF production, from the feedstock to polymerization and upstream applications, is critically examined. Identification of individual pathways capable of producing PEF efficiently and with favorable properties while considering economic viability and environmental sustainability are presented. For each unit operation, recent technological developments are summarized, and recommendations are made based on process efficiency. The collection of the findings from both life cycle assessments (LCA) and techno-economic analyses (TEA) facilitated the identification of pathways with the greatest potential for environmental sustainability and economic viability of PEF production.