Biodegradable plastics built to biodegrade in the open environment should not leave behind micro- and nanoplastics

Biodegradable plastics may be part of the solution to reduce the accumulation of plastics in the open environment. However, as the biodegradability of such plastics in the environment is not only dependent on the properties of the plastic material, but also the environmental conditions and microorganism present, these plastics should be applied with care and for specific applications only.

One focused application that would benefit the environment compared to conventional plastics are products that, to a large degree, release microplastics into the environment due to abrasion during use. Read more about biodegradable plastics, their suggested application and potential ecological risks in the SAPEA report from 2020 Biodegradability of plastics in the open environment – SAPEA

Link:
Biodegradable plastics should not leave behind micro- and nanoplastics - SAPEA (built2biodegrade.eu)

Contact person:
Gunhild Bødtker
Senior Researcher