The escalating global crisis of plastic pollution has become impossible to ignore, with vast quantities of plastic debris accumulating in oceans and impacting ecosystems worldwide. This pervasive pollution extends beyond visible macro-litter to include the widespread presence of microplastics, tiny particles now detected throughout the human body and in the most remote corners of the environment, signaling a potential health crisis of significant concern.
In the face of this mounting challenge, biodegradable trash has emerged as a seemingly promising alternative to conventional plastics, capturing the attention of both the public and the scientific community. This report aims to critically examine the potential of biodegradable trash to solve the plastic pollution crisis, exploring its purported benefits alongside its inherent limitations.
The analysis will delve into the complexities of plastic pollution, the science and technology behind biodegradable plastics, their environmental impacts, and their role within the broader context of global waste management strategies.
The Global Plastic Pollution Crisis
The scale of global plastic pollution is immense and continues to grow at an alarming rate. Annually, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide, with a staggering 19 to 23 million tonnes leaking into aquatic ecosystems alone.
This leakage equates to the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks filled with plastic being dumped into the world's oceans, rivers, and lakes every single day. Since the inception of widespread plastic use in the 1950s, approximately 9. 5 billion metric tons have been produced, with around 7 billion metric tons already becoming waste by 2019.
Projections indicate a potential tripling of global plastics use by 2060 if significant intervention does not occur. The exponential increase in plastic production and the subsequent waste generation significantly outpace current waste management and recycling efforts, highlighting a systemic inadequacy in addressing the problem with existing approaches.
A report by the OECD indicates that global plastic waste generation more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, yet only a mere 9% of this waste is successfully recycled. This stark contrast underscores the urgent need for more effective and innovative solutions beyond traditional waste management practices. If you want to learn how biodegradable trash contributes to tackling climate change, check out this detailed guide.
The environmental impacts of this plastic deluge are far-reaching and devastating. It is estimated that between 75 to 199 million tons of plastic waste currently pollute our oceans, with an additional 120 million tons accumulating in rivers. These vast quantities of plastic contribute to the formation of oceanic "garbage patches," which serve as planetary accumulation zones for plastic debris.
Marine life suffers immensely from this pollution through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat degradation. Each year, over one million marine animals, including sea turtles, are estimated to die due to plastic pollution in the ocean, and studies have found plastic in the stomachs of 100% of animals washed up on British shores.
Entanglement in items like fishing nets and plastic ropes can cause strangulation, wounds, restricted movement, and ultimately death for countless marine creatures.
The impact extends to terrestrial ecosystems as well, with soil contamination and harm to land animals documented. Plastic pollution can damage soil composition and leach toxins into groundwater, further disrupting ecological balance. If you're interested in how biodegradable solutions reduce landfill pressure, see how biodegradable trash helps reduce landfill waste.
Beyond the visible environmental damage, plastic pollution poses a growing threat to human health. Microplastics, the fragmented remnants of larger plastic items, have been detected within the human body, including vital organs and even in the placentas of newborn babies.
These tiny particles, often small enough to pass through water filtration systems, can be unknowingly ingested or inhaled. Research suggests potential health risks associated with microplastic exposure, including inflammation, genotoxicity, and possible links to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular issues.
Furthermore, toxic chemicals used in plastic production can leach into food and water, potentially causing endocrine disruption and other adverse health effects. Vulnerable communities residing near plastic production and waste disposal sites often bear a disproportionate burden of these health impacts.
The sources of plastic pollution are diverse and span the entire lifecycle of plastic products. A significant contributor is single-use packaging, which accounts for approximately 40% of total plastic use and half of all plastic produced. Manufacturing processes also generate substantial plastic waste. Mismanaged waste, littering, industrial and marine activities, and urban stormwater runoff are other key pathways through which plastic enters the environment.
Rivers play a critical role in transporting land-based plastic waste to the oceans, accounting for up to 80% of this input. Additionally, abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear, often referred to as "ghost gear," contributes significantly to marine plastic pollution, estimated to be around 20% of the total.
