Plastic Biodegradation FAQ

Q: HOW DOES BDP® WORK?

A: BDP® accelerates the biodegradation of plastics in microbe-rich, biologically active environments. i.e. Landfills, oceans, soil, anaerobic compost. It uses organic (carbon based) ingredients to enable polymers to biodegrade like organic matter. Plastics treated with BDP® have unlimited shelf-life and are completely non-toxic.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of custom biodegradable plastic bag. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Adding BDP® to a petroleum based resin attracts microbes to the product allowing them to control their PH level and become quorum sensing. The microbes colonize on the surface of the plastic and secrete acids and enzymes that break down the polymer chain. Once the polymer chain is opened, the microbes will utilize the carbon backbone as a source of food and energy and biodegradation occurs at the atomic level. The difference between BDP® treated plastic and traditional plastic is that BDP® creates an opportunity for microbes to utilize plastic as food and energy and this accelerates biodegradation as the microbes consume the plastics.

Q: WHAT IS LEFT BEHIND AFTER THE PLASTIC BIODEGRADES?

A: The same byproducts of biodegrading organic waste, like food scraps. Biomass, biogas and water. These are natural remnants of a process called anaerobic digestion, where microbes that are formed in the absence of oxygen, begin eating matter and creating waste. The technical term for the biomass is called humus. Humus by definition is ‘the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms’.

Q: DOES BDP® CAUSE MICRO-PLASTICS?

A. No it does not. BDP® technology is not the same as Oxo degradable technology which is known to cause microplastics due to the use of metal salts that weaken the polymer chain under UV aerobic conditions. This is degradation, not ‘biodegradation’. With BDP plastics, the microbes consume the plastic polymer chains by utilizing the carbon backbone of the polymer chain. Microbes use the carbon for energy and leave nothing of the polymer behind when the process of digestion is complete. The function of anaerobic digestion happens at an atomic level and studies show it is actually a solution for microplastics. The microbes will actually consume their own waste as well. This has been tested via the ASTM D5511 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions. We then tested the left over material via the ASTM E1963 Standard Guide for Conducting Terrestrial Plant Toxicity Tests. The end result showed no toxic residue left over and the final material was deemed inert or non toxic compost.

https://www.astm.org/Standards/D5511.htm

Q: WHAT IS BDP® MADE OF?

A: BDP® is a proprietary and patented blend of organic ingredients proven to enhance the rate of plastic biodegradation in an anaerobic environment. BDP® comes in pellet and powder form and is offered in multiple carrier resins, making it compatible with most plastics.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PLASTIC TREATED WITH BDP® TO BIODEGRADE IN LANDFILL?

A: The actual rate depends on a number of conditions, such as moisture, heat, solid and liquid content etc. Recently we had ASTM testing done on PET film treated with BDP® and saw 11.68% after 30 days. These results can range anywhere from 4%-13% depending on BDP® load rates and types of plastics. We have tested PET to full biodegradation and the time frame was just over 4.5 years. This is considerable when compared to untreated PET which would take centuries to break down.

Independent ASTM, ISO or other laboratory tests can be conducted to provide results specific to your plastic products with BDP® incorporated. We can also provide results for testing reports we have for various plastic types. We are constantly testing product in collaboration with our clients and have results for a little as 30 day tests up to 1,700+ days testing results.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PLASTIC TREATED WITH BDP® TO BIODEGRADE IN OCEANS?

A: Testing has been done on BDP® polyester & nylon yarn as well as PE film via the ‘ ASTM D6691 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum’. The biodegradation rates for each material were significantly enhanced when compared with non BDP treated plastics. Both yarns were over 50% biodegradation within one year.

Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAINSTREAM PLASTIC THAT BDP® CAN BE USED IN?

A: BDP® can be used with virtually any petroleum based plastic types including but not limited to: Polyolefins, Nylons, Polycarbonates, Styrenes, Vinyls, Nitriles, Rubbers, Elastomers, Urethanes, etc.

