The GCSA recommends biodegradable plastics offer potential environmental benefits in the open environment over conventional plastics – but only in certain circumstances.
The GCSA recommends biodegradable plastics offer potential environmental benefits in the open environment over conventional plastics – but only in certain circumstances.
Professor Grobert, chair of the GCSA and Oxford Professor of Nanomaterials said: ‘The biodegradation of plastics is a complex process that depends on both the material itself and the conditions of the environment in which it takes place. Assessing which specific biodegradable plastic applications can offer environmental benefits requires careful consideration.’
Growing global demand for durable, lightweight and versatile materials, such as plastic, has led to an increased amount of plastic waste in the open environment, causing harm and pollution in land and marine ecosystems. But, since most biodegradable plastics only degrade in specific environments, the advisors recommend limiting their use to applications for which reduction, reuse, and recycling are not feasible, in order to support environmental targets.
The advisors recommend the development of coherent testing and certification as well as promoting accurate information on biodegradable plastics, their properties, use and disposal – and their limitations. The recommendations will contribute to informing the forthcoming Commission’s policy framework related to bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics, and help define the main challenges and policy actions needed in this area.
Read more at: University of Oxford
