Abstract: Due to the increasing demand for green materials in emerging applications of biodegradable polymers, overcoming the inherent brittleness, poor heat resistance, and melt elasticity of polylactic acid (PLA) without compromising its remarkable stiffness and strength has become a particular challenge in polymer science. Achieving this goal without the use of any expensive reagents/additives and/or complex processing techniques is another key aspect in developing viable alternatives to petrochemical-based plastics for agroindustry. Keywords: PLA; Heat resistance Introduction: One of the most common applications of biodegradable polymers is in the manufacture of agroindustry. One of the most promising biobased polyesters is polylactic acid (PLA), a biopolymer chemically synthesized from monomers obtained from agricultural resources such as wheat, corn, and cassava. PLA can be manufactured from lactic acid or, most commonly, from its cyclic dimer, lactic acid, via cyclic ring-opening polymerization. Currently, PLA is one of the most commonly used biodegradable polymers, particularly in agroindustry, due to its market availability, low price, and mechanical and barrier properties similar to PET. Key Challenges of Green and Sustainable Biodegradable Polymers Sustainable solutions to global environmental issues are being developed through green manufacturing and engineering. In this context, two key challenges related to biodegradable polymer science can be categorized as: (i) the development and large-scale production of green materials that can replace petrochemical-based plastics, and (ii) the recycling/reuse of high-value-added industrial waste feedstocks. On the one hand, the former often requires overcoming inherent thermal resistance, mechanical properties, or rheological deficiencies of green polymers to meet key design principles and technical requirements currently defined for disposable, semi-durable, and durable applications. Therefore, the brittleness, poor thermal resistance, and melt elasticity of polylactic acid (PLA) become particularly relevant, as it is one of the most promising green biodegradable polymers that can replace petrochemical-based plastics due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, ease of reprocessing, and, importantly, significant stiffness and strength. On the other hand, the latter requires the development of large-scale, cost-effective post-processing technologies and waste management strategies, which are at the top of the environmental agenda for most industrial companies, as they must ultimately meet the sustainability standards mandated by emerging regulations. Agricultural Applications of Biodegradable Polymers: 1. Bed mulch. 2. Space bag cultivation bags. 3. Seedling pots, cultivation containers, and mulch for seedlings. 4. Bags for fruits and vegetables. 5. Straps, ropes, and wrapping films for attracting fruit and vegetable branches. 6. Plant tags (degradable within three years) and grafting clips, suitable for growing tomatoes, bell peppers, and courgettes. 7. Seed tapes: Biodegradable seed tapes and cultivation bags made from polyglucosamine and cellulose with starch added are suitable for growing short-term leafy vegetables. 8. Water-soluble pesticide packaging bags: Developed from polyethylene and alcohol compounds (PVA), they dissolve completely in water within two minutes. 9. Slow-release microencapsulated fertilizers: "Plastic nutrient soil," a mixture of plastic and chemical fertilizer, slowly releases nutrients for crop absorption over two to three years. 10. Slow-release microencapsulated pesticides: Pesticides are encapsulated in tiny droplets within a suitable polymer membrane to control their release rate. Applications are only required once during the entire growing season, reducing pesticide dosage by 30-50% compared to traditional pest control methods. 11. Use of degradable compost bags: These bags can be used to collect and compost organic waste from community kitchen waste, garden branches and leaves, and fruit and vegetable markets. 12. Greening forests and lawns: Biodegradable fiber meshes are produced from polylactic acid (PLA). These meshes and nonwovens are laid in the desired greening area, and seeds are then sown or sprayed. The fiber mesh anchors the plant's roots and naturally decomposes as the plant grows. The lactic acid produced during decomposition promotes plant growth. Biodegradable polymers add value. Microorganisms are the primary factor enabling biodegradable polymers to decompose in the natural environment. Research teams and industry players have analyzed microbial flora to develop biodegradable polymer products for agricultural applications. Scholars and experts have also confirmed that the appropriate addition of biological agents during product development can positively impact crop growth. Under specific soil conditions and over short periods of time, biodegradable polymers do have a minor impact on the microbial flora and its functions. While the advantages of biodegradable products are widely recognized by farmers, raw material and production costs remain relatively high. These limitations must be overcome as quickly as possible to increase farmers' willingness to adopt them. In recent years, the market for biodegradable products and materials has continued to grow. Existing data estimates that by 2030, biodegradable technologies and materials will become a widely used technology for polymer materials worldwide. In addition to developing biodegradable products, a stable supply of raw materials is also crucial. Through the efforts of industry, government, academia, and research, the continued research and development and improvement of biodegradable technology will inevitably replace products currently produced using petrochemical raw materials. This will become the most environmentally friendly and economically valuable emerging environmental protection industry of the future, driving the industry to further upgrade and apply biodegradable technology to agriculture. Therefore, increased promotion is necessary to promote its widespread adoption. Conclusion: The development and research of biodegradable polymer products has been ongoing for many years in Europe, the United States, Japan, and other countries. It is also an important approach to addressing residual pollution in agricultural production. Their application in agricultural production has excellent results and potential. However, issues with raw materials and production technology have resulted in a slightly higher production cost for currently commercialized biodegradable polymer products, and some post-use issues still need to be overcome. By improving product quality and reducing costs, and through mass production and lowering prices, there is still great potential for future development in agricultural production, especially in the development of specialized biodegradable polymer products for specific regions and specific crops to meet and adapt to the diverse needs of agricultural production. References 1. Hualien District Agriculture News 44:21-23 2. Bhasney, S.M.; Bhagabati, P.; Kumar, A.; Katiyar, V. Morphology and crystalline characteristics of polylactic acid [PLA]/linear low density polyethylene [LLDPE]/microcrystalline cellulose [MCC] fiber composite. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2019, 171, 54–61. [CrossRef] 3. Wang, F.; Sun, Z.; Yin, J.; J.K.; Thitsartarn, W.; Zhang, X.; Tan, B.H.; He, C. Biodegradable silica rubber core-shell nanoparticles and their stereocomplex for efficient PLA toughening. Compos. Sci. Technol. 2018, 159, 11–17. [CrossRef]
