Recent Developments in Biodegradable Cellulose‐Based Plastics

Cellulose-based plastics are an important class of carbohydrate-based materials. They have a long history and belong to the first (thermo)plastic materials. Their excellent mechanical and optical properties makes them indispensable in various applications. Cellulose-based plastics are predominantly produced from wood, and extensive chemical modification is needed to induce thermoplastic behavior. This chemical modification contributes significantly to the environmental footprint of these materials and reduces the biodegradability. Still, there is an increased interest in the biodegradability of cellulose plastics leading to new commercial grades and applications.