Oxo-degradable plastics are becoming increasingly prominent in the plastics processing sphere but many have questions as to their efficacy.
Plastic bags
These materials are said to be biodegradable, although some contest this claim - a matter that Organic Waste Systems (OWS) takes seriously.
The European Commission is considering a possible ban on oxo-degradable carrier bags, while in France a group of MPs in the French National Assembly have called for a similar ban to be introduced, resulting in the oxo-degradable plastics community to react with zeal.
In 2013, OWS performed a major research study for Plastics Europe on the benefits and challenges of bio- and oxo-degradable plastics. Among the main points highlighted in the study was the claim that oxo-degradable plastics are indeed biodegradable, however independent proof that this is or is not the case has not yet been fully ascertained.
The Institute of Polymer Technology at the University of Stuttgart (IKT) together with OWS is establishing a multi-client project aimed at finding a "once and for all" conclusion to this on-going issue. To make this study as objective and impartial as possible, the organisation is looking for broad participation, including government agencies, consumer goods producers, NGOs, oxo-degradable producers and players within the bioplastics industry.
More information on the study and how organisations can get involved can be found online: http://www.ows.be/news/oxo-degradable-plastics-do-they-biodegrade-in-search-of-a-definite-answer.