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Bio Products
Helping with environmental issues

In response to growing interest in the subject of Degradable Plastics, we have introduced Eco-Blend 03/07, a highly concentrated masterbatch, which can be added to Polyethylene to catalyse degradation under the influence of sunlight and/or heat.

The technology has been used for many years for the production of agricultural mulch films, which are required to be degraded at the end of the growing season so that they can be ploughed into the soil.

Films containing Eco-Blend 03/07 can be stored for extended periods away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Upon exposure to sunlight, the degradation reaction will be initiated. It will then continue, even in the dark, and will be accelerated by heat. Heat alone will also promote the reaction. Tests have shown that a 50 micron Polyethylene film containing 4% Eco-Blend 03/07 will be degraded to total embrittlement in less than 2 months when stored at 70ºC. This temperature is typical of that reached in composting situations. Higher addition rates will increase the speed of degradation. If desired, stabilisers can be added to delay the onset of degradation.

Several academic studies have shown that when the molecular weight of Polyethylene has been reduced sufficiently, it will become digestible by microorganisms in the soil and therefore become truly biodegradable. Therefore the ultimate degradation products of films containing Eco-Blend 03/07 will be water, carbon dioxide and a small amount of non-toxic mineral matter.

All ingredients of Eco-Blend 03/07 are positively listed for use in food contact applications under European Directive 2002/72/EC. There are no specific migration limitations.

We believe that the use of Eco-Blend 03/07 can make a contribution towards reducing the problems associated with littering and plastic waste disposal.


 

 

Eco-Blend 03/07
Technical information

Eco-Blend03/07 is a masterbatch which degrades Polyethylene under the influence of light and
heat. The addition of 2 to 3% Eco-Blend 03/07 will produce a photochemically and thermally degradable film.

Polyethylene containing Eco-Blend 03/07 will not degrade before being exposed to UV light. Once the Polyethylene has been exposed to UV light, the degradation reaction will be triggered and continues even in the dark. It will be accelerated by heat. Once the Polyethylene has been transformed into a fine powder, many studies have shown that biological degradation will take place. The end products of biodegradation will be Carbon Dioxide and water, with a very small residue of non-toxic inert mineral material. Biological degradation can start when the molecular weight has been drastically reduced and when the surface area of the disintegrated plastic has been enlarged.

The residues of degraded Polyethylene are NON-TOXIC.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Carrier PE
Specific Gravity (g/cm³) ± 0.92
Bulk Density (g/l) ± 0.550
Moisture Content (% < 0.15
Colour Light Brown pellets

USAGE:

Eco-Blend 03/07 contains active metal ions embedded in LDPE. Degradation starts only after the metal ions have been activated by exposure to a UV light source.

The degradation speed is mainly dependent on:
- the concentration of Eco-Blend 03/07
- the thickness of the film
- the type of resin
- the presence of antioxidant and pigments
- the temperature
- the type of exposure

For mulch application, only practical tests can determine the amount of POLYBATCH ?DEG that is required.
Practical tests must be performed to determine the optimum resin selection.

PACKAGING:

Eco-Blend 03/07 is packed in Polyethylene bags on shrink-wrapped pallets. It should be store inside for no longer than 6 months.

FOOD CONTACT:

The active ingredients of Eco-Blend 03/07 are approved for use in food contact applications according to directive 2002/72/EC.
Users should undertake sufficient verification and testing to determine the suitability for their own purpose of any information or products referred to herein.

This information is based on the results of tests carried out in our laboratories, and is correct to the best of our knowledge. We recommend that users establish for themselves that the material performs satisfactorily for their own requirements. Quoted test results cannot be used as specification limits, but are typical test values intended for guidance. No liability is accepted by us from any damage, injury or loss resulting from the use of this information, and freedom from patent rights must not be assumed.