Biodegradable Polymers for the Environment

TLDR

Biodegradable polymers are engineered to break down by living organisms, and recent advances have produced practical products from starch, cellulose, and lactic acid, yet no adequate disposal infrastructure exists. The study aims to develop alternative biodegradable water‑soluble polymers for down‑the‑drain products such as detergents and cosmetics. Consumers have not yet valued biodegradability, forcing industry to compete on cost‑performance with existing products.

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are designed to degrade upon disposal by the action of living organisms. Extraordinary progress has been made in the development of practical processes and products from polymers such as starch, cellulose, and lactic acid. The need to create alternative biodegradable water-soluble polymers for down-the-drain products such as detergents and cosmetics has taken on increasing importance. Consumers have, however, thus far attached little or no added value to the property of biodegradability, forcing industry to compete head-to-head on a cost-performance basis with existing familiar products. In addition, no suitable infrastructure for the disposal of biodegradable materials exists as yet.