Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a biodegradable polymer made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is often used for packaging, disposable tableware, and textiles.
Starch-Based Plastics: These are biodegradable plastics made from starch, often derived from sources like corn, potatoes, or cassava. They are used in various applications, including packaging and bags.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHA is a family of biodegradable plastics produced by certain microorganisms. They are used in packaging, agricultural films, and medical products.
Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is a biodegradable polyester commonly used in compostable bags and films.
Polycaprolactone (PCL): PCL is a biodegradable polyester used in a variety of applications, including 3D printing, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings.
Hemp and Cotton Textiles: Hemp and cotton are natural fibers that are biodegradable. They are commonly used to make clothing and textiles.
Jute and Sisal: Jute and sisal are natural fibers used for making biodegradable textiles, rugs, and twine.
Linen: Linen is a natural textile made from flax fibers, and it is biodegradable.
Bamboo: Bamboo is a sustainable and biodegradable material used in various textile products.
Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a cellulose-based fiber made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. It is biodegradable and used in clothing, bedding, and textiles.
Coir (Coconut Fiber): Coir is a natural fiber derived from coconuts and is used in products like doormats and erosion control blankets.
Ramie: Ramie is a natural plant-based fiber that is biodegradable and used in textiles and clothing.
It’s important to note that while these materials are biodegradable, the rate of degradation can vary depending on environmental conditions and specific formulations of the materials. Proper disposal methods, such as composting or industrial composting facilities, are often necessary to facilitate the decomposition of these materials into biomass. Additionally, regulations and standards for biodegradable products can vary by region, so it’s important to check local guidelines and certifications when using or disposing of biodegradable plastics and textiles.
There are biodegradable polymers and bioplastics designed to enhance the biodegradability of plastic materials, ultimately converting them into biomass under specific conditions. These polymers and bioplastics are developed to address the environmental concerns associated with traditional plastics. Here are some examples:
Biodegradable polymers: These are typically mixed with conventional plastics to facilitate their biodegradation. Some common biodegradable polymers include:
a. Starch-based polymers: Starch-based materials, like cornstarch or potato starch, can be added to plastics to increase biodegradability.
b. PR degradant polymers: These polymers promote the breakdown of plastics through processes such as oxidation. They can make plastics more susceptible to biodegradation.
c. Biodegradable Plasticizers:Plasticizers are often added to plastics to improve their flexibility and durability. Biodegradable plasticizers can enhance the overall biodegradability of plastic products.
Bioplastics: Bioplastics are made from renewable, natural resources and are designed to biodegrade into biomass. Some common bioplastics include:
a. Polylactic Acid (PLA): PLA is a bioplastic made from cornstarch or sugarcane. It is compostable and breaks down into biomass under the right conditions.
b. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): PHA bioplastics are naturally produced by certain microorganisms and are fully biodegradable in various environments.
c. Polybutylene Succinate (PBS): PBS is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable under specific conditions.
d. Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT): PBAT is a bioplastic used in compostable bags and films and is designed to biodegrade.
e. Polyglycolic Acid (PGA):PGA is a bioplastic often used in the medical field for sutures. It is biodegradable.
Bioplastics are generally more environmentally friendly than traditional petroleum-based plastics, and they can decompose into natural substances when exposed to the right conditions, such as industrial composting facilities or specific microbial environments. However, it’s essential to follow proper disposal guidelines for these materials to ensure they biodegrade effectively and contribute to a reduction in plastic pollution. Additionally, the rate and extent of biodegradation can vary based on the specific formulation of the material and environmental conditions.
Below is a more detailed comparison of various types of biodegradable plastics, including information
about their source, biodegradability, characteristics, and common applications:
Biodegradable Plastic Type
Source
Biodegradability
Characteristics and Common Applications
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Cornstarch or sugarcane
Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions, slower in natural environments
– Transparent and rigid – Used in food packaging, disposable cutlery, food containers – May not be suitable for high-heat applications due to low melting point
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
Produced by microorganisms
Completely biodegradable in various environments
– Versatile and adaptable – Used in biodegradable packaging, agricultural films, medical products – Can replace conventional plastics in various applications
Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate (PBAT)
Typically synthesized from petroleum-based materials
Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions
– Flexible and durable – Blended with other biodegradable plastics for improved properties – Used in biodegradable packaging materials
Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastics
Derived from starch (e.g., corn or potatoes)
Biodegradable under industrial composting conditions
– Good moisture resistance – Used in disposable cutlery, bags, packaging materials – Generally more affordable than some other biodegradable plastics
PHA Blends
Blends of PHA and other biodegradable or traditional plastics
Biodegradability depends on the specific blend
– Varied properties depending on the blend – Suitable for various applications combining different biodegradable plastic characteristics
Oxo-Biodegradable Plastics
Traditional plastics with additives promoting fragmentation
Fragments into smaller pieces, raising concerns about microplastics
– Fragments when exposed to environmental stress – Used in bags and packaging materials in regions with legal requirements – Some controversy due to microplastic issues
biodegradable Future additive
organic compounds used to treat synthetic polymers
complete Biodegradability of polymer chain by microorganisms in specific environments
-Flexible, Durable, Versatile, adaptable, and used as biodegradable packaging material. It also has good moisture resistance.
