Biodegradable mulch films are accused of creating harmful microplastics and leaching toxic additives into soil. The science is real — but the conclusions being drawn from it are often wrong. Here is a material-by-material breakdown of what the evidence actually shows, what should be restricted, and why bioplastic films are still better than polyethylene.

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a genetically modified algae strain capable of metabolizing microplastics and converting them into biodegradable biopolymers.