Field Test: Compostable Plastics Break Down in Less Than 22 Days in Industrial Composting

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." After a first waste treatment cycle of only 11 days, the PLA plant pot already completely disintegrated. "This is significantly faster...

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 

- Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com) -

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.

Press 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