answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Degradable plastics

A number of UK retailers have recently introduced degradable carrier bags. These bags are made from plastic which degrades under certain conditions or after a predetermined length of time. There are two types of degradable plastic: bio-degradable plastics, which contain a small percentage of non oil-based material, such as corn starch; and photodegradable plastics, which will break down when exposed to sunlight.

Degradable plastics are already being used successfully in Austria and Sweden, where McDonalds has been using bio-degradable cutlery for three years. This enables all catering waste to be composted without segregation. Carriers for packs of beer cans are now being manufactured in a plastic which photo-degrades in six weeks. There is also potential to use such plastics in non-packaging applications such as computer or car components.

There are a number of concerns over the use of degradable plastics. First, these plastics will only degrade if disposed of in appropriate conditions. For example, a photodegradable plastic product will not degrade if it is buried in a landfill site where there is no light. Second, they may cause an increase in emissions of the greenhouse gas methane, as methane is released when materials biodegrade anaerobically. Third, the mixture of degradable and non-degradable plastics may complicate plastics sorting systems. Last but not least, the use of these materials may lead to an increase in plastics waste and litter if people believe that discarded plastics will simply disappear.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are degradable plastics?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What are the alternates to plastics?

1.Bio-degradable plastics made from corn starch, 2.Paper Bags, 3.Others having either "Recyclable" or "Degradable" Properties.


Why is it good to use paper instead of plastic?

Paper is made from renewable resources it is bio degradable and recyclable, most plastics are made from none renewable resources they are not bio degradable and most plastics are not or can not be recycled.


What kind of plastic are the bbs in Crosman airsoft gun?

Some are made of standard plastics, while others are bio-degradable.


What field of chemistry would be used to develop a plastic that can be decomposed by bacteria?

Polymer scientists work on all kinds of plastics, including bacteria-degradable ones.


Does the use of biodegradable plastics solve all landfill problems assoicated with plastics?

No. Though bio-degradable, this still takes time to occur so somewhere needs to be found to allow this to happen. Presently this is still landfill for the most part.


Why was recycling paper develop?

tsome papers are non-bio degradable so throwing them into pits will be not eco-friendly,plastics are one example of a non-bio degradable things. instead of throwing away paper we can remanufacture them into something else useful to our day to day living..


What is bio-degradable and non-bio-degradable?

Biodegradable materials will rot, weather, or rust and 'return to nature'. Wood, paper, and even most metals are biodegradable to various degrees. Nonbiodegradable materials will not break down naturally. Most plastics and synthetic materials are nonbiodegradable.


How long does plastic packaging take to dissolve?

degradable plastics will thinner, lighter, reduction in strength, become scraps after 3 months in normal environment. It has to be explosed in air to degrade.


Is glass degradable?

Glass is recyclable. Glass is non degradable. Bio degradable waste rots away. Oil based paints are normally not bio degradable.


What is non degradable waste?

waste that is non degradable


How much plastic does Florida need to recycle?

Ideally all of it. All plastic should be recycled where possible, unless it's bio-degradable. Also, all plastic Items should be made from recyclable plastics. There are very few items these days that need to be made using thermoset plastics.


Is lead bio degradable?

No, lead is a metal and metal is not bio degradable.