| Polyolefins plus pro-degradant additive | |||
| Oxo-biodegradables (PE and PP with low levels of pro-degradant additive)
Includes d2w technology |
Very low price, Maintains all plastic properties, Good barrier properties, Degrades as litter, Easy processing | Slow in windrow composting | Packaging - esp. sacks, bags and food films esp. wraps, Disposables |
| Naturally occurring polymers |
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| Pure Starch and blends of starch and LDPE (potato, corn etc) |
Good compostability | Low strength, Water soluble, Poor process ability, Poor Clarity, Recycling not possible | Niche packaging, Loose fill |
| Synthetic aliphatic polyesters |
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| PCL's (Polycaprolactones incl. modified starch blends) |
Good compostability | High price, Low strength, Poor barrier properties, Recycling not possible | Compost bags, Adhesive, Bottles, Film |
| PHA's, including PHB and PHBV (Polyhydroalkanoates) |
Good compostability | Bad smell, High price, Poor processability, Recycling not possible | Bottles, Medical |
| PLA (Polylactic acid) |
Transparency, Stability, Biocompatible | High price, Poor processability, Brittleness, Poor flexibility, Recycling not possible | Food packaging, Bottles, Medical |
| Other synthetic Environmentally Degradable Polymers |
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| PVA (Polyvinylalcohol) |
Good compostability, Clarity |
Water soluble, High price, Poor processability, Recycling not possible |
Water soluble, Personal hygiene prods, Disposables |
Together for a better environment
