Toward net-zero plastics: Synthesis, applications, and global trends of bioplastics

The increasing negative environmental impact of petroplastics has directed significant attention towards bioplastics (BPs) as a sustainable alternative. Bioplastics (BPs) offer a sustainable alternative to petroplastics, including biodegradability, reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and lower reliance on fossil fuels. Despite these benefits, BPs face challenges such as high production costs, limited scalability, and end-of-life management complexities. This review examines the current status, classification, synthesis techniques, material properties, applications, policy frameworks, and environmental impact of BPs. BPs are mainly used in packaging, replacing about 30% of petroplastic films, 20-40% of agricultural mulch films, and 15-25% of single-use consumer goods (15-25% single-use cutlery and bags). The key properties include PLA tensile strength (50-70 MPa), PHA elongation (>200%), PHA thermal stability (up to 60°C), 1.7 kg CO 2 -eq/kg (50-70% lower GHS emissions) and biodegradation of industrial composting (45-90days). Nanoparticle incorporation has enhanced resistance, reduced gas permeability by 75%, and improved mechanical performance. BPs demonstrated up to 70% lower carbon footprint and 30–40% reduced water and energy use. Also, the industrial composting conditions enable significant biodegradation of the BPs within 45 to 90 days. Global policy initiatives such as the EU’s Circular Economy Strategy and the USA’s Bio Preferred Program are vital to promoting BP adoption on a large scale with a market growth of 10–15% CAGR through 2030. Targeted research on microbial engineering in BP, material property optimisation, large-scale production and strong policy frameworks. Among BPs, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polylactic acid (PLA) stand out for future applications in biomedical devices, durable packaging, automotive applications, and rigid consumer products. • Bioplastics show lower environmental impact compared to petroplastics. • Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties through biopolymer blending and nanomaterials. • Improved carbon footprint and biodegradability (industrial composting within 45-90 days) enable wider application scope. • International strategies facilitate sustainable production and commercialisation.