Plastic Biodegradation FAQ

Q: HOW DOES BDP® WORK?

A: BDP® accelerates the biodegradation of plastics in microbe-rich, biologically active environments. i.e. Landfills, oceans, soil, anaerobic compost. It uses organic (carbon based) ingredients to enable polymers to biodegrade like organic matter. Plastics treated with BDP® have unlimited shelf-life and are completely non-toxic.

Want more information on biodegradable plastic bags suppliers? Feel free to contact us.

Adding BDP® to a petroleum based resin attracts microbes to the product allowing them to control their PH level and become quorum sensing. The microbes colonize on the surface of the plastic and secrete acids and enzymes that break down the polymer chain. Once the polymer chain is opened, the microbes will utilize the carbon backbone as a source of food and energy and biodegradation occurs at the atomic level. The difference between BDP® treated plastic and traditional plastic is that BDP® creates an opportunity for microbes to utilize plastic as food and energy and this accelerates biodegradation as the microbes consume the plastics.

Q: WHAT IS LEFT BEHIND AFTER THE PLASTIC BIODEGRADES?

A: The same byproducts of biodegrading organic waste, like food scraps. Biomass, biogas and water. These are natural remnants of a process called anaerobic digestion, where microbes that are formed in the absence of oxygen, begin eating matter and creating waste. The technical term for the biomass is called humus. Humus by definition is ‘the organic component of soil, formed by the decomposition of leaves and other plant material by soil microorganisms’.

Q: DOES BDP® CAUSE MICRO-PLASTICS?

A. No it does not. BDP® technology is not the same as Oxo degradable technology which is known to cause microplastics due to the use of metal salts that weaken the polymer chain under UV aerobic conditions. This is degradation, not ‘biodegradation’. With BDP plastics, the microbes consume the plastic polymer chains by utilizing the carbon backbone of the polymer chain. Microbes use the carbon for energy and leave nothing of the polymer behind when the process of digestion is complete. The function of anaerobic digestion happens at an atomic level and studies show it is actually a solution for microplastics. The microbes will actually consume their own waste as well. This has been tested via the ASTM D5511 Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions. We then tested the left over material via the ASTM E1963 Standard Guide for Conducting Terrestrial Plant Toxicity Tests. The end result showed no toxic residue left over and the final material was deemed inert or non toxic compost.

https://www.astm.org/Standards/D5511.htm

Q: WHAT IS BDP® MADE OF?

A: BDP® is a proprietary and patented blend of organic ingredients proven to enhance the rate of plastic biodegradation in an anaerobic environment. BDP® comes in pellet and powder form and is offered in multiple carrier resins, making it compatible with most plastics.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PLASTIC TREATED WITH BDP® TO BIODEGRADE IN LANDFILL?

A: The actual rate depends on a number of conditions, such as moisture, heat, solid and liquid content etc. Recently we had ASTM testing done on PET film treated with BDP® and saw 11.68% after 30 days. These results can range anywhere from 4%-13% depending on BDP® load rates and types of plastics. We have tested PET to full biodegradation and the time frame was just over 4.5 years. This is considerable when compared to untreated PET which would take centuries to break down.

Independent ASTM, ISO or other laboratory tests can be conducted to provide results specific to your plastic products with BDP® incorporated. We can also provide results for testing reports we have for various plastic types. We are constantly testing product in collaboration with our clients and have results for a little as 30 day tests up to 1,700+ days testing results.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR PLASTIC TREATED WITH BDP® TO BIODEGRADE IN OCEANS?

A: Testing has been done on BDP® polyester & nylon yarn as well as PE film via the ‘ ASTM D6691 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or Natural Sea Water Inoculum’. The biodegradation rates for each material were significantly enhanced when compared with non BDP treated plastics. Both yarns were over 50% biodegradation within one year.

Q: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MAINSTREAM PLASTIC THAT BDP® CAN BE USED IN?

A: BDP® can be used with virtually any petroleum based plastic types including but not limited to: Polyolefins, Nylons, Polycarbonates, Styrenes, Vinyls, Nitriles, Rubbers, Elastomers, Urethanes, etc.

#1 PET (polyethylene terephthalate): plastic soft drink bottles, water bottles, mouthwash, etc.
#2 HDPE (high density polyethylene): milk, detergents, motor oils, toys, plastic bags, etc.
#3 PVC (polyvinyl chloride): food wrap, vegetable oil bottles, blister packaging, etc.
#4 LDPE (low density polyethylene): bread bags, food bags, bottles, clothing, furniture, carpet, etc
#5 PP (polypropylene): margarine and yogurt containers, caps for containers, etc.
#6 PS (polystyrene): egg cartons, fast food trays, disposable plastic silverware, etc.
#7 EVA (Ethylene vinyl acetate): sandals, flexible packaging, foam, toys, padding, pool noodles.
#8 GPPS (general purpose polystyrene): disposable cutlery, hard packaging, and CD cases
#9 NYLON: clothing, instrument strings, auto parts, electrical coating, electronics, adhesives
#10 PC (Polycarbonate): safety goggles, plexiglass, bulletproof glass, and cell phone screens

Q: ARE PRODUCTS MADE WITH BDP® CERTIFIED RECYCLABLE?