Why Oxo-biodegradable plastic is awful and banned in the EU.
Oxo-biodegradable plastic is a type of plastic that has been treated with additives to accelerate the degradation process when exposed to environmental conditions, such as heat and light. However, the use and promotion of oxo-biodegradable plastic have been met with controversy and have led to its restriction in some regions, including the European Union. Here is a comparison chart highlighting some of the reasons why oxo-biodegradable plastic is considered problematic and banned in the EU:
Aspect
Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic
EU Ban and Concerns
Degradability
Claimed to degrade into smaller fragments
Concerns about incomplete degradation and microplastic pollution.
Environmental Impact
May contribute to microplastic pollution
Microplastics harm ecosystems and aquatic life.
Recycling Compatibility
Interferes with traditional recycling streams
Disrupts established recycling systems.
Regulatory Concerns
Banned in the EU for certain uses
Concerns about false environmental claims and misleading consumers.
Lack of Proven Benefits
Limited scientific evidence of significant environmental benefits
Scepticism regarding effectiveness.
Ambiguity in Claims
May mislead consumers into thinking it’s an eco-friendly solution
Concerns about greenwashing.
Alternatives Available
Eco-friendly alternatives like compostable plastics
Safer options exist for reducing plastic pollution.
Potential for Toxic Residues
Concerns about the toxicity of degraded plastic residues
Health and environmental risks.
It’s important to note that the EU has taken steps to restrict the use of oxo-biodegradable plastic because it may not deliver the environmental benefits it claims while posing potential risks to ecosystems and recycling systems. As a result, the use of oxo-biodegradable plastic is not recommended in the European Union.
Oxo-biodegradables are currently outlawed in most Western regions, including the EU and US, and critics accuse Western companies of continuing to peddle PAC plastics to profiteer from largely uninformed, undeveloped and vulnerable nations where legislation has yet to be enforced
Unilever has set itself the goal of making all its products completely biodegradable, knowing it would be a massive undertaking. By investing in research, working with its partners across its supply chain, and considering the entire product lifecycle, Unilever is making progress towards this clean future
Like most businesses, Unilever is looking at how it can improve the sustainability of its operations. One stated goal is to make all its products completely biodegradable, by 2030. ‘Most of our home care, beauty and personal care products eventually go down the drain,’ says Ian Malcomber, chemical safety and programme director in the company’s Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC). ‘We want to make sure the Earth’s resources are not impacted by our products.’
While Unilever is already careful only to use ingredients with data that documents their safety both to humans and the environment, a couple of years ago there was a realisation that consumer sentiment was trending away from ingredients that remain longer in the environment after use, regardless of whether they do harm or not. Consumers want products to leave no trace.
The surfactants that are the major component of most household and personal care products have changed enormously in recent years, and are now routinely biodegradable. The branched surfactants introduced in the 1950s did not break down very quickly, forming foams in waterways and treatment plants, and biodegradable linear surfactant molecules were designed to replace them. ‘They are a good example of high-volume materials that were re-engineered to be able to biodegrade completely and quickly,’ says Chris Finnegan, safety and sustainability science leader at Unilever’s SEAC.
Volume-wise, more than 90% of the ingredients in Unilever’s products already biodegrade within hours, days or, at most, weeks. But the remainder can take longer to break down. This includes polymer materials with applications such as rheology modification or soil release. Other examples are silicones in hair conditioners, and fluorescers used as optical brightening agents in laundry detergents. All are used in much smaller volumes.
this leaves the dichotomy of how to make something that is designed to be stable into something more unstable. Innovation will be required to unpick the science of these materials
IAN HOWELL, HOMECARE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D DIRECTOR, UNILEVER
For laundry products, the biggest challenge is with the use of polymers and high-performance chemicals that are added to make concentrated products, which are more effective and lower the carbon footprint of the product. ‘They’ve done a great job because they allowed us to reduce our total chemical loading and that now enables us to shift our focus to ensure all ingredients are also fully biodegradable,’ says Ian Howell, homecare science and technology R&D director.
Polymers provide rheology modification to liquids, as thicker liquids (which consumers prefer) are easier to measure out and handle, but non-biodegradable polyacrylates predominate. Cleaning polymers are now routinely added to laundry detergents. These stabilise soils in the wash to give better performance, but although some advances have been made, many biodegrade slowly. But polymers are not the only challenge.