Addressing this complex crisis necessitates a comprehensive strategy that targets these various sources across the entire spectrum of plastic production, consumption, and disposal. If you're curious about how biodegradable materials support the concept of circular economy, you can explore how they connect.
Demystifying Biodegradable Plastics
To assess whether biodegradable trash can effectively address the plastic pollution crisis, it is crucial to first establish a clear understanding of what constitutes biodegradable plastic and how it differs from other related terms.
Biodegradable plastics are defined as plastics that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, typically microbes, into natural byproducts such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. If you wish to explore this topic more, you can read about what biodegradable plastics are and how they work.
The fundamental aim of biodegradable plastics is to accelerate the breakdown process compared to conventional plastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries. It is important to note that the term "biodegradable" is not interchangeable with "bioplastic" or "compostable plastic".
Bioplastics are plastics derived partly or entirely from biological sources (biomass), while some biodegradable plastics are entirely petroleum-based. Compostable plastics, on the other hand, are a subset of biodegradable plastics that are specifically designed to break down under controlled conditions, such as those found in industrial or home composting facilities.
In marketing, the term "biodegradable" often implies a timeframe for complete decomposition, with the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggesting this should occur within one year after customary disposal.
However, the lack of specific standards and environmental conditions associated with the general term "biodegradable" makes it potentially misleading for consumers. If you want a deeper dive into how biodegradable trash plays into everyday sustainable habits, check out this piece on sustainable lifestyle integration.
Biodegradable plastics can be broadly categorized into two main types: plant-based (hydro-biodegradable) and petroleum-based (oxo-biodegradable). Plant-based biodegradable plastics, also known as bioplastics, are derived from renewable resources such as sugarcane, corn starch, and potato starch.
Examples of these include Polylactic Acid (PLA), produced through the fermentation of plant sugars, and Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), synthesized by bacterial fermentation of sugars or lipids. Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), another plant-based biodegradable polyester, is derived from biological sources and can be fully broken down by microorganisms.
Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA), although synthetically produced from vinyl acetate, is also biodegradable and water-soluble. Other types of bioplastics include starch-based, cellulose-based, and protein-based plastics, as well as bio-derived polyethylene. In contrast, petroleum-based biodegradable plastics, such as Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT), are made from conventional fossil resources but are engineered to degrade more rapidly.
Oxo-degradable plastics fall into this category; they are conventional plastics like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) with added metal salts that promote breakdown into smaller fragments in the presence of oxygen and sunlight. The diverse chemical compositions of these different types of biodegradable plastics dictate their specific degradation pathways, the environmental conditions required for their breakdown, and their suitability for various applications.
For instance, PLA typically degrades under industrial composting conditions, while PHA can biodegrade in a wider range of environments, including soil, water, and the ocean. This inherent variability underscores the importance of understanding the specific properties of each type of biodegradable plastic when considering its potential as a solution to plastic pollution.
The distinction between compostable and biodegradable plastics is critical for effective waste management. While all compostable plastics are technically biodegradable within a composting environment, not all biodegradable products are compostable. Compostable plastics are specifically made from organic elements or plants that are able to degrade over time, producing humus, a nutrient-rich soil component, upon decomposition.
These materials are designed to break down completely into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass within a specific timeframe under specific conditions, such as those found in industrial composting facilities. Products labeled as compostable must undergo rigorous testing to meet established standards, such as ASTM D6400 in the United States and EN13432 in Europe, ensuring they biodegrade and disintegrate within a defined period and leave no harmful residues.
Certifying bodies like the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) further verify these standards. In contrast, the term "biodegradable" is less regulated and lacks specificity regarding the timeframe and environment for degradation. Some biodegradable plastics may break down into microplastics or leave toxic residues behind.
Furthermore, compostable plastics are generally not intended for recycling and can contaminate the recycling stream if mixed with conventional plastics. Therefore, while both types aim to address the end-of-life challenges of plastics, compostable plastics offer a more clearly defined and potentially beneficial outcome when proper composting infrastructure is in place.
The Science of Degradation
The process by which biodegradable plastics break down involves a complex interplay between the plastic material and living organisms present in the surrounding environment. Biodegradation is fundamentally a set of chemical reactions that occur in the presence of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae.
