environmentally degradable polymer

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13957
Polymer that can be degraded by the action of the environment, through, for example, air, light, heat, or microorganisms.
Note: When it is to be a source of material, such a polymer must be designed to degrade into products at a predictable rate compatible with the application. Such products are usually of lower molar mass than the original polymer.
Source:
PAC, 2012, 84, 377. (Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)) on page 404 [Terms] [Paper]