Bioplastics is a new generation of biodegradable plastics, whose components are derived entirely or almost entirely from renewable raw materials. Recent advances in research and technology have shown that these plastics can be made from abundant agricultural resources. They preserve nonrenewable resources-petroleum, natural gas, and coal-and contribute dirctly to solve the already serious problems of waste management.

Commercial ventures are aiming to translate these new technologies into useful products, to show that environment friendly plastics-Green Plastics-is not a term of contradiction. Some new materials are being produced on significant scales already, while others are being researched in the laboratory for a better use. We are just now at the exciting stage of witnessing the birth of these new technologies.

Today, there are a number of manufacturers of green plastics that make use of these materials. Research and production are continuing to increase, as we find our way towards a future of green plastics.