#1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate): plastic soft drink bottles, water bottles, mouthwash, etc.
#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): milk, detergents, motor oils, toys, plastic bags, etc.
#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride): food wrap, vegetable oil bottles, blister packaging, etc.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): bread bags, food bags, bottles, clothing, furniture, carpet, etc
#5 PP (polypropylene): margarine and yogurt containers, caps for containers, etc.
#6 PS (polystyrene): egg cartons, fast food trays, disposable plastic silverware, etc.
#7 EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate): sandals, flexible packaging, foam, toys, padding, pool noodles.
#8 GPPS (general purpose polystyrene): disposable cutlery, hard packaging, and CD cases
#9 NYLON: clothing, instrument strings, auto parts, electrical coating, electronics, adhesives
#10 PC (Polycarbonate): safety goggles, plexiglass, bulletproof glass, and cell phone screens

Q: ARE PRODUCTS MADE WITH BDP® CERTIFIED RECYCLABLE?

A: Currently there are no recognized standard certification programs for recyclability. A number of independent laboratories have been provided with samples of plastic made with BDP® and these samples were then subjected to various testing methods to determine if BDP®-treated products are suitable for recycling or contaminate recycling streams. These tests indicated that BDP® does not affect the recyclability of treated products.

The following tests have been performed on PET bottles treated with BDP® to verify recyclability. These are standard tests used to determine the quality of PET plastic regrind. These tests are suggested as part of the American Post-consumer Recycling Critical Guidance document.

• Haze and Transmission via ASTM D 1003B
• Intrinsic Viscosity via ASTM D 4603
• Acetaldehyde via ASTM F 2013
• Fluorescence Visual Visual Black Specks and Gel.

We also have formal letters from companies that have reused BDP® scrap in their production process for years with no issue, as well as letters from recyclers like Waste Management, verifying BDP® does not affect recycling.

Q: DO PRODUCTS WITH BDP® BIODEGRADE WHEN LITTERED?

A: BDP® products are designed to naturally decompose in landfill, ocean and soil. As long as the conditions are anaerobic and biologically active, BDP® will attract microbes which will consume the plastic polymer chains.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF A BDP® PRODUCT IS THROWN INTO A LAKE OR THE OCEAN? HAVE YOU TESTED THIS?

A: BDP® products will have enhanced biodegradation in any biologically active, anaerobic environment where specific bacteria are present. The ocean floor, swamps, ditches, anaerobic home compost bins etc. have high concentrations of these bacteria and the testing we have done shows biodegradation occurs in these environments.

Q: WILL BDP® PLASTICS BIODEGRADE IN A HOME COMPOST BIN?

A: This depends on the type of compost bin. There are aerobic and anaerobic bins. As long as it is anaerobic, there will be microbes present to consume the plastic, but home compost are all different so we cant make this claim. Keep in mind that even if it is anaerobic and aerobic than the plastics will still be consumed by the microbes, it would just take more time. We have ASTM testing for soil and thermophilic compost testing, both showing good results so that is what we use to make our claims.

Q: WHAT IS THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR USING BDP®?

A: BDP® is a drop in technology and is added via a standard commercial dry feeder (gravimetric feeder) just as you would add a colorant. It is dosed at .5%-1% by weight. The remaining process parameters should stay virtually the same. BDP® is not designed to be run over 600F as this has not been tested and the results cannot be guaranteed. We are able to make custom formulations for any processes over 600F. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Q: DOES PLASTIC WITH BDP® DECREASE IN PERFORMANCE WHEN OPERATING AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES?

A: No. Tensile strength and the physical properties are maintained even in elevated temperatures. Temperatures that exceed the normal operating range for each specific resin would experience the same loss of properties as standard plastic.

Q: DOES BDP® HAVE ANY SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS?

A: BDP® does not have special storage requirements and should be handled in the same manner as the corresponding BDP® polymer base resins. This includes always making sure to seal the unused portion of the BDP® because it could be slightly hygroscopic. It is also a good idea to rotate the lot every six months to ensure good quality control. If a resin in hygroscopic, like PET, drying the material is advised.

Q: CAN BDP® BE CUSTOM ENGINEERED?

A. Yes. Custom formulations can be tailored to specific needs. Our science division will work with you to design and implement an polymer that will work best with the plastic type you use. BDP® is very versatile, compatible with most plastics including fabric and compostable plastics.

