The biodegradable copolymer Poly (Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) is emerging as a versatile, eco-friendly polymer combining both flexibility and strength. The adipate portion imparts softness, elasticity and flexibility, while the terephthalate segments contribute to thermal resistance, dimensional stability and tensile strength. As a result, PBAT is well suited for applications that require both resilience and environmental compatibility, offering a practical solution for products where conventional non-degradable plastics have dominated.

In application terms, PBAT finds significant use in biodegradable films, mulch films, compostable packaging, and flexible bags, where its capacity to stretch and recover provides good processability and durability during use, while still allowing for biodegradation after disposal. It is also used in non-woven fabrics for agricultural textile, as well as in consumer goods such as compostable liners and bio-degradable food packaging films. Formulators often blend PBAT with other biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) to enhance toughness and reduce brittleness, thus enabling a broader range of mechanical performances while retaining compostable properties. Moreover, its compatibility with conventional processing methods—such as extrusion, blown film and injection moulding—makes it attractive for manufacturers who wish to transition to more sustainable materials without completely overhauling production lines. This aliphatic–aromatic biodegradable co-polyester is synthesised by copolymerising butylene adipate (an aliphatic segment) with butylene terephthalate (an aromatic segment), giving it a unique balance of mechanical performance and biodegradability under composting or soil environments.

The global focus on waste reduction, circular economy initiatives and plastic pollution control is fueling growing demand for PBAT. Regulatory pressures in many regions to limit single-use non-degradable plastics, along with consumer preference for green packaging, are driving adoption of co-polyesters like PBAT. However, there are challenges: the cost of raw materials remains relatively high, and the rates of industrial composting facilities vary significantly across geographies, which can limit the true end-of-life benefits. Furthermore, formulators must carefully control polymer grade, molecular weight and blend ratios to optimise biodegradation rate, mechanical properties and melt behaviour. Advances in bio-based feedstocks, catalytic processes and recycling of biodegradable polymers may help address these barriers.

In summary, poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) is positioned as a high-potential green polymer for applications where both flexibility and environmental performance are required. By combining mechanical resilience with biodegradability, it offers a bridge between performance plastics and sustainable materials, supporting a transition toward more eco-responsible product systems in packaging, agriculture and consumer products.