3. Biodegradable polymer applications

Biodegradable plastics (compostable and non-compostable) confer special properties on certain applications, and can offer specific advantages in terms of use or waste management. They are already used in certain applications, notably in the medical, packaging and agricultural sectors, where biodegradability may be a desirable property.

It should be noted, however, that "biodegradable" does not mean that materials will disappear immediately after being "released" into the environment. They need to be buried in soil (or compost) containing sufficient microorganisms to ensure their biodegradation under temperature and humidity conditions that can be restrictive or even limiting. However, certain plastics that biodegrade in soil or compost are of interest for very specific uses, such as garbage can liners for composting, agricultural mulching film (consumption of which...