BIOPLASTICS IN SPORTS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Traditional petroleum-based plastics represent one of the major global environmental threats due to their persistence in the environment (over 100 years), high consumption of fossil resources, and accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans. Sectors like sports, characterized by short product life cycles (equipment, disposable accessories) and a strong connection with the environment, significantly contribute to this impact. The aim of this paper is to analyze the potential and challenges of bioplastics in sports, proposing strategies to overcome technical, economic, and cultural barriers. Bioplastics, produced from renewable sources (sugarcane, beer waste, microalgae, vegetable oils) and biodegradable, offer a sustainable alternative. Materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) and biocomposites (e.g., PLA reinforced with cellulose) combine low environmental impact, reduced CO₂ emissions, and suitable technical properties for sports applications (beverage bottles, running shoe soles, and equipment components), along with benefits like lower toxicity and biocompatibility. However, obstacles such as high costs, material fragility, and low consumer awareness hinder their adoption. Innovative solutions, such as integrating carbon nanotubes to enhance mechanical strength and 3D printing to optimize design and production, offer concrete responses. For an effective transition, optimizations in production processes, cooperation between the sports industry, research institutions, and policymakers, as well as consumer awareness campaigns are necessary. In this way, sports can become a model for the circular economy, combining high performance and environmental sustainability.