Be wary of green claims of oxo-degradables - Defra

The government department funded a study, carried out by Loughborough University, which examined the environmental effects of oxo-degradable plastics, which incorporate additives in plastic bags and other packaging to make them degrade at an accelerated rate.

Defra’s Environment Minister, Dan Norris, said: “The research published today [11 March] clearly shows us that consumers risk being confused by some claims made about oxo-degradable plastics. As these plastics cannot be composted, the term ‘biodegradable’ can cause confusion. Incorrect disposal of oxo-degradable plastics has the potential to negatively affect both recycling and composting facilities.

“We hope this research will discourage manufacturers and retailers from claiming that these materials are better for the environment than conventional plastics.”

Iain Ferguson, environment manager at The Co-operative Food supermarket chain, said: “We have already decided to stop purchasing carrier bags with the oxo-biodegradable additive and with the support of our customers and staff, we have reduced carrier bag numbers by 60% in the last three years.”

He said the group has “launched the UK’s first home-compostable carrier bag, certified by the Association for Organic Recycling (and to EN 13432), which is accepted for food waste collections by a number of local authorities.”

The study was carried out over a 12 month period by Loughborough University, involving a review of current research and consultation with manufacturers, retailers, trade bodies and waste treatment industries.

But one oxo-degradable additive manufacturer, Symphony Environmental Technologies, said it was “concerned to find that that two of the three assessors of the report are themselves engaged in bio-based plastics, which is a totally different discipline to oxo-biodegradable”.

“It should be obvious that plastic which self-destructs at the end of its useful life, leaving no harmful residues, is better for the environment than normal or recycled plastic, which can lie or float around for decades,” said Symphony.

The Defra statement said: “If an oxo-degradable plastic is littered, it will still remain as litter for some time until it starts to degrade into smaller plastic fragments. We cannot predict what effect these plastic fragments may have on plants, animals or the marine environment.”

The report said the literature review found no evidence of a toxicological impact of oxo-degradables.

It expressed concern about the impact of oxo-degradables in the recycling stream, such as the continuing action of degradation. At present, though, there is little post-consumer recycling of plastic film products where they are used.

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