how it works
The degradation process is initiated at the time the polyethylene or polypropylene is extruded by the inclusion of a
small amount of a special additive (secret/proprietary). This additive works to break down the carbon-carbon
bonds in the plastic leading to a lowering of the molecular weight and eventually to a loss of strength and other
properties. Stabilizers work to ensure that a sufficiently long useful life is provided for each specific application. For
example, a refuse sack might require a useful life of say 18 months before beginning to lose its strength whereas a
bread bag might only require a few weeks.
Significantly, the Enviodegradable’s product range does not need a biologically active environment to start
degrading - this will happen even if the plastic is left in the open air! This is very important if we are to address the
serious litter problems caused by waste plastic. For this reason in particular, Enviodegrdable 'totally egradable'
plastic is superior to 'bio-degradable' which requires the plastic to be in a biologically active environment (for
example, by being buried in the ground) before the degradation process is initiated.
technical data
Enviodegradable products are made by a proprietary additive: a formulation that renders conventional polyolefins
oxo-biodegradable.“Oxo-biodegradation” is “degradation identified as resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, eithersimultaneously or successively” ("Terminology in the field of degradable and biodegradable Polymers and Plastics" CEN TC 249/ WG 9).
Polyolefin products made with our additive will abiotically degrade in the presence of oxygen. Degradation has been proved in accordance with the requirements of ASTM 6954-04 by passing ASTM 5510 (RAPRA Report 46095).
The ability of Envirodegrable’ products to comply with the biotic (biodegradation) tests of ASTM 6954-04 has been
demonstrated by the loss of molecular mass achieved after abiotic thermal degradation, resulting in ultimate
biodegradation of the material into CO2, water, mineral salts and biomass (RAPRA Report 46303, Pyxis report
30.7.05, and DPPA Chapt. 3).
The eco-toxicity sections of EN 13432 and ASTM 6954-04 require that no harmful residues are left – this has been
verified for use with our proprietary additive. (OWS Report MST-4/1-d2wb&d2wc).
+ Additive does not contain heavy metals (defined by 92/64/EC Art 11 as lead, mercury, cadmium, or hexavalent chromium).
+ Additive is safe for direct food-contact according to the European Union requirements for Direct FoodContact 2002/72/EC and the US FFDC Act and regulations (RAPRA report 46137, and Keller & Heckman certificate 18.2.2009). It is the responsibility of the manufacturers of products intended for food-contact
to ensure that all other materials incorporated by them comply with those requirements.
