Can Biodegradable Plastics Solve Our Waste Problem?
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Traditional petroleum-based plastics, which take centuries to decompose, continue to pile up in landfills and oceans. In response, biodegradable plastics have emerged as a promising alternative. Designed to break down through microbial action in specific environmental conditions, these materials offer a more sustainable pathway forward — but with their own set of complexities and limitations.
Public and regulatory pressure, alongside corporate sustainability goals, is accelerating the demand for plastic alternatives that degrade without leaving behind toxic residue. From packaging to agriculture and consumer goods, biodegradable plastics are increasingly seen as a viable replacement — particularly where single-use items are involved.
According to Marketintelo, “The global Biodegradable Plastic Market size was valued at approximately USD 6.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 14.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%…