Q. CAN BDP® BE USED IN LAMINATED PRODUCTS OR PRODUCTS THAT USE MULTIPLE RESIN TYPES?

A. Yes. All that is required is BDP® be added into each of the plastic types or film layers. If the resin types require different formulations then the correct formulation must be incorporated into each layer. Example: A laminated Nylon / LLDPE film would require the BDP® formulation for Nylon in the Nylon portion and the BDP® formulation for Olefins in the LLDPE portion.

Q. DO I NEED TO INCORPORATE BDP® IN ALL LAYERS OF A MULTI-LAYER FILM?

A. Yes

Q. DOES BDP® CONTAIN MICROBES?

A. No, BDP® is a polymer composed of organic compounds that attract microbes when placed into a biologically active, microbe rich environments. There are no enzymes or microbes within the BDP® polymer. There are no starches or plant based materials in the BDP® formulation.

Q. DOES MICROBIAL DIGESTION CONSUME THE ENTIRE POLYMER CHAIN OR JUST THE BDP®?

A. Independent testing shows that biodegradation is occurring on the entire polymer chain versus just consuming the BDP® present in the treated plastic. ASTM biodegradation testing shows a much greater percentage of biodegradation as compared to the percentage load rate of BDP® which proves that the plastic itself, not just the BDP®, is biodegrading.

Q:WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR BDP® TO ACTIVATE?

A: There are three types of microbial environments: suspended, dormant, and active. Plastics treated with BDP® require an active microbial environment in order to biodegrade. An active microbial environment is one that contains active fungal and bacterial colonies and would be extremely dirty in either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. This allows the microbes to colonize on the plastic and begin to digest the polymer.

The microbes required to digest plastics made with BDP® are readily found in waste areas (compost environments, landfills, lakes, oceans, swamps, ditches, etc.). This makes BDP® the most effective technology for plastics for naturally decompose in multiple environments.

Q: HOW IS BDP® MOLDED INTO PRODUCTS?

A: BDP® must be added into the product during manufacturing. It cannot be sprayed onto plastic or added after the molding process. I must be added into the process via gravimetric feeder to ensure proper dosage percentage.

Below are the main processes for making plastics products.

Extrusion moulding : A heated plastic compound is forced continuously through a forming die made in the desired shape (like squeezing toothpaste from a tube, it produces a long, usually narrow, continuous product). The formed plastic cools under blown air or in a water bath and hardens on a moving belt. Rods, tubes, pipes, sheet and thin film (such as food wraps) are extruded then coiled or cut to desired lengths.

An extrusion process also makes plastic fibres. Liquid resin is squeezed through thousands of tiny holes called spinnerets to produce the fine threads from which plastic fabrics are woven.

Injection moulding : This is the second most widely used process to form plastics. The plastic compound, heated to a semi -fluid state, is squirted into a mold under great pressure and hardens quickly. The mold then opens and the part is released. This process can be repeated as many times as necessary and is particularly suited to mass production methods. Injection moulding is used for a wide variety of plastic products, from small cups and toys to large objects weighing 30 pounds or more.

Blow moulding : This is a secondary processing as it takes the injection-moulded part and pressure is used to form hollow objects, such as the soda pop bottle or two-gallon milk bottle, in a direct or indirect method. In the direct blow-molding method, a partially shaped, heated plastic form is inserted into a mold. Air is blown into the form, forcing it to expand to the shape of the mold. In the indirect method, a plastic sheet or special shape is heated then clamped between a die and a cover. Air is forced between the plastic and the cover and presses the material into the shape of the die.

Q: WILL MICROBES CONSUME AND DIGEST REGULAR PLASTIC IN OCEANS AND LANDFILLS?

A: Yes but very very slowly. Microbes are very similar to other organisms in that they move to areas where food and other necessities are available or plentiful. Traditional plastics do not pose a good food source for microbes so they don’t colonize on the plastic. Microbes, which find their way onto traditional plastic, will begin to consume it but it is not a plentiful and easily accessible food source so the microbes move to areas which are. Microbes need to have a plentiful food source and be able to control their environment for PH levels and perform quorum sensing so they multiply and colonize.

