Lack of Certification Enables Misleading Environmental Claims
The term “Biodegradable” requires no certification; thus, some manufacturers label their products with the term biodegradable to make their products sound eco-friendly and sustainable when the products are substandard. This loose labeling is known as “Greenwashing.” Environmental claims are made, but the claims do not match consumer expectations.
What Are Oxo-Degradable Plastics?
Oxo-degradable plastics are plastics that contain additives (cobalt, manganese, iron) that accelerate the degradation of plastics, breaking the plastic polymers down into smaller fragments when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen. It is a novel idea, which in theory sounds like a promising solution to plastic pollution and microplastic-related health concerns today. However, oxo-degradable plastics can be far worse. Oxo-plastics not only fall short of expectations, but the microplastics and nanoparticles they fragment into can be ingested by land and sea animals, which further accumulate in the food chain.
Health Risks Linked to Micro- and Nanoplastics
These consumed and assimilated microplastics and nanoplastics have been found to accumulate in the brain and other organ tissue, leading to increased risk for heart attack and stroke (New England Journal of Medicine)(Adverse Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Humans and the Environment; Elena Niccolai, Haria Colzi and Amedeo Amedei: PMCID: PMC10647433: 37958802); cause endocrine system disruption leading to reproductive disorders and other metabolic/immune concerns; respiratory problems (National Institute of Health) (Adverse Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Humans and the Environment; Elena Niccolai, Haria Colzi and Amedeo Amedei: PMCID: PMC10647433: 37958802); and create intestinal microbiome disruption leading to GI inflammation (Adverse Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics on Humans and the Environment; Elena Niccolai, Haria Colzi and Amedeo Amedei: PMCID: PMC10647433: 37958802), (National Institute of Health, 10/31/23).
Oxo Plastics and Soil Contamination
Unlike some bioplastics, oxo plastics do not contribute to soil enrichment. While they do fragment, the end product is cosmetic in nature, thus leaving it difficult to see micro- and nanoplastics in the remaining soil. These fragments are not a food source for earthworms nor for soil microorganisms. These products do not comply with the standards for composability and are not considered bioplastics (European Bioplastics website, Oxo-biodegradability).
Composability Standards in the U.S. and Europe
There are U.S. and European standards which a product must be evaluated for and upheld to. ASTM guidelines have been established to determine if a product can be labeled “Industrially Compostable” or “Commercially Compostable.” Standard D6400 indicates that product breakdown occurs within 180 days to at least 90% of its original material. This remaining material should be indistinguishable from the finished compost and can pass through a 2mm screen. In addition, the final product is ensured to be non-toxic to the environment nor contain harmful levels of heavy metals. (The European guideline, EN13432, is equivalent to U.S. Standard D6400). When following composting guidelines, the defined remaining compost is made of beneficial, stable, and nutrient-rich humus that can sustain and benefit both plant and animal life.
Why Certification and Honest Labeling Matter
Some biodegradable plastics (i.e., oxo-degradable plastics) may leave residues (i.e., microplastics, nanoplastics), which may take decades to disappear and create more harm to the environment and health, whereas ‘Certified Compostable’ materials do not. This certification and truthful labeling help to ensure truly eco-friendly and sustainable products will be utilized in the industry in ways the buyer originally intended.
