Product Comparison

Polyolefins plus pro-degradant additive

Oxo-biodegradables (PE and PP with low levels of pro-degradant additive)

Includes d2w technology

Very low price, Maintains all plastic properties, Good barrier properties, Degrades as litter, Easy processing

 Slow in windrow composting

Packaging - esp. sacks, bags and food films esp. wraps, Disposables
Naturally occurring polymers
Pure Starch and blends of starch and LDPE (potato, corn etc)

Good compostability

Low strength, Water soluble, Poor process ability, Poor Clarity, Recycling not possible

Niche packaging, Loose fill
Synthetic aliphatic polyesters
PCL's (Polycaprolactones incl. modified starch blends)

Good compostability

High price, Low strength, Poor barrier properties, Recycling not possible

Compost bags, Adhesive, Bottles, Film
PHA's, including PHB and PHBV (Polyhydroalkanoates)

Good compostability

Bad smell, High price, Poor processability, Recycling not possible

Bottles, Medical
PLA (Polylactic acid)

Transparency, Stability, Biocompatible

High price, Poor processability, Brittleness, Poor flexibility, Recycling not possible

Food packaging, Bottles, Medical
Other synthetic Environmentally Degradable Polymers
PVA (Polyvinylalcohol)

Good compostability, Clarity

Water soluble, High price, Poor processability, Recycling not possible

Water soluble, Personal hygiene prods, Disposables