These microorganisms secrete enzymes that act as biological catalysts, breaking down the long polymer chains of the plastic into smaller molecules, ultimately resulting in the formation of carbon dioxide, water, and microbial biomass. This process typically unfolds in three main stages: biological breakdown, biological reaction, and homogenization.
In the initial stage, the surface of the biodegradable plastic is often disrupted by environmental factors like sunlight, temperature, and humidity, creating conditions that allow microorganisms to attach and begin the degradation process. Next, microorganisms release extracellular enzymes that hydrolyze the plastic molecules into smaller fragments, such as oligomers or monomers, which they can then absorb and use as a food and energy source.
Finally, in the homogenization stage, the microorganisms metabolize these smaller molecules, converting them into new organic compounds, including CO2, water, and biomass, which can then be reintegrated into natural cycles. The rate and extent of this biodegradation are significantly influenced by various environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, oxygen availability, and the specific types and activity of the microorganisms present.
Furthermore, the degradation process can occur through either aerobic pathways, in the presence of oxygen, which primarily yields carbon dioxide, or anaerobic pathways, in the absence of oxygen, which can produce methane as an additional byproduct.
The effectiveness of biodegradable plastics in mitigating pollution is highly dependent on the specific environment in which they are disposed. Landfills, which are common destinations for much of our waste, often present suboptimal conditions for efficient biodegradation.
These environments typically lack sufficient oxygen, moisture levels can be variable, and the microbial communities may not be ideally suited for breaking down certain types of biodegradable plastics. As a result, biodegradation in landfills can be slow and may lead to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, under anaerobic conditions.
In contrast, industrial composting facilities are designed to provide a controlled environment with optimal temperature, humidity, and a diverse and active microbial community, facilitating the rapid degradation of compostable plastics into valuable compost. Home composting offers a less controlled but still viable option for certain types of certified home-compostable plastics.
The marine environment presents its own set of challenges for biodegradation, with varying temperatures, salinity levels, and the presence of specific marine microorganisms influencing the breakdown process. Notably, some biodegradable plastics may only fragment into microplastics in the ocean rather than fully degrading.
Similarly, biodegradation in soil is influenced by factors such as soil composition, moisture content, and the presence of appropriate soil microbes. Ultimately, the intended disposal method and the actual environmental fate of biodegradable plastics are critical determinants of their success in addressing plastic pollution. Simply labeling a product as "biodegradable" does not guarantee its effective breakdown in all environments.
Oxo-degradable plastics represent a distinct category of materials that are designed to fragment into smaller pieces through a process called oxidation, often accelerated by exposure to UV light and heat. This initial breakdown is facilitated by the addition of metal salts to conventional plastics.
However, a significant concern surrounding oxo-degradable plastics is that these smaller fragments may not fully biodegrade into harmless substances and can persist in the environment as microplastics. There are also concerns regarding the potential for toxic residues to be left behind after the degradation process.
Due to these issues and the lack of conclusive scientific evidence demonstrating complete and safe biodegradation across various environments, oxo-degradable plastics are increasingly viewed with skepticism and have even been banned in the European Union. The potential for these plastics to contribute to the microplastic problem, which is a major facet of the overall plastic pollution crisis, raises serious questions about their efficacy as a sustainable solution.
Can Biodegradable Trash Be the Answer?
Despite the complexities and challenges associated with biodegradable plastics, they do offer several potential benefits that warrant consideration in the context of the plastic pollution crisis. One of the primary theoretical advantages is their potential for reduced persistence in the environment compared to conventional plastics.
While traditional plastics can endure for hundreds or even thousands of years, certain types of biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, have the potential to decompose within a much shorter timeframe, potentially ranging from six months to a year under appropriate conditions.
This faster breakdown could significantly decrease the long-term accumulation of plastic waste in both landfills and natural environments. By reducing the longevity of plastic in the environment, biodegradable alternatives could help mitigate the risks of entanglement and ingestion for wildlife, as well as lessen the visual pollution of our landscapes and waterways.
