Integrating bioplastics into waste management: barriers and pathways to a circular economy

Bioplastics have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional fossil-based plastics because of their potential to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources and support the transition towards a circular economy. However, their environmental sustainability is determined not only by feedstock selection but also by polymer characteristics, product design, and the effectiveness of end-of-life management systems. Despite rapid growth in bioplastic production and application, significant uncertainties remain regarding their integration into existing waste management infrastructure, resulting in variable environmental outcomes and widespread misconceptions about their biodegradability and recyclability. This review critically examines the compatibility of bioplastics with circular waste management systems by synthesizing recent literature on material classification, feedstock pathways, recycling technologies, industrial composting, policy frameworks, economic considerations, consumer behaviour, and regional implementation strategies. The review further evaluates the environmental and economic consequences of mismanaged bioplastics using evidence from life cycle assessment studies and discusses emerging technological, regulatory, and bioeconomy-based solutions for improving circularity. The analysis demonstrates that no single end-of-life pathway is universally optimal for all bioplastic systems; rather, environmental performance depends on polymer chemistry, contamination level, collection and sorting efficiency, treatment effectiveness, energy systems, and regional waste-management infrastructure. Under suitable conditions, recycling, industrial composting, anaerobic digestion, or energy recovery pathways may contribute to improved circularity, whereas inappropriate disposal through landfilling, contamination of conventional recycling streams, or inadequate waste management can negate potential environmental benefits. Future progress will depend on coordinated technological innovation, infrastructure development, evidence-based policy implementation, stakeholder collaboration, and public education to enable the sustainable integration of bioplastics into circular waste management systems.