Abstract
Plastics are an integral part of our life, and the usage is increasing due to its salient characteristics. Both synthetic and natural plastics have great application and a ubiquitous role in our modern lifestyle due to the broad range of properties. They range from newly designed degradable or synthetic plastics to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are fundamental to biological structure and function. Polymers are synthesized via polymerization of many small molecules, known as monomers. Plastics are ubiquitous material of choice in the modern economy – combining unrivaled functional properties with low cost and wide acceptability by consumers. While delivering many benefits, the current plastic economy has drawbacks that are becoming more apparent day by day. Polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates are considered to be two main polymers that have a future role in biodegradable mulches. In order to overcome drawbacks of nondegradable and toxic plastic products, efforts are being done. Challenges range from enhancing system effectiveness to achieve better economic and environmental outcomes to continuing to harness several benefits of plastic packaging. Biodegradable polymers are ensured for compliance to claims, mechanical properties, customer demands, and environmental sustainability.
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Sharma, V.P., Singh, R.L., Singh, R.P. (2017). Degradable Polymers and Plastics of the Future: Steps Toward Environmental Sustainability, Regulations, and Safety Aspects. In: Singh, R. (eds) Principles and Applications of Environmental Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future. Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1866-4_15
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