Compostable Polymeric Ecomaterials: Environment-Friendly Waste Management Alternative to Landfills

Abstract

Widely used conventional plastics have many advantages; however, their resistance to biological agents have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, the use of (bio)degradable polymers should become widespread owing to growing interest in sustainability, organic recycling, and environmental issues. This review focuses on compostable polymeric ecomaterials with potential applications in many fields of modern society. The waste management strategy and regulations for polymeric ecomaterials, methods of evaluating the composting process, the biodegradability of polymers, in addition to the basics of composting processes are presented. The most important (bio)degradable polymer applications are discussed with regard to renewable recourses, (bio)degradability, and recycling.