Difference between degradable and non degradable plastic?

Answer 1

All plastics are degradable and biodegradable, but normal plastic can take decades, or even hundreds of years.

Oxo-biodegradable plastic (www.biodeg.org) will self-destruct if it gets into the open environment, leaving no harmful residues. It is made from a by-product of oil-refining which used to be wasted, so nobody is importing extra oil to make it. It can be recyled (www.biodeg.org/recycling.htm) and can be made from recycled plastic. During its service-life it has the same strength as normal plastic, and there is very little extra cost. It can be tested according to ASTM D6954.

"Compostable" plastic is up to 400% more expensive, and is not suitable for weight-bearing packaging unless mixed with oil-based plastic. It will not readily degrade in the open environment, and emits methane deep in landfill. The composting Standards(eg ASTM D6400) require it to convert into CO2 gas within 180 days, so it contributes to climate change but does not improve the soil.