Biodegradable plastics-advantages and challenges: An update

Chalannavar, Raju K and Malabadi, Ravindra B and MS, Divakar and Swathi, Swathi and KV, Komalakshi and B, Angitha and Kamble, Avinash A and Karamchand, Kishore S and Kolkar, Kiran P and Coronado, Karen Viviana Castaño and Munhoz, Antonia Neidilê Ribeiro (2025) Biodegradable plastics-advantages and challenges: An update. Open Access Research Journal of Science and Technology, 13 (2). 042-056. ISSN 2782-9960

Plastic litter pollution in the oceans, the land and freshwater rivers is increasingly emerging as a serious global environmental concern. Conventional plastics are fossil-based, made from non-renewable natural resources. A novel way out of the increasing rate of demand for plastic packaging is to adopt biodegradable plastics. Cannabis sativa (Hemp), sugarcane, cassava, and corn are some of the most popular plants utilized to produce bioplastics. Some biobased polymers are biodegradable. However, not all biobased plastics are biodegradable. It should be understood that similar to petroleum-based plastics, some bio-based plastics cannot be recycled. Consequently, many biodegradable bioplastics end up in landfills, which decompose gradually and produce methane gas. Biodegradable plastic that is commercially available has its own advantages and limitations respectively upon degradation in both freshwater and marine environments. The Indian bio plastics market is still in its early stages, with only a handful of companies currently operating in this segment. India has shown increasing interest in bio-plastics due to growing environmental concerns and a focus on sustainability. In terms of revenue, the biodegradable plastics market in India is likely to grow at a significant CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period. India's significant agricultural sector provides a rich source of bio-based feed stocks for the production of bioplastics. Crops such as hemp, sugarcane, corn, and other biomass materials are utilized in Bio Plastics manufacture, contributing to the growth of the industry.