Mere form change
Degradable plastics leave considerable residues |
| Category | Composition | End product | Degradability
|
| Thermoplastic blend | Thermoplastic starch with polycaprolactone (PCL)/ polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) | Through microbial action into H2O, CO2, inorganic compounds, biomass | Biodegradable/compostable |
| Starch polyethylene blend | Starch with polyethylene or polypropylene | Only starch biodegradable, plastic disintegrates and remains in environment
| Controlled degradation |
| Polyethylene with prodegradant additives | Polyethylene mixed with prodegradant additives based on metals and metal complexes | Plastic disintegrates in the presence of UV light, water or air; remains in the environment as fine particles | Controlled degradation (photo or oxidative degradation) |
| Compiled from Impact of degradable plastic bags in Australia, April 2004, Department of Environment and Heritage, Australian Government, and other sources |