Biodegradable Elastomers: Where Is the Solution?

The last three decades have witnessed a paradigm shift in the polymer industry, driven by the urgent need for sustainable materials. Growing awareness of environmental sustainability, coupled with increasingly stringent chemical regulations, has catalyzed significant investments in sustainable polymer materials. While much of the focus has been on plastics, rubbery materials have received comparatively less attention. With mechanical and chemical recycling as the current primary mode for disposing rubber waste, prospects for a suitable pathway to minimize hazardous microplastics derived from these highly crosslinked polymers sources seem bleak. This article aims to envision a future where the pathway toward biodegradable rubber materials becomes a more realistic possibility. We delve into the challenges, advancements, and future perspectives of biodegradable rubbery materials, with a particular emphasis on exploring the potential of utilizing polysaccharides derived from biomass combined with synthetic elastomers – including the utilization of dynamic covalent bonding and supramolecular chemistry approaches. In addition to the discussion on scientific questions, we address complementary issues on STEM education to put forth a more comprehensive vision for sustainability relating to broader society.