Biodegradable shrink wrap was once just an aspiration for the packaging industry. However, thanks to a number of developments in shrink wrap technology, there are now shrinkwrap films that are considered “functionally biodegradable”. In simple terms, in order to be classified “biodegradable” a shrink wrap film must be capable of decomposition in the presence of bacteria, or other micro-organisms, under natural conditions. The bi-products of decomposition are water, CO2 and biomass, as described by the European Standard EN 13432.
In reality, there is no film on the market that fully meets this requirement, and In this context the danger is that any promised breakdown is merely a disguise for transforming the base product into something that is not visible, but nonetheless present in the environment. The example of micro plastic particles in the oceans and water table is a case in point. Furthermore, current thinking with regard to sustainability is more focused upon the circular economy argument. That is to say that the idea of throwing products away is itself flawed, even if products were fully “biodegradable”.
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