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Design and Control of Compostability in Synthetic Biopolyesters
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"This review clarifies how macromolecular design, blending, and additives can be used to control compostability in synthetic biopolyesters, addressing a critical gap where most biodegradable plastics still end up in landfills due to poor collection systems and consumer confusion. Researchers discuss how aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion could recover value from single-use bioplastics if proper waste management infrastructure and public awareness are established."
The aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion of plastics is a promising route to recovering the multidimensional value from biodegradable single-use plastics. At present, the collection, separation, and management of biodegradable plastic waste are extremely challenging, and the majority of these plastics still end up in landfills or incineration facilities. This is because not all biodegradable plastics can be treated using organic waste management options (composting). In addition, end-users at a domestic and industrial level are often unaware of the compostability potential of biodegradable plastics, which results in the mismanagement of these types of plastic. A greater understanding of the compostability of biodegradable plastics will generate the required knowledge base for interventions that support their market penetration, use, and proper management. In this review, we clarify the concepts of biodegradability and compostability in bioplastics, in particular commercial synthetic biopolyesters, which have increasing technical and economic importance, and discuss how macromolecular design, blending, and additives can be used to modify their compostability. Future trends on the uptake of compostable and biodegradable bioplastics are also discussed.
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This review clarifies widespread misconceptions about bioplastics, emphasizing that not all bioplastics are biodegradable and that many require specific industrial composting conditions to break down, while also outlining current limitations in production cost, recycling infrastructure, and mechanical performance that must be addressed before bioplastics can serve as a truly sustainable plastic alternative.
A Review of Biodegradable Plastics: Chemistry, Applications, Properties, and Future Research Needs
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This review clarifies definitions and misconceptions around biodegradable plastics, noting that "biodegradable" labeling is often misunderstood by consumers to mean degradation under any conditions. It surveys analytical standards, existing biodegradable polymer types, and how biomass-derived monomers with oxygen-containing functional groups may enable a new generation of high-performance, environmentally beneficial plastics.
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