Q: CAN BDP® BE USED WITH BARRIERS?

A: Yes. BDP® can be used with many common barrier materials. When using a barrier, it is important to ensure that all layers contain the proper load rate of BDP™. It is important to note that barriers often use different plastic types making recycling of these materials almost impossible and rendering them trash.

Q: ARE PRODUCTS MADE WITH BDP® COMPOSTABLE, BIODEGRADABLE AND RECYCLABLE? ISN’T COMPOSTABLE THE BEST OPTION?

A: For a product to legally be labeled ‘compostable’ it must comply with the ASTM D6400 standard (EN13432). There are 3 ASTM tests within this standard that a product must comply with. BDP® products comply with the ASTM D5338 thermophilic test, showing compostability in a commercial compost environment which is the same environment that plant based plastics are meant to be deposited (even though most compostable plastics end up in landfill). Since BDP® enhances a natural process that takes time, our products cannot meet the very ambitious disintegration requirements of the ASTM D6400 standard. Although we cannot claim our products as compostable due to the standard limitations, our testing proves that it is compostable, just at a slower rate.

BDP® products are biodegradable in landfill as substantiated by the ASTM D5511 % ASTM D5338 standard.

BDP® products are recyclable as proven by haze and transmission testing and by multiple client testimonials who currently run BDP® scrap.

BDP® products are biodegradable in oceans as substantiated by the ASTM D6691 standard

Q: IS IT BETTER TO USE PLANTS INSTEAD OF FOSSIL FUELS FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTION?

A: Plastic has been proven to be more environmentally friendly than most of the materials it has replaced such as glass, paper, aluminum etc. Although this may be hard to believe in this climate of plastic waste, the reality is that plastic is light weight and strong, which means much less material is needed to perform a function. Also light weight materials like plastic reduce drag and save on CO2 emissions. When comparing to plant based plastics, this is a debate to say the least.

Most renewable plastics come from corn or beets which are a food crop and may have a high carbon footprint due to water usage, labour, emissions from farm equipment etc. Not to mention these are precious resources that should be used for feeding the poor and not our single use plastic lifestyles.

They are also not accepted for recycling and now industrial compost facilities are banning plant based plastics. This makes it very challenging to control the end of life as they are mostly landfilled now, where they do not biodegrade, and they also contaminate traditional recycling streams, wasting recyclable plastics, and in turn make an already struggling industry, even more burdened. Traditional plastics are recyclable and they are not a major drain on our natural resources, despite what people may think. According to BPF Energy, only 4% of global oil production is used for plastics and it is estimated that packaging accounts for only 1.5% of oil and gas use. And since plastic is made from byproducts of the oil refining or natural gas refinement process, it doesn’t have a large environmental impact. The problem with plastic is and has always been end of life and that is what BDP® is focused on tackling.

Q: WHY IS BDP® THE BEST SOLUTION FOR “GREEN” PLASTIC INITIATIVES?

A: The development of our materials marks a turning point for traditional plastics to a more eco-friendly plastic and provides a turnkey, stable solution over other products on the market today. Our science team works in partnership with innovators of sustainable materials to bring these materials to the market. Our goal is to create a Gold Standard for plastics so that the Change Plastic for Good brand becomes recognized globally as truly sustainable plastic. BDP® products maintain the same physical properties and strength as traditional plastics. Once manufactured, your products have an indefinite shelf life and are not affected by light, heat, moisture or stress. These attributes will last until the product is discarded into an active microbial environment where it decomposes, leaving behind only humus and biogas. All of Change Plastic for Good technologies focus on truly sustainable solutions for plastic that are commercially viable and scaleable.

Q: CAN CUSTOMERS USE “REGRIND” CONTAINING BDP®?

A: Yes. However, it is recommended to implement quality control to ensure the correct amount of material is being loaded into the resin.

Related links:
5 Things to Know Before Buying custom compostable bags

For more information, please visit compostable resin.

Q: DOES BDP® IMPART ANY TASTE OR SMELL; IS THERE ANY LEACHING ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRODUCT?

