Degradable Plastic - Pros & Cons
A number of the most important benefits of oxo-biodegradable plastics are listed below. Oxo-Biodegradable plastic:
1) Degradable Plastic
- Pros & Cons
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc is a leader in the production of degradable plastic products. It already supplies UK supermarkets with its range of biodegradable bags, and is likely to benefit from any planned 'Bag Tax' in the UK and EU.
Does not leave fragments of petro-polymers in the soil, as done by conventional plastic.
Does not create methane in a landfill site. If no oxygen is present the carbon and hydrogen remains locked in the remnants of the plastic
Polymers, from which oxo-biodegradable plastics are fabricated, do not contain organo-chlorine.
Releases CO2 very slowly when degrading, which allows micro organisms to absorb the carbon dioxide rather than it being released into the atmosphere
The role of the UK Government
In order for the environment to benefit from the many positive aspects of degradable plastic, it is vital that the Government encourage their use. This could be achieved by introducing a 'bag tax' on conventional plastic bags and other products for which there exist a suitable biodegradable alternative.
Makes 'friendly' litter, which quickly disappear if discarded, and which can be eaten by an animal without causing harm.
Have significant benefits to farmers, who grow their produce under plastic sheets. When harvesting the crop, large quantities of fuel is consumed to collect and dispose of the plastic sheets.
If biodegradable plastic sheets was utilised, the farmer would be able to leave the plastic on the ground where it would compost and provide carbon for next year's plants.
Biodegradable plastic sheets
