Oxo-biodegradable Plastic (OBP)

A masterbatch which, at little or no extra cost, 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 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 be recycled if collected, but :
  5. If it ends up in the open environment the OBP masterbatch takes effect and the product begins to degrade in the presence of oxygen until it is biodegradable.
  6. The product will then biodegrade in a continuous, irreversible and unstoppable process leaving nothing more than carbon dioxide, water and biomass, and no heavy metals or other toxic residues.

Standards 

  • British Standard 8472
  • American ASTM D6954
  • United Arab Emirates Standard 5009:2009 French Accord T51-808
  • Saudi Standard SASO 2879
For a detail explanation of oxo-biodegradable plastic, click here

 

Helping to protect the environment from plastic litter