By: Dr. Aamarpali Roy

Plastic materials, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride, are widely used due to their durability, especially in packaging. However, these plastics are made from petroleum and do not degrade in the environment, leading to significant environmental pollution. To address this issue, biodegradable polymers like cellulose, chitosan, starch, and proteins are being increasingly utilized as they can break down naturally. These biodegradable materials are derived from various sources and find applications in industries like food, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, reducing the generation of waste.

Biodegradable polymers offer a sustainable solution to environmental challenges posed by traditional plastics. They can decompose in the soil without causing harm to the environment. These polymers are classified into natural biopolymers sourced from microbial, animal, plant, and marine origins, and synthetic biopolymers produced from renewable resources. Notably, aliphatic polymers such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polylactic acid (PLA) are of particular interest in the realm of biodegradable materials.

Aliphatic polymers such as polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polylactic acid (PLA) are particularly interesting because they can produce metabolites as they degrade. Biodegradation is the process by which substances are broken down by microorganisms in the environment.

PLA, a biodegradable polymer sourced from renewable materials like rice, corn, and sugarcane, is highly regarded due to its mechanical, biological, and thermoplastic properties. The excessive use of polymers from fossil fuels has led to a significant waste issue with long degradation times, causing environmental harm. Technological advancements have spurred the search for sustainable alternatives, with biodegradable polymers utilizing renewable resources standing out for their ability to form films and abundance.

Moreover, by utilizing agro-industrial residues as raw materials in polymer synthesis, the environmental benefits can be optimized. The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of these biodegradable polymers play a crucial role in determining their potential applications. The increasing environmental impacts of fossil polymer pollution underscore the importance of producing sustainable alternatives.