Compostable / Degradable Plastics
There is increasing confusion and concern about the definitions of so-called environmentally friendly plastics - variously described as degradable, biodegradable, oxodegradable and compostable. Lately, the term Bioplastic has become used to described plastic made from renewable raw materials which are converted to biodegradable or non-biodegradable products. Bioplastics can also be made, however, from fossil-based raw materials.
For compostable plastic, there is an accepted European Standard (EN 13432) which is a general requirement relating to most industrial compost units. For other degradable plastics there is a wide range of options according to the nature of the product and the degree of degradability required. PAFA members will be able to assist in determining the optimum solution for plastic film specifiers.
PAFA does not support the 'green marketing' of plastic products in ways which may mislead the consumer as to their actual environmental impacts. It is important, therefore, to ensure that any claims for such materials are wholly supportable through the provision of independent analysis and assessment.