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<p>Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, addressing concerns related to plastic waste accumulation and environmental degradation. Key biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based composites, have been studied focusing on their physicochemical properties and degradation mechanisms through microbial activity and enzymatic hydrolysis, with environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and microbial diversity influencing their degradation kinetics. Comparative data indicate that PHA degrades more rapidly in marine and soil environments than PLA or starch-based materials, suggesting material-specific suitability for various end-use scenarios. To establish standardized criteria for biodegradability and compostability, international regulatory bodies, ASTM, DIN, BSI, and JBPA, have introduced guidelines for evaluating the environmental impact, degradation performance, and a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA), considering factors such as feedstock utilization, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. LCA studies reveal that BDPs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% when derived from renewable sources and manufactured using sustainable practices. End-of-life analysis highlights significant differences in degradation efficiency, with industrial composting achieving complete breakdown within 90–180&#xa0;days. Recycling pathways for BDPs remain limited due to material incompatibility and degradation constraints; however, advancements in mechanical and chemical recycling strategies are being explored to enhance circular economy practices. Despite their environmental advantages, challenges such as high production costs, slower degradation rates, and scalability constraints necessitate continued research and technological advancements. This review underscores the need for innovation in BDP development to optimize their material performance, degradation efficiency, and waste management strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable plastic economy.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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From synthesis to sustainability: the lifecycle, challenges and applications of biodegradable plastics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月21日

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  • Venkatakrishnan Kiran,
  • Pazhani Durgadevi,
  • Koyeli Girigoswami,
  • Karthick Harini,
  • Anbazhagan Thirumalai,
  • Agnishwar Girigoswami

摘要

Biodegradable plastics (BDPs) have emerged as a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, addressing concerns related to plastic waste accumulation and environmental degradation. Key biodegradable polymers, including polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), and starch-based composites, have been studied focusing on their physicochemical properties and degradation mechanisms through microbial activity and enzymatic hydrolysis, with environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and microbial diversity influencing their degradation kinetics. Comparative data indicate that PHA degrades more rapidly in marine and soil environments than PLA or starch-based materials, suggesting material-specific suitability for various end-use scenarios. To establish standardized criteria for biodegradability and compostability, international regulatory bodies, ASTM, DIN, BSI, and JBPA, have introduced guidelines for evaluating the environmental impact, degradation performance, and a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA), considering factors such as feedstock utilization, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. LCA studies reveal that BDPs can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% when derived from renewable sources and manufactured using sustainable practices. End-of-life analysis highlights significant differences in degradation efficiency, with industrial composting achieving complete breakdown within 90–180 days. Recycling pathways for BDPs remain limited due to material incompatibility and degradation constraints; however, advancements in mechanical and chemical recycling strategies are being explored to enhance circular economy practices. Despite their environmental advantages, challenges such as high production costs, slower degradation rates, and scalability constraints necessitate continued research and technological advancements. This review underscores the need for innovation in BDP development to optimize their material performance, degradation efficiency, and waste management strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable plastic economy.

Graphical abstract