Publications
Chemical Risks

Plastics of the Future? Interdisciplinary Review on Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers: Progress in Chemistry, Societal Views, and Environmental Implications

Global demand to reduce polymer waste and microplastics pollution has increased in recent years, prompting further research, development, and wider use of biodegradable and biobased polymers (BBPs). BBPs have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional plastics, with the potential to mitigate the environmental burdens of persistent plastic waste. We provide an updated perspective on their impact, five years after our last article, featuring several recent advances, particularly in exploring broader variety of feedstock, applying novel chemical modifications and developing new functionalities. Life-cycle-assessments reveal that environmental performance of BBPs depends on several factors including feedstock selection, production efficiency, and end-of-life management. Furthermore, the introduction of BBPs in several everyday life products has also influenced consumer perception, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. While offering environmental advantages in specific applications, BBPs also raise concerns regarding their biodegradability under varying environmental conditions, potential microplastic generation, and soil health impacts. We highlight the need for a circular approach considering the entire polymer life-cycle, from feedstock sourcing, modification and use, to end-of-life options. Interdisciplinary research, collaborative initiatives, and informed policymaking are crucial to unlocking the full potential of BBPs and exploiting their contribution to create a circular economy and more sustainable future.

Publication Info

Published in

Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025) e202423406. ISSN: 1521-3773.

Availability

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/anie.202423406

ISBN/ISSN: 14337851

Access publication online (wiley.com)

Quote

Velasquez, Sara T. R., Qisong Hu, Johanna Kramm, Vitoria C. Santin, Carolin Völker, Frederik Roman Wurm (2025): Plastics of the Future? Interdisciplinary Review on Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers: Progress in Chemistry, Societal Views, and Environmental Implications. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, e202423406. DOI: 10.1002/anie.202423406

Metadata

ISSN: 1521-3773

More on the ISOE-Authors

  • Dr. Johanna Kramm

    Dr. Johanna Kramm

    Head of the Knowledge Processes and Transformations Hub
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More infos on the project

PlastX – Plastics as a systemic risk for social-ecological supply systems
Chemical Risks

PlastX – Plastics as a systemic risk for social-ecological supply systems

The junior research group PlastX, led by ISOE, is examining the societal role of plastic and the associated environmental impacts. Within this framework, the team of social and natural scientists is attempting to find out how plastic might be used more sustainably.

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Research Unit

Water and Land Use

Water and land are crucial resources for food security, economic development, social stability and ecological integrity. These resources are closely interlinked as a nexus and influence each other.

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