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Oxo-degradation refers to the breakdown mechanism caused by heat, light or oxygen on plastics that contain additives that accelerate the process of breaking them into smaller fragments called microplastics.[1] These plastics contrast biodegradable or compostable plastics, which decompose at the molecular or polymer level.[2] Oxo-degradable plastics are currently banned in the EU,[3] but are still permitted in other jurisdictions such as the UK.[4]
The specific definitions are found in CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) Technical report CEN/TR 15351. "'Oxo-degradation' is degradation identified as resulting from oxidative cleavage of macromolecules".[citation needed] It describes ordinary plastics which abiotically degrade by oxidation in the open environment and create microplastics, but do not become biodegradable except over a very long period of time.
Oxo-degradable plastics are intended to fragment if they are introduced into the open environment as litter and should not be confused with plastics intended to biodegrade in the special conditions found in an industrial composting unit. These compostable plastics use an entirely different technology, but confusion is caused by the fact that they are so often referred to in discussions of oxo-degradable plastic.
Controversy
editOxo-degradable plastic packaging has been promoted as a potential solution to plastic pollution, with claims that it can degrade over time.[5] However, questions have been raised regarding its actual performance and environmental impact. Some studies suggest that instead of fully biodegrading, oxo-degradable plastics tend to fragment into smaller pieces, including microplastics, which can persist in the environment. These microplastics may take longer to degrade than initially anticipated depending on environmental conditions.[6]
Concerns have also been raised about the potential effects of microplastics on ecosystems, as well as the risk of bioaccumulation in food chains, which could impact both human health and the environment.[7]
From a reuse and recycling perspective, oxo-degradable plastics are generally not considered suitable for long-term applications. They are designed to break down over time, making them less suitable for reuse. In addition, recyclers have expressed concerns that oxo-degradable plastics may reduce the quality and value of recycled materials. They are also difficult to detect and sort out in recycling streams, presenting challenges for recycling at scale.[8]
Regarding composting, oxo-degradable plastics typically do not meet the requirements of international composting standards, as their degradation process is slower than required, and plastic fragments can remain in the compos, which has led to concerns about their compatibility with composting systems and their potential to affect compost quality.[9]
Regulation
editSince 2017 there has been a move towards regulating or banning the use of oxo-degradable plastics, when the Ellen MacArthur Foundation published a statement supported by more than 150 organizations calling for a ban.[10]
European Union
editEffective July 2021 oxo-degradable plastics have been banned in the EU with Directive 2019/904 (also known as the Single-Use Plastics Directive). Oxo-degradable plastics were particularly targeted; the rationale behind this focus was that oxo-degradable plastics often do not break down completely but instead fragment into microplastics, which persist in the environment and contribute to pollution.[3]
In December 2020 Symphony Environmental Technologies filed a lawsuit against the European Commission, arguing that the prohibition was arbitrary and unlawful.[11] In January 2024 the European Court of Justice dismissed the suit, ruling that none of the commission's actions had been improper.[12]
United States
editAlthough oxo-degradable plastics are not illegal in the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken the stance that oxo-degradable plastics cannot be called "degradable" or "biodegradable" without strong scientific evidence. In 2014 the FTC advised 14 firms to either remove their oxo-degradable claims or provide reliable scientific evidence.[13]
United Kingdom
editScotland is contemplating a ban on oxo-degradable plastics.[14]
References
edit- ^ Abdelmoez, Wael; Dahab, Islam; Ragab, Esraa M.; Abdelsalam, Omnia A.; Mustafa, Ahmad (18 February 2021). "Bio- and oxo-degradable plastics: Insights on facts and challenges". Polymers for Advanced Technologies. 32 (5): 1981–1996. doi:10.1002/pat.5253. ISSN 1042-7147.
- ^ "Biobased, biodegradable and degradable plastics (as a solution for littering)". British Plastics Federation. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ a b "Directive - 2019/904 - EN - SUP Directive - EUR-Lex". eur-lex.europa.eu. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ Sciscione, Fabiola; Hailes, Helen C.; Miodownik, Mark (10 May 2023). "The performance and environmental impact of pro-oxidant additive containing plastics in the open unmanaged environment—a review of the evidence". Royal Society Open Science. 10 (5). Bibcode:2023RSOS...1030089S. doi:10.1098/rsos.230089. ISSN 2054-5703. PMC 10170345. PMID 37181792.
- ^ "OPA responds to MacArthur report | Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc". Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc. 13 November 2017. Archived from the original on 7 February 2018. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
- ^ Thomas, Noreen L.; Clarke, Jane; McLauchlin, Andrew R.; Patrick, Stuart G. (1 August 2012). "Oxodegradable plastics: degradation, environmental impact and recycling". Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Waste and Resource Management. 165 (3): 133–140. Bibcode:2012ICEWR.165..133T. doi:10.1680/warm.11.00014. ISSN 1747-6526.
- ^ Feuilloley, Pierre; César, Guy; Benguigui, Ludovic; Grohens, Yves; Pillin, Isabelle; Bewa, Hilaire; Lefaux, Sandra; Jamal, Mounia (1 October 2005). "Degradation of Polyethylene Designed for Agricultural Purposes". Journal of Polymers and the Environment. 13 (4): 349–355. Bibcode:2005JPEnv..13..349F. doi:10.1007/s10924-005-5529-9. ISSN 1572-8900.
- ^ Jakubowicz, Ignacy; Enebro, Jonas (1 March 2012). "Effects of reprocessing of oxobiodegradable and non-degradable polyethylene on the durability of recycled materials". Polymer Degradation and Stability. 97 (3): 316–321. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2011.12.011. ISSN 0141-3910.
- ^ Directorate-General for Environment (European Commission); Eunomia; Hogg, Dominic; Gibbs, Adrian; Ettlinger, Sarah; Hann, Simon (2016). The impact of the use of "oxo-degradable" plastic on the environment: final report. Publications Office of the European Union. ISBN 978-92-79-61828-4.
- ^ "Oxo statement". www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ Qureshi, Waqas (28 March 2023). "Symphony contests EU oxo-degradable plastics ban in £82m-claim court case". Packaging News. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ Smulian, Mark (5 February 2024). "Symphony loses EU case on degradable plastic". MRW. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ "FTC Staff Warns Plastic Waste Bag Marketers That Their "Oxodegradable" Claims May Be Deceptive". Federal Trade Commission. 21 October 2014. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ "B - Key information". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 10 September 2024.