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Environmental Friendly Films

An essential element for the production of environmental friendly films is represented by oxo-biodegradable additives (OBP), which change the behaviour of plastic films so that they gradually degrade, or "disintegrate". Additives thus help to accelerate the life cycle of the main material. Plastic films manufactured using OBP additives degrade under conditions of exposure to solar UV radiation, moisture, and mechanical pressure. Oxo-biodegradable additives (OBP) can be added to the production of HDPE and LDPE films.

Important characteristics of the OBP technology

• Material can be "programmed" to provide a different film lifespan, depending on the requirements of the product. A lifespan from 3 to 12 months can be chosen. The oxo-degradation process begins at the moment of commencement of the effects described above, of mechanical and physical effects on the film or a product made from it. So for example, ecological bags, stored in their original packaging (in their box) are not subject to degradation. The process of degradation starts at the time of unpacking, then under the action of daylight, mechanical stress, and moisture - a common way to use bags.
• Films with OBP additives can be processed in the same way and with the same production equipment as ordinary polyethylene films.
• The technology is compatible with all methods used for landfilling, composting, recycling, and incineration.
• OBP polymers are environmentally friendly. The final products after their degradation are CO₂, water, and minerals. The oxo-biodegradation of OBP does not produce methane and does not leave fragments of plastics in the soil.
• The additives to OBP have undergone eco-toxicological tests, such as seed germination, plant growth, and the survival of organisms, carried out according to the "British National Standards" ON S 2200 and ON S 2300.
• Products using this technology are fully in line with the existing requirements of the European and American Food & Drug Administration Institutions for contact with food.
• The technology can be applied to most applications of plastics, from food packaging, through shopping bags, or films in agriculture, to covering films for use in construction and medical applications.

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