There is no known rapidly biodegradable alternative to the fluorescent optical brightening agents, Howell says. ‘The aromatic molecules are stable, which you want to prevent them photodegrading. This leaves the dichotomy of how to make something that is designed to be stable into something more unstable. Innovation will be required to unpick the science of these materials.’
there is an exciting world ahead for future students to get involved in
CHRIS FINNEGAN, SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE LEADER, UNILEVER
Some fragrance ingredients and pH-stable colorants can also biodegrade slowly. Fragrances in fabric conditioners can be encapsulated in polymers that are slowly biodegradable. This encapsulation has allowed the amount of fragrance in a product to be reduced, which is good from a sustainability standpoint, but less so for biodegradability.
New molecules and formulations
Unilever makes very few of the ingredients it uses; the vast majority are sourced from chemicals manufacturers and suppliers. ‘We are working in partnership with our suppliers to see if there are existing chemistries that might be able to meet the need, or whether new ones will be needed,’ Malcomber says. ‘How can we partner with them to help them commercialise these technologies?’
It may be possible to rationally design biodegradable alternatives, highlighting the importance of building up science and capabilities in biodegradation science. ‘A lot of knowledge has been built up in the design of molecules, such as whether inserting a group, or orientating it differently, might give access points for bacteria to break it down quickly,’ Finnegan says. ‘There is an exciting world ahead for future students to get involved in.’
This will require broader collaboration with academia and industrial partners. . To that end Unilever is partnering with the Universities of Liverpool and Oxford on an £8.8m program supported by the EPSRC. ’We will not achieve the UK’s Net Zero goal by 2050 without a transformation of the global chemical supply chain,’ says Howell. ’This partnership is an important milestone towards that transformation by galvanising research on new renewable and biodegradable materials for everyday products, such as detergents.’
‘One might take a biodegradable natural polymer but then need to functionalise it for a specific application, but there aren’t that many natural polymers, and the modifications may prevent biodegradation,’ Howell continues. ‘This is why we want to use renewable monomers to make functional polymers, building in biodegradable links.’
the big elephant in the room is how do you make a biodegradable product that is both hydrolytically and enzymatically stable, when biodegradation is all about enzymatic and hydrolytic instability
IAN HOWELL
Achieving full biodegradability isn’t simply a case of finding new ingredients: the formulation challenges are also significant. In contrast to the renewables programme, where LAB surfactants from renewable and petrochemical sources have the same molecular structure and therefore can be switched in without problems, drop-in biodegradable replacements are unlikely as the new molecular structure will interact differently with all the other ingredients. ‘The whole system has been designed to enable cleaning polymers to work,’ Howell says. ‘Tweaks to the formulation are likely to be required – it might need a different surfactant ratio, perhaps, or a slightly different ionic strength. And some of the other ingredients might also need to be changed. It is a huge optimisation challenge.’
While there is a desire to use only ingredients that biodegrade fairly quickly, there is a balance – the product also has to be shelf-stable. Take the enzymes that break down dirt and stains in laundry liquids. Esterases chew up oily and fatty stains, which are often esters, but if polymers are made biodegradable by inserting ester links, the enzymes might destroy them, too. ‘The big elephant in the room is how do you make a biodegradable product that is both hydrolytically and enzymatically stable, when biodegradation is all about enzymatic and hydrolytic instability?’ Howell says. ‘Do I need to invent a new format that segregates materials so my biodegradable polymer doesn’t come into contact with the enzymes until they meet in the wash? It might be the only way to have a stable product that is also biodegradable.’
And then there’s acrylic-maleic copolymer used in powder formulations to prevent aggregation during processing and storage, keeping them as powders. While in Europe liquid laundry detergents are now commonplace, in many developing markets powders still dominate, partly for affordability for many consumers, and partly because of their effective cleaning. 58% of the company’s turnover in 2020 was in emerging markets, and more costly replacements are unlikely to be acceptable. ‘We have still got to be able to cater to those consumers, too,’ Malcomber says.
It is important we get the messages right for chemicals, and we need to have robust data
CHRIS FINNEGAN
One early success story has already come in the Persil brand. Unilever has been working with a supplier to introduce biodegradable features into the soil release polymer molecules, as well as changing to green carbon sourcing.
Prove it!
Consumers will need reassurance that the products are, indeed, biodegradable. ‘Biodegradation for chemicals has been overshadowed by some of the “greenwash” around biodegradable packaging,’ Finnegan says. ‘It is important we get the messages right for chemicals, and we need to have robust data.’
There are already OECD-approved methodologies for assessing biodegradability. Ultimate biodegradation means it breaks down completely to its component parts – carbon dioxide, water and mineral salts – which get returned to the Earth’s natural cycles.
