Biodegradable polymer

Biodegradable polymers are polymers that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms. Whereas most polymers are designed for longevity, biodegradable polymers are not. Biodegradable polymers can be derived from renewable raw materials, petrochemicals, or combinations thereof.

Polymers are the majority component of most plastics, so the discussions of biodegradable plastics and polymers are intimately related. While the words "bioplastic" and "biodegradable polymer" are similar, they are not synonymous. Not all bioplastics (plastics derived partly or entirely from biomass) are biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum based. As more companies are keen to be seen as having "green" credentials, solutions such as using bioplastics are being investigated and implemented more. The definition of bioplastics is still up for debate. The phrase is frequently used to refer to a wide range of diverse goods that may be biobased, biodegradable, or both. This could imply that polymers made from oil can be branded as "bioplastics" even if they have no biological components at all. However, there are many skeptics who believe that bioplastics will not solve problems as others expect.

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