Biopolymer Resources

If you would like additional information on the topic of environmental sustainability and bioplastics here is a short list of available information.

Definitions

Biodegradable: a degradable material in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.

Composting: the microbiological degradation of organic matter to make compost; the transformation of biologically decomposable materials through a controlled process of bio-oxidation and results in the production of carbon dioxide, water, minerals and stabilized organic matter.

EN 13432:Biodegradability in watery medium (oxygen consumption and production of CO2): Proof must be made that at least 90% of the organic material is converted into CO2 within 6 months.

Disintegration in compost: After 3 months’ composting and subsequent sifting through a 2 mm sieve, no more than 10% residue may remain, as compared to the original mass.

Interesting Links

European Bioplastics Regulations
http://www.european-bioplastics.org

Compost Council of Canada
http://www.compost.org

ecoACTION – Government of Canada
http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/index-eng.cfm

BioPlastics Magazine
http://www.teamburg.de/bioplastics/index.php

Plastics Guide
http://www-tc.pbs.org/strangedays/pdf/StrangeDaysSmartPlasticsGuide.pdf

Great Pacific Garbage Patch
http://www.greatgarbagepatch.org