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“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
Summary
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.