More than 150 organizations globally endorsed a new statement that proposes to ban oxo-degradable plastic packaging worldwide.
The organisations supporting the initiative include M&S, PepsiCo, Unilever, Veolia, British Plastics Federation Recycling Group, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, Packaging South Africa, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Plymouth Marine Laboratory, and ten Members of the European Parliament.
According to New Plastics Economy initiative new statement, significant evidence shows that oxo-degradable plastics do not degrade into harmless residues, but instead fragment into tiny pieces of plastic and contribute to microplastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution is a threat to the ocean and other ecosystems.
World Wildlife Fund sustainability research and development director Erin Simon said: “Using oxo-degradable additives is not a solution for litter. Their use in waste management systems will likely cause negative outcomes for the environment and communities.”
In the UK, retailers such as Tesco and the Co-operative have already banned the use of oxo-degradable plastics in their carrier bags. France is also implementing the ban on the use of oxo-degradable plastics since 2015.
Various countries in the Middle-East and Africa, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, areas of Pakistan, Yemen, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Ghana and Togo, are highly using oxo-degradable plastics.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation systemic initiatives lead Rob Opsomer said: “The available evidence overwhelmingly suggests oxo-degradable plastics do not achieve what their producers claim and instead contribute to microplastic pollution.
“In addition, these materials are not suited for effective long-term reuse, recycling at scale or composting, meaning they cannot be part of a circular economy.
