Improving the approach to materials and products sometimes requires revising traditional terminology. In the approach described here, usage of certain terms differs from traditional definitions, to account for innovative features of materials and products.

Biobased vs. biodegradable

Many biobased products such as biopolymers are not necessarily safely biodegradable because they contain additives such as heavy metals or are combined with nonbiodegradable materials. As well, petroleum-based products that are not biobased can be biodegradable. So it is important to distinguish these features to develop an effective defined-use pathway for materials. Especially, it is important to evaluate biobased and biodegradable in the context of the intended use of the material, e.g., if it is intended for a biosphere or technosphere pathway. For example, many materials designed for single use before disposal in a biosphere pathway and defined as biodegradable, such as cups, do not...