But even if something does undergo ultimate biodegradation, the rate at which it breaks down is important. OECD test guidelines cover both how readily a chemical biodegrades, and whether it biodegrades completely. ‘Ready biodegradation is accepted to translate to biodegradation in the environment in hours or days, while for the inherent test, it could be hours, days or weeks – but not months or years,’ Malcomber says. ‘This is where consumer concern could arise if things are staying in the environment for an excessively long period of time.’
Much of the biodegradation data is generated by the ingredient suppliers but, Finnegan says, the tests are not perfect for every chemical class: they tend to be better suited to water-soluble materials. ‘Task forces are coming together to evolve more suitable tests for materials with challenging physicochemical profiles,’ he says. ‘There is a lot of interest in whether tests can be further evolved to take in broader chemistries.’
There is also the prospect of adding renewable sources into the mix, too; Unilever’s Carbon Rainbow programme outlines the approach to diversify sources of carbon. ‘If you can identify chemistry that is biodegradable, could we create it from carbon that is not sourced from petrochemicals, but from carbon capture or plant-based sources?’ Malcomber says.
Unilever’s ‘Carbon Rainbow’ is a novel approach to diversify the carbon used in its product formulations. Non-renewable fossil sources of carbon (identified in the Carbon Rainbow as black carbon) will be replaced using captured CO2 (purple carbon), plants and biological sources (green carbon), marine sources such as algae (blue carbon), and carbon recovered from waste materials (grey carbon). The sourcing of carbon under the Carbon Rainbow will be governed and informed by environmental impact assessments and work with Unilever’s industry-leading sustainable sourcing programmes to prevent unintended pressures on land use.
‘It shouldn’t necessarily make it more difficult – we just have to make sure we account for biodegradability as we are developing those renewable sources. This is how our commitments combine – by also moving to renewable materials, the CO2 is not from fossil fuels, so it doesn’t release petrochemical-derived carbon.’
But the 2030 target for full biodegradability remains challenging, Howell says. ‘With the brand team over the next year or so we will be looking through the challenging list of slowly biodegradable materials we use, and deciding which we will have to drop, which have an acceptable alternative, and where we need a research breakthrough. It’s a massive undertaking.’
About Biodegradable Future
According to GreenPeace, less than 10% of the plastic we produce has been recycled, because recycling is expensive. What happens to the other 90%? It pollutes our landfills, oceans and groundwater for hundreds, even thousands of years.
What is the solution?
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive will not compromise the physical characteristics of your plastic goods, will not negatively impact the recycling process or combustibility and, if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.
Concerned about unplanned or premature biodegration?
Plastic treated with our additive has the life span equivalent to untreated plastic in environments such as retail stores, warehouses, offices etc. These environments do not provide the conditions necessary for the biodegration process to take place. In fact, active biodegration environments require bacterial and fungal colonies found in landfills. Those conditions are ideal for the microbes to colonise on the plastic product and begin digesting the smaller polymer compounds.
Learn more about the full biodegration process here
The biodegradation rate depends on the biologically-active landfills and according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.
According to a recent survey by Intellectual Market Insights Research (IMIR), Biodegradable Future emerged as a top market player in the Plastic Additives Industry. It’s all because of Biodegradable Future’s advanced technology and unique market perspective. Biodegradable Future is a global product developer and distributor of innovative and proven biodegradable technologies. Currently, 8 manufacturing plants are strategically placed worldwide. Biodegradable Future specializes in providing clients with cutting-edge biodegradable products and additives that when used in landfill, marine, or industrial composting environments, accelerate the biodegradation of plastic polymers. Biodegradable Future’s applications are endless in the petrochemical and natural polymer industries. It uses patented technology with international recognition. Biodegradable Future’s Additive portfolio surpassed others in the market due to its effectiveness and key benefits.
Intellectual Market Insights Research (IMIR) is a global market research and consulting company publishing syndicate studies as well as consulting assignments pertaining to markets that promise high growth opportunities in the strategic future. They are a dedicated team of analysts with a strong base of technical expertise as well as a thorough understanding of the market dynamics. Some of the key areas of expertise include Biotechnology, Chemicals and Materials, Healthcare, Information Technology, Equipment and Machinery, Semiconductors and others. They analyze the emerging trends in relatively nascent markets that promise high growth opportunities in the future. They focus on precision research practices that provide accurate market estimations and forecasts. This helps their clients make proper estimations regarding demand analysis, regional growth, major competitors, and market dynamics.
