Plastics have become a core component of the functioning of modern society. They are perhaps most well known for their use in packaging, but they are also used in building materials, furniture, toys, medical devices and many other products. The increased demand for and use of plastics has resulted in extensive plastic waste throughout the world, which has been described as one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

There are many facets to the problem of plastics, including that fossil fuels are typically used in the manufacture of these materials, the enormous amounts of plastic pollution existing globally, and the very low plastic recycling rate in Australia. Biodegradable plastics present a potential solution to some of the issues relating to plastics, although there are a number of challenges that mean that the scope and role of biodegradable plastics in an increasingly circular economy is not straight forward.

The purpose of this discussion paper is to describe what is meant by biodegradable plastics, and to consider issues arising from the current state of play in terms of knowledge, policy, law and expectations. This enables gaps and potential solutions to be identified and encourages consideration of whether ‘biodegradability’ is a useful concept in the pursuit of (and demand for) sustainability. Ultimately, if ‘biodegradability’ is a useful concept, consideration will need to be given to what role it could or should play from a practical, policy and regulatory perspective.