Biodegradable Polymers: Advances, Challenges, and Industrial Prospects

The growing global plastic pollution crisis has intensified the search for sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics, leading to increased interest in biodegradable polymers. These materials, derived from renewable and synthetic sources such as starch, cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), decompose into environmentally harmless products and support the transition toward a circular economy. This paper reviews recent progress in biodegradable polymer research, focusing on diversification of raw material sources, structural modification for improved mechanical and thermal performance, nanocomposite integration, and the development of smart, stimuli-responsive materials for industrial and biomedical applications. Advances in eco-friendly processing methods such as enzymatic polymerization, reactive extrusion, and additive manufacturing have enhanced both performance and sustainability. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including high production costs, limited biodegradation under natural conditions, scalability issues, and inconsistent global standards. The industrial outlook remains promising, supported by technological innovation, favorable policies, and growing demand in packaging, agriculture, biomedical, textile, and electronic sectors. Future research should emphasize cost reduction through alternative feedstocks, improved material properties, advanced recycling technologies, and stronger links to circular economy principles. Promoting consumer awareness and establishing standardized biodegradability criteria are also essential. Biodegradable polymers therefore represent a key technological pathway toward reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and achieving sustainable industrial development.