A: No, there is no taste, flavors, or smells imparted to plastics or rubbers that use BDP® in their manufacturing process. Additionally, Independent 3rd party testing has shown no negative leaching results. BDP® products are also FDA GRAS/EU compliant.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE PLASTICS?

Biodegradable Plastic: When plastic (or any other material) degrades from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi and algae. Biodegradation can occur in either aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen) environments. BDP™ products fall under the anaerobic category and are recyclable where the material is accepted.

Compostable Plastic: Capable of undergoing biological decomposition in a compost or aerobic environment to the point that the plastic is not visually distinguishable and breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass. Compostable plastics are made up of renewable material and must be discarded in a commercial compost facility. They are not recyclable. PLA (polylactic acid) is the most common type of compostable plastic. Here are some facts about PLA:

1. Breaks down using heat and moisture in a commercial compost facility of which there are few. Most plant based plastics end up in landfill.
2. Requires cold storage in transport. This is to keep the material from sticking together, a common problem with PLA
3. Cost up to 150% more than petroleum based plastics.
4. Cannot be used in standard molding machinery because PLA cannot withstand high heat.
5. The PLA production process is slower, making it hard for companies to justify this added machine time.
6. PLA, when commercially composted, creates more CO2 than actual compost, adding to greenhouse gas emissions.
7. The production of these bioplastics result in greater amounts of pollutants, due to the fertilizers and pesticides used in growing the crops and the chemical processing needed to turn organic material into plastic. The bioplastics also contributed more to ozone depletion than the traditional plastics, and required extensive land use. B-PET, the hybrid plastic, was found to have the highest potential for toxic effects on ecosystems and the most carcinogens, and scored the worst in the life cycle analysis because it combined the negative impacts of both agriculture and chemical processing.

Read more at: https://phys.org/news/2017-12-truth-bioplastics.html#jCp

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BDP™ AND OXO-DEGRADABLE PLASTIC?

A: BDP® is not the same as Oxo-Degradable. Oxo-degradable products are “degradable” and may never fully disappear.

Oxo products are now banned all over the world due to their negative environmental impacts including micro plastic creation. Oxo degradable additive is lower in cost but often must be loaded at a rate up to 8%. They are not recyclable. There are new companies using oxo technology but making claims that they are biodegradable once the material degrades 100%, but there is no evidence to suggest that the degraded polymers will be consumed by microbes.

Following are some of the reasons oxo is being banned:

1. Oxo products are often composed of heavy metals (some countries refer to them as light metals) which are very harmful for the environment. Depending on the additive they basically use cadmium or cobalt to help disintegrate the plastic.
2. The first process which is considered to be Photo-degradation or Oxidization, is not biodegradation. Even after these parts Oxidize, the remaining chemicals that cause this reaction are left in the environment. This is still not biodegradation. Many groups have done studies to show oxidized products remain, being reduced to smaller and smaller polymer forms. Even though the microbes are secreting acids to reduce the total Molecular Weight of the polymer chain, these products are still leaving the chain behind in the ground.
3. Oxo products lose tensile strength and performance on the shelf. They often begin degrading before the product life is through. Special calculations for each product must be done to produce a product that will not begin biodegrading too soon. Often times the product begins degradation sooner than anticipated.

Now, many oxo products are putting UV and heat inhibitors in them so they may have a longer shelf life. This also poses problems. For example say the shelf life is designed for 2 year of performance. If this product ends up in a landfill (before the two year mark for UV inhibitors) it will remain indefinitely. Also, oxo products will not degrade anaerobically, so if these products end up in a landfill they will not break down because there is no light, heat and oxygen to do so.

Q: DOES BDP® CAUSE PLASTIC TO BREAK DOWN INTO PARTICLES THAT TOXIFY GROUND AND WATER?

A: BDP® does not cause the same reaction in plastic as oxo degradable. Oxo degradable additive adds metal salts to the plastic product that cause the plastic to fragment, polluting the ground and water. BDP® is organic, containing no metals or toxins and it enhances microbial activity in an anaerobic landfill. In nature, microbes consume matter. A natural by-product of this consumption is CO2 humus and methane. These are the same by-products of plastic treated with BDP®. Basically, what naturally happens over hundreds of years will now take a few years with BDP®, without affecting the ground or water negatively. We have tested BDP® product via ASTM E1963 which is a soil toxicity test and the product showed no signs of petrochemical particulates in the soil.

