Studies on poly(butylene succinate) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate)-based biodegradable plastics for sustainable flexible packaging and agricultural applications: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Due to the increasing use of single-use plastics in daily life, plastic trash is expanding annually, destroying our ecology and producing an unparalleled waste disposal crisis. Bioplastics like poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) can substitute certain non-biodegradable polymer materials and can effectively biodegrade under predefined environmental conditions. Both PBS and PBSA were traditionally synthesized from petroleum resources, but in recent years, PBS and PBSA have been reported to be produced from a hybrid of petroleum and renewable resources. PBS and PBSA polymers have good ductility and strength, but their high production costs and limited production volume limit their widespread packaging usage. Therefore, they are usually blended with other polymers and fillers to improve processability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability. Thus, recent polymer processing advances have made these blends/composites an appealing material platform for packaging and agricultural applications with composting compliance. Despite this, few studies have investigated the application of these polymers in real food packaging uses and in agricultural applications, thus highlighting a research gap. Nevertheless, PBS and PBSA-based commercial items are currently on the market, with examples including flexible packaging materials, compostable cutlery, and disposable tableware. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of research trends on PBS and PBSA, including the sustainability of their green synthesis routes using LCA studies, their biodegradability, applications in food packaging and agriculture, and end-of-life considerations. This study aligns with the United Nations' sustainability goal of responsible consumption and production (Sustainable Development Goal 12).