Companies invest billions in fully biodegradable bioplastics made from natural materials

In a world increasingly troubled by the persistent harm that plastic — manufactured in petrochemical plants — has had on the environment, companies are investing billions of dollars to ramp up production of plastics made from natural, renewable materials that can be safely composted or can break down under the right conditions.

Bioplastics are derived from sources such as sugars and starches — rather than oil or gas — and do not create any toxic waste in their production. They have long been used in medical applications, such as stitches made of a bioplastic thread that harmlessly dissolve into the body.

But the nascent bioplastics industry envisions a far bigger role for materials made from corn, sugar, vegetable oils and other renewable materials in the hope of grabbing a larger share of a nearly $600 billion global plastic market.