Q: If BDP™ IS ADDED TO YARN WITH CHEMICAL DYES, WILL THE DYES REMAIN UNAFFECTED?

A: BDP® will not affect this.

Q: WHAT PREVENTS PLASTICS ENHANCED WITH BDP® FROM DEGRADING WHILE IN STORAGE OR ON THE SHELF?

A: Products made with BDP® require a biologically active, microbe rich environment (such as a landfill or anaerobic digester) for biodegradation. Warehouses, offices, store shelves, etc. are not considered such environments. The microbes required to consume plastics made with BDP® are readily found in waste areas (compost environments, landfills, lakes, oceans, swamps, ditches etc).

Q: WILL ACTIVE MICROBES IN FOOD (MEAT, CHEESE ETC) START THE BIODEGRADATION PROCESS IN STORAGE?

A: No. BDP® attracts methanogenic bacteria and microorganisms that are present in landfills. The active microbes in food and dairy products are not the ‘super’ colony of microbes you find in landfills, soil, composting sites or waste water sludge plants. Methanogens are only found in these conditions and not in food products.

Q: WHAT TESTS VALIDATE BIODEGRADATION OF CHANGE PLASTIC FOR GOOD PRODUCTS IN LANDFILLS?

A: The ASTM D5511 Test Method is a test used to determine the rate of biodegradation of plastic products in an anaerobic environment. Change Plastic for Good has independent 3rd party testing and can furnish testing results up on request.

Details on the ASTM D5511 test:

The method calls for plastic samples to be placed in sealed fermentation vessels filled with a required amount of inoculum derived from a mix of composted solids and active waste water treatment plant sludge. For each sample the test is run in triplicate and compared to a positive control, a negative control, and an innoculum control. The fermentation vessels are connected to collection devices that measure waste gas produced by bacterial metabolic processes.

This collected gas is regularly sampled and placed in a gas chromatograph instrument for highly accurate composition analysis. The test method calls for Methane (CH4) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels to be carefully measured and recorded, as these are carbonaceous gasses commonly produced as waste by-products during the process of biodegradation. At the end of the test the exact carbon-weight of the gasses collected is calculated and recorded. Accurately measuring biodegradation is an extremely difficult task. Biodegradation is a complex system of microbial metabolic processes that involve many species of bacteria producing many by-products, which are in turn utilized, by other bacteria involved in the system. Other ASTM tests, including the D5338, a composting test, use the same process of recovering carbonaceous gas to determine percent biodegradation of test samples. The D-5511 test was designed by the American Society of Testing and Measurements (ASTM) and is widely utilized around the globe to detect evidence of the biodegradation of plastic substances.

Q: CAN BDP® BE USED FOR FOOD AND DRINK CONTACT APPLICATIONS? IS IT FDA COMPLIANT?

A: Yes. BDP® meets the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDA) requirements of Title 21 part 177 (polymers for use as components of single or repeated use food contact surfaces) of the United States Code of Regulations and are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). In addition, Keller and Heckman, a large FDA verification firm, has looked at the formulation and validated BDP™ to meet all the FDA requirements and have provided a short letter to confirm the verification for up to a 4% loading of BDP™. We have also tested product at SGS to verify food grade compliant. It is also EU food compliant, migration tested and complies with intertek toy standards and GB standard as tested by Intertek.

Q: WILL PRODUCTS MADE WITH BDP® COMPLY WITH THE EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 13432?

A: No. EN13432 is a regulation designed to protect the integrity of industrial composting. Very rapid degradation of the products is required to be converted mainly to CO2. Even cut grass does not comply with this regulation. This is similar in scope to ASTM D6400 Standard. BDP® complies with the EN15985 standard.

Q: IS BDP® HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT OR PEOPLE? ARE THEIR CANCER CAUSING COMPOUNDS?