Biodegradable Future has a positive impact on the environment as it helps in producing biodegradable plastics, which have the potential to break down into natural substances, reducing the persistence of plastic waste in the environment. Biodegradable plastics require specific conditions, such as sunlight, oxygen, and microbial activity, to degrade effectively. Their degradation may be slow in environments lacking these factors, like landfills or the ocean, leading to persistent pollution. In agriculture, biodegradable plastics can help reduce plastic pollution when managed correctly.
Nowadays, Companies are under pressure to improve their business practices and thus look for alternatives when it comes to packaging and product design because of the staggering number of plastic products that end up in landfills each year. Biodegradable Future’s additives are a great choice for any business that wants to use plastics in an environmentally responsible way for a number of reasons as those mentioned below – • Maintain the strength of the plastic • Are cost-effective and easily implemented • Are versatile and adaptable to your needs • Have been tested and proven to work
Over 90% of all plastic ends up in landfills Biodegradable Future’s product is designed to ensure that this stop becoming a problem.
Biodegradable Future Additives
Biodegradable Future’s Additives improves how microbes interact with plastic, facilitating their consumption of it. Mixing it with a petroleum-based resin helps draw microbes to the plastic product, where they can then move on to colonize the surface. Once fully colonized, the microbes use the plastic as food and continue to degrade the polymer chain.
Plastic manufacture has expanded tremendously throughout the years due to its convenience, durability, and affordability. However, the vast majority of plastic objects are intended for single-use only, resulting in a substantial buildup of plastic trash that is difficult to manage and dispose of correctly.
Plastic consumption has doubled in the previous 30 years, owing to rising demand in emerging nations. Between 2000 and 2019, global plastics output more than doubled to 460 million tonnes. Plastics provide 3.4% of total world greenhouse gas emissions.
Between 2000 and 2019, global plastic trash generation more than doubled to 353 million tonnes. Plastics with lifetimes of less than five years account for over two-thirds of all plastic trash, with packaging accounting for 40%, consumer products accounting for 12%, and apparel and textiles accounting for 11%.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of these plastics end up as waste, with only a fraction being recycled or properly managed.
“Only 9% of plastic garbage is recycled around the world, while 22% is mismanaged.”
A significant amount of plastic garbage gets up in the world’s oceans, where it degrades into microplastics and presents serious risks to marine life. Plastic is frequently mistaken for food by sea species, resulting in ingestion and entanglement, which can end in harm or death. The contamination of the marine environment has an impact on the entire aquatic ecosystem, including the food chain, which in turn has an impact on human health.
Plastic garbage is also clogging landfills and illicit dumping sites, causing soil and groundwater pollution. Plastic waste can disintegrate over hundreds of years, worsening the situation over time. Furthermore, burning plastic garbage emits hazardous chemicals and contributes to air pollution, negatively damaging human health and the environment.
Addressing the global plastic crisis requires a multifaceted approach.Governments, industries, and individuals must collaborate to reduce plastic production, promote sustainable alternatives, and improve waste management systems.
One such organisation working towards the goal is Biodegradable Future. They have developed additives which will boost the biodegradability of any plastic goods without compromising the physical characteristics and will not negatively impact the recycling process if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.
Biodegradable Future aids businesses and manufacturers overcome the difficulties they currently face. The additive is made to prevent the plastic from degrading until it comes into touch with bacteria, ensuring that the plastic keeps its strength. Thus, there are no unpleasant shocks when using polymers that have undergone additive treatment; they maintain the same strength as other plastics.
The additives will work on all plastic items, including single-use shopping bags and custom-engineered durable parts. Additionally, Biodegradable Future provides a thorough consultation on the requirements in order to ascertain and validate whether how one can use this product in their enterprise.
The high expense of switching away from plastic in manufacturing and packaging is one of the reasons businesses are hesitant to do so. The affordable additives are more reasonable than the majority of plastic substitutes, keeping the prices down. Biodegradable Future additives have been shown to biodegrade plastic much faster than natural techniques in tests utilising the ASTM D5511 standard.
About Biodegradable Future
According to GreenPeace, less than 10% of the plastic we produce has been recycled, because recycling is expensive. What happens to the other 90%? It pollutes our landfills, oceans and groundwater for hundreds, even thousands of years.
What is the solution?
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive will not compromise the physical characteristics of your plastic goods, will not negatively impact the recycling process or combustibility and, if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.
Concerned about unplanned or premature biodegration?
Plastic treated with our additive has the life span equivalent to untreated plastic in environments such as retail stores, warehouses, offices etc. These environments do not provide the conditions necessary for the biodegration process to take place. In fact, active biodegration environments require bacterial and fungal colonies found in landfills. Those conditions are ideal for the microbes to colonise on the plastic product and begin digesting the smaller polymer compounds.
Learn more about the full biodegration process here
The biodegradation rate depends on the biologically-active landfills and according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.
