“High incidence of false biodegradability claims related to single-use plastic utensils sold in Brazil” by Beatriz Barbosa Moreno et al., Sustainable Production and Consumption Vol. 41 (2023) 1-8

Abstract

It is greenwashing to affix to a product a label claiming biodegradability if the product is not biodegradable, but Moreno et al. had not taken the fundamental step, to determine whether the products were biodegradable or not. A polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) product properly made with a reputable oxo-biodegradable masterbatch will fully biodegrade much more quickly than ordinary plastic in the open environment, without leaving microplastics or harmful residues. No special conditions are necessary. Oxo-biodegradable plastics, oxo-degradable plastics, and plastics marketed as “compostable” are completely different technologies and should not be confused. Samples of oxo-biodegradable plastic should not be tested in conditions unlikely to be experienced by plastic litter in the open environment, and should not be so heavily stabilised as to be unlikely to degrade in any realistic timescale.