Bioplastics are a new generation of biodegradable plastics, made entirely or almost entirely from renewable raw materials. Recent advances in research and technology have shown that these plastics can be made from abundant agricultural resources. They preserve nonrenewable resources - petroleum, natural gas, and coal - and contribute little to the already burdensome problems of waste management.

Some new materials are being produced on significant scales already, while others are being studied in the laboratory to understand how to best make use of them. Research and production are continuing to increase, as we find our way toward a future of green plastics.