A: No. BDP® is 100% organic and is comprised of non toxic raw materials, which are independently approved for direct contact with food. All of the organic compounds contained in BDP® are considered safe for food contact and have no known adverse health effects. The compounds are also not found on the toxic and potentially harmful substance list of CA Prop 65 and are also REACH approved. This State of California legislation identifies certain toxic and potentially harmful substances and provides limitations for their use. No products used in BDP™ are listed in Prop 65. BDP™ also complies with other domestic and international requirements for absence of toxic and other potentially harmful substances. BDP™ is FDA Title 21 part 177 (polymers for use as components of single or repeated use food contact surfaces) , CFIA, EC 1935- 2004 and EU 10-2011 compliant for food contact. Fully compliant with EU REACH regulation (EC) No.1907/2006 and verified through a certified third-party lab that BDP® does not contain any Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EC. It is also compliant with many other international and industry specific regulations regarding Heavy Metals, BPA’s, etc.

If you have a specific requirement for BDP® safety and compliances, please contact us for appropriate documentation.

Q: WHAT MAKES UP THE LEFT OVER BIOMASS AFTER BDP® PLASTICS BREAKDOWN?

A: Biomass, or humus, is the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms. There are no toxic products within that BDP® biodegraded biomass and what remains is basically microbial poop which is compost.

Q: WHAT KIND OF BACTERIA FEED OFF OF BDP® IN PLASTICS?

A: There are many types of bacteria found in all landfills globally.

The specific microbes for consuming plastics have taken years to identify and are considered confidential information.

Q: ARE THERE BENEFITS OF BDP® PRODUCTS IF THEY END UP IN A LANDFILL?

A: BDP® products reduce the long-term impact on landfill in several ways:

Reducing the bulk of plastic waste allows for more effective utilization of diminishing landfill space

Landfill environments are anaerobic in nature and lead to CH4 (methane) offgassing. CH4 can be reclaimed as a source for clean, inexpensive energy. The Clean Air Act requires all landfills to reclaim methane and other Green House Gasses (GHG), which are to be burned or used to create energy. Over 50% of landfills in the U.S. collect methane for energy. GM harnesses landfill-gas-to-energy for its 2.08-million square-foot facility reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a whopping 5,000 tons a year! Tammy Giroux, manager of government relations for GM said, “(It’s) good for the environment, good for business and good for the community.” Waste Management’s landfill-gas-to-energy facilities power the equivalent of 470,000 households, offsetting 2.5 million tons of coal and 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. Using methane from landfills is the most inexpensive form of “green” energy available at this time. It is even cheaper than solar, hydro, wind and alternative fuels. Corporations and government entities utilize methane in fulfilling sustainability goals. When looking at landfills as a source of energy, it really makes you think about the negative stigma attached to them.

If we could look at things like methane as fuel, it is possible that converting plastic, using BDP®, into biomass and methane for energy is a very viable energy source for a planet with increasing population challenges.

Q: IS IT LEGAL TO LABEL A PRODUCT AS “BIODEGRADABLE” IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA?

A: California law prohibits the labeling of any plastic products that do not meet its requirements for “compostable” or “marine degradable.” The state prohibits the sale of plastic bags or food and beverage containers that are labeled with the terms “biodegradable,” “degradable,” or “decomposable,” or any form of those terms. Furthermore, brands cannot imply, in any way, that a bag or container will break down, biodegrade, or decompose in a landfill or other environment. Beginning in January 2013, this law will apply to all plastic products sold in or into California. See link to the California Public Resource Code: While there are provisions in the law for reviewing additional ASTM standards for biodegradable, currently an ASTM Standard Specification for Biodegradability in environments other than composting are not completed for state adoption. Change Plastic for Good recommends complying with all federal, state and local laws.

Q: WHEN PLASTIC BREAKS DOWN, IT EMITS METHANE, WHICH IS A GREENHOUSE GAS. DOES CHANGE PLASTIC FOR GOOD EMIT METHANE WHEN IT BIODEGRADES? WHAT HAPPENS TO THE METHANE?

A: Yes, BDP® plastics do emit methane and CO2, which is a natural process of any matter biodegrading in an anaerobic environment. Landfill biogas emissions are on the smaller end of the scale.

