Current advances in polyurethane biodegradation

Abstract While plastics bring convenience to industrial production and daily life, serious environmental problems are always accompanied. Polyurethane is an important polymeric material with versatile applications, but it also accounts for severe plastic contamination worldwide. Since it is difficult for polyurethanes to be completely degraded under natural conditions, the discovery of polyurethane‐degrading microorganisms and correlative ‘polyurethanase’ enzymes brings hope to polyurethane biodegradation. Polyurethane materials can be divided into two major types: polyester‐polyurethane and polyether‐polyurethane. In this review, we summarize the biodegradation mechanisms of these two types of polyurethane and recent research progress on the biodegradation of polyurethane via both microorganisms and enzymes. Furthermore, solutions that could be taken into consideration for the biodegradation of polyurethane in the future are also discussed. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.