Therefore, a business model for sustainability needs to
communicate to societies theways in which bioplastics can improve
in the future. Should it be greater renewable content in products?
Better biodegradability? Better recycling systems? Better agricultural
practices? A combination? In particular, we argue, companies
need to develop business models to close the loop at the end of
bioplastic life cycles, and to address agricultural production impacts
that may far outweigh those of the processing and use stages.
Business models also need mechanisms for greater accountability
for achieving these changes and reporting on substantive progress
to societies. In doing so, companies will create industrial norms that
not only allow biopolymer businesses to maintain competitiveness
but ensure that they are driving sustainability within their organizations
and at all stages of the product life cycle.