This reprint, "Advances in Sustainable Polymeric Materials II”, contains 16 studies and further cutting-edge research that illustrate how these challenges can be addressed through the use of advanced materials, sustainable polymers, and green technologies. It highlights the importance of efficient catalysts, bio-based materials, and green chemical processes and demonstrates how cellulose derivatives and other natural materials can be integrated into polymer compositions. The reprint also explores the use of electrospun membranes and reactive eutectic solvents for greener methods of wastewater treatment and material synthesis, and the potential of agri-food waste and biomaterials for fully bio-based polymer coatings and materials. It also discusses the stabilization and preservation of natural extracts and active ingredients, showcasing the importance of encapsulation and nanotechnology in preserving these substances' beneficial properties. Each chapter provides detailed insight into how natural resources can be harnessed to create high-performance products while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental protection. These innovations not only improve the performance of materials but also contribute to reducing the ecological footprint of industrial processes.

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Over the few coming decades, bio-based and biodegradable plastics produced from sustainable bioresources should essentially substitute the prevalent synthetic plastics produced from exhaustible hydrocarbon fossils. To the greatest extend, this innovative trend has to apply to the packaging manufacturing area and especially to food packaging implementation. To supply the rapid production increment of biodegradable plastics, there must be provided the effective development of scientific-technical potential that promotes the comprehensive exploration of their structural, functional, and dynamic characteristics. In this regard, the transition from passive barrier materials preventing water and oxygen transport as well as bacteria infiltration to active functional packaging that ensures gas diffusion selectivity, antiseptics' and other modifiers' release should be based on the thorough study of biopolymer crystallinity, morphology, diffusivity, controlled biodegradability and life cycle assessment. This Special Issue accumulates the papers of international teams that devoted to scientific and industrial bases providing the biodegradable material development in the barrier and active packaging as well as in agricultural applications. We hope that book will bring great interest to the experts in the area of sustainable biopolymers.

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The need to find suitable biomaterials and procedures from alternative sources able to imitate or even enhance the performance of currently used products has become an important focus of research today due to the depletion of non-renewable resources and the increasing concern related to climate change, sustainability and environmental preservation. Thus, this reprint gathers different original articles and review manuscripts from the Special Issue “Development of Bio-Based Materials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications”. The development of partial or fully bio-based materials has been included, with excellent outcomes in many different applications, as well as alternative procedures that can reduce the carbon footprint or optimize both production and energy consumption.

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Continuous research advances have been observed in the field of environmentally-friendly polymers and polymer composites due to the dependence of polymers on fossil fuels and the sustainability issues related to plastic wastes. This book compiles the most recent research works in biopolymers, their blends and composites, and the use of natural additives, such as vegetable oils and other renewable and waste-derived liquids, with their marked environmental efficiency devoted to developing novel sustainable materials. Therefore, Environmentally Friendly Polymers and Polymer Composites provides an overview to scientists of the potential of these environmentally friendly materials and helps engineers to apply these new materials for industrial purposes.

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This book is a selection of manuscripts devoted to the conservation and preservation of wooden cultural heritage. The articles present the new methods for conservation of various historical wooden artefacts, reliable modern techniques for characterisation of the wood structure, properties and degree of degradation, and discusses problems and doubts related to all aspects of conservation and re-conservation of wooden cultural heritage. It contains both review and research papers to give the readers a broader picture of the problems and issues related to the conservation of wooden historical objects and structures. We need to remember that wooden cultural heritage is an integral part of our culture and history that define our humanity. We are obliged to protect it, save it from oblivion, and preserve it for future generations.

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The transition towards renewable energy sources and “green” technologies for energy generation and storage is expected to mitigate the climate emergency in the coming years. However, in many cases, this progress has been hampered by our dependency on critical materials or other resources that are often processed at high environmental burdens. Yet, many studies have shown that environmental and energy issues are strictly interconnected and require a comprehensive understanding of resource management strategies and their implications. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is among the most inclusive analytical techniques to analyze sustainability benefits and trade-offs within complex systems and, in this Special Issue, it is applied to assess the mutual influences of environmental and energy dimensions. The selection of original articles, reviews, and case studies addressed covers some of the main driving applications for energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions, including power generation, bioenergy, biorefinery, building, and transportation. An insightful perspective on the current topics and technologies, and emerging research needs, is provided. Alone or in combination with integrative methodologies, LCA can be of pivotal importance and constitute the scientific foundation on which a full system understanding can be reached.

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This book collects the articles published in the Special Issue “Polymeric Materials: Surfaces, Interfaces and Bioapplications”. It shows the advances in polymeric materials, which have tremendous applications in agricultural films, food packaging, dental restoration, antimicrobial systems, and tissue engineering. These polymeric materials are presented as films, coatings, particles, fibers, hydrogels, or networks. The potential to modify and modulate their surfaces or their content by different techniques, such as click chemistry, ozonation, breath figures, wrinkle formation, or electrospray, are also explained, taking into account the relationship between the structure and properties in the final application. Moreover, new trends in the development of such materials are presented, using more environmental friendly and safe methods, which, at the same time, have a high impact on our society.

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This book, as a collection of 17 research articles, provides a selection of the most recent advances in the synthesis, characterization, and applications of environmentally friendly and biodegradable biopolymer composites and nanocomposites. Recently, the demand has been growing for a clean and pollution-free environment and an evident target regarding the minimization of fossil fuel usage. Therefore, much attention has been focused on research to replace petroleum-based commodity plastics by biodegradable materials arising from biological and renewable resources. Biopolymers—polymers produced from natural sources either chemically from a biological material or biosynthesized by living organisms—are suitable alternatives for addressing these issues due to their outstanding properties, including good barrier performance, biodegradation ability, and low weight. However, they generally possess poor mechanical properties, a short fatigue life, low chemical resistance, poor long-term durability, and limited processing capability. In order to overcome these deficiencies, biopolymers can be reinforced with fillers or nanofillers (with at least one of their dimensions in the nanometer range). Bionanocomposites are advantageous for a wide range of applications, such as in medicine, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, food packaging, agriculture, forestry, electronics, transport, construction, and many more.

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This Reprint collects contributions focused on innovative and sustainable processes for the valorization of agri-food waste within the framework of the circular economy. Agriculture and food production generate large quantities of residues, including crop by-products, food processing waste, and surplus or expired food materials. The articles included in this Reprint explore strategies to transform these resources into value-added products rather than treating them as waste. The published works address a wide range of applications, such as biodegradable materials, biocomposites, textiles, nutraceuticals, animal feed, and sustainable agricultural inputs. Particular attention is given to emerging and hybrid technologies that enable the conversion of residual biomass into functional products, helping to bridge the gap between waste generation and resource recovery. Overall, this Reprint highlights technological solutions aimed at improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting more sustainable agricultural and agri-food systems. The collected studies provide an overview of current advances and future perspectives in waste biomass valorization, contributing to the development of circular and environmentally responsible practices.

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