What makes this plastic biodegradable?

We use a patented technology which is added during the manufacturing process, which accelerates the biodegradation of treated plastics in anaerobic landfill environments. The process is enzymatic, allowing microbes to consume the entire plastic mass. The end result is the microbes excreting the same waste as organic matter; which is Humus (biomass which is basically microbial waste), CO2 and CH4 that can be captured to produce clean, cheap energy.

What is this technology made of?

This product is a proprietary and patented blend of organic ingredients proven to enhance the rate of plastic biodegradation in an anaerobic environment. The time it takes to break down depends on many factors according to the – type of plastic used, the product configuration, and the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill. But it does break down. Within the next few years, your bag will become a source of food for microbes in the landfill or ocean, leaving behind no microplastics…just natural remnant.

Rudholm Group’s independent 3rd party testing, done by Intertek, has proven 10.3% biodegradation after 45 days under ASTM D5511 testing. This product will biodegrade within a few years, as opposed to regular plastic, which can take hundreds to thousands of years.

How long will treated plastics with this technology take to biodegrade in landfill?

It depends on many factors like environmental conditions, the biological activity of microorganisms surrounding the plastic and the size and thickness of the plastic bag. Rudholm Group’s independent 3rd party testing, done by Intertek, has proven 10.3% biodegradation after 45 days under ASTM D5511 testing. This product will biodegrade within a few years, as opposed to regular plastic, which can take hundreds to thousands of years.

How is this converted into clean energy?

Plastic treated with this organic polymer will biodegrade just like organic waste. The natural byproducts of this process emit biogases. These gases produced within a landfill can be collected and used in various ways including:

• 1. Utilized directly on site by a boiler or any type of combustion system, providing heat.
• 2. Electricity can also be generated on site through the use of micro turbines, steam turbines or fuel cells.
• 3. Landfill gas can also be sold off site and sent into natural gas pipelines or used to fuel vehicles, cooking stoves and facilities.

In the US, a large amount of US landfills capture this methane as a source of free, clean energy.

Does this process cause Microplastics?

No, it does not. The technology causes an enzymatic reaction which attracts naturally occurring microbes to the plastic. Since the microbes are using the plastic as a food source and eating it, the only remaining materials are microbe waste and biogas. The test results from ASTM D5511 and ASTM E1963 show the biodegradation of the plastic and that there are no microplastics or toxic residue left behind. The final material is deemed inert or non-toxic compost

Why is this organic polymer technology the best solution for “Green” plastic initiatives?

The development of the materials marks a turning point for traditional plastics and a stable solution over other products on the market today. They work in partnership with innovators of sustainable materials as well as government and non-government organizations to bring these materials to the market. The goal is to create a Gold Standard for plastics so that the technology becomes recognized globally as truly sustainable products. Products treated with this organic polymer maintain the same physical properties and strength as traditional plastics. Unlike other technologies, this is versatile, with the ability to be used in plastic, rubber, foam, synthetic fabric and many other materials, even plant based plastics. Once these products are manufactured, they have an indefinite shelf life and are not affected by light, heat, moisture or stress. These attributes will last until the product is discarded into an active microbial environment (landfill), and will then naturally decompose, leaving behind only humus and biogas.

This is a true sustainable solution for plastics that are commercially viable and scalable.