A novel degradable aliphatic polyester that contains monomeric lactate sequences is synthesized via melt-polycondensation of ethylene glycol lactate diol (EGLD) with succinic anhydride without the use of catalyst. The structure of the EGLD precursor and the polyester are verified with FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectra. Gel permeation chromatography reveals that the weight-average molecular weight of the polyester is 5.5 x 10(4) with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.7. Differential scanning calorimetry profiles reveal that the polyester is a semicrystalline polymer with a glass transition temperature of - 12 degrees C and melting temperature of 101 degrees C. The weight loss percentage of the polyester after immersing for 208 d in active sludge is 2.7%, which suggests degradation has occurred.