Biodegradation of bioplastics based on natural polymers: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACT The growing amount of plastic waste has significantly worsened environmental pollution, a problem made worse by population growth and non-sustainable manufacturing and consumption practices. This growing concern emphasises the need of developing materials that lessen traditional plastics’ harmful impact on the environment. An effective substitute is offered by bioplastics, which are made from natural plant biomass such as lignin, starch, cellulose, and hemicellulose as well as bacterial polyester polymers. There is uncertainty over their actual environmental benefits as a consequence of the challenges associated with their identification, categorisation, and disposal. This study provides a thorough analysis of the biodegradation properties of bioplastics, highlighting how well they function in diverse environmental conditions. Our findings suggest that the pace at which bioplastics decompose varies significantly depending on the kind of material used as well as specific environmental factors like moisture level and microbial activity. These discoveries are crucial for developing waste management strategies and streamlining the production of bioplastics in order to increase sustainability. Subsequent endeavours have to prioritise the improvement of these bioplastics to ensure consistent biodegradation effectiveness and raising public awareness to promote their proper disposal, therefore magnifying their advantageous impacts on reducing plastic pollution.