Netflix has recently produced a documentary regarding the global plastics crisis. It is stated that under 20% of the worlds plastics are not recycled and end up in landfills or the ocean.
Biodegradable Future is a major distributor of organic additives that make all plastic and polymer based produces Biodegrade at a rapid rate into biomes, once reaching microbial rich environments like landfills and oceans.
Biodegradable Future provides and excellent opportunity for companies that are looking to have a more sustainable footprint and compliment the global fight for a more sustainable footprint.
Recycling remains the optimal form of brand sustainability however over 80% of products are not recycled therefore ending up in landfills or the ocean. Biodegradable Future additives offer brands an insurance policy against their products that escape the recycling stream.
Biodegradable Future has joined forces with Ocean Plastics Charter of Canada, the Canadian Government and Biodegradable Future are committed to taking strong actions that align with a greener future and share similar goals & objectives. Making a difference in the sustainability arena is of utmost importance and this partnership will ensure a positive sustainable impact in the fight against plastic pollution.
Ocean Plastics Charter of Canada the Canadian OCP (Ocean Plastics Charter) has formally recognized Biodegradable Future, this partnership between Ocean Plastics Charter and Biodegradable Future is just the beginning of recognition for organic biodegradable additives.
Half of all plastics ever manufactured have been made in the last 15 years. Production increased exponentially, from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons by 2015. Production is expected to double by 2050.
(Reference National Geographic’s)
“Canada is taking ambitious action to reduce plastic pollution and waste, through a comprehensive approach that takes targeted action across the entire lifecycle of plastics. It aims to keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment, and reach zero plastic waste by 2030. As such, Canada has spearheaded the Ocean Plastics Charter since 2018, the only global framework that asks government, business and organization signatories to take a resource-efficient lifecycle management approach to plastic waste.”
Biodegradable Future’s biotechnology ensures that the additives make plastic and polymers react better with microbes in the ocean and in landfills allowing them to consume it while utilizing the plastic as a food source.
Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. Some plastic products are estimated to take at least 400 years to break down. (Reference National Geographic’s)
Leviticus Bentley CEO of biodegradable future “We are extremely pleased to be working with Ocean Plastics Charter they carry a great amount of respect in the sustainability industry – they’re highly credible organization in the fight to create a more sustainable future for the world.
We have the solution and we are pleased to be acknowledged as a big player in the sustainability sphere with the likes of Nestle, PepsiCo, Unilever, Walmart, Volvo, IKEA and Coca-Cola to name a few. We are very pleased to be added to the list of endorsing partners and look forward to our inclusion in this project.
It’s encouraging to see so many of the worlds largest brands aligned with this charter and we are looking forward to working with them to assist in educating and creating awareness for a greener future.
The charter brings together leading governments, businesses and civil society organizations to support its objectives and commit to taking action to move towards a more resource efficient and sustainable approach to the management of plastics.
About Biodegradable Future:
Biodegradable Future is a major distributor of organic additives that help plastic and polymer products biodegrade. The additives do not change the appearance or characteristics of a product, but simply enable microbes to consume the plastic in landfills, oceans and soils.
With the staggering number of plastic products that end up in landfills and the ocean every year, there is pressure for companies to clean up their business practices and find alternatives when it comes to packaging and product design. There are a number of reasons why these additives are an excellent option for any company who wants to be environmentally conscious while working with plastics and polymers.
Our additives maintaining the strength of the material, are cost-effective, easily implemented, versatile and have been tested and proven to work.
Biodegradable Future
Contact Dean Lynch, President of Biodegradable Future,
dean@biodegradablefuture.com +27769825253
Biodegradable Future – a sustainability sector business providing organic additives which make plastic biodegradable – has attracted a string of international C-Level partners, previously associated with a multitude of global brands.
Biodegradable Future’s C-level executives bring brand awareness to global sustainability market
Making inroads in tackling plastic pollution sustainably, Biodegradable Future works with additives that break down polymers (in plastic), making it biodegradable on contact with microbes.
C-Level executives have made a beeline for the business, recognising the opportunity being part of Biodegradable Future brings. Environmentally driven and sustainably active businesses currently enjoy the highest ranking. Particularly in a world where 79% of the all-pervasive plastic pollution still ends up in landfills, the ocean or the environment.
Many members of Biodegradable Future’s 36-strong team bring their knowledge from close associations with some of the world’s leading brands. Their understanding of how international organisations ‘think’ and having a more expansive vision will undoubtedly contribute to Biodegradable Future’s growth. As a bonus, one partner brings his prestigious mentorship as a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt recipient.
Comprising a versatile and skill-diverse team, they include a top-level coach, an environmental engineer, a multinational project director, a chemical technologist and a technology solutions specialist. There’s even a researcher-turned-assistant professor from Harvard University amongst them.
