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Les bioplastiques et les polymères verts : proposition d’un top ten pour parler polymères biosourcés et biodégradables
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This review proposes a 'top ten' framework for communicating about bio-based and biodegradable polymers, clarifying that the prefix 'bio' does not automatically indicate environmental friendliness. Researchers found widespread confusion between bio-sourced and biodegradable properties, and argued that clearer terminology and polymer-specific assessment are essential for accurate evaluation of bioplastics' environmental credentials.
(Text in French) Bioplastics and green polymers: proposal of a top ten for bio-based and biodegradable polymers The terms “bioplastics” and “green polymers” very often refer to bio-sourced and/or biodegradable plastics, which suggests that the prefix “bio” implies an environmentally friendly product, and that any bio-based polymer is biodegradable, even compostable, and vice versa. Furthermore, understanding both properties and applications of these products is made difficult by these confusions. Therefore, the use of the term bioplastic is strongly discouraged. The Teaching Commission of the French Polymers Group (GFP) offers a “top ten” of definitions and nomenclatures relating to these polymers. This top ten constitutes a theoretical minimum required to understand and discuss the societal impact of these polymers. From a pedagogical point of view, it is now essential to teach polymers in the more general context of a circular economy by explaining their life cycles.
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