The Diffusion of Bioplastics: What Can We Learn from Poly(Lactic Acid)?

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript The diffusion of bioplastics: what can we learn from poly(lactic 2 acid)? Is an interesting review paper that use 235 references, with valuable information. The paper includes an overview of bioplastics and present the basic properties of PLA, followed by a detailed description of its development trajectory. I have only a couple of obserations:

1.       Include a conclusion, that it may be the last paragraph from line 918 to 941

2.       Verified lines 789 and 1289

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you very much for your observations. Please find below the replies to your suggestions:

1. We have included a conclusion for the paper using the last two paragraphs.
2. We removed Table 4 during revision and forgot to delete that cross-reference. It is now removed. Regarding the reference mentioned, that was an old access date before the date of the latest data. We double-checked the data, and it is correct. We have updated the access date.

We also want to clarify that we have subjected the paper to an English revision. The certificate is available if necessary.

Kind regards

Reviewer 2 Report

1.       This manuscript reads more like a commentary or aspect paper, not a research article.

2.       Abstract seems more on environmental concern/impacts. In my opinion, it is a different issue from Sustainability. Authors should keep keen on the difference throughout the manuscript although the two are somehow relevant.

3.       LL82-103. It seems belonging to discussion section.

4.       LL122-126 reads somehow repeating the context the prior paragraphs. This kind of repeats are also in other places throughout the manuscript.

5.       The footnotes of page 2 and other pages are out of style.

6.       L789. ??.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

This is an interesting paper with a history of PLA, but with a more historical – business character. The article is interesting for people studying the development of production and applications of modern biodegradable materials on the example of PLA.

Interesting is the global review of biodegradable polymers and its situation now a days. Every person interested in  PLA development and application history within last 30 years can find interesting data.  It is also interesting to present the current situation of companies producing biodegradable polymers and their production plans.  The article contains a review of over two hundred publications, mostly from the latest literature sources.

Some paragraphs, especially those that talk several times repetitively about the issue of recycling, may be slightly shortened, but the information on the modification and creation of PLA composites should be expanded. The industrial PLA applications should be made more detailed, taking into account the specific properties of this polymer.

Instead of many data included in paper text the graphs could be more informative and easy to follow.

This paper is worth to be publish regarding the way how the PLA history is presented with all didactic aspect, however it is up to the Editor to choose the journal within the publishing house. So questionable is the preferred journal to publish this paper.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you very much for your observations. Please find below the replies to your suggestions:

1. We have reduced the repetition of the recycling issue, especially in sections 7 and 8, and highlighted other sustainability concerns of bioplastics beyond environmental impacts (a suggestion of another reviewer).
2. Regarding composites, we have now discussed PLA/natural fiber composites, which seem an interesting effort to increase sustainability in multiple applications. We also cite PLA/carbon fiber composites since they may generate lightweight materials with superior properties.
3. We have improved the discussion concerning PLA's industrial applications in light of its properties. We mainly focused on packaging, consumer goods, and textiles (the main PLA markets) but cited other properties/applications.
4. Regarding graphs, we think most data are only quick citations. We do not see many opportunities to turn them into charts. Do you have any suggestions?

We also want to clarify that we have subjected the paper to an English revision. The certificate is available if necessary.

Kind regards

Reviewer 4 Report

Dear authors

The manuscript entitled “The diffusion of bioplastics: what can we learn from poly (lactic 2 acid)?” has an interesting topic and contents. In this manuscript the several dimensions of PLA were explained excellent. This manuscript can be published in journal of Sustainability. I propose a few corrections before acceptance.

   

The comments are presented below:

1.       Pleas add the full name of PLA in the first use in the abstract in line 16.

2.       The key words “the diffusion of innovations and circularity” are not appropriate words. Please substitute with suitable words.

3.       Pleas add the full name of OECD in line 43.

 

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you very much for your observations. Please find below the replies to your suggestions:

1. PLA name added.
2. We have removed the keywords “circularity” and “diffusion of innovations”, and added “biobased materials”.
3. OECD full name added.

We also want to clarify that we have subjected the paper to an English revision. The certificate is available if necessary.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Authors are better to list the original comments for each reply. Otherwise, I have checked every original comment myself for corresponding replies, especially for other reviewers’ comments. Comment 6 is apparent to refer to an editorial abonomalty  shown as“(see Error! Reference source not found.)” on line 789. Wonder how such apparent comment was not understood.  Anyway, I saw the abnormalty is removed from the revised version.

The revised manuscript may be acceptable for publication although some additional minor editorial revision would certainly improve the publication quality of this paper.