The imminent depletion of resources derived from fossil fuels is a major concern for today’s society. Ten million tons of polymers are used every year in the form of plastics, rubber, or coatings, among others, and are most commonly derived from fossil fuels, hence the need to find new materials based on renewable resources. Nowadays, major technologies for new polymer preparation tend towards greener synthesis and utilization of bioresources or renewable resources, while also considering economic aspects, the requirements for an eco-friendly environment, and low emission of carbon dioxide, in addition to the various crises related to petroleum resources. The development of polymers based on biomass resources is consistent with green chemistry and engineering, which pertain to the design, commercialization, and processing of polymers, as well as the generation of pollution and the associated risk to human health and the environment.

This, combined with the associated environmental issues around global warming and environmental pollution, has resulted in a drive for scientific research to alleviate the dependence of society on polymers derived from fossil fuels. Many of these renewable resources, for example, cellulose, sugars, starches, natural fibers, or vegetable oils, have the potential to be used as green monomers or intermediates for polymer preparation and have received great attention in the development of polymeric materials. Fundamental and applied research in applying renewable polymer materials as a constituent or constituents to develop novel polymers with advanced performance and smart functionalities is growing.

This Special Issue presents a collection of reviews and research articles focused on laboratory- and industrial-scale solutions to the sustainable development of novel and environmentally friendly biomass-based polymers. We aim to highlight recent progress and fundamental aspects of the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of bio-based polymers, such as plastics, rubber, or coatings, and also of related bio-based copolymers, bio-based blends, and bio-based modifications.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Mechanical properties of sustainable polymers from biomass resources
• Biodegradability and compostability of sustainable polymers from biomass
• Synthesis, structural design, and novel processing of bio-based polymers
• Novel assembly of renewable polymer materials and 3D printing of bio-based polymers
• The use of biomass raw materials, especially forest resources, as green monomers or intermediates for polymer preparation
• Bio-based copolymers, bio-based blends, and bio-based modifications for polymer preparation
• Green chemistry in the synthesis of functional polymers
• New processing and application of bio-based polymers