Additionally, there’s a sales leader, a sales and performance coach, a growth strategy specialist and an analyst/marketing expert. The analyst/marketing man’s top clients at The Nielsen Corporation (previously AC Nielsen) included the likes of billion-dollar revenue companies Coke, Unilever, Heinz and a range of Pepsi’s partners at Cadbury Schweppes.
Also working with high-profile brands, the growth strategy specialist’s achievements involved being responsible for iconic brands including Dove, Lucozade, Cornetto and Horlicks, amongst others. This member also worked with a British multinational pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline. Further illustrating his versatility, he worked with startups in video games at Nintendo. Nintendo featured in Forbes’ ‘top 100 most valuable brands’ list.
The sales and performance coach valued his working relationship with Gillette and Pernod Ricard India. Pernod Ricard is the world’s second-largest alcohol beverage company. Other multinationals he worked with include Johnson & Johnson and Ansell. The latter manufactures protective industrial and medical gloves.
British-founded footwear business, Clarks, was home to the sales leader who impacted positively here, delivering 10X to the company. The nearly 200-year-old Clarks employs 2,600 associates globally.
There’s also a mechanical engineer whose innovative technology solutions led to his working with global corporations including Spinnaker International (Banking Solutions), Schneider Electric (networking solutions), Gemalto (Global Leader in Smart Card), Biocryptology (Cybersecurity) and Solectron (Global EMS Provider).
While lubricant, coatings and speciality chemicals were the domain of a chemical technologist who cut his teeth with the likes of Royal Dutch SHELL, Hempel A/S, TOTAL SA and Asian Paints.
As much of a mixed bag geographically, partners come from five continents. Countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Malaysia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
Sectors the team have worked in cover everything from industrial, healthcare, life sciences, education and retail to arts and entertainment, manufacturing, financials, science and technology, energy and the information and communications technology [ICT] sectors, to name some.
Members have also been involved in the private, non-profit and government sectors. An example of the latter is the partnership between a member and the Dubai government’s Planning and Design department. As head of sustainability, the engineer is responsible for multiple developers and environmental health and safety.
Health and safety are high priorities for both Biodegradable Future and some island countries, such as the Maldives and Malaysia who are banning plastic unless they’re biodegradable.
More than adequately equipped technologically and with the above-mentioned human resource know-how to successfully deliver on sustainability contracts, Biodegradable Future is evidently doing something right. Sales have been going extremely well internationally with their ‘green’ plastic pollution solution and they look forward to announcing some international brands shortly.
Biodegradable Future’s chief executive officer, Leviticus Bentley said: “We are extremely pleased with the addition of seasoned sales directors that have worked with industry-related companies such as Unilever, Coke, Heinz and Cadbury Schweppes. As well as holding high C-level positions in these companies and adding an immense amount of sales, marketing, operational and legal experience”.
About Biodegradable Future
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive for plastic that will naturally biodegrade when it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil. The additive does not compromise the plastic goods physical characteristics and also doesn’t negatively impact the recycling process. Microorganisms are naturally attracted to carbon, a compound that plastic contains. However, the carbon strains in plastic (polymers) are too long making them impossible for microbes to break them down. Our additive changes the DNA of regular plastic to make it easily biodegradable when it comes into contact with microbes in landfills, soil and oceans.
Biodegradable Future and Clearer Conscience Recycling have formed a strategic alliance with the common goal of informing, educating & collaborating with consumers and industry-related brands about the benefits of biodegradable additives which provide a crucial insurance policy against plastics & polymers that escape the existing recycling systems.
“After lengthy discussions, meetings, in-depth market and product research we feel it’s imperative to inform and communicate to the sustainability market that recycling on its own will not be enough to ensure an 100% circular economy for the foreseeable future,” suggests Leviticus Bentley, CEO of Biodegradable Future. Whilst recycling remains the #1 force to combat the global plastic crisis, it needs to be supported by various green initiatives, for example not using plastic and polymers where possible and if, if they do, to make sure they are biodegradable. Biodegradable Future additives biodegrade plastics and polymers into biomass. Should these products evade the recycling system and end up in landfills, the ocean or the environment they will biodegrade into biomass in hundreds of days as opposed to hundreds of years.
Leviticus states, “According to GreenPeace, less than 21% of the plastic we produce has been recycled. What happens to the other 79%? It pollutes our landfills, oceans and groundwater for hundreds, even thousands of years.” Greenpeace are pushing for single-use plastic to be banned. That is a huge development but will take time. In the interim, companies like Biodegradable Future have a solution: adding their compound to single-use plastics. Many islands are adopting a ban on single-use plastic unless it is biodegradable.
