British Plastics Federation rejects oxo-biodegradable recycling claims

An article by Plastics News, Detroit, reports the British Plastics Federation (BPF) is at odds with a report from an oxo-biodegradable plastics group about the impact the material could have were it to get into the recycling stream. 

The report, by the Austria-based Transfercenter fur Kunstofftechnik (TCKT), backed by Symphony Environmental Technologies Ltd., Borehamwood, England, argues that oxo-biodegradable could be safely used in products such as plastic lumber, garden and municipal furniture and signposts. 

“The purpose of oxo-biodegradable plastics is that they will biodegrade if they get into the open environment as litter, and will not lie or float around for decades,” the report says. “During their useful life, they are just as strong as conventional plastics, and can be recycled if collected.” 

Francisco Morcillo, BPF head of public and industrial affairs, claims in the article that the argument was flawed, as the structure of the plastics recycling industry could not guarantee the material would only be used in those specific products. He added previous reports have not addressed the scope of potential products, the article says.

“It is very important to understand that the quality of [recyclables] is the top priority for recyclers and even the perception that these materials could find their way into the recycling stream could undermine the reputation and the integrity of this sector,” Morcillo says in the article. “In addition, the argument that oxo-biodegradables are the solution to litter is flawed. Oxo-biodegradable plastics will not degrade for two to five years, and that is plenty of time for them to find their way into our oceans and rivers.”