A group of trade associations and Greenpeace has called on the (UK) government to implement a total ban on so-called oxo-degradable plastics. Oxo-degradable material is often found in products such as plastic bags. The coalition claims it contains additives meant to accelerate the fragmentation of plastics into microplastics. The oxo-degradable sector holds a different view.
In an open letter to the environment secretary, signatories including the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and Recoup call on George Eustice to ban the use, sale and distribution of oxo-degradable plastics in the UK. The letter reads: “As the UK is now in the process of revising legislation on the use of plastic packaging, now is the time to act. “Overwhelming scientific evidence, including research commissioned by DEFRA and the EU, has demonstrated beyond doubt that the claims these additives transform polyolefin plastics into biodegradable plastics are unfounded.
The letter claims that in accelerating the conversion of macroplastics into microplastics, oxo-additives do not solve the problem of plastic pollution but worsen it. In March 2019 the European Parliament approved measures aimed at tackling marine litter by limiting the use of disposable plastic. Restrictions prohibiting the placing on the market of oxo-degradable plastic are to come into force on 3 July 2021. The open letter addresses the European ban, saying: “Whilst the UK has left the EU we have retained the ambition to achieve at least the equivalent of European environmental norms. “At the same time, were the UK to allow these plastics, anything containing them or packaged in them could not be exported to EU markets.”
Source: Let’s Recycle
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