For years, biodegradable plastic packaging has been hailed as a solution to the growing problem of pollution and waste, which can be made from traditional plastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and metal salts And other ingredients made to achieve natural decomposition of this package also includes plant-based resin.
Today, however, 150 different organizations have announced that science shows that the pollution caused by these plastics has not diminished and that microplasticity will undermine the global ecosystem.
The statement cites the conclusion of studies conducted by universities, government agencies, laboratories, plastics industry associations and non-governmental organizations that biodegradable plastics are not suitable for long-term use, recycling or composting. Instead, evidence suggests that these plastics break down into the naked eye Invisible segments or patches, these particles of plastic particles are deposited in the soil and ocean.
'The vast majority of evidence shows that biodegradable plastics do not meet the manufacturers claim of degradation, resulting in plastic particulate contamination,' said Robert Allen. "In addition, these materials are not suitable for long-term effective use, large-scale recovery or compost, This means they can not become part of a recycling economy.
Some organizations and governments have already limited the use of biodegradable plastics, especially in Europe where retailers such as Tesco UK have stopped dispensing plastic bags made from biodegradable resins. France banned the use of biodegradable plastics in 2015, with similar bans in Spain as well It will begin next year.
The problem, however, is that biodegradable plastics are still being produced in many European countries and their products are sold worldwide and that their safety is biodegradable.Many countries in the Middle East and Africa, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Ghana, are still encouraging Degradable plastic use.
The statement insisted biodegradable plastic packaging should be banned until independent third parties based on widely accepted international standards of research and testing to confirm these materials can be biodegradable without any harm to the environment before it can be widely used.In addition, the organization said More research and innovative testing are needed to verify that biodegradable plastics do not accumulate in the soil or sea after a period of time in different environments.
Meanwhile, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's new plastics economy program seeks a zero waste and recycling system for plastics and innovation that will generate no waste and pollution, not only with high value but also with the principles of circular economy. The company is located in: