Explores the environmental hazards associated with plastic food packaging and discusses degradation processes

Each nation has chosen a double-carbon (carbon neutrality/emission peak) policy in line with the objectives of the Paris Agreement to meet human development demands. An estimated 8 million tons of plastic waste related to the epidemic have been generated globally, highlighting an urgent need to halt or at least reduce plastic pollution. The research on degradable polymers that can decompose during composting or under illumination is becoming increasingly crucial. This paper provides a summary of various ester-bonded degradable plastic polymers, including concepts and mechanisms related to water degradation, photo degradation, and bio degradation. It also reviews important degradable agents and examines several ester-bonded plastic polymers currently used in commerce. The limitations and potential applications of these ester-bonded degradable polymers are compared and discussed. It is believed that understanding degradation will contribute to driving the development of degradable packaging polyesters. [Display omitted] •Various degradation concepts and mechanisms of ester-bonded plastics.•Currently used degradable agents for ester-bonded plastics in commerce.•The limitations and potential applications of degradable plastics linked by esters.