20.500.12556/DKUM-96335 The role of biodegradable plastics in a sustainable economy progress and challenges The widespread use of plastics has resulted in significant environmental challenges, including pollution, landfill accumulation, and harm to ecosystems and human health. As concerns over plastic waste intensify, biodegradable plastics have emerged as promising alternatives that can decompose under specific conditions and contribute to a circular economy. This review examines how biodegradable plastics can help address these issues, beginning with the distinction between biodegradable polymers, which are long-chain molecules, and biodegradable plastics, which are end-use materials created by blending these polymers with additives and fillers. It explores common biodegradable polymers, their origins, production processes, and key physical and chemical properties. Further, the review covers both the compounding stage, in which polymers and additives are combined, and the subsequent product development and processing steps involved in manufacturing of biodegradable plastics. A criterion is proposed to assess and rank biodegradable plastics based on their biodegradability. The review also discusses applications and the sustainability of their value chains. Key challenges to widespread adoption, such as technological limitations, economic concerns, and environmental or health risks, are highlighted. Finally, the review stresses the importance of advancing biomass cultivation, polymer development, processing techniques, and degradation methods to unlock the full potential of biodegradable plastics. Overall, it emphasizes the need for continued innovation to promote sustainable materials and improve plastic waste management. biodegradable polymers biodegradable plastics circular economy plastics production and consumption plastic value chains sustainability environmental impact reduction biorazgradljiva plastika biorazgradljivi polimeri proizvodnja plastike življenjski cikel true false true Elsevier Ltd. Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/cleaner-engineering-and-technology © 2025 The Authors Članek v reviji 2025-12-19 11:01:31 2025-12-19 11:01:32 2025-12-20 03:19:24 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2026 0 0 43 str. [article no.] 101129 Vol. 30 Feb. 2026 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno NiDoloceno 2025-03-19 2025-12-10 2025-12-08 66 261527555 10.1016/j.clet.2025.101129 2666-7908 1-s2.0-S2666790825002526-main.pdf 1-s2.0-S2666790825002526-main.pdf 1 95B635100E79A0E7F417B51F4D84F1BA 801468925c6ec710e93fa7bc53af691bcb371d33d8a6c9f5e4e679e4f4eaceda 021aa113-dcc2-11f0-a44c-00155d580e02 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=201556 Fakulteta za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo 0 0 0