Discussion about suitable applications for biodegradable plastics regarding their sources, uses and end of life Auteur(s): Paul-Pont Ika, Ghiglione Jean-François, Gastaldi Emmanuelle, ter Halle Alexandra, Huvet Arnaud, Bruzaud Stéphane, Lagarde Fabienne, Galgani François, Duflos Guillaume, George M., Fabre P. (Article) Publié: Waste Management, vol. 157 p.242-248 (2023) Texte intégral en Openaccess : Ref HAL: hal-04186887_v1 PMID 36577275 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.12.022 WoS: 000972939800001 Exporter : BibTex | endNote Résumé: This opinion paper offers a scientific view on the current debate of the place of biodegradable plastics as part of the solution to deal with the growing plastic pollution in the world's soil, aquatic, and marine compartments. Based on the current scientific literature, we focus on the current limits to prove plastic biodegradability and to assess the toxicity of commercially used biobased and biodegradable plastics in natural environments. We also discuss the relevance of biodegradable plastics for selected applications with respect to their use and end of life. In particular, we underlined that there is no universal biodegradability of plastics in any ecosystem, that considering the environment as a waste treatment system is not acceptable, and that the use of compostable plastics requires adaptation of existing organic waste collection and treatment channels. |