Mapping Research about Biodegradable Plastics and the Environment

The key finding is that research on biodegradable plastics needs to be strengthened, better coordinated, and standardised. A solid knowledge base is essential to guide future policy-making.

Background

Plastic pollution and the spread of microplastics are a serious and growing global environmental challenge, affecting wildlife, humans, and ecosystems. Biodegradable plastics have been developed to break down naturally in the environment, offering a way to potentially reduce pollution.

Global production of biodegradable plastics has risen sharply. To manage their use responsibly in Norway and the Nordic countries, it is important to understand what materials these plastics contain, how effectively they degrade, and their potential impact on the environment.

Methods

VKM reviewed scientific studies on biodegradable plastics and their environmental effects, with a focus on research relevant to Norway and the Nordic region.

In the 2024 literature review, we identified 2,428 international studies, including both primary research and review articles. After a detailed analysis of selected subcategories—materials, microbiology, and ecotoxicology—168 articles were included in the final mapping. An additional 19 articles were analysed following further searches in 2025.

Key Findings

Many studies reported that biodegradable plastics do not always fully break down, raising concerns about accumulation when products are reused.

Research also showed that the environmental effects of biodegradable plastics are often similar to those of conventional (micro)plastics. In some cases, biodegradable plastics may even be more toxic than conventional plastics, for example after exposure to UV light. Analysis can also be challenging because manufacturers do not always provide detailed chemical information.

“There is an urgent need to strengthen, coordinate, and standardize research on biodegradable plastics, especially in the context of Nordic conditions. We need a solid knowledge base to inform policy,” says Gunhild Bødtker, who led this project at VKM.