The Hidden Truths about Oxo-degradable Plastics




Once campaigned as the eco-friendly solution to plastic pollution, oxo-degradable plastic was recently banned by more than 150 organizations around the world. The ban was endorsed by giants like, Unilever, PepsiCo and Nestle; but why? Well, according to a statement published by New Plastics Economy in 2017, Oxo-degradable plastic packaging is not the answer to plastic pollution.

The Secret is Out!

Initially, Oxo-degradable plastic was often marketed as a harmless material for food packaging because it was claimed that over time, the plastic degrades into fragments that aren’t damaging to our environment. However, recent research has concluded that they don’t. In fact, the material breaks down into tiny flakes that don’t degenerate and only add to the plastic pollution.

The Conspiracy Unfolded

The confusion is created by the misleading propaganda surrounding biodegradable products. This is conspired by Oxo-degradable plastics manufactures that were found to be making false claims about the material’s sustainability and eco-friendly properties back in 2015.
These claims deceive consumers into believing that their product is biodegradable (can degenerate on its own); giving the impression that the material can be dumped wherever and doesn’t need to be properly disposed off and recycled. The misconception thus, ends up increasing the pollution predicament, rather than resolving it.
However, it isn’t just that simple. Oxo-degradable plastic is biodegradable, which means it does break down over time (ranging from several months to years!). But sadly, what isn’t recognized by many is that the tiny fragments it degrades into are still plastic, which neither vanish in thin air, nor to degenerate into anything eco-friendly.
To put things in perspective, studies show that of the 300 million tons of plastic that’s produced every year, only 3% is actually properly recycled. The rest just adds up to the pollution problem that we’re trying to disseminate. 

Case Resolved!

To tickle the pickle, we as a society need to be more responsible with what we’re producing and how we’re composting it. While, plastic cannot be fully disposed off, its use can be made sustainable. As an environmentally conscious producer, you can look into sustainable packaging for your goods and use materials that are FDA approved and are a good choice for our environment and planet.
You can contact eco-friendly and responsible plastic packaging suppliers, like Premium Vials, who supply PET plastic packaging for food, medication, beauty products, etc. All the plastic supplied is FDA Approved and recyclable. The products ranging from, amber plastic bottles to concentrate packaging for medical marijuana are child-resistant and can be ordered in bulk across the US and Canada.
Switch to responsible plastic packaging and make this world a better place to live!

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