What is the difference between Degradable, Biodegradable and Oxo-biodegradable plastic?
Degradable and biodegradable plastics are defined by American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): Degradable Plastic: A plastic designed to undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions. This change results in a classification determined by the loss of some properties that may vary as measured by standard test methods appropriate to the plastic and the application in a period of time. Biodegradable Plastic: A degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. Oxo-biodegradable Plastic: A two-stage process in which plastic is first converted by reaction with oxygen to molecular fragments that are water wettable. Second, these smaller oxidized molecules are biodegraded and converted into carbon dioxide, water and biomass, by microorganisms. There are 2 main types of biodegradable plastics: oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. Both will fi
