UK recyclers not buying into oxo-biodegradable plastics trend

United Kingdom – Members of the British Plastics Federation (BPF) are ‘€˜very concerned’€™ about oxo-biodegradable products entering the recycling system, the organisation has stated following the release of a report promoting the use of these controversial plastics, which are said to be ‘€˜just as strong’€™ as conventional plastics and recycling-friendly.

The report from Transfercenter fur Kunstofftechnik in Austria claims oxo-biodegradable plastics will biodegrade when in the open environment as litter and will not lie or float around for decades like traditional plastics. In contrast to bio-based plastics, oxo-biodegradable plastics can be recycled ‘without detriment’ to the resulting products, it is added.

This conclusion has been backed by UK oxo-biodegradable specialist Symphony Environmental Technologies, which suggests the material could be used safely in products such as plastic lumber, garden and municipal furniture, and signposts.

Recyclers, meanwhile, are not so keen on embracing oxo-biodegradable plastics, comments BPF’s head of public and industrial affairs Francisco Morcillo, and they remain ‘very concerned’ that oxo-biodegradables are ‘flawed’ at best as a solution to litter.

‘The report refers to recyclate containing oxo-biodegradable products being used in the manufacture of thick cross-section plastic products intended for long-term use outdoors,’ he says. ‘However, due to the structure of the European plastics recycling industry, there is no way to be certain that the recyclate is only going to be used in such products.’

Morcillo maintains that previous reports have also failed to address the scope of potential products. ‘It is very important to understand that the quality of recyclate is the top priority for recyclers, and even the perception that these materials could find their way into the recycling stream could undermine the reputation and the integrity of this sector,’ he insists.

Oxo-biodegradable plastics will not degrade for two to five years and thus have ‘plenty of time’ to find their way into the world’s waterways, he adds.