Abstract
This chapter covers the major requirements for the commercial success of compostable polymer materials—price, market demand, performance, composting infrastructures, and legislation. Ironically these are also the the main obstacles for developing compostable polymer materials. The increased interest in compostable polymers is a response to the growing price of petroleum and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. The global demand for renewable polymers is experiencing rapid growth as cost issues have improved in recent years. Factors such as soaring oil prices, worldwide interest in renewable resources, growing concern regarding greenhouse emissions, and a new emphasis on waste management have created renewed interest in biodegradable polymers. Improved biodegradable plastics performance has also had a positive influence on global demand. The potential of compostable polymer materials depends on a further reduction in price, development of the cost of fossil resources, process optimization and scaling up supported by full life cycle assessment analysis, legislative measures, the development of composting infrastructures, and the environmental awareness of consumers. In general, the price difference between compostable polymers and standard plastic has decreased in the last decade, especially with regard to polymers based on renewable resources.
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