Newmarket, ON -- (SBWire) -- 01/28/2014 --EcoPoly Solutions is taking a stance, with the oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association (OPD), on criticising the lobbying attempt to take oxo-biodegradable plastics off the French market. If successful this would clear the way for bio-based plastics which have completely different uses and places in the market than their perceived oxo-biodegradable competition.

OPD states:

It would be surprising if the French Government allowed this proposal to pass into law, because in a civilised country you cannot close down a lawful business on the basis of a mere suspicion – you need to have credible evidence to justify such a serious interference with freedom. Moreover, any such law would contravene Art 18 of the EU Packaging Waste Directive, and even if that article were eventually amended as proposed by the Commission, it would still contravene Article 36 of TFEU.

OPD’s full statement can be found here: http://www.biodeg.org/files/uploaded/Lobbyists%20risk%20making%20fools%20of%20French%20Deputies%20over%20plastic%20bags%2014.01.14.pdf

The reality is that bio-based plastics and oxo-biodegradable plastics should not even cross into the same markets therefore the need to “slam” one another is completely ridiculous. They both have their time and places for their respective technologies. For example, bio-based plastics are well suited for your local home organic program provided it is collected and sent to an industrial composting facility. These facilities are found in some parts of the world but certainly not found in developing countries. Oxo-biodegradable plastics are ideal for many single use applications including products we use every day. These products can range from grocery bags, fast food containers, soda/coffee cups and lids to agricultural mulch films; that are a necessity in the farming world. Some plastics are simply difficult to recycle and absolutely should not be buried or burned. It makes economic and environmental sense for these products to be made degradable. Globally, littered plastic is found on the side of roadways, fields, forests, deserts, streams, rivers, oceans and virtually anywhere in the environment. Oxo-biodegradable plastics only require oxygen and microbial activity to completely biodegrade however factors such as heat, light, wind and rain simply help accelerate the process.

We have seen bio-based lobbyists work to try and ban oxo-biodegradable plastics in several parts of the world. This is purely driven by commerce and if the time ever comes that they are successful it would be a complete travesty for the environment. There is no benefit to the environment for government to segregate one technology especially when they do not have the resources to properly deal with any or all bio-based materials. This does not even take into account the dramatically higher costs associated with bio-based plastics. There is a time and place for both technologies and it is time to stop the mud-slinging and make decisions based on what is good for everyone including stake holders, consumers and most importantly the environment.

About EcoPoly Solutions
EcoPoly Solutions is a company that is in business to develop, manufacture and distribute the best Oxo-biodegradable additive and agricultural mulch films available in the market. Our ongoing product development seeks to provide affordable solutions and alternatives to the plastic industry for waste problems and global food chain advancements.

Steve Arsenault, EcoPoly Solutions
+1 905 967 9008
steve@ecopolysolutions.com