Oxo-biodegradable plastic is made by blending a pro-degradant additive into the plastic during the extrusion process. The additive causes the molecular structure of plastic to break down when exposed to heat or sunlight. The plastic will eventually be in a state where it can be digested by microorganisms. At this point, the plastic will degrade at a faster rate until it has fully degraded into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.
Oxo-Biodegradable
Benefits Of Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic
Questions About Degradable Plastic
Oxo-biodegradable plastics contain special additives that degrade polymers into smaller pieces. The additives catalyze the breakdown of the long molecular chains in the plastic material, causing the plastic to become brittle and fragment sooner into smaller bits when exposed to sunlight, heat, and microorganisms. It settles more easily than an ordinary plastic bag with air, and occupies less space. Hence, giving oxo-biodegradation a distinct advantage over prior methods for degrading plastic.
In a landfill, Oxo-biodegradable plastic will quickly degrade when exposed to the elements (sunlight, heat, and microorganisms) as they assist the degradation process. Unlike other types of degradable plastic, Oxo-biodegradable plastic will not release methane as it degrades. That is another advantage over prior forms of biodegradable plastic.
Are oxo-biodegradable plastic recyclable?
Yes, Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags are recyclable and reusable prior to the onset of degradation.
What happens to oxo-biodegradable plastic in a landfill?
Microorganisms present in the open environment will aid in the degradation process.
Do oxo-biodegradable plastic bags contain corn-starch?
No, the Oxo-biodegradable bags do not contain corn-starch.
Do oxo-biodegradable plastic feel different?
No, you will not notice a difference between Oxo-biodegradable and conventional regular plastic. It retains the same properties and strength as regular plastics during its product life.
Do any countries legislate in favour of Oxo-biodegradable products?
Yes. Many governments in the world have acknowledged that Oxo-biodegradable plastic provides a solution to plastic waste that escapes into the open environment and cannot realistically be collected. Ten countries have legislated to make Oxo-biodegradable plastic mandatory, and they include Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan. It is now not possible to export to these countries a wide range of plastic products or goods wrapped in plastic, unless the plastic is Oxo-biodegradable (OPA, 2019).
Will Oxo-biodegradation emit methane?
No, unlike other degradation processes Oxo-biodegradation will not emit methane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
What does it cost?
Very little, because the additive represents only 1% of the polymer. Above that, Oxo-biodegradable plastics products can be made with the same machines and workforce as ordinary plastic.
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The Relevance Of Degradable Plastic
