Explain what a ‘biodegradable plastic’ means - Junior Cycle Science - Question g - 2013

A biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that can be broken down by the action of living organisms, primarily through the process of decomposition.

This process occurs over time as decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, consume the plastic materials. As these organisms metabolize the plastic, it ultimately rots away, returning vital nutrients to the environment.

In summary, biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade under natural conditions, reducing the overall accumulation of plastic waste in our ecosystems.