Bioplastics in a reality check

Plastic is practical, cheap and everywhere, but the price for the environment and health is high. Worldwide, plastic waste accumulates in soils, rivers and oceans, where it decomposes very slowly and enters the food chain as microplastics. The search for alternatives is therefore more urgent than ever. Biodegradable plastics are seen as a beacon of hope. But the reality is more complicated: Many materials only degrade in special composting plants, their production is more expensive, and the necessary infrastructure is often still lacking. The report "Exploring the pathways to sustainability: A comprehensive review of biodegradable plastics in the circular economy" by scientists from China and Pakistan shows how bioplastics can be embedded in the circular economy, where their strengths lie and what hurdles still need to be overcome. The report was published in Materials Today Sustainability.