Furthermore, compostable plastics offer a promising avenue for integrating plastic waste into a circular economy through composting. When properly collected and processed in industrial composting facilities alongside organic waste, these plastics can break down into nutrient-rich compost, a valuable soil amendment that can be used in agriculture and gardening.
This process not only diverts waste from landfills, thereby reducing the strain on landfill capacity and the potential for methane emissions from anaerobic decomposition, but also creates a beneficial byproduct. There are already successful examples of compostable food packaging and tableware being implemented at events and in food service industries, demonstrating the feasibility of this approach.
Additionally, biodegradable waste, including certain types of biodegradable plastics, can be processed through anaerobic digestion, a technology that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to produce biogas, a renewable energy source, and digestate, which can also be used as a soil amendment. This waste-to-energy potential further enhances the circularity aspect of biodegradable waste management.
For bio-based biodegradable plastics, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and algae, there is the added benefit of potentially reducing our reliance on finite fossil fuels, which are the primary feedstock for conventional plastics.
By shifting to bio-based materials, we can potentially decrease the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuel extraction and processing. While the overall greenhouse gas emissions during the production of bio-based plastics are a subject of ongoing debate and depend heavily on the specific type of bioplastic and the production process, some studies suggest the potential for lower emissions compared to conventional plastics.
The ability of biomass crops to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during their growth can also contribute to a lower carbon footprint for bio-based biodegradable plastics, although factors like land use change and agricultural practices need careful consideration.
The Challenges and Limitations
Despite the potential advantages of biodegradable trash, several significant challenges and limitations hinder their widespread adoption as a comprehensive solution to the plastic pollution crisis. One of the most prominent obstacles is the current lack of adequate infrastructure for collecting and processing these materials, particularly compostable plastics.
Many types of biodegradable plastics, especially those certified as compostable, are designed to break down effectively only in industrial composting facilities, which are not yet widely available in many regions. Without access to these specialized facilities, compostable plastics may end up in landfills, where they may not degrade as intended due to the lack of optimal conditions.
Furthermore, the separation of biodegradable and compostable plastics from conventional plastics in waste streams poses a significant challenge. If these materials are not properly segregated, they can contaminate both the recycling and composting processes, reducing the quality of recycled materials and hindering the effectiveness of composting efforts.
Consumer behavior and confusion surrounding the terminology also present substantial hurdles. Many consumers struggle to differentiate between "biodegradable" and "compostable," leading to improper disposal of these materials. For instance, consumers might mistakenly believe that a biodegradable plastic bag will readily break down in a home compost bin or in a landfill, which is often not the case.
There is also concern that the availability of biodegradable plastics might inadvertently reinforce a "single-use mindset," potentially leading to an overall increase in plastic consumption, even if the material is designed to degrade faster. Additionally, consumers often have concerns about the actual biodegradability of these alternatives, as well as their cost and limited availability compared to conventional plastics.
A critical limitation of certain types of biodegradable plastics is their potential to form microplastics. Oxo-degradable plastics, in particular, are designed to fragment into smaller pieces, which can persist in the environment as microplastics, raising concerns about their long-term impact on ecosystems and potentially human health.
Even some bio-based biodegradable plastics may not fully degrade in all environments, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution. This is a significant drawback, as the accumulation of microplastics in the environment is one of the key problems we are trying to solve with alternatives to conventional plastics.
Finally, it is essential to acknowledge that the production of biodegradable plastics also carries its own set of environmental impacts, which need to be carefully considered when evaluating their overall sustainability.
Production and Byproducts
While biodegradable plastics are often touted as more environmentally friendly than their conventional counterparts, a comprehensive assessment requires a thorough examination of their environmental footprint throughout their entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life degradation.
The production of plant-based bioplastics, for example, necessitates the cultivation of agricultural crops, which can have significant land use implications, potentially leading to deforestation and habitat loss, especially if large-scale production replaces natural ecosystems. Furthermore, the growing of these crops often requires substantial amounts of water for irrigation, which can contribute to water scarcity in certain regions.
Conventional agricultural practices also frequently involve the use of chemical inputs such as pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, which can contaminate water bodies and harm biodiversity, as well as degrade soil quality. These factors highlight that the sustainability of bio-based biodegradable plastics is heavily dependent on the adoption of responsible and sustainable agricultural practices.
