Biodegradable plastics are plastics that can be biologically broken down, in a reasonable amount of time, into their base compounds.
They may be composed of:
- "Bioplastics", whose components are derived from renewable raw materials
- Traditional petroleum-based plastics containing biodegradable additives which allow them to enhance the biodegradation of plastic.
Read more about Biodegradable Plastics: Examples of Biodegradable Plastics, ASTM Industrial Standard Definitions of Biodegradable Plastic, The "Compostable" Controversy, Environmental Benefits of Biodegradable Plastics Depend Upon Proper Disposal, Advantages and Disadvantages, Environmental Concerns; Benefits, Energy Costs For Production, Hydrocarbon Eating Microbes