Oxo Degradable Plastics

The normal manufacturing of plastics emits about 4 tons of greenhouse emissions.

Oxo degradable plastics.

Even if the small pieces are microscopic the plastic still exists and can easily enter the environment. 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. Epi is the world leader and pioneer of oxo biodegradable plastic technology. 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.

Because oxo degradable plastics are only degradable not biodegradable or certified compostable after the bio additives have broken down traditional plastics remain. The oxo biodegradable plastics federation obpf is an industry wide global collaboration group to promote the appropriate use of oxo biodegradable products through participation in the development of standards regulations material guides and positive community interaction. The european commission has recommended eu wide measures be taken against so called oxo degradable plastics. Spain is the second country in europe to take concrete actions to limit the harmful impacts of oxo degradable plastics.

By using oxo biodegradable plastic we reduce the amount of carbon emissions during the process of manufacturing bioplastics. Oxo degradable material is often found in products such as plastic bags. The oxo degradable sector holds a different view. Oxo degradable plastics will not break down at all or will break down extremely slowly in environments with relatively low concentrations of oxygen such as in marine environments if covered by soil or buried in a compost bin.

The resulting microplastics are left in the environment indefinitely until they eventually fully break down. 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. Oxo degradable plastic including plastic carrier bags may degrade quicker in the open environment than conventional plastic. In july 2015 france prohibited the production distribution sale provision and utilization of packaging or bags made partially or completely of oxo degradable plastics.

Accordingly epi recommends all manufacturers and companies selling or planning to sell products with tdpa in the eu to abide with the eu s. What happens when oxo degradable plastics enter the environment. The coalition claims it contains additives meant to accelerate the fragmentation of plastics into microplastics. The exact date of such ban will depend on the applicable legislation passed by each eu member state.