Which of the following is true regarding biodegradable polymers?

Biodegradable polymers are indeed often made from renewable resources, which is a significant aspect of their environmental appeal. These materials are typically sourced from natural plant-based materials, such as starch, cellulose, or lactic acid derived from corn or sugarcane. This contrasts with traditional plastics, which are primarily derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.

The use of renewable resources in the production of biodegradable polymers reduces reliance on petrochemicals, potentially lowering the overall carbon footprint. This connection to sustainable resources is vital for addressing ecological concerns like plastic pollution and resource depletion.

In contrast, while some biodegradable polymers can decompose under various conditions, they often require specific environmental factors, such as moisture, temperature, and microbial activity, to break down effectively. Therefore, not all biodegradable polymers decompose easily or under all conditions, which eliminates the accuracy of the first and last options. Additionally, biodegradable polymers can sometimes be more expensive to produce compared to traditional plastics due to the cost of raw materials and processing, making the third option less accurate.