The contribution from the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association UK, is one which has been widely shared among other associations globally representing the industrial sector producing bioplastics and other materials that have generally renewable feedstocks (plants, plant wastes) and are identified by certification attesting to the ability of these materials to biodegrade either in controlled conditions (such as composting) or in soil.
We wish to make absolutely clear that these materials do NOT include those which claim biodegradability through the addition of chemicals to normal plastics and are known under such terms as "oxodegradable", "oxobiodegradable", "biotransformed" "photo and enzyme -mediated polymers" and similar. The use of these marketing terms is widely considered illegal and indeed the sale of these materials is restricted or banned in many jurisdictions globally as they provide no certified proof of assimilation by microbes within defined time spans (biodegradation) and leave traces of microplastics. These materials are also not recyclable with traditional plastics therefore we join with the multitude of entities globally calling for their use to be banned. Sadly the use of oxodegradable plastics in farming is still widespread.
Mr. David Newman