Abstract
Bioplastics are biobased materials, usually easy biodegradable, derived from renewable resources. Evolution of bioplastics
production is related to: bio starch and starch mixtures (74.5%); bioplastic products from fermentation (13%), bioplastic from
petrochemicals materials (12.5%). They are seen as a viable solution to avoid some environmental impacts caused by the use of
fossil-based conventional plastics. In this context, the general objectives of this study entail the analysis and selection of the
optimal alternative of bioplastics able to be used for packaging production, considering social, economic and environmental
criteria. In order to accomplish these objectives, we applied the ELECTRE method (ELimination Et Choix TRaduisant la
RealitÉ), a multi-criteria analysis method. Application of this method enables the use of qualitative and quantitative discrete
criteria, making also possible alternatives ranking. The application of ELECTRE method in our study consisted in selecting
different types of bioplastics which were compared considering some consistent criteria so as to assess their economic and
environmental performances. Based on the application of multiple criteria evaluation we concluded that bioplastics, in particular
polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are suitable from economic and environmental points of views for manufacturing and utilization
of packaging.