There are various new types of plastics available: photodegradable plastics, biodegradable plastics, light/oxidation/comprehensive biodegradable plastics, carbon dioxide based biodegradable plastics, and thermoplastic starch resin degradable plastics.

Degradable plastics refer to a type of plastic whose products meet various performance requirements, remain unchanged during the storage period, and can degrade into environmentally friendly substances under natural environmental conditions after use. Therefore, it is also known as environmentally degradable plastics.