Production and Multidisciplinary Applications of Bioplastic: A Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Alternative to Plastic

Abstract: The versatility of plastics has led to their widespread use. The use of plastic has increased twentyfold in the previous half-century, and scientists anticipate that it will increase further in the subsequent two decades. Roughly 330 million metric tons of plastic is produced annually on a worldwide scale. A relatively recent and persistent issue in environmental management is the production, usage, and eventual disposal of plastics. Millions of animals perish annually, and soil fertility is diminished as a result of plastics building up in the ecosystem due to improper disposal. One solution to the environmental problems caused by polymers made from petrochemicals is the development of bioplastics, which are biodegradable and functionally equivalent to conventional plastics. Bioplastics and their derivatives have the potential to revolutionise environmental sustainability by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and facilitating their widespread application. To find a long-term solution to the problem of plastic pollution, bioplastics must be developed further. It is crucial to raise public awareness to tackle plastic pollution in a sustainable manner. Concerns about pollution and the depletion of fossil fuel resources have prompted a dramatic increase in the study and creation of sustainable alternatives. Bioplastics made from sustainable plants provide a practical answer to these problems. This review article examined existing studies on the production, use, and multidisciplinary applications of bioplastics as biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Research articles were collected from databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The review focused on highlighting the growing significance of bioplastics by analysing their production methods, diverse applications, and potential benefits across various sectors. This review will examine the many plant-based bioplastics, their production process, and their various uses in different sectors. Along with the opportunities and threats associated with bioplastics' potential future commercialisation, this paper explains the positive side along with the limitations of these environmentally friendly materials.