Fossil resources biodegradable natural polymers

Sustainability has many definitions. One way to think of it is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs (defined by the World Commission on Environment and Development held by the United Nations in 1983). The concept of sustainability is that we should synchronize our consumption of natural resources with the Earth s production - in other words, using up natural resources at the same rate at which they are produced. Compared to traditional polymers typically made from petroleum and other fossil resources such as natural gas, sustainable polymers are fuUy or partially biobased and/or biodegradable or compostable. They are bioplastics made from renewable resources (biomass) and can be broken down faster than traditional plastics. Sustainable polymers could also protect our Earth by offering a reduced carbon footprint, a reduced use of fossil resources, and improved end-of-life options. 

Based on current standard testing methods and specifications, several renewable resource polymers may be considered biodegradable, the foremost being starch blends, cellulosic derivatives, polyhydroxyalkanoates and poly(lactic acid). Several new and old condensation polymers based on monomers obtained from fossil resources, such as polycaprolactone and the Bionolle series from Japan (Showa High Polymers) based on suucinic acid, are also acceptable by current standards, as are there blends with natural polymers such as starch. 

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