Frequently Asked Questions

Our additives work through a three-step process:

1. Attraction: The nutrients in our additives attract naturally occurring bacteria that are present in disposal environments (landfills, soil, compost facilities).
2. Colonization: These microorganisms form biofilms on the plastic surface and secrete enzymes that begin breaking down the long polymer chains into smaller fragments through hydrolysis.
3. Assimilation: The bacteria metabolize these smaller polymer fragments, using them as a carbon source. This process converts the plastic into CO₂, water, and biomass.

This is a natural process that occurs with all organic matter but happens extremely slowly with conventional plastics. Our additives significantly accelerate this process, reducing biodegradation time from centuries to months or years.

No, our additives are designed to work in harmony with existing recycling systems. Products made with our additives:

• Can be recycled through conventional recycling streams
• Do not negatively impact the quality of recycled materials
• Only begin biodegrading when exposed to the specific environmental conditions found in disposal environments (landfills, soil, compost facilities)
• Maintain their intended properties throughout their useful life

This dual capability supports both recycling efforts and provides an end-of-life solution for plastic that escapes recycling streams or can no longer be recycled due to contamination or degraded quality.

Biodegradation timeframes vary depending on several factors:

• Plastic type: Different polymers biodegrade at different rates (PE, PP, PS, etc.)
• Product thickness/surface area: Thinner materials with more surface area biodegrade faster
• Environmental conditions: Temperature, moisture, microbial activity
• Additive formulation: We offer different formulations optimized for specific applications

In general, our additives enable biodegradation within the following timeframes:

• Thin films (shopping bags, packaging films): 6-24 months
• Medium-thickness items (containers, bottles): 24-48 months
• Thick products (durable goods): >48 months (depending on the actual thickness)

Our additives are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes with minimal or no changes required. Key considerations:

• Our additives are typically added at 0.5-2% by weight, similar to other masterbatch additives
• They can be processed through standard equipment (extruders, injection molding machines, etc.)
• No special handling equipment or procedures are required
• Processing temperatures and conditions remain the same
• Available in pellet, powder, or liquid form to suit different manufacturing setups

Our technical team provides full support during implementation to ensure a smooth integration with your specific manufacturing process.

Yes, products made with our additives maintain their physical and mechanical properties throughout their intended shelf life and use phase. Important performance characteristics:

• Mechanical properties: Tensile strength, flexibility, impact resistance, etc. remain virtually unchanged
• Barrier properties: Gas and moisture barrier properties are maintained for packaging applications
• Aesthetic properties: Clarity, color, and surface finish are unaffected
• Shelf life: Products remain stable during storage and use

Biodegradation is only activated when the product is exposed to the specific environmental conditions found in disposal environments (microbial activity, moisture, etc.), not during normal use. We conduct extensive testing to ensure there is no premature degradation during the product's intended life cycle.

Our additives have been tested according to multiple international standards:

• ASTM D5511: Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions
• ISO 14855: Determination of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions

Yes, our additives designed for food packaging applications comply with relevant food contact regulations in major markets:

• United States: FDA compliant under 21 CFR 177.1520 for olefin polymers and other relevant sections
• European Union: Compliant with EU Regulation No. 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food

Biodegradability and compostability claims must adhere to specific regulations and guidelines to avoid greenwashing allegations. Our approach to claims:

• We provide scientifically validated test results that support appropriate environmental claims
• Claims should always specify the environment and conditions under which biodegradation occurs (e.g., "biodegradable in landfill conditions")
• Timeframes should be included when making biodegradation claims
• Claims should be substantiated by appropriate testing according to recognized standards

The cost impact varies depending on several factors:

• Type of plastic being used
• Product application and performance requirements
• Additive loading rate (typically 0.5-2%)
• Production volume
• Geographic location

We work closely with clients to find the most cost-effective implementation strategy for their specific application and market positioning. Contact us for a customized cost analysis for your products.

Implementation typically follows these steps:

1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your specific products, requirements, and sustainability goals to determine the best approach.
2. Sample Testing: We provide samples for you to test in your manufacturing process and verify compatibility with your products.
3. Product Testing: Finished products are tested to verify performance properties and biodegradation rates (we could help on these as well if needed).
4. Implementation: Our technical team provides support during the integration into your production process.
5. Ongoing Support: We provide continuous technical support and regular updates as our technology evolves.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from initial contact to full implementation, although this can vary depending on complexity and the third party lab testing process. Contact our sales team to begin the process.

Yes, we provide comprehensive technical support throughout the implementation process and beyond:

• Technical Consultation: Our polymer scientists and engineers work directly with your team to address specific requirements
• Process Optimization: Assistance with integrating our additives into your specific manufacturing process
• Quality Control: Guidance on testing and quality assurance procedures
• Troubleshooting: Rapid response to any technical issues that arise
• Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and updates as our technology evolves
• Documentation: Comprehensive technical data sheets, safety data sheets, and processing guides

For large-scale implementations, we can arrange for on-site technical support during initial production runs. Our technical support team is available to address any questions or concerns throughout our partnership.