BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS

Biodegradable packaging is made of biodegradable polymers that are sensitive to enzymes produced by bacteria and fungi. The end products of biodegradation of such plastic are biomass (compost), water and gases, i.e. carbon dioxide (for aerobic conditions) or methane (for anaerobic conditions).

Renewable raw materials such as sugar, starch, vegetable oils or chemically modified cellulose are used in the production of biopolymers. They are obtained from plant materials such as corn, potatoes, grain, sugar cane and wood, among others.

In Europe, the EN 13432 standard for compostable plastics is in effect. In the US, the applicable standard in this area is ASTM D6400, and in other countries ISO 17088.

The certificate for biodegradable plastics, for example, is issued by the certification body DIN CERTCO (Germany), it confirms their biodegradability and suitability for composting (meets the requirements of PN-EN 13432:2002). In Poland, the authority of DIN CERTCO to certify products suitable for composting and to award the mark "compostable" is held by the Certification Center at the Central Packaging Research and Development Center in Warsaw.

An interesting objection to biodegradable packaging is the carbon dioxide produced during its decomposition, which is a greenhouse gas. After all, it is one of the products of decomposition of organic matter and accompanies all biodegradation processes, and the amount of carbon dioxide released then is incomparably smaller than emissions from industry and transportation. So it can be said that they do not threaten the environment.

Biodegradable bags are offered by retail chain Carrefour, for example.