Atlantic Poly Blog

Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic bags are better for the environment because the last up to 5 years indoors. But once they are exposed to UV rays or intense heat, they start to degrade into natural waste. The length of time it takes for oxo-biodegradable products to degrade can be ‘programmed’ at the time of manufacture and can be as little as a few months or as much as a few years.
 
There are different types of biodegradable plastic, and their costs and uses are very different. The two main types are oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. In both cases degradation begins with a chemical process, followed by a biological process. Both types emit CO2 as they degrade, but hydro-biodegradable can also emit methane. Both types are compostable, but only oxo-biodegradable can be economically recycled.
 
The overall process, from polymer to water, carbon dioxide and biomass is called oxo-biodegradation.

How Does Oxo Biodegradable Plastic Work?

The plastic does not just fragment, but will be consumed by bacteria and fungi after the additive has reduced the molecular structure to a level which permits living micro-organisms access to the carbon and hydrogen. It is therefore “biodegradable.”

The chemical degradation process involves the reaction of very large polymer molecules of plastics, which contain only carbon and hydrogen, with oxygen in the air. This reaction occurs even without prodegradant additives but at a very slow rate. Pro-degrading additives is a catalyst for this reaction and increases the rate of the degradation. Degradation begins when the programmed service life is over (controlled by the additive formulation) and the product is no longer required. The rate of degredation is dependent on the formulation and the disposal environment.

There is little or no additional cost involved in products made with this technology, which can be made with the same machinery and workforce as conventional plastic products.

This chemical process has been well known to polymer scientists for years. The ability to manage these processes in a predictable way – to balance the effect of catalytic additives with the effect of contained antioxidants, allows the production of products that satisfy needs and can also biodegrade at acceptable rates.

This new technology produces plastic which degrades by a process of OXO-degradation. The technology is based on a very small amount of pro-degradant additive being introduced into the manufacturing process, thereby changing the behavior of the plastic. Degradation begins when the programmed service life is over and the product is no longer required. There is little or no additional cost involved in products made with this technology, which can be made with the same machinery and workforce as conventional plastic products.

The length of time it takes for oxo-biodegradable products to degrade can be ‘programmed’ at the time of manufacture and can be as little as a few months or as much as a few years. They are protected from degradation by special antioxidants until ready for use, and storage-life will be extended if the products are kept in cool, dark conditions.

Unlike PVC, the polymers from which oxo-biodegradable plastics are made do not contain organo-chlorine. Nor do oxo-biodegradable polymers contain PCBs, nor do they emit methane or nitrous oxide even under anaerobic conditions. Only oxo-biodegradable can be economically recycled. Its counter part, hydro-biodegradable is more expensive. Contact us today to learn more about  recycling plastics and be sure to check out our eco-friendly plastic products.

A lot of us have had it happen before when you either send or receive an item and the item that is inside it suffers a breakage during delivery. You can often tell in an instant and before you have even opened it that what is inside is broken because you can hear the rattle of the numerous pieces inside. Obviously this is something that you do not want to be happening. The best way to stop this from happening is by making sure that when you send any packages, you ensure that any fragile items are surrounded by adequate cushioning. Bubble wrap is the most effective and used product to protect your goods when shipping.

Since bubble wrap was invented in the late 1950's it has gone on to become a world wide product used on a daily basis. The bubble wrap that we have is available a vary of sizes, with the smallest usually being around 6mm in diameter and the larger ones being more than 25mm diameter. The different sizes are suitable for different needs. Smaller diameter sheets are generally stronger and more resistant to bursting so can provide good protection for more fragile items. On the other hand, the larger diameter sheeting provides a softer cushioning which is perfect for use on larger items that are not as susceptible to breakages.

Whether you are sending items during a move or it is for your commercial business Atlantic Poly has got you covered in helping your product be safe and secure with our bubble wrap.  It is extremely advisable to make sure you pack your goods properly and using bubble wrap to protect items is a very good way of doing so. We have been servicing our customers for over 28 years. Every month, we ship millions of poly bags and other packaging products. So contact us today should you need any polyethylene products or poly packing supplies.

The world-wide demand for plastics continues to skyrocket. The early plastics were non-biodegradable and now rest in landfills for thousands of years to come. Scientists were quick to recognize this environmental threat and matured plastics manufacturing industry into the multi-faceted biodegradable industry that it is today.  Today, two main biodegradable plastics prevail the market:  oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable.

The two products have similarities.  In both cases degradation begins with a chemical process (oxidation and hydrolysis respectively), followed by a biological process and both types emit CO2 as they degrade.  Both types are compostable.

Hydro-biodegradable is much more expensive than oxo-biodegradable to manufacture. Hydro-biodegradable also emits methane during the decomposition process.  For these and other more technical reasons, only oxo-biodegradable can be economically recycled.

So, if you are environmentally conscious, look to be a consumer of oxo-biodegradable consumer plastics.  Atlantic Poly specializes in producing custom oxo-biodegradable consumer plastics and we will be glad to help you and your company “go green” in a most economical fashion.