End of Life of Biodegradable Plastics: Composting versus Re/Upcycling

Nowadays the issues related to the end of life of traditional plastics are very urgent due to the important pollution problems that plastics have caused. Biodegradable plastics can help to try to mitigate these problems, but even bioplastics need much attention to carefully evaluate the different options for plastic waste disposal. In this Minireview, three different end‐of‐life scenarios (composting, recycling, and upcycling) were evaluated in terms of literature review. As a result, the ability of bioplastics to be biodegraded by composting has been related to physical variables and materials characteristics. Hence, it is possible to deduce that the process is mature enough to be a good way to minimize bioplastic waste and valorize it for the production of a fertilizer. Recycling and upcycling options, which could open up many interesting new scenarios for the production of high‐value materials, are less studied. Research in this area can be strongly encouraged. Biodegradable Plastics: End of life of biodegradable plastics is a strategical issue, and an understanding of the different strategies of bioplastic waste disposal is crucial. Compostability and recyclability are two viable valorizations ways where value‐added products may be obtained. Specifically, recycling and upcycling of compostable polymers, not studied in depth yet, can open new valorization routes for bioplastic waste.