What Is Driving the Shift Toward Green and Natural Polymers?

Natural polymers, also known as biopolymers, are substances that occur naturally or are produced by living organisms. Examples include cellulose (found in plants), silk (produced by silkworms), chitin (present in insect exoskeletons), proteins (such as collagen in animal tissues), and DNA (the genetic material in all living organisms). These polymers are formed through biological processes and serve as the foundation for various natural structures.

Green polymers, on the other hand, are characterized by their sustainable production methods rather than their biological origins. Emerging in the 1990s, the concept of green chemistry focuses on designing products and processes that minimize or eliminate the use of hazardous substances. Green polymers aim to reduce environmental impact through sustainable chemical practices, providing a viable alternative to conventional, often petroleum-based, synthetic polymers.