This study aimed at optimizing the production of glycolic acid from glycerol catalytic oxidation over a silver catalyst supported on a mixed cerium-zirconium oxide, to progress towards the industrialization of a derived process. Optimization of the operating conditions was performed using the response surface methodology. We concluded that the production of glycolic acid depends mainly of glycerol concentration, NaOH/glycerol ratio, catalyst/glycerol ratio, and O₂/glycerol ratio. The optimal conditions we found were a temperature of 60 °C, a NaOH/glycerol molar ratio of 2, an O₂/glycerol molar ratio of 0.23, and a catalyst/glycerol mass ratio of 0.07. With these optimal conditions, it was possible to increase the glycerol concentration from 0.3 M to 2 M, obtaining an increase in the concentration of glycolic acid in the liquid fraction, from 0.27 mol/L of glycolic acid (with initial glycerol solution 0.3 M) to 0.88 mol/L (with initial solution 2 M), while keeping a 100% glycerol conversion.

This review presents biocomposite materials as a sustainable strategy for manufacturing, aligned with the principles of the circular economy. A bibliometric and systematic review of 109 studies was conducted, highlighting the mechanical, thermal, and chemical performance of biocomposites, as well as their applications in sectors such as construction, automotive, and packaging. The findings reveal that biocomposites with biodegradable polymers matrices and reinforced with natural fibers such as flax, jute, and hemp can reduce product weight by up to 40%, improving mechanical performance by 25%, and lower carbon diioxide emissions by ≈30% compared to conventional materials. Data analysis identified key production challenges, emerging trends, innovation gaps, and future research opportunities, while also mapping international collaboration networks and thematic evolutions in research. This work concludes that biocomposites are alternatives to fossil-based materials and key enablers of circular economy strategies and sustainable manufacturing practices, offering significant environmental, economic, and regulatory advantages. However, their widespread adoption and large-scale implementation still faces critical challenges, including material compatibility, performance consistency, standardization in process, and end-of-life management. Overcoming these limitations requires interdisciplinary collaboration, advances in biopolymers, and the application of life cycle assessment from the design stage.

This study examined the relationship between CO ₂ capture or emission processes and changes in indoor conditions that may contribute to sick building syndrome (SBS). The CO ₂ variation was assessed in a controlled chamber under four light intensities (0, 500, 8000 and 11,000 lx) using two plant species: Sansevieria trifasciata and Epipremnum aureum . Results showed the most significant CO ₂ reduction at 500 lx, with S. trifasciata achieving a 24.2% reduction and E. aureum 19.3%. However, in darkness and at high light levels (8000 and 11,000 lx), both species increased CO ₂ levels, likely due to temperature and humidity changes influencing stomatal behaviour and gas exchange. A mathematical model was developed based on an ordinary differential equation (ODE) of variable order ( n = 0, 1, 2). A first-order model best-described CO ₂ reduction by S. trifasciata ( R ² = 0.9573), while a second-order model fit E. aureum better ( R ² = 0.9334). These results suggest S. trifasciata is suitable for stable environments like offices, while E. aureum adapts to variable occupancy spaces like homes or classrooms. These findings underscore the potential of these plants as energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions to improve indoor air quality and complement sustainable building systems, enhancing both health and environmental performance.

Currently, different industries have shown interest in making their processes sustainable and environmentally responsible, which has turned biocomposite materials into a potential raw material to meet these expectations of sustainability and environmental responsability. Despite the emerging potential of biocomposites, its use in high-performance and innovative applications remains largely unexplored. This is the case of fique, Furcraea Andina, an indigenous plant in South America. This research proposes the manufacturability of natural fiber woven composites, specifically utilizing fique for Personal Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) as a case study for developing a furniture chair and a helmet. Firstly, a literature review and manufacturing tests were conducted to assess the impact of various manufacturing methods on the tensile properties of these composites, including vacuum bagging, hand lay-up, and resin infusion molding. This study integrates finite element analysis with experimental testing conducted according to the ASTM D3039 standard, FEM models aid to design the suitable layup stack-up and thickness. To enhance the properties of the material, a chemical modification process involving alkalinization with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was done. Finally, it is reported that fique-reinforced biocomposites are suitable for both proposed applications and could be considered as an alternative to polymers or synthetic composites.