This systematic review study adopted the PRISMA methodology to investigate recent research on wood-plastic composites (WPC) utilizing post-consumer plastics in the construction industry. Initially, 3111 articles were selected from academic databases using keywords such as “wood and plastic composites”, “WPC”, “polymer”, “recycled”, “waste”, “construction”, and “sustainability.” After stringent exclusion criteria, 15 relevant studies on plastic waste composites were identified. These studies often employ post-consumer plastics like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, along with plant-based fillers, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Analysis of these studies revealed that the optimal plastic composition in the composites ranged from 40% to 45% wood and from 50% to 60% plastic, with the extrusion process being the most employed for shaping. Specific factors, such as the use of compatibilizers and the particle size of raw materials, were identified as significant influencers on composite strength. These materials exhibited high thermal stability, rendering them suitable for construction applications exposed to high temperatures. The diversity of plastic waste explored in the studies underscores the potential to tailor thermal properties to specific application demands. These composites facilitate closed-loop plastic recycling, enabling their reintegration into the production chain and offering opportunities for lightweight, durable, and high-performance products in the construction industry. However, beyond the factors examined in the studies, a meticulous assessment of the fire resistance, weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, degradation, long-term durability, impact strength, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness of the material is crucial. Thoughtful consideration of these factors is essential to achieving a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of recycled plastic composites in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.

According to a 2024 World Economic Forum survey, climate change is the primary concern for the future. To address these challenges, adaptation measures and actions to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions are necessary. Emissions from the waste management sector rank as the seventh-largest contributor to global emissions. Efforts are underway to decarbonize steel processes and promote waste reuse. “Fluff”, generated during ferrous scrap processing, poses reuse challenges due to its characteristics. This study evaluates the production of wood–plastic composites using polypropylene and “Fluff” to address environmental concerns and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Methodologically, waste characterization preceded the extrusion of waste and polypropylene blends at varying compositions. The resulting materials were pelletized, molded, and characterized. CO₂ emission reductions from waste diversion from landfills were assessed under two scenarios. In Scenario 1, emissions totaled 19,054 tons/year, while in Scenario 2, with gas capture and utilization, emissions reached 10,617 tons/year for 20,000 tons of waste annually. Composite characterization revealed favorable properties, suggesting viability for wood–plastic production. This approach supports industrial decarbonization and circular economy initiatives in the steel sector.

O setor do agronegócio está em constante evolução, buscando maior produtividade e competitividade para atender às demandas de um consumidor exigente. Nesse contexto, a adoção de práticas sustentáveis e responsáveis, alinhadas às preocupações ambientais, sociais e de governança (ESG), torna-se cada vez mais relevante. Este trabalho propõe uma análise abrangente sobre a integração das práticas ESG no agronegócio brasileiro, dividida em três fases metodológicas: revisão da literatura, exploração de documentos públicos das empresas do setor e proposição de recomendações. A revisão da literatura permitiu identificar práticas e recomendações que foram organizadas em uma tabela e comparadas com as informações disponíveis nos relatórios das empresas do setor. Com essa análise, foram identificadas lacunas significativas nos aspectos ambientais, sociais e de governança nas práticas empresariais. Para superar essas lacunas, são recomendados a incorporação explícita dos critérios ESG no planejamento estratégico, considerando as expectativas dos stakeholders, a transparência e mensuração de dados, a promoção da inovação como estratégia central de negócios, o fortalecimento da estrutura de governança corporativa e a gestão abrangente de riscos ESG. O fornecimento de indicadores quantitativos específicos é entendido como essencial para avaliar o impacto real das iniciativas sustentáveis. Este estudo contribui para o debate em curso sobre o desenvolvimento sustentável no setor do agronegócio, oferecendo insights acionáveis para as empresas aprimorarem seus esforços de integração ESG. Ao abordar lacunas identificadas e implementar estratégias recomendadas, as empresas do agronegócio podem mitigar riscos e capitalizar oportunidades para crescimento e resiliência a longo prazo em um cenário global cada vez mais complexo.

Anais do Encontro Nacional de Modelagem Computacional e Encontro de Ciência e Tecnologia dos Materiais (978-65-272-0154-0) - Caracterização E Viabilidade De Incorporação De Resíduo Siderúrgico Em Compósitos De Polipropileno Por Extrusão

The growing volume of plastic and agro-industrial waste, such as coconut shells, poses significant environmental and social challenges, demanding innovative solutions aligned with national solid waste policies and the circular economy. The objective of this study focused on developing sustainable plastic wood by adding post-consumer polypropylene waste and coconut fibers (PP-PCR/CF). To achieve this goal, the PP-PCR/CCF composites were processed by extrusion and injection molding, and characterized by melt flow index (MFI), impact and tensile strength and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC analysis). Results indicate that the addition of coconut fibers does not significantly impair the thermal stability or mechanical properties of the PP-PCR matrix, even at higher fiber contents. While crystallinity and flow behaviour are influenced by fiber content, the composites retain adequate performance for practical applications such as benches, coatings and decks. The work highlights the alignment of this approach with Brazil's National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and the principles of the circular economy, offering benefits such as reduced landfill waste, decreased CO₂ emissions, and valorisation of agricultural by-products. This work reinforces shared responsibility in the product life cycle, transforming disposal challenges into innovative and high-value solutions, and contributing significantly to sustainability and the circular economy.