hot melt adhesive compositions are prepared from 20 to 90 % by weight of a linear polyester of 3 - hydroxybutyric and 3 - hydroxyvaleric acids containing 9 to 35 % of the hydroxyvalerate component ; 10 to 80 % by weight of a polar tackifier having a ring and ball softening greater than about 60 ° c . ; 0 to 50 % by weight of a plasticizer ; 0 to 30 % by weight of a wax diluent and 0 - 3 % by weight of a stabilizer ; 0 - 20 % of a compatible polymer . by utilizing a naturally occurring , thermoplastic , biodegradable copolymer as the base polymer , these adhesives advance the state of the art of hot melt adhesives by alleviating the dependence on petroleum based materials and by allowing for the development of hot melt adhesives which either degrade naturally after coming in contact with the soil or which can be composted .