Biodegradable plastics: a solution or a challenge?

Though developed as a solution for the waste problem, biodegradable plastics create new challenges on waste management wit h respect to policies and laws, waste management technologies and application of market-based instruments. A holistic view and integrated approach are necessary to address the implication of each component of this picture on others and on the whole. In an effort to tackle the challenges, the paper makes an in-depth analysis of the waste management system with biodegradable plastics as an element, emphasizing on regulatory and economic aspects. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.