From polymer design to environmental impact: Analytical insights into biodegradable plastic bags and their sustainability challenges
Keywords:
biodegradable polymers; circular economy; degradation kinetics; life-cycle assessment; polymer design; reactive compatibilization; sustainable packagingAbstract
Biodegradable polymer packaging has emerged as an important alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics, yet its environmental performance depends strongly on polymer structure, degradation of kinetics, and disposal conditions. This review critically examines the relationships among molecular design, processing behavior, degradation mechanisms, and life-cycle environmental impacts of biodegradable plastic bags. Advances in copolymerization, reactive compatibilization, and nano-reinforcement have improved the mechanical strength, flexibility, and processability of major biodegradable polymers including polylactic acid (PLA), poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Degradation behavior is discussed through hydrolytic, oxidative, enzymatic, and microbial pathways, with emphasis on the influence of crystallinity, molecular weight, morphology, temperature, and environmental conditions on degradation kinetics. Analytical approaches including gravimetric analysis, spectroscopy, thermal characterization, chromatography, and respirometry assessment are evaluated for monitoring polymer deterioration and mineralization. Comparative life-cycle studies indicate that biodegradable polymers can reduce fossil-energy demand and carbon emissions relative to conventional polyethylene, although higher water consumption, land use, and incomplete degradation under natural environments remain important limitations. The review further discusses compost contamination, biodegradable microplastic formation, and the need for harmonized standards and waste-management infrastructure. Overall, sustainable biodegradable packaging requires not only degradable chemistry, but also realistic end-of-life management, transparent environmental assessment, and integration within circular material systems.
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