We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
“High incidence of false biodegradability claims related to single-use plastic utensils sold in Brazil” by Beatriz Barbosa Moreno et al., Sustainable Production and Consumption Vol. 41 (2023) 1-8
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the validity of biodegradability claims on single-use plastic utensils sold in Brazil, arguing that labelling polyethylene or polypropylene products as biodegradable — particularly those incorporating oxo-biodegradable additives — constitutes greenwashing when the products do not demonstrably biodegrade in the open environment. The commentary challenges the methodology of prior work and contends that properly formulated oxo-biodegradable plastics can fully degrade without leaving microplastic residues, provided appropriate additive concentrations are used.
It is greenwashing to affix to a product a label claiming biodegradability if the product is not biodegradable, but Moreno et al. had not taken the fundamental step, to determine whether the products were biodegradable or not. A polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) product properly made with a reputable oxo-biodegradable masterbatch will fully biodegrade much more quickly than ordinary plastic in the open environment, without leaving microplastics or harmful residues. No special conditions are necessary. Oxo-biodegradable plastics, oxo-degradable plastics, and plastics marketed as “compostable” are completely different technologies and should not be confused. Samples of oxo-biodegradable plastic should not be tested in conditions unlikely to be experienced by plastic litter in the open environment, and should not be so heavily stabilised as to be unlikely to degrade in any realistic timescale.
More Papers Like This
Oxy-biodegradable plastics in freshwater environments: degradation and biofouling
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers evaluated the degradation behavior of oxy-biodegradable plastic bags made from high-density polyethylene when exposed to freshwater river conditions. They found that despite marketing claims of environmental friendliness, these plastics showed limited degradation and may contribute to microplastic generation in aquatic environments. The study raises concerns about greenwashing practices where products promise more environmental benefits than they actually deliver.
The Misleading Truth About Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics: Critical Analysis of Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Alternatives
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers critically analyzed oxo-biodegradable polymers marketed as sustainable alternatives to high-density polyethylene, finding that their accelerated fragmentation under light, heat, and oxygen does not result in complete biodegradation but instead generates persistent microplastic particles that contaminate the environment.
Biodegradable plastics: Green hope or greenwashing?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines biodegradable plastics and their limitations, finding that many do not break down effectively under real-world environmental conditions and may still fragment into microplastics. The authors caution that biodegradable plastics should not be viewed as a simple solution to plastic pollution without better standards and end-of-life infrastructure.
Analysis of the Possibility of Environmental Pollution by Composted Biodegradable and Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Laboratory composting experiments examined whether biodegradable and oxo-biodegradable plastics fully break down during composting or leave residual plastic fragments that could contaminate compost products. The results found that both types left plastic residues, raising concerns that labeling materials as "biodegradable" does not guarantee they are safe for soil applications.
Potential Pollution by Biodegradable Waste: Assessing the Degradability of Oxo-degradable, Compostable, and Biodegradable Products Under Laboratory Conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Labels like "biodegradable" and "compostable" don't always mean what you think: in this lab study, some so-called biodegradable products (like an oxo-degradable garbage bag) actually got tougher over time instead of breaking down, showing little real chemical change even after months of simulated real-world exposure. This matters because these products may linger in the environment far longer than advertised, potentially breaking into microplastics that can enter waterways, soil, and eventually our food and bodies—so the eco-friendly label on a product isn't a guarantee it will actually disappear safely.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.