A: Currently there are no recognized standard certification programs for recyclability. A number of independent laboratories have been provided with samples of plastic made with BDP® and these samples were then subjected to various testing methods to determine if BDP®-treated products are suitable for recycling or contaminate recycling streams. These tests indicated that BDP® does not affect the recyclability of treated products.

The following tests have been performed on PET bottles treated with BDP® to verify recyclability. These are standard tests used to determine the quality of PET plastic regrind. These tests are suggested as part of the American Post-consumer Recycling Critical Guidance document.

• Haze and Transmission via ASTM D 1003B
• Intrinsic Viscosity via ASTM D 4603
• Acetaldehyde via ASTM F 2013
• Fluorescence Visual Visual Black Specks and Gel.

We also have formal letters from companies that have reused BDP® scrap in their production process for years with no issue, as well as letters from recyclers like Waste Management, verifying BDP® does not affect recycling.

Q: DO PRODUCTS WITH BDP® BIODEGRADE WHEN LITTERED?

A: BDP® products are designed to naturally decompose in landfill, ocean and soil. As long as the conditions are anaerobic and biologically active, BDP® will attract microbes which will consume the plastic polymer chains.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF A BDP® PRODUCT IS THROWN INTO A LAKE OR THE OCEAN? HAVE YOU TESTED THIS?

A: BDP® products will have enhanced biodegradation in any biologically active, anaerobic environment where specific bacteria are present. The ocean floor, swamps, ditches, anaerobic home compost bins etc. have high concentrations of these bacteria and the testing we have done shows biodegradation occurs in these environments.

Q: WILL BDP® PLASTICS BIODEGRADE IN A HOME COMPOST BIN?

A: This depends on the type of compost bin. There are aerobic and anaerobic bins. As long as it is anaerobic, there will be microbes present to consume the plastic, but home compost are all different so we cant make this claim. Keep in mind that even if it is anaerobic and aerobic than the plastics will still be consumed by the microbes, it would just take more time. We have ASTM testing for soil and thermophilic compost testing, both showing good results so that is what we use to make our claims.

Q: WHAT IS THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR USING BDP®?

A: BDP® is a drop in technology and is added via a standard commercial dry feeder (gravimetric feeder) just as you would add a colorant. It is dosed at .5%-1% by weight. The remaining process parameters should stay virtually the same. BDP® is not designed to be run over 600F as this has not been tested and the results cannot be guaranteed. We are able to make custom formulations for any processes over 600F. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Q: DOES PLASTIC WITH BDP® DECREASE IN PERFORMANCE WHEN OPERATING AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES?

A: No. Tensile strength and the physical properties are maintained even in elevated temperatures. Temperatures that exceed the normal operating range for each specific resin would experience the same loss of properties as standard plastic.

Q: DOES BDP® HAVE ANY SPECIAL STORAGE REQUIREMENTS?

A: BDP® does not have special storage requirements and should be handled in the same manner as the corresponding BDP® polymer base resins. This includes always making sure to seal the unused portion of the BDP® because it could be slightly hygroscopic. It is also a good idea to rotate the lot every six months to ensure good quality control. If a resin in hygroscopic, like PET, drying the material is advised.

Q: CAN BDP® BE CUSTOM ENGINEERED?

A. Yes. Custom formulations can be tailored to specific needs. Our science division will work with you to design and implement an polymer that will work best with the plastic type you use. BDP® is very versatile, compatible with most plastics including fabric and compostable plastics.

Q. CAN BDP® BE USED IN LAMINATED PRODUCTS OR PRODUCTS THAT USE MULTIPLE RESIN TYPES?

A. Yes. All that is required is BDP® be added into each of the plastic types or film layers. If the resin types require different formulations then the correct formulation must be incorporated into each layer. Example: A laminated Nylon / LLDPE film would require the BDP® formulation for Nylon in the Nylon portion and the BDP® formulation for Olefins in the LLDPE portion.

Q. DO I NEED TO INCORPORATE BDP® IN ALL LAYERS OF A MULTI-LAYER FILM?

A. Yes

Q. DOES BDP® CONTAIN MICROBES?

A. No, BDP® is a polymer composed of organic compounds that attract microbes when placed into a biologically active, microbe rich environments. There are no enzymes or microbes within the BDP® polymer. There are no starches or plant based materials in the BDP® formulation.

