This article will focus on the early development of polylactic acid for general use as well as its adaptation into adhesive systems. It is based on a much broader report that the author has completed for Pira International Ltd. Polymers manufactured from renewable resources, sometimes called "biopolymers", can lower greenhouse gas emissions and fossil energy use as compared with conventional petroleum based polymers. They also offer the potential for providing biodegradability. As a result significant development effort is being focused on using these materials in large volume applications such as food packaging. However, some of this effort is also finding its way into the development of biopolymer adhesives. The most straight forward route to the development of biopolymers is from renewable agricultural and forestry feedstock.