The manufacturing processes involved in converting raw materials into biodegradable plastics can also have environmental consequences. These processes can be energy-intensive, potentially leading to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if fossil fuels are the primary energy source.
Manufacturing facilities may also release air and water pollutants, depending on the specific production methods and the types of biodegradable plastics being produced. For certain types of bioplastics, such as those produced through fermentation, there is also the potential for the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, during the production process.
Therefore, optimizing production processes for energy efficiency and minimizing emissions are crucial for ensuring that biodegradable plastics offer a genuine environmental advantage over conventional plastics.
The byproducts resulting from the degradation of biodegradable plastics are also an important consideration. Ideally, the biodegradation process should yield harmless substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, which can be reintegrated into natural cycles.
However, as previously discussed, incomplete degradation can lead to the formation of microplastics, particularly in the case of oxo-degradable plastics, and potentially even from some bio-based biodegradable plastics. In anaerobic conditions, such as those found in landfills, the degradation of biodegradable materials can also produce methane.
Additionally, some research suggests that the extensive biodegradation of bioplastics in soil can alter soil nutrient levels, potentially leading to unintended ecological consequences. Ensuring that biodegradable plastics degrade completely and safely into benign byproducts under various environmental conditions is therefore a critical aspect of their overall sustainability.
Biodegradable vs. Conventional Plastics
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of biodegradable plastics, it is essential to compare them to conventional plastics from a lifecycle perspective. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire existence, from raw material extraction through production, use, and end-of-life disposal.
While bioplastics (a significant subset of biodegradable plastics) are often cited as having advantages in terms of climate change and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, LCAs have revealed a more complex picture. Some studies indicate that bioplastics may have higher environmental impacts in other categories, such as eutrophication and toxicity, depending on the specific type of plastic and the assumptions made in the assessment.
For instance, while bio-based products have shown benefits in climate change and abiotic depletion compared to petrochemical counterparts in some analyses, the production of biodegradable plastics can sometimes require more energy and resources, potentially leading to a higher carbon footprint in the initial stages of their lifecycle.
The end-of-life scenario for both biodegradable and conventional plastics plays a crucial role in determining the overall environmental impact. For biodegradable plastics, the benefits of composting in terms of soil enrichment and waste diversion need to be weighed against the potential for methane emissions in landfills if proper composting infrastructure is lacking.
For conventional plastics, the impacts of landfilling, incineration, and the challenges of recycling must be considered. Case studies have yielded varied results. Some research suggests that certain bio-based products offer significant greenhouse gas emissions savings compared to conventional plastics, particularly when the intended end-of-life is considered.
However, other studies have indicated that the degradation of some biodegradable microplastics could have a greater global warming potential due to methane release than the carbon dioxide absorbed during the growth of the biomass feedstock.
Interestingly, some LCAs have even shown oxo-biodegradable plastic to have a better overall environmental performance than other materials used for packaging when factors like reuse and recycling are taken into account. The inconsistent findings across different LCAs highlight the complexity of comparing these materials and underscore the need for more standardized methodologies and comprehensive data to accurately assess their relative environmental merits.
Current Mitigation Efforts and the Role of Biodegradables
Efforts to mitigate the global plastic pollution crisis involve a multi-pronged approach encompassing various strategies. These include reducing the consumption of single-use plastics, promoting the reuse of products, improving recycling infrastructure and rates (which currently remain low globally), and actively participating in clean-up initiatives to remove plastic debris from the environment.
Legislation and global agreements aimed at ending plastic pollution are also crucial components of this effort, with numerous nations and international bodies working towards legally binding instruments to address the issue. The well-established "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" (3Rs) strategy continues to be a guiding principle in waste management. Within this broader context, biodegradable trash solutions have the potential to play a specific role.
Compostable packaging, for example, can significantly enhance organic waste management programs by providing a compatible material for collection and processing alongside food scraps and yard waste, thereby reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Biodegradable plastics can also serve as replacements for certain single-use applications where conventional plastics are particularly problematic, such as food service ware and packaging, provided that the necessary infrastructure for proper disposal, such as industrial composting facilities, is in place.
