A growing number of American consumers are realizing that their waste disposal decisions have an environmental impact. Increasingly, people are willing to pay more for products with biodegradable packaging that is “environmentally friendly.” There is now major interest in developing the technology to produce more advanced and effective biodegradability of plastics. A review of recent articles on this topic seems to indicate vastly different climates in the U.S. and abroad. We note that the definition of biodegradable has come under challenge in U.S. courts. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the State of California have issued the most stringent regulations.

ISSUE: Are the plastic biodegradable definitions and regulations encouraging or inhibiting technological advancements?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position on issues. For those interested in this month’s issue, the following articles have been selected to give you a range of related-topics to get you started on your research.

What Is the Definition of Biodegradable? (3/20/17)
By Jennifer Chait
The Balance

Biodegradable Polymers Report 2017: Market Should Reach 5.6 Billion Pounds by 2021 from 2.4 Billion Pounds in 2016 at a CAGR of 18.0% (3/15/17)
Research and Markets

Oxo-biodegradable Plastic – more fake news! [link no longer available] (3/7/17)
Symphony Environmental Technologies PLC

Unilever commits to 100% recyclable plastic packaging by 2025 (1/14/17)
Unilever

BioSphere Plastic Announces Major Biodegradable Plastic Breakthroughs with Several Groundbreaking ASTM D5511 Test Results (3/14/17) [link no longer available]
CBS58

Chemical Maker Loses Appeal Over Biodegradability Claims (3/17/17)
By Adam Liggett
Law360

Federal Trade Commission Attacks the Environment (4/4/17)
Alliance for Natural Health USA

We encourage you to post your comments. You are also invited to share additional resources you have found relating to this issue.

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