Avoid Upstream Energy Use
Source: Stopwaste.org (2021)
Source: Stopwaste.org (2021)
Recycling lowers the environmental and climate impacts of packaging overall, including less litter
(APCO, 2021)
It is conservatively estimated that there is a 30 percent carbon saving for recycled plastic.
Source: standford.org
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.
Yes, Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags are recyclable and reusable prior to the onset of degradation.
Microorganisms present in the open environment will aid in the degradation process.
No, the Oxo-biodegradable bags do not contain corn-starch.
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.
No, unlike other degradation processes Oxo-biodegradation will not emit methane, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Compostable materials are organic and will decompose leaving only nutrients that can be returned to the earth in just a matter of months. Compostable materials do not leave anything behind. The shelf life of a compostable bag is approximately 8 – 12 months upon production completion. However they do require composting conditions to break down such as a composting bin.