Furthermore, in niche applications like agricultural films, where collection and recycling can be challenging, biodegradable options offer a potential solution by allowing the film to decompose in the soil after use.
Therefore, while not a universal solution, biodegradable trash can be a valuable component of an integrated waste management strategy, particularly when targeted towards specific applications and supported by appropriate infrastructure and responsible consumer behavior.
The Future of Biodegradable Technology
The field of biodegradable plastic technology is dynamic and continuously evolving, with ongoing research and innovation aimed at improving material properties, enhancing degradation processes, and expanding potential applications.
Advancements in materials science are leading to the development of new raw materials for bioplastics, such as algae, mushroom mycelium, and agricultural waste, which could offer improved sustainability profiles and reduce reliance on traditional food crops.
Innovations are also focusing on enhancing the performance characteristics of bioplastics like PLA and PHA, including improving their barrier properties, flexibility, and durability, making them more competitive with conventional plastics in a wider range of applications.
The development of water-soluble bioplastics represents another promising area, with potential applications in detergent pods, packaging, and other single-use items that could simply dissolve after use, minimizing waste.
In addition to material innovations, significant efforts are directed towards enhancing the degradation process of biodegradable plastics in various environments. Additives, such as EcoPure®, are being developed to accelerate biodegradation in landfill conditions. Researchers are also exploring novel approaches like embedding polymer-eating enzymes directly into the plastic matrix to enable programmed degradation once the product has served its purpose.
While oxo-biodegradable technologies continue to be developed with the aim of achieving faster breakdown in open environments, their efficacy and environmental safety remain under scrutiny. The use of microorganisms and their enzymes to more efficiently degrade plastic polymers is also a subject of ongoing research and development.
Looking towards the future, a key focus is on integrating biodegradable plastics into a broader circular economy framework. This includes designing biodegradable plastics that can be effectively composted or processed at the end of their lifecycle, as well as developing bioplastics from organic waste streams, thereby valorizing waste and reducing the need for virgin resources.
These innovations hold the potential to address some of the current limitations of biodegradable plastics and enhance their role in mitigating the plastic pollution crisis.
Consumer Adoption and Infrastructure Requirements
The successful integration of biodegradable trash solutions into our waste management systems hinges on both widespread consumer adoption and the development of the necessary infrastructure. Addressing consumer challenges is paramount.
Clear and standardized labeling is essential to minimize confusion between biodegradable, compostable, and recyclable plastics and to provide consumers with accurate disposal instructions. Comprehensive education and awareness campaigns are needed to inform the public about the benefits of sustainable alternatives and the proper methods for disposing of them.
Furthermore, the perceived higher cost of biodegradable options can be a barrier to adoption, requiring efforts to make these alternatives more economically competitive with conventional plastics.
On the infrastructure side, significant investment and development are urgently needed. The expansion of industrial and home composting facilities is crucial to handle the increasing volumes of compostable plastics that would result from wider adoption.
Efficient collection systems that allow for the proper segregation of biodegradable and compostable waste streams from conventional recycling and general waste are also essential to prevent contamination and ensure effective processing. Anaerobic digestion facilities could also play a greater role in processing certain types of biodegradable waste for energy recovery. Without these critical infrastructure developments, the potential benefits of biodegradable trash solutions cannot be fully realized.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biodegradable trash, particularly compostable plastics, holds significant potential to address specific aspects of the global plastic pollution crisis, notably in diverting organic waste from landfills and reducing the persistence of certain single-use items in the environment under specific conditions.
However, it is crucial to recognize that biodegradable plastics are not a panacea and face substantial challenges related to the current lack of adequate infrastructure, consumer behavior and confusion, the potential for microplastic formation from some types, and the environmental impacts associated with their production. Therefore, biodegradable trash should be viewed as one valuable tool within a broader, integrated strategy aimed at tackling plastic pollution.
This comprehensive approach must prioritize reducing plastic consumption at its source, promoting the widespread reuse of products, significantly improving recycling rates and infrastructure, and continuing to invest in the research and development of truly sustainable alternatives across the materials science landscape.