Recent Preparations and Innovations in the Biodegradable Bioplastics and Biocomposites (A Review)

Abstract

Plastics due to their durability, lighter weight nature, and versatility have become a necessary part of our lives. Conventional plastics have been derived predominantly from non-renewable fossil fuels, like crude oil or natural gas. Worldwide production of plastic is growing significantly every year; while the amount of plastic that has been recycled effectively is quite low, forcing a negative impact on the environment and sustainability. Larger plastic items decompose into smaller particles over time known as microplastics. These microplastics can enter the food chain, potentially harming living organisms and posing risks to human health. Conventional plastics also play an important role in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Bioplastics and biocomposites generated from plant sources like starch, cellulose, lignin, pectin, CAN’s based, banana peel, bamboo based etc. are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics due to their eco-friendly nature. In addition, the bioplastics and biocomposites were easily recycled and biodegraded completely in the soil within a short span of time. In this review, we discuss the recent developments and innovations from the year 2023 and 2024 in the field of bioplastics, biocomposites and their applications. Special importance will focus on their synthesis from natural sources and their biodegradable nature which make bioplastics a sustainable alternative. The purpose of this study is to investigate the latest progress and the future perspective of biodegradable plastics and their impact on the environment.