Transition towards renewable and biodegradable polymers: a comprehensive review

Bioplastics, synthesized from renewable biomass, represent a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-derived plastics, offering pathways toward a circular and sustainable material economy. This review highlights the diverse classes of bioplastics—including PHAs, PLA, TPS, PBS, PCL, PEF, and Bio-PE, which integrate biodegradability, renewability, and functional performance for applications spanning packaging, electronics, agriculture, textiles, and notably biomedicine. Advances such as nanocomposite Reinforcement, genetic engineering of microbial pathways, and 4D printing have transformed bioplastics from passive substitutes into dynamic, programmable platforms. However, widespread adoption is hindered by high production costs, limited biodegradability under uncontrolled conditions, biomass-feedstock competition, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. Emerging solutions including decentralized biorefineries, algae-derived polymers, AI-guided material design, and robust international standards offer promising avenues to overcome these barriers. Ultimately, transitioning to bioplastics is both a scientific and global imperative, requiring sustained interdisciplinary innovation, policy support, and collaboration to address resource scarcity, plastic pollution, and climate change.