Petrochemical-derived plastics have become a source of pollution for decades, and finding alternative plastics that are
environmentally friendly has become a matter of urgency. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biopolyester synthesized by
microbial cells, has properties that make it suitable as a biodegradable plastic material. The diversity of PHA makes it
applicable to a wide range of products, from packaging to biomedical devices. The main challenge in commercialization
of PHA is the cost of production. Although many studies have been focused on obtaining high yields of PHA, up until
now, there is no absolute definition of efficient production of PHA, as there are many factors that could contribute to the
efficiency of a process. Efficiency in PHA recovery also contributes to the commercial viability of PHA production. This
review focuses on the efficiency of PHA biosynthesis from several aspects relating to the criteria for efficient production.
The development of new strategies for improved production, including utilization of low cost carbon sources, genetic
modification of PHA-producing microbes, and fermentation strategies are discussed here. Advances in recovery of PHA,
as well as the potential of biological recovery techniques, are also highlighted in this review.