Recently, thoughtful disagreements between scientists concerning environmental issues including the use of renewable materials have enhanced universal awareness of the use of biodegradable materials. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising biodegradable materials for commercially replacing nondegradable materials such as polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. The main advantages of PLA production over the conventional plastic materials is PLA can be produced from renewable resources such as corn or other carbohydrate sources. Besides, PLA provides adequate energy saving by consuming CO2 during production. Thus, we aim to highlight recent research involving the investigation of properties of PLA, its applications and the four types of potential PLA degradation mechanisms. In the first part of the article, a brief discussion of the problems surrounding use of conventional plastic is provided and examples of biodegradable polymers currently used are provided. Next, properties of PLA, and (Poly[L‐lactide]), (Poly[D‐lactide]) (PDLA) and (Poly[DL‐lactide]) and application of PLA in various industries such as in packaging, transportation, agriculture and the biomedical, textile and electronic industry are described. Behaviors of PLA subjected to hydrolytic, photodegradative, microbial and enzymatic degradation mechanisms are discussed in detail in the latter portion of the article.

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Biodegradable sago starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were developed using various percentage of silica. The effect of silica as filler on the mechanical properties, water resistance and degradation behaviour were investigated. Results showed that the 2.0 wt% of silica content in sago starch/PVA films exhibit higher tensile strength but lower elongation at break than films without additional silica. Water absorption and water vapour transmission were decreased with the addition of silica content. Biodegradability test revealed that the increment of silica content reduces the degradation process of sago starch/PVA films.

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Plastics have many benefits due to their light weight, cost effectiveness, durability and other advantages. They are used as agricultural films, packaging, disposal consumer items, health, construction, etc. However, most plastics are not degradable which cause serious environmental problem. Addition of natural fillers into thermoplastics not only reduce the cost of the thermoplastic/natural filler composites but also help in reducing the waste of non-degradable plastic composite materials in the environment. Present short review deals with the issue of non-degradable plastic materials and the application of various natural fillers in thermoplastic composites. The chemical modifications including compatibilisation and radiation are reviewed and discussed.