Biodegradable plastics are plastics that decompose under specific environmental conditions much faster than traditional plastics which have an indefinite lifespan. Biodegradation of plastics is achieved by enabling microorganisms to metabolize (i.e. break down) the molecular structure of the plastic which produces an humus-like material (organic matter that cannot break down any further) that is less harmful to the environment. There are a number of ways this is enabled.


