Degradable Plastic

Plastic packaging is a very familiar component of modern living. Production costs, light weight, strength, relative imperviousness to gas and water are just some of the many economical and functional properties that makes plastic such an attractive product. The very properties that become major drawbacks when disposal is required.

However, there are now a number of alternative methods of manufacturing a plastic material that will degrade to a number of harmless elements—typically water and carbon dioxide.

A new technology allows the production of plastic, which degrades by a process of oxo-degradation. This technology is based on a small amount of pro-degradent additive (typically 3%) being introduced into the manufacturing process, thereby changing the behaviour of the plastic.

This outcome is a plastic that immediately after manufacture starts to degrade without microbes being present. The degradation will accelerate when exposed to heat, light or stress. A process which is irrevocable and continues until the plastic has reduced to nothing more than CO2 and water.

The length of time it takes for the plastic to degrade totally can be "programmed" at the time of manufacture and can be as little as a few months or as much as a few years. There is little or no additional cost involved in products made with this technology.

It will also be consumed by bacteria and fungi after the additive has reduced the molecular structure to a level that permits micro-organisms access to the carbon and hydrogen within. The material has then ceased to be a plastic and has become a food source. This type of degradable plastic can therefore be properly described as fully "biodegradable".

Biodegradable plastic have the same properties as conventional plastic products. It is water and air tight, can be printed on, can be used together with food products, is transparent and compares in strength too.

Watch technical YouTube video on how degradable plastic breaks down after a 'programmed' period.