Biodegradable Polymers: Properties, Applications, and Environmental Impact

Biodegradable Polymers: Properties, Applications, and Environmental Impact

WoS Article

The accelerating global demand for sustainable materials has brought biodegradable polymers to the forefront of scientific and industrial innovation. These polymers, capable of decomposing through biological processes into environmentally benign byproducts, are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to conventional plastics in sectors such as packaging, agriculture, and biomedicine. However, despite significant advancements, the field remains fragmented due to the diversity of raw materials, synthesis methods, degradation mechanisms, and application requirements. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of biodegradable polymer development, including their classifications, sources (natural, synthetic, and microbially-derived), degradation pathways, material properties, and commercial applications. It highlights critical scientific and technological challenges—such as optimizing degradation rates, ensuring mechanical performance, and scaling up production from renewable feedstocks. By consolidating recent research findings and regulatory considerations, this review serves as a crucial reference point for researchers, material scientists, and policy-makers. It underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate the deployment of biodegradable polymers as integral components of a circular and low-impact materials economy.

The accelerating global demand for sustainable materials has brought biodegradable polymers to the forefront of scientific and industrial innovation. These polymers, capable of decomposing through biological processes into environmentally benign byproducts, are increasingly seen as viable alternatives to conventional plastics in sectors such as packaging, agriculture, and biomedicine. However, despite significant advancements, the field remains fragmented due to the diversity of raw materials, synthesis methods, degradation mechanisms, and application requirements. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current state of biodegradable polymer development, including their classifications, sources (natural, synthetic, and microbially-derived), degradation pathways, material properties, and commercial applications. It highlights critical scientific and technological challenges—such as optimizing degradation rates, ensuring mechanical performance, and scaling up production from renewable feedstocks. By consolidating recent research findings and regulatory considerations, this review serves as a crucial reference point for researchers, material scientists, and policy-makers. It underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge knowledge gaps and accelerate the deployment of biodegradable polymers as integral components of a circular and low-impact materials economy.

biodegradable p[olymers; bioplastics; polylactic acid (PLA); polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); biopolymer degradation; renewable feedstocks; starch-based plastics; sustainable packaging; microbial fermentation; environmental biodegradability

biodegradable p[olymers; bioplastics; polylactic acid (PLA); polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); biopolymer degradation; renewable feedstocks; starch-based plastics; sustainable packaging; microbial fermentation; environmental biodegradability

DALLAEV, R.; PAPEŽ, N.; ALLAHAM, M.; HOLCMAN, V.

2026

18.07.2025

2073-4360

Polymers

17

14

Swiss Confederation

1

61

61

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/14/1981