<p>The escalating crisis of plastic waste pollution has accelerated the shift toward bioplastics as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. Although their market share is expanding particularly in the packaging sector the environmental fate and long-term impact of bioplastics remain poorly understood. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of emerging bioplastic polymers and biodegradable plastics, with a specific focus on their end-of-life pathways and biodegradability. The study also seeks to synthesize recent data on physicochemical properties, degradation mechanisms and major applications especially in packaging to determine how structure and environmental conditions jointly govern biodegradation. A detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is conducted, analyzing greenhouse gas emissions, water and land use, and the Sustainable Process Index (SPI) to evaluate the environmental footprint of bioplastic production and disposal. The analysis reveals that the biodegradability of bioplastics is intrinsically linked to their structural characteristics and the surrounding environmental conditions. The findings underscore the importance of improved material design and robust end-of-life strategies to enhance the environmental performance of bioplastics. This review offers valuable insights into optimizing biodegradation processes without compromising material functionality and provides a strategic framework for advancing bioplastic innovation, supporting sustainable waste management, and promoting a circular economy.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>