Bookmark 07-23-2009

European Bioplastics: Position Paper on "Oxo-biodegradable" Plastics

The association European Bioplastics published a position paper distancing itself from the so-called "oxo-biodegradable” industry. The paper sheds some light on the technology behind the so-called "oxo-biodegradable" industry, its failure to live up to international established and acknowledged standards that effectively substantiate claims on biodegradation and compostability, and the implications resulting from the different approaches.

According to Andy Sweetman, Chairman of the Board of European Bioplastics, it is vital that claims on biodegradability or compostability are backed by internationally accepted standards.

Products carrying the seedling logo, for example, have undergone rigorous independent testing beforehand. Only if proven to comply with the strict standards on biodegradability or compostability, such as ISO 17088, EN 13432 or other similar standards, can the tested material or product be awarded the seedling. Therefore it should be avoided that products carrying the compostability mark of European Bioplastics, the seedling, be associated in any way with so-called ”oxo-biodegradable” products and the like.