Authors: A. S. Bagawan, C. S. Katageri, S. N. Benal
Abstract: Biodegradable plastics have emerged as a potential solution to mitigate the environmental impacts of conventional plastics, which persist in ecosystems for centuries. This article evaluates the environmental safety of biodegradable plastics, focusing on their degradation mechanisms, ecological impacts, and lifecycle sustainability. Through a mixed-methods approach combining literature review and experimental analysis, we assess the performance of common biodegradable plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) under various environmental conditions. Findings indicate that while biodegradable plastics offer reduced persistence compared to conventional plastics, their environmental safety depends on proper waste management infrastructure and environmental conditions conducive to biodegradation. Challenges such as incomplete degradation, microplastic formation, and high production costs underscore the need for improved materials and policies. This study highlights the potential of biodegradable plastics to enhance environmental safety while identifying critical areas for future research and development.