UN: Biodegradable plastics not a solution for marine litter

Widespread adoption of products labelled 'biodegradable' will not significantly decrease the volume of plastic entering the ocean or the physical and chemical risks that plastics pose to marine environment, concluded a UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) report.
The report finds that complete biodegradation of plastics occurs in conditions that are rarely, if ever, met in marine environments. The study also analyzes the environmental impacts of oxo-degradable plastics. It found that in marine environments the fragmentation is fairly slow and can take up to 5 years, during which the plastic objects continue to litter the ocean (Press Release UNEP, 17 November 2015).
Click here for the press release.
Click here for the report (1.79 MB).
Click here for more information about the NVC E-Workshop Sustainable Innovation in Packaging.

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