Oxo-Biodegradable Bags
We use a non-starch based additive to manufacture Oxo Biodegradable bags . This additive uses photo (UV) and oxidative methods to reduce the molecular weight of the plastic. After the molecular weight is reduced to a certain level, the biological process begins. The end product manufactured with this additive will be clear. This additive when used with PP and PE, has been tested and found to be acceptable for food contact applications.

Field and laboratory testing is performed at various locations to assure that the finished product will perform under real-world conditions.

Testing Methods For Biodegradable Bags :

The methods proposed involve accelerated aging of plastic film under combined conditions of exposure to UV light (to replicate sunlight) and temperature cycling with lower temperature condensation (to replicate outdoor exposure to day/night cycles) and under conditions of heat alone.  All tests are done in the presence of oxygen since it is well known that oxo-biodegradable plastics will not undergo initial degradation in the absence of oxygen.  Further, oxygen is present in all practical disposal environments including litter and in the early stages of landfill disposal.

• The use of recognized ASTM standard t est methods, which are generally accelerated laboratory tests, where possible;P ass/fail criteria based on values from these measurements that are empirically known to be typical of oxo-biodegradable plastics that totally degrade in the field.

The products of the aging processes will be tested using:

ASTM D3826-98

• ASTM D3826-98:  Standard Practice for determining End Point in Degradable Polyethylene and Polypropylene Using a Tensile Test;

ASTM D5510-94

• ASTM D3826-98:  Standard Practice for determining End Point in Degradable Polyethylene and Polypropylene Using a Tensile Test;

ASTM D5208-01: 

Standard Practice for Fluorescent Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure of Photodegradable Plastics;

Degradation Process
The first stage of degradation results in the film being reduced to a fine powder. This powder is totally inert and physiologically harmless to man, animals, and to plant life. The ongoing and irreversible break-down process follows a path of continuous shortening of the molecular long-chain structure of the polymeric material. Having started with a molecular weight of several hundred thousand the downward path continues until the polymer is ultimately returned to the natural carbon cycle as simple compounds such as water and carbon dioxide.

Food Contact Applications
The biodegradable bags that we manufacture has also been tested at Rapra of UK and found to comply with EC Directive 2002/72/EC for overall migration with data obtained being within the limit. These results permit the use of our Biodegradable Bags in food contact applications.