Biodegradable packaging is made of biodegradable polymers, which are acted on by enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi. The end products of the biodegradation of such a material are biomass (compost), water and gas – namely carbon dioxide (in aerobic conditions) or methane (in anaerobic conditions).

Biopolymers are produced using renewable raw materials such as sugar, starch, plant oils and chemically modified cellulose. The sources for these include plant materials such as corn, potatoes, grain, sugar cane and wood.