EPI cites benefits of Oxo-biodegradable technology

Oxo-biodegradable  plastic  (OBP)  technology  is substantiated by a robust foundation of peer-reviewed scientific research. The environmental benefits of OBP technology are clear, according to a statement released by Environmental Products Inc. (EPI), as OBP technology reduces plastic pollution and promotes sustainability. Nonetheless, it continues  to  be  the  target  of a concerted and underhanded smear campaign.  

In refuting the claims raised by those who opposed the use of Oxo-biodegradable plastic technology because Oxo-biodegradable additives contain heavy metals and are disruptive to human health and the environment, EPI categorically reaffirms  that its additives contain neither heavy metals nor any  environmentally toxic ingredients. OBP is subjected to the same environmental safety standards (EN13432) and eco-toxicity tests used to regulate compostable plastics. Furthermore, OBPs have been used in agricultural mulch film for many years, with no incidence of bio-toxicity or reduced soil fertility. Thus, neither oxo-biodegradable additives nor their degradation products cause any toxicity, according to EPI.  

EPI’s oxo-biodegradable additive, TDPA, is certified to be safe according to American and European Standards. For example, the UK Food Standard Agency’s Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals has carried out a risk assessment on trace elements and has shown that the transition metal salts in EPI-based plastics are in fact, trace elements necessary for healthy plant and human growth. Moreover, independent experts agree that EPI formulations comply with the food packaging safety requirements prescribed by the US Food and Drug Administration.  

Opposition to the use of OBP claims that OBPs fragment but do not biodegrade, but EPI stressed that the degradation products of OBPs are completely transformed into a form that is assimilated by naturally occurring microorganisms. Ultimately, the OBP degradation products are converted into a biodegradable material in the presence of oxygen. A substantial body of high-quality, peer-reviewed scientific research has accumulated in support of this incontrovertible fact. Recently, for example, Jakubowicz et al. observed 91% biodegradation in a soil environment within 24 months (Jakubowicz, Yarahmadi and Arthurson). 

The literature supporting OBP technology is without controversy and recognised by international standards bodies. Oxo-biodegradable plastic additives, such as EPI’s TDPA, which conform to BS8472 (UK), ASTM D6954 (USA) and AFNOR Accord T51-808 (France), are consequently, products of high integrity, according to EPI.  

Joseph Gho, EPI President and CEO, calls for clear reason to prevail, especially amongst legislators worldwide. “We  must  not  forget  the  environmental  benefits  of  oxo-biodegradable  plastic technology, especially since it offers an affordable and widely applicable strategy to minimise the environmental impact of plastic usage.”  

Established in 1991 in Canada & USA, EPI Environmental Products Inc. (EPI) with its UK subsidiary EPI (Europe) Limited  has  become  a  world  leader  in  the  fight  against  plastic  waste.  EPI licenses  proprietary  technology  that causes plastic to degrade.  Plastic bags, plastic film, plastic packaging and other single-use plastics can remain in the environment for decades. When these products are manufactured using EPI’s additives, they will degrade and subsequently biodegrade when discarded in soil, in the presencMercurial X Proximo