Biodegradable and Compostable Alternatives to Conventional Plastics: An Updated Review

In various ways, we contribute to the depletion of the Earth, with one major practice being our use of plastic, whether as packaging or in other forms. Although we recognize the hazards of plastic, we often choose to ignore them. Plastic, a petroleum product and pollutant, takes a long time to degrade. The long-term goal should be to eliminate the use of plastic as packaging material and switch to more natural and renewable alternatives. This work draws from numerous review papers, research articles, short communications, book chapters, news reports, and literature. The findings of this review highlight recent advancements in packaging, utilizing various biopolymers such as PHA, PHB, starch, and cellulose, which have been modified to create bio-based plastics that are environmentally safe and biodegradable. By transitioning to green or eco-friendly packaging, we can significantly reduce billions of plastic waste, making green packaging the sustainable and economical choice for the future.