About Our Recyclable Bags! (Oxy-Bio Poly)

What is used to make Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags?
Oxo-biodegradable has an TDPA additive that is blended into the plastic during the
extrusion process.

 

Are Oxo-biodegradable bags recyclable?
Yes, oxo-biodegradable plastic bags are recyclable provided they have not
degraded substantially.

 

What happens to Oxo-biodegradable plastic in a landfill?
Micro organisms present in a landfill will aid in the degradation process provided
sufficient oxygen is present. Also what helps the degradation of these bags is
thermal (heat), Photo (UV light), and mechanical stress.

 

Do Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags contain cornstarch?
No, the oxo-biodegradable TDPA additive use has a major advance over cornstarch
based degradable additives. Degradable plastic using cornstarch based additives
possess many undesirable properties. Specifically, plastic incorporating cornstarch
based additives can not be recycled, and can contaminate the recycling process.
They may also emit methane gas when degrading. Oxo-biodegradable plastics can be
recycled along with regular plastic and do not emit methane.

 

Do Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags feel different?
No, you will not notice a difference between Oxo-biodegradable and regular plastic bags.

 

Are Oxo-biodegradable bags as durable as regular plastic?
Yes, Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags are the same as regular plastic bags. You will not
notice a difference until the bag has been exposed to UV light or heat for prolonged
periods of time.

 

What is the shelf life for your Oxo-biodegradable plastic bags?
Shelf life is about 18 months as long as it isn't exposure to one or more degradation
promoters (sunlight, heat or microorganisms) for the bags to start to degrade.
If the bags are kept inside, they will receive minimal or no exposure and will
last 18 months or longer.

 

Will Oxo-biodegradation emit methane?
No, unlike other degradation processes, oxo-biodegradation will not emit methane gas.

 

How long does it take for the bags to start to degrade?
Oxo-biodegradable plastic degrades due to exposure to the elements (sunlight, heat
and microorganisms). Two-Three months is an estimation based on the average
conditions. The actual amount of time required to degrade a bag will be longer or
shorter depending on the amount of exposure.

 

How can we show these plastic bags are oxo-biodegradable?
Our bags are printed along the inside opening with an Oxo-Bio logo. If you order custom
printed bags we can also have the logo printed on the outside of the bag with your logo.

 

What does the Oxo-Biodegradable plastic turn into after degrading?
First oxidizing and degrading the plastic and ultimately biodegrading the plastic into
carbon dioxide, water, humus, and mineral salts.

Why use Oxo-Biodegradable poly bags over Paper Bags
The production of a paper bag generates 70% more air and 50 times more water
pollutants than plastic bags. It takes more than 4 times the energy to
manufacture a paper bag than a plastic bag.