Q. DOES MICROBIAL DIGESTION CONSUME THE ENTIRE POLYMER CHAIN OR JUST THE BDP®?

A. Independent testing shows that biodegradation is occurring on the entire polymer chain versus just consuming the BDP® present in the treated plastic. ASTM biodegradation testing shows a much greater percentage of biodegradation as compared to the percentage load rate of BDP® which proves that the plastic itself, not just the BDP®, is biodegrading.

Q:WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS NEED TO BE PRESENT FOR BDP® TO ACTIVATE?

A: There are three types of microbial environments: suspended, dormant, and active. Plastics treated with BDP® require an active microbial environment in order to biodegrade. An active microbial environment is one that contains active fungal and bacterial colonies and would be extremely dirty in either aerobic or anaerobic conditions. This allows the microbes to colonize on the plastic and begin to digest the polymer.

The microbes required to digest plastics made with BDP® are readily found in waste areas (compost environments, landfills, lakes, oceans, swamps, ditches, etc.). This makes BDP® the most effective technology for plastics for naturally decompose in multiple environments.

Q: HOW IS BDP® MOLDED INTO PRODUCTS?

A: BDP® must be added into the product during manufacturing. It cannot be sprayed onto plastic or added after the molding process. I must be added into the process via gravimetric feeder to ensure proper dosage percentage.

Below are the main processes for making plastics products.

Extrusion moulding : A heated plastic compound is forced continuously through a forming die made in the desired shape (like squeezing toothpaste from a tube, it produces a long, usually narrow, continuous product). The formed plastic cools under blown air or in a water bath and hardens on a moving belt. Rods, tubes, pipes, sheet and thin film (such as food wraps) are extruded then coiled or cut to desired lengths.

An extrusion process also makes plastic fibres. Liquid resin is squeezed through thousands of tiny holes called spinnerets to produce the fine threads from which plastic fabrics are woven.

Injection moulding : This is the second most widely used process to form plastics. The plastic compound, heated to a semi -fluid state, is squirted into a mold under great pressure and hardens quickly. The mold then opens and the part is released. This process can be repeated as many times as necessary and is particularly suited to mass production methods. Injection moulding is used for a wide variety of plastic products, from small cups and toys to large objects weighing 30 pounds or more.

Blow moulding : This is a secondary processing as it takes the injection-moulded part and pressure is used to form hollow objects, such as the soda pop bottle or two-gallon milk bottle, in a direct or indirect method. In the direct blow-molding method, a partially shaped, heated plastic form is inserted into a mold. Air is blown into the form, forcing it to expand to the shape of the mold. In the indirect method, a plastic sheet or special shape is heated then clamped between a die and a cover. Air is forced between the plastic and the cover and presses the material into the shape of the die.

Q: WILL MICROBES CONSUME AND DIGEST REGULAR PLASTIC IN OCEANS AND LANDFILLS?

A: Yes but very very slowly. Microbes are very similar to other organisms in that they move to areas where food and other necessities are available or plentiful. Traditional plastics do not pose a good food source for microbes so they don’t colonize on the plastic. Microbes, which find their way onto traditional plastic, will begin to consume it but it is not a plentiful and easily accessible food source so the microbes move to areas which are. Microbes need to have a plentiful food source and be able to control their environment for PH levels and perform quorum sensing so they multiply and colonize.

Q: CAN BDP® BE USED WITH BARRIERS?

A: Yes. BDP® can be used with many common barrier materials. When using a barrier, it is important to ensure that all layers contain the proper load rate of BDP™. It is important to note that barriers often use different plastic types making recycling of these materials almost impossible and rendering them trash.

Q: ARE PRODUCTS MADE WITH BDP® COMPOSTABLE, BIODEGRADABLE AND RECYCLABLE? ISN’T COMPOSTABLE THE BEST OPTION?

A: For a product to legally be labeled ‘compostable’ it must comply with the ASTM D6400 standard (EN13432). There are 3 ASTM tests within this standard that a product must comply with. BDP® products comply with the ASTM D5338 thermophilic test, showing compostability in a commercial compost environment which is the same environment that plant based plastics are meant to be deposited (even though most compostable plastics end up in landfill). Since BDP® enhances a natural process that takes time, our products cannot meet the very ambitious disintegration requirements of the ASTM D6400 standard. Although we cannot claim our products as compostable due to the standard limitations, our testing proves that it is compostable, just at a slower rate.

BDP® products are biodegradable in landfill as substantiated by the ASTM D5511 % ASTM D5338 standard.

BDP® products are recyclable as proven by haze and transmission testing and by multiple client testimonials who currently run BDP® scrap.

BDP® products are biodegradable in oceans as substantiated by the ASTM D6691 standard

Q: IS IT BETTER TO USE PLANTS INSTEAD OF FOSSIL FUELS FOR PLASTIC PRODUCTION?