Aligning development and deployment of compostable plastics for meaningful impact

Summary Compostable plastics are an alternative to conventional plastics, but their environmental value is debated. Although designed to biodegrade under controlled conditions, their real-world performance depends on both material properties and waste-management systems. This primer elaborates the development and deployment of compostable plastics as a conditional strategy for reducing plastic pollution and achieving broader waste-reduction goals by reviewing material-design considerations, system-performance challenges, and regulatory requirements that shape market entry and credibility, highlighting food-contact authorizations as a key example. By outlining these challenges and requirements, this primer aims to help researchers and developers align material innovation with regulatory pathways and end-of-life realities. This resource aims to support researchers, developers, and policymakers working to create and commercialize effective, safe, and fit-for-purpose compostable plastic solutions.