Field test: compostable plastics break down in less than 22 days in industrial composting (FOTO)

Berlin (ots) - A recent study by Wageningen University & Research, Netherlands,
analysed the fate of compostable packaging in an industrial composting plant.
The results show that the tested EN13432 certified products break down within a
maximum of 22 days. The project was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of
Economic Affairs and Climate Policy. "The study shows that the tested objects
have the same or an even faster disintegration and degradation rate as regular
biowaste. We need more independent research of this kind", says EUBP Chairman of
European Bioplastics (EUBP), François de Bie.

Central aim of the study was to gather more empiric data on whether the
disintegration rate of compostable products is sufficient to be compatible with
current organic waste treatment practices. In an industrial organic waste
treatment trial, nine different compostable plastic products were tested:
organic waste collection bags, plant pots, tea bags, coffee pads, coffee
capsules, and fruit labels. "We studied how compostable plastics behave in the
current Dutch system for the treatment of GFT (i.e source separated biowaste)
and came to the conclusion that compostable products can be processed well with
GFT", says Maarten van der Zee, co-author of the study.

After a first waste treatment cycle of only 11 days, the PLA plant pot already
completely disintegrated. "This is significantly faster than paper and most
organic matter. Even the orange and banana peels did not completely disintegrate
and needed more time" de Bie commented on the study. "The PLA tea bag also
successfully disintegrated within only 22 days."

The study also analysed the visual contamination of compost with plastics. No
compostable plastics were identified. "The importance of this result cannot be
overstated", de Bie stresses. "All stakeholders involved in organic recycling,
now have the proof that certified compostable plastics actually deliver."

"In view of the upcoming development of the framework for biodegradable plastics
included in the European Green Deal, I kindly ask the European Commission to
take these research results into account and to support more similar research
projects", stated de Bie.

To read complete study: https://edepot.wur.nl/514397

About European Bioplastics:

European Bioplastics (EUBP) is the European association representing the
interests of the bioplastics industry along the entire value chain. Its members
produce, refine and distribute bioplastics i.e. plastics that are bio-based,
biodegradable, or both. More information is available at
www.european-bioplastics.org.

Contact:

Oliver Buchholz, Communications Manager, European Bioplastics,
Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin,
Tel: +49 (0) 30 28482 353, Fax: +49 (0)30 284 82 359,
press@european-bioplastics.org

Additional content: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/68147/4526648
OTS: European Bioplastics

Original-Content von: European Bioplastics, übermittelt durch news aktuell