In the environmental space, many people are confused by terms like oxo-degradable, oxo-biodegradable, and biodegradable. They may seem similar, but they are very different. If you are considering switching to sustainable packaging or making more environmentally friendly choices, it is crucial to understand these terms.
What Is OXO Degradable Plastic?
Oxo degradable plastic is regular plastic (usually polyethylene) that has special additives. These additives help the plastic break down faster when exposed to sunlight, oxygen, and heat. This might sound great, but here’s the catch:
- It doesn’t fully break down into natural materials.
- It just turns into smaller plastic pieces.
- These microplastics stay in the environment for a long time.
So instead of disappearing, the plastic just becomes tiny and spreads into soil and water. That’s a big problem for nature and wildlife.
What Is OXO Biodegradable Plastic?
Now let’s talk about oxo-biodegradable plastic. It’s basically the same as oxo-degradable, but with a twist. The term “oxo-biodegradable” is used to make the plastic sound like it will fully break down by microbes.
But here’s what many scientists and governments say:
- There is no strong evidence that these plastics fully biodegrade.
- Most of the time, they break into microplastics.
- These tiny bits are hard to remove from the environment.
In fact, the European Union has banned oxo-biodegradable plastics. They say it doesn’t meet true environmental safety standards.
What Does Biodegradable Really Mean?
Biodegradable means something can be broken down by bacteria, fungi, or other living things into natural elements like water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter. No harmful leftovers. But there’s a catch:
- Some things called “biodegradable” need special conditions to break down (like heat and moisture).
- Others may take many years to fully decompose.
To know if something is truly biodegradable, check for certifications like:
- EN13432 (EU)
- ASTM D6400 (USA)
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)
These show that a product breaks down in industrial composting facilities within 180 days and leaves no toxic waste.
OXO Degradable vs Biodegradable: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Oxo-Degradable | Oxo-Biodegradable | Certified Biodegradable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Material | Conventional plastic | Same as oxo-degradable | Plant-based or compostable plastic |
| Breaks into microplastics? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Needs microbes to break down? | No | Claims to, but doubtful | Yes |
| Time to degrade | Fast, but incomplete | Fast, but incomplete | Fully degrades in <180 days |
| Eco-friendly? | No | No | Yes |
| Approved by EU? | No (banned) | No (banned) | Yes |
Why OXO Based Plastics Are Being Phased Out
More and more governments, experts, and environmental groups are saying “no” to oxo-plastics. Why?
- They don’t truly disappear. They just become microplastics.
- They make recycling harder. Mixing oxo-plastics with regular recycling damages the final product.
- They mislead consumers. People think they’re eco-friendly, but they’re not.
Groups like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) have spoken out against oxo-biodegradable products. The science simply doesn’t support their eco-claims.
What to Choose Instead: Certified Compostable Bags
If you want a real green solution, go with certified compostable bags. These are made from plant-based materials like:
These materials are designed to:
- Break down fully in composting environments
- Leave no harmful residue
- Support the circular economy
At Orizon, we manufacture compostable bags for:
- Trash and kitchen waste
- Pet waste (dog poop bags)
- Grocery and shopping
- E-commerce shipping
- Clothing and apparel packaging
- Fruits and vegetables
All with OEM customization and global certifications like BPI, OK Compost, and EN13432.
Conclusion
If you care about the environment, stay away from oxo degradable and oxo biodegradable plastics. They may sound eco-friendly, but they’re not.
Instead, choose certified compostable bags that truly break down and return to nature. At Orizon, we’re proud to help businesses go green with safe, sustainable packaging.
Looking to switch to compostable bags? Contact us today for OEM or wholesale options.
FAQ:
Are oxo-biodegradable bags banned?
Yes, in the EU and several other regions. They are not considered truly biodegradable.
Can oxo-degradable plastic be recycled?
It can interfere with recycling and lower the quality of recycled materials.
How do I know if a product is truly biodegradable?
Check for certifications like BPI, EN13432, or ASTM D6400. Without them, it might not be real.
Do compostable bags break down in landfills?
Not easily. They need oxygen and moisture. Industrial composting is best.
Are compostable and biodegradable the same?
All compostable bags are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable bags are compostable. Compostable means safe and complete breakdown.
