Amazonian Fibers for Sustainable Packaging Materials and Circular Bioeconomies

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The transition from petroleum-based economies to circular biomass-based economies is a key pillar of many decarbonization strategies. Within the Amazon rain forest, this transition is important to preempt the Amazonian tipping point, and it is opportune because of the rich, diverse biomass available. However, limited attention has been paid to the development of biomass-based material economies within the Amazon or based on Amazonian feedstocks beyond timber and food products. This perspective explores the potential of non-wood fibers from agricultural and agroforestry products, as well as their byproducts for the development of sustainable packaging materials. A set of 19 fibers from plants with large production volumes and high fiber yields are identified for the production of pulp and paper products, textiles, and nanocellulose. This work compares not only the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the fibers but also their economic feasibility and sustainable production. While many fiber properties have been investigated, there remains a need for research on the integration of natural fibers in multicomponent packaging systems and life cycle assessments of these products. Many underexploited agroforestry products exhibit promising chemical and physical properties; however, significant research efforts are required to establish scalability and economic viability.