The gases produced within a landfill can be collected and used in various ways. The landfill gas can be utilized directly on site by a boiler or any type of combustion system, providing heat. Electricity can also be generated on site through the use of micro turbines, steam turbines, or fuel cells. The landfill gas can also be sold off site and sent into natural gas pipelines or used to fuel vehicles, cooking stoves and facilities. This gas capture is increasingly being seen as a source of free, clean energy. Over 50% of landfills in the U.S. capture methane for energy. GM Headquarters are run entirely off of landfill gas.

See https://www.slc.or.kr/design/eng/index_eng.asp for an example of a bioreactor landfill facility. We visited this landfill site in July 2016 and were incredibly impressed by the amount of clean fuel that was generated from landfill gas.

Q. DO YOU HAVE SOME STATS ON PLASTIC WASTE IN THE WORLD? HOW BAD IS IT?

See link below of a recent study on all plastic produced globally since plastic was first invented. 79% of all plastic ends up out of 8.3 billion metric tonnes produced. This one of the most comprehensive studies ever done on the production and disposal of plastics. University of Georgia did a follow up study referencing the work provided in the journal, ‘Science Advances’. http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782.full

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/07/170719140939.htm

A. Here are some interesting facts about plastic waste in 2014, as sourced from

http://ecowatch.com/2014/04/07/22-facts-plastic-pollution-10-things-can-do-about-it/

You might not be a handyman, but even your average do-it-yourselfer knows the value of using the right tool for the job. A screwdriver doesn’t work so well for hammering nails, and a table saw isn’t going to do much good for changing your oil. Tools were created to make projects easier, but only if you are choosing the right tool for the job! In a way, poly bags are similar.

Poly bags come in all shapes and sizes with so many customizable options to choose from. These poly bags weren’t thrown together carelessly; each bag was designed with a specific purpose and application in mind. For that reason, it’s crucial to make sure you are using the right flexible packaging for your specific industry. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right custom poly bag for your industry.

Uses

Whenever you’re purchasing a product, it’s important to consider how it will be used. You may need a bag that’s secure enough to keep your product safe, for example. Medical products, for example, need extra protection to keep them from leaking or getting otherwise damaged. Medical cannabis is one such product that needs to be packaged carefully, with cannabis labels being subject to strict regulations ensuring they’re displayed clearly on the product. Luckily, poly bags take a wide range of labels easily, making them suitable for many products. Whether you need a biodegradable bag, recycled material, re-sealable, or otherwise, there’s a poly bag out there for the job and at the right price.

Branding

Your brand is unique. So why would you use the same plastic packaging as everyone else? Luckily, custom packaging solutions can be created in a way that is as unique as your company itself. If you have a design in mind, your design can be brought to life in a custom poly bag that meets your exact specifications and brand image. If you’ve ever spotted a shopping bag in someone’s hand as they walked down the street and recognized the brand, or you were interested to know which shop the bag came from, that shows you the power of poly bag branding.

Customization

Poly bags can be customized so that the printing, colors, bag styles, bag constructions and logo placement can all be changed. This offers the ideal packaging solution if you’re looking to set yourself apart from your competition. If your brand focuses on its eco-friendly credentials, your bags can be customized to enhance reusability, ensuring they get used time and time again. Similarly, if your branding your product as a luxury, your bags can be customized to look up-market and stylish.

There are many custom poly bag options to choose from including:

• Freezer bags
• FDA Bags
  Mailer bags
  Anti-static bags
  Shrink bags
  Bubble bags
  Flip tops
• Resealable bags
  And so much more

At Rutan, we offer unmatched quality at competitive prices, a combination that is hard to find from a U.S. manufacturer. We take pride in our highly-trained professionals, state-of-the-art equipment, and refined processes to develop some of the finest flexible packaging available in the market. Our customers always come first at Rutan, and we take the time to get to know them. We want to build bags that fit both your brand and your unique industry and applications.

If you’re looking for a partner to help your company navigate your options for customizable poly bags, look no further than Rutan. Our customer service team is ready to answer your questions and find the perfect solution for your custom poly bag needs, just give us a call today at 800-872-1474.

Want more information on Biodegradable PBAT plastic? Feel free to contact us.