Andy Conder, CEO of Clearer Conscience Recycling stated “We are extremely pleased and impressed with the growth and adoption of Biodegradable Future internationally. All consumers need to recycle. We all know we should try and take our own bags when we go shopping, but do we ever consider the irony of the packaging that our items are wrapped in?” Online shopping and delivery services have seen huge growth during the coronavirus pandemic.
“When more households, businesses and industrial producers make sure they collect material that can be recycled there will be an increase in the facilities for recycling. This will lead to an increase in employment as well as a decrease in the volume of natural resources that are extracted from the planet each year and increased efficiency of these processes going forward,” The education, adoption and execution will take a significant amount of time – possibly generations – therefore it’s critical to make sure that there is a sustainable approach combining recycling, biodegration and alternative options to the use of plastics and polymers.
“In our experience, more people want to recycle more material than they currently can. I was surprised to observe that Cape Town recycles more materials that most London boroughs,” says Andy. “Factors to consider are costs involved, infrastructure, industry’s willingness and government perspectives.”
Both Biodegradable Future and Clearer Conscience Recycling agree a multi-faceted approach is required to speed up a sustainable situation that will address the issues currently faced that are hindering moves towards a circular economy.
About Clearer Conscience:
Founded in 2008, Clearer Conscience Recycling operates in and around Cape Town, benefiting charities and worthy causes. The teams are friendly, helpful and trusted. Fully municipality accredited, Clearer Conscience offers personalised recycling solutions wherever people need them. Clearer Conscience is a South African initiative with South African employees, all of whom are unemployed when they start and are up-skilled on an ongoing basis. Using Clearer Conscience gives you a clearer conscience.
About Biodegradable Future:
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive will not compromise the physical characteristics of your plastic goods, will not negatively impact the recycling process or compostability and, if it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil, it will naturally biodegrade.
Biodegradable Future is pleased to announce that Vita Go Beverages will be rolling out with Biodegradable Future Bottles. The companies are at the forefront of their industry and this alliance further strengthens the companies product offering while keeping health and sustainability at the top of the brands focus.
Only 9% of all plastic waste ever produced has been recycled. About 12% has been incinerated, while the rest – 79% – has accumulated in landfills, dumps or the natural environment.
Microorganisms are naturally attracted to carbon, a compound that plastic contains. However, the carbon strains in plastic (polymers) are too long making them impossible for microbes to break them down. Our additive changes the DNA of regular plastic to make it easily biodegrade when it comes into contact with microbes in landfills, soil and oceans.
By 2050 plastic could emit 56 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, as much as 14% of the earth’s remaining carbon budget. By 2100, it will emit 260 billion tonnes, more than half of the carbon budget.
Leviticus Bentley, CEO of Vita Go Beverages, says: “Our company is very happy to announce Vita Go’s collaboration with Biodegradable Future. We are now able offer a truly authentic Vitamin Water that has far more sustainable packaging than any other bottle on the market. At Vita Go our purpose is to deliver the best tasting, healthiest beverages for people to enjoy. Now we are able to add one of the most sustainable packaging solutions in the world. It’s a dream come true for our team.”
Dean Lynch, president of Biodegradable Future, adds: “We have always admired Vita Go Beverages and their brand ethos. They are one of the very few beverage companies in the world that offer a genuine vitamin water, through their innovative cap technology. We are delighted Vita Go has once again pioneered their way forward, now offering a much more sustainable packaging solution for their healthy minded customers and the rest of the planet”
The companies have signed long-term agreements and plan on delivering both domestically and internationally.
About Biodegradable Future
Biodegradable Future is a lead supplier of plastic additives that are changing the way we work with plastic. We have developed an additive for plastic that will naturally biodegrade when it ends up in a landfill, ocean or soil. The additive does not compromise the plastic goods physical characteristics and also doesn’t negatively impact the recycling process. Microorganisms are naturally attracted to carbon, a compound that plastic contains. However, the carbon strains in plastic (polymers) are too long making them impossible for microbes to break them down. Our additive changes the DNA of regular plastic to make it easily biodegradable when it comes into contact with microbes in landfills, soil and oceans.
About Vita Go Beverages
Vita Go’s closures offer an innovative patented dosing cap that provides endless opportunities in beverage applications. Our Patented closure delivers a fresh dose of vitamins on demand while it having a stylish and functional design too. Vitamins, nutraceuticals & CBD are stored in the cap with a precise dose of formula in the chamber. Ingredients are only mixed with spring water at time of consumption thus making make a healthy and convenient Ready-To-Drink beverage.
* Biodegradation rates of Bio Future's additives -treated plastic materials measured according to the ASTM D5511 test method. Tests are generally conducted using 20% to 30% solids content; solids content in naturally wetter landfills range from 55% to 65%, while the driest landfills may reach 93%. Actual biodegradation rates will vary in biologically-active landfills according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, and the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.
