Oxo-degradable
Oxo-degradable is a term used to describe plastic polymers that, via an oxidative process, are more easily degradable into smaller pieces, although those pieces may not necessarily degrade further at the same rate, in effect becoming microplastics, which have a series of associated issues. Oxo-biodegradable infers the potential for further biodegradation but the definition is not clear or standardised.
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN, for Comité Européen de Normalisation) has established the following definitions, in TR 15351:[7]
- Oxo-degradation is degradation resulting from "oxidative cleavage of macromolecules";
- Oxo-biodegradation is "degradation resulting from oxidative and cell-mediated phenomena, either simultaneously or successively".
These plastics, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS) contain an additive prodegradant catalyst, salt of manganese or iron, that can help in breaking the material down into smaller pieces.
Oxo-degradables are a category unto themselves, they maybe confused with, but are not biodegradable plastics. As they are neither a bioplastic nor a biodegradable plastic, but more accurately plastic mixed with an additive in order to imitate biodegredation. They break down into microplastics, but not to the molecular or polymer level in the same way as biodegradable and compostable plastics. The resulting microplastics left in the environment have increasingly been found to be problematic.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Biogenic.
- Biobased materials.
- Bio-plastics.
- Plastic coating market.
- Plastic in construction.
- Plastic and recycling.
- Types of biobased materials.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- The Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) 2022.
- WRAP voluntary agreements lead industry crisis response.
- UK Plastics Pact.
- Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP.
- Wood plastic composites market for construction.
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Comments
[edit] o make a comment about this article, click 'Add a comment' above. Separate your comments from any existing comments by inserting a horizontal line.