Biodegradable water-soluble polymers opportunities

The chapter concludes with some projections for fumre directions for research and commercial opportunities for environmentally biodegradable water-soluble polymers. 

Hence, given the need for biodegradable water-soluble polymers to protect the environment and the ready availability of a disposal infrastructure in almost every country in the world, the opportunity is obvious and waiting a solution. 

In summary, it is apparent tbat there are selective opportunities for environmentally degradable polymers and plastics. Notably for water-soluble polymers where recovery is unlikely. There are niche opportunities for plastics such as fast food wrappers, fast food utensils, where separation is avoided and the plastic is already in a food matrix that is suitable for biodegradation litter ocean dumping agricultural applications where recoveiy is unlikely and expensive for films and mulch and hygienic products. 

Waste-management requirements and disposal options are the drivers for research to develop environmentally biodegradable polymers and to establish laboratory testing protocols. It is commercial opportunities that indicate polymer types, structures, properties and uses that dictate waste management and disposal requirements. Disposal methods and locations identify the testing protocols that must be established for polymers in order to evaluate their environmental degradation under laboratory simulated environmental exposure conditions. Major options for the disposal and waste-management of water-soluble polymers are indicated in Fig.2. 

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