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goods, from developed to developing nations perpetuates understanding of pollution sources, hinder effective
environmental degradation and ethical inequities. 3,78,79 policy, and perpetuate misconceptions, such as the
Biodegradable polymers also present challenges infallibility of biodegradable alternatives. Until
when converted into plastics. For example, universally accepted definitions are adopted, efforts to
cellulose, though naturally biodegradable, becomes address plastic pollution will remain fragmented and
a persistent pollutant when processed into products, less effective.
such as cigarette filters. 80-82 One discarded filter can
contaminate up to 1,000 L of water due to leached 6. Implications of poorly defined terminology
toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and organic
pollutants. Similarly, tires, which comprise diverse The distinction between polymers and plastics is
and confidential chemical formulations, contribute 5 – fundamental in environmental policies, yet ambiguities
10% of marine plastic pollution, excluding terrestrial in their classification have led to inconsistent regulations
pollution, where accumulation may be even greater. 83-92 that hinder effective strategies for mitigating plastic
The tire industries’ lack of compositional transparency pollution. Policies often treat all plastics as the same,
and technological heterogeneity poses significant leading to overly broad or inaccurate bans and restrictions
challenges for regulation and pollution mitigation. 3,85-87 that fail to differentiate or identify the challenge.
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Electronic waste (e-waste), including discarded For example, expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) was
computers, phones, and televisions, is a significant included in the latest European Union ban on single-
source of plastic pollution. 93-95 It’s dynamic and poorly use plastic. While styrofoam is a polymeric material, it
characterized composition increases its environmental does not meet the criteria for plastics for the following
risk. Projections estimate that by 2030, global e-waste reasons: No additives or chemical modifications. Unlike
will exceed 70 million metric tons, excluding the plastics, styrofoam is made from pure polystyrene
growing reliance on plastics in solar panels, electric expanded with gas (e.g., pentane, carbon dioxide
vehicles, and robotic systems. 96-99 [CO2]). It does not contain plasticizers, stabilizers,
The emergence of bioplastics, such as polylactic or other chemical modifications that alter its base
acid (PLA), reflects the drive toward more sustainable polymer properties. Styrofoam is created by expanding
materials. PLA, derived from renewable resources, polystyrene beads, trapping air pockets within them.
is used in packaging, electronics, and medical Distinct from plastics, which undergo chemical
applications. 93,94,100 However, despite its bio-based origin, processing or additive incorporation. Thus, Styrofoam
PLA remains plastic and contributes to pollution if it should be classified separately from traditional plastics in
does not fully degrade in natural environments. 93,101-104 scientific discourse, environmental policy, and material
Its biodegradation is often conditional, requiring specific science. Regulatory frameworks should recognize this
composting conditions, and may not result in complete distinction to ensure more precise classification and
mineralization. 3,105,106 Moreover, the environmental waste management strategies.
promise of biopolymers is frequently compromised by In another example, the United States Environmental
their need for performance-enhancing additives that Protection Agency (US EPA) clarifications on
may not be biodegradable. 30,107,108 biodegradability, compostability, and bio-based plastics
The terms “green” and “biodegradable plastics” reveal several inconsistencies and gaps in the present
are thus misleading. Truly sustainable materials must regulatory framework, material classification, and
demonstrate full environmental compatibility, meaning environmental strategies. For example, the EPA
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that all components, polymers, additives, and by-products defines plastic as biodegradable if it fully decomposes
are inherently and rapidly biodegradable under natural within 1 year after disposal. However, this does not
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conditions. 1,3,93,109 In addition, they should exhibit ensure that the degradation process is environmentally
biocompatibility, ensuring they are non-toxic to living benign, only that the material disappears from sight.
organisms. 1,3,93,109 Unfortunately, present bioplastics The rate of degradation is prioritized over the nature of
often fall short of these criteria. Their performance is degradation, meaning that if a plastic breaks down into
influenced by numerous variables, including polymer microplastics within a year, it can still be considered
structure, environmental pH, temperature, and the biodegradable. Biodegradability should not be defined
nature of degradation by-products. 1,3,107,110,111 based on time alone; it should ensure complete, harmless
In summary, inconsistent definitions of “plastic,” degradation in natural environments. If a material leaves
“polymer,” and “macromolecule” obscure our harmful residues, persistent microplastics, or toxic

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 6 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025200158