The Identity of Oxo-Degradable Plastics and their Use in Switzerland

• Research unit: FOEN
• Project number: ExSt.2020.1044

Key words (German)

Chemikalien, Studien

Key words (English)

Chemicals, Studies

Key words (French)

Produits chimiques, Études

Key words (Italian)

Prodotti chimici, Studi

Short description (English)

Oxo-degradable plastics (ODP) are plastics containing pro-oxidant additives that allegedly promote fragmentation and subsequent biodegradation. However, in practice, ODP do not fully biodegrade under environmental or industrial composting conditions, and thus may serve as a source of microplastics in the environment. In addition, ODP can negatively impact recycling processes. In this study, we investigate the occurrence of ODP in Switzerland and the feasibility of identifying ODP using handheld XRF.

Related documents

• The Identity of Oxo-Degradable Plastics and their Use in Switzerland [PDF] 2'384 kB

Contractor (English)

ETH Zürich, Zürich

Charged budget (English)

BAFU

Legal basis (English)

Art. 57 Abs. 1 RVOG | Art. 57 al. 1 LOGA. | Art. 57 cpv. 1 LOGA

Copyright (English)

Copyright, Bundesbehörden der Schweizerischen Eidgenossenschaft | Droits d'auteur: autorités de la Confédération suisse | Diritti d'autore: autorità della Confederazione Svizzera | Dretgs d'autur: autoritads da la Confederaziun svizra | Copyright, Swiss federal authorities

Information (English)

BAFU, Abteilung Luftreinhaltung und Chemikalien, 3003 Bern