More questions raised about oxo-degradable claims

For the past year, the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers in Washington has challenged producers of additives to produce evidence that additives used by companies marketing such products don’t ultimately weaken products or shorten the useful life of plastics made from recycled resins that contain such additives.

The National Association for PET Container Resources in Sonoma, California, has expressed similar concerns.

Last month, APR issued a set of voluntary testing protocols that materials suppliers and blow moulders can use to evaluate the effect of degradable additives on PET bottles.

SPI’s Bioplastics Council said Jan. 28 that it supports the stance set forth last July by the European Bioplastics, which is similar to the positions taken by APR and Napcor.

“Any claim needs to be supported by scientific data,” said the Bioplastics Council in its position paper. “In the case of oxo-biodegradables, the issue is one of claiming biodegradation where there is not data to support those claims or to prove biodegradability as per accepted standards.

“Biodegradation needs to be quantified scientifically by well established third-party reviewed specifications. Allowing the brand owner, retailer or ultimately the consumer to decide what they consider a biodegradable product to be is risky.”

The eight members of council are Arkema, BASF, Cereplast, DuPont, NatureWorks, PolyOne, Teknor Apex and Telles, the joint venture company of Metabolix and Archer Daniels Midland.

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