Almost all of our product offerings can be requested to be produced as a biodegradable product.
Oxo-Biodegradation is a two-step process
– First step is the Degradable part (breakdown molecularly by reacting to Oxygen in the air)
– Begin to lose physical strength and properties over time.
– Finally it fragments into small pieces.
– Second step is the Bio.
– Fragmentation means the product is ready for disposal. (Landfill or Compost).
– Microorganisms living in these environments will use the plastic as fuel to produce energy
– By products are the same as if they were eating organic material (water, CO2, and waste).
Chemistry Points
– Additives are a catalyst that cause the reaction to happen faster.
– The breakdown of plastic is a natural process even without additives, but it takes a long time.
– Oxo-biodegradables simply speed up the process.
– Heat and UV light increase speed by increasing intake of oxygen.
– The thicker the item, the longer the process since there is less exposure of plastic available to react.
– PLA and Starch based products produce the same outcome as oxo-biodegradables, but cost much more.
Degradation Locations
– Plastic with oxo-biodegradable additives will degrade in landfills. Even a dry tomb landfill with active micro
organisms.
– Landfill operators want biodegradation to occur so they can collect the gases that are released from the
process (methane, CO2, etc) to sell for profit.
– Oxo-biodegradables will degrade inside of a normal home composter. However, they are not meant for
industrial composting.
– Completely Recyclable.
-Once in the recycle stream, they are diluted to the point where they do not cause any harmful reactions
to recycled material.
– Time frame for degradation is up to the customer. They determine the lifecycle needed (manufacturing, ship
ping, storage, usage, and finally disposal all must be factored in). WRP can help come up with the
correct amount needed for almost any lifecycle.
– Amount of additive needed is around 1% – 2%. Thicker items could need 2% – 4%. Great added value for
any product with very little cost needed per product.
– Our additives can be incorporated into PE, PS, and PP resins.
– Easily incorporated into any product. Acts just like a color concentrate.
– Does not require extra equipment and does not change the color of products.
– Nontoxic to both sensitive plant and animal life. Complies with FDA and EU requirements for food Packaging.
