What is the Difference Between Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable

Oxo-degradable and oxo-biodegradable are terms that describe types of plastics designed to break down more quickly. However, there are several differences between these two types of plastics.

What is the difference between oxo-degradable and oxo-biodegradable? Oxo-degradable plastics contain additives that promote oxidation to break down the plastic into smaller pieces, while oxo-biodegradable plastics contain additives that enhance both oxidation and biological degradation to break down the plastic into non-toxic components.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Oxo-degradable  
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Oxo-biodegradable
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Oxo-degradable, Oxo-biodegradable, Plastics

What is Oxo-degradable

Oxo-degradable is a term often used to describe plastics that break down more easily in the environment. Oxo-degradable plastics are conventional plastics mixed with special chemicals that are supposed to speed up their degradation. Instead of actually breaking down into safe, compost-like material, these plastics fragment into tiny pieces called microplastics. These microplastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Moreover, these smaller plastic parts can get into the food chain and harm wildlife.

Many countries and organizations have recognized the dangers of oxo-degradable plastics and have banned their production and use. It’s essential to be aware of this issue and choose alternatives like reusable products or truly biodegradable plastics to help protect our planet.

What is Oxo-biodegradable

Oxo-biodegradable refers to a type of plastic that is designed to break down more quickly than traditional plastics when exposed to oxygen and environmental conditions. It is different from oxo-degradable because oxo-biodegradation has an additional biodegradation phase, which includes microbial activity. Oxo-biodegradable goes through two stages: first, oxidation breaks it into smaller pieces, and then microorganisms consume these fragments, breaking them down further into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass. However, oxo-biodegradable is not truly biodegradable. 

Figure 1: Degeneration of Oxo-biodegradable Plastics

If you’re looking for alternatives to oxo-biodegradable products, there are a few great options. Biodegradable plastics, made from renewable resources, break down into harmless substances under the right conditions. Compostable plastics are a special kind of biodegradable plastic that can break down in industrial composting facilities. Another option is to choose reusable materials like glass, metal, or ceramic, which can be used many times over and help cut down on waste.

Similarities Between Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable

1. Both involve the addition of additives to conventional plastics.
2. Moreover, both types of plastics break down into smaller pieces.

Difference Between Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable

Process

• Oxo-degradable breaks down into smaller plastic fragments called microplastics through a process of oxidation. Oxo-biodegradable goes through two stages: first, oxidation breaks it into smaller pieces, and then microorganisms consume these fragments, breaking them down further into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.

Result

• Oxo-degradable plastics result in microplastics, which are harmful to the environment, whereas oxo-biodegradable plastics ideally break down into harmless substances like carbon dioxide, water, and biomass.

Environmental Impact

• Oxo-degradable plastics contribute to microplastic pollution, harming ecosystems and wildlife. While oxo-biodegradable plastics theoretically have a lower environmental impact, their effectiveness, and long-term consequences are still debated.

Conclusion

The main difference between oxo-degradable and oxo-biodegradable is the process they use to break down plastics. Oxo-degradable plastics contain additives that promote oxidation to break down the plastic into smaller pieces, while oxo-biodegradable plastics contain additives that enhance both oxidation and biological degradation to break down the plastic into non-toxic components.

FAQ: Oxo-degradable and Oxo-biodegradable

1. Is oxo-degradable the same as oxo-biodegradable?

No, oxo-degradable and oxo-biodegradable are not the same. Oxo-degradable plastics break down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which can still harm the environment. Oxo-biodegradable plastics can fully break down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass under certain conditions.

2. What is the difference between biodegradable and degradable polymers?

Biodegradable polymers break down naturally with the help of microorganisms, leaving no harmful residues. Degradable polymers simply break down into smaller pieces, which might not be environmentally friendly.

3. What are the 2 types of degradable plastic?

There are two main types of degradable plastics:

1. Oxo-degradable plastics: These plastics break down into smaller pieces due to exposure to sunlight and oxygen, but they don’t fully biodegrade. 
2. Biodegradable plastics: These plastics are made from biological materials like cornstarch or plant oils and can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

4. Which two polymers are biodegradable?

Two biodegradable polymers are PHBV (Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxy valerate) and Nylon-2-Nylon-6. PHBV is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate that is produced by microbial fermentation of sugars or lipids. Nylon-2-Nylon-6 is a biodegradable form of nylon created through the polymerization of specific amino acids.

5. How to identify biodegradable plastic?

Identifying biodegradable plastic can be tricky. Look for clear labeling like “compostable” or specific certification logos. Some plastics claim biodegradability but might not decompose fully.

Reference:

1. “Oxo-degradation.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 
2. “Oxo-biodegradable-plastics.” Green Compostables. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Plastic degradation” By oxothomas – Own photos from compnay (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia