Innovations in bioplastic production

This chapter focuses on addressing the severe environmental pollution crisis caused by the extensive use of plastic. Plastics, due to their non-biodegradable properties, present a substantial environmental hazard. They can persist for centuries, gradually decomposing into microplastics and nanoplastics. This prolonged degradation process poses a significant threat to both wildlife and human health. Addressing this problem necessitates a variety of strategies: promoting awareness about the responsible and measured use of plastic, cleaning up rivers and oceans, optimizing and cultivating microbial consortia for plastic degradation, and advancing the development and application of biodegradable bioplastics. This chapter deepens into the current state of these various strategies, with special focus on the progress and applications of biodegradable bioplastics. It is essential to explore these alternatives as part of a holistic approach to combat the plastic pollution crisis and protect our planet’s ecosystems and human well-being.