Oxo-biodegradable Plastic (OBP)

A masterbatch which turns ordinary plastic at the end of its useful life, in the presence of oxygen, into a material with a different molecular structure. At the end of the process, it is no longer a plastic, and instead has changed to a material which is biodegradable (by bacteria and fungi) in the open environment.

Stages of oxo-biodegradation:
  1. OBP masterbatch is added at the manufacturing stage.
  2. Film containing OBP masterbatch is extruded and then converted into bags or packaging.
  3. The product behaves like conventional plastic during its intended service life.
  4. After its service life, the bag or packaging may end up in the open environment.
  5. The OBP masterbatch then takes effect and the product begins to degrade in the presence of oxygen.
  6. The product will degrade and biodegrade in a continuous, irreversible and unstoppable process leaving nothing more than carbon dioxide, water and biomass.
Standards 
  • British Standard 8472
  • American ASTM D6954
  • United Arab Emirates Standard 5009:2009 French Accord T51-808
  • Saudi Standard SASO 2879

Helping to protect the environment from plastic litter