Disclosed is a composition for removing a film from a substrate. The composition comprises a mixture comprising a water-soluble biodegradable alkyl ester, and a water insoluble biodegradable alkyl ester. Also disclosed is a method of removing a film from a substrate, comprising providing a coated substrate comprising a film adhered to a substrate; applying a composition comprising a mixture comprising a water-soluble biodegradable alkyl ester, and a water insoluble biodegradable alkyl ester to a surface of the coated substrate; leaving the applied composition in contact with the coated substrate for a time sufficient to create a portion of disengaged film; and removing the portion of disengaged film from the substrate. The composition also provides a method of making the disclosed composition, comprising mixing together an aqueous phase comprising a water soluble biodegradable alkyl ester, and a nonaqueous but water soluble phase comprising a water insoluble biodegradable alkyl ester.