Polymer Biodegradability 2.0: A Holistic View on Polymer Biodegradation in Natural and Engineered Environments

Biodegradable polymers are an important part of the solution toolbox to
achieve circularity in the plastic economy and overcome negative impacts of a linear
plastic economy. Biodegradable polymers need to excel not only on a mechanical
performance level in the application to fulfill their function during the use phase but
also on a biodegradation performance level after use. The biodegradation performance is tailored to the application and the receiving environment of the polymer
product after use, which can be both engineered systems (e.g., compost, anaerobic
digestors, wastewater treatment plants) and natural systems (e.g., soils, freshwater,
or marine environments). This chapter addresses key aspects of polymer biodegradability and biodegradation in both natural and engineered systems with the goal to
advance a more holistic view on the topic and, thereby, provide guidance for all
stakeholders working on developing, testing, and regulating biodegradable polymers. These aspects include definitions of biodegradability and biodegradation,
elucidating polymer- and environmental factors that control the biodegradation
process, a discussion of the analytical chemistry of polymer biodegradation, polymer
biodegradability testing and certification, as well as a brief overview of research
needs. In accordance with the diverse backgrounds of the authors of the chapter, this
chapter targets all stakeholder groups from academics to industry and regulators.