Oxo Degradable Plastic

The coalition claims it contains additives meant to accelerate the fragmentation of plastics into microplastics.

Oxo degradable plastic.

Biodegradable or oxodegradable plastics are sometimes touted as a solution for packaging that is not currently economically recyclable and to address issues such as the presence of littered plastics in the natural environment. Oxo biodegradable plastic is recyclable. The european commission has recommended eu wide measures be taken against so called oxo degradable plastics. Oxo biodegradable plastic will degrade in a landfill and the degradation process does not release methane.

Oxo degradable plastic including plastic carrier bags may degrade quicker in the open environment than conventional plastic. European bioplastics eubp the association of the bioplastics industry in europe strongly welcomes this clear commitment to take action. The draft also includes a minimum price on plastic bags above 15. The shelf life of oxo biodegradable plastics which incorporate tdpa can be customized depending on customer requirements.

In a report published earlier this month the commission said that a process to restrict the use of oxo plastics in the eu will be started. Oxo biodegradable plastic has a long shelf life. It will last for many years if stored indoors. Degradable oxo degradable plastic is made from fossil fuel derived polymers such as pe polyethylene pp polypropylene and ps polystyrene with ingredients.

The degradable plastic additive technology of epi applies to conventional commodity plastics. The oxo degradable sector holds a different view. Oxo degradable material is often found in products such as plastic bags. Degradable plastic is an insurance policy against litter.

Oxo degradable plastics quickly fragment into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics but don t break down at the molecular or polymer level like biodegradable and compostable plastics. Spain announced plans to ban the sale of lightweight oxo degradable bags from 2018 onwards under a new law drafted by the spanish agriculture and environment ministry. However according to a report from the european commission there is no evidence that oxo degradable plastic will subsequently fully biodegrade in a reasonable time in the open environment on landfills or in the. The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down.

Other forms of degradable plastic are not. This can range from a few months to several years. The law implements an eu directive to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic carrier bags. The industry is concerned about these statements and feel that standards.