Prospects for use of polysaccharides of different origin and environmental problems in processing them

The analysis of existing technologies for processing natural polymers, determination of their advantages and drawbacks, and a comparison of the consumer properties of natural and synthetic fibres show that natural fibres have and in the near future will retain their own niche in their area of application. Synthetic fibres have basically been widely used in industrial sectors, while natural fibres are used in large part for production of fabrics for clothing. The environmental problems that arise in processing natural polymers make it necessary to improve existing and develop new technologies and zero-waste technologies for processing them. The shortage of mineral raw materials on one hand and the renewability of natural polymers on the other demonstrate the promise of expanding their areas of application.