Applications of oxo-biodegradable polyolefins

It was noted more than 30 years ago that unwanted plastic waste, in particular discarded polyethylene, could be disposed of by oxidizing it prior to exposure to 

It was reported from Union Carbide that the photooxidation products of ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymers do not reach low enough molar mass values to support bioassimilation. This conclusion may have been based, however, on a misinterpretation of the earUer work with unoxidized hydrocarbons and a very Umited number of microbial cultures. GuiUet, in contrast, demonstrated that photodegraded Ecolyte polyethylene and polypropylene are bioassimilated by common soil bacteria, albeit rather slowly. 

Many types of post-consumer plastic packaging that are not recovered by recycling are disposed of in landfills. There are many environmental advantages (see section 3.7) to be achieved by using oxo-biodegradable polyolefins in these applications but safety considerations are equally important. Keller Heckman (the US/Intemational specialist law firm) conducted the certification and validation work for TDPA formulations required by the US Food and Drug Administration. Most TDPA formulations have been cleared for use in any type of food packaging, for any type of food. Likewise, TDPA formulations are considered safe by the SCF (Scientific Committee for Food) of the European Union. 

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