The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR), US has reinforced its opposition to the use of degradable additives in existing as well as potentially recyclable bottles, containers and films.
APR director Steve Alexander said it has repeatedly asked those who sell and use oxo-degradable or biodegradable additives, since mid-2009, to consider the sustainability implications of those additives on the recyclability of packaging.
"We have asked for the data that support the claims of bottles containing the additives would have no impact on the recyclability of a bottle, including next use life. We have seen no credible supporting data. Without mitigating data, we must oppose the misuse of such additives in recyclable plastic," Alexander said.
The association is reinforcing its support of legislation being considered at present in North Carolina and Alabama that would prohibit the use of the term 'degradable and recyclable' on the label of a container.
The legislation would also require containers with degradable additives to be labeled with the instruction 'do not recycle'.
"Containers with these degradable additives can seriously impair the integrity of the plastic packaging recycling stream," Alexander added.
