It is a masterbatch additive for plastic polymers that allows the plastic to gradually degrade when exposed to heat, air, and sunlight, and then eventually biodegrade through microorganisms in the environment. This means that plastic products made with it do not persist in nature for long and do not form microplastics, while still remaining recyclable if collected.
In 2016 the Government of Saudi Arabia made it compulsory to use oxo-biodegradable technology for a wide range of plastics products. They did this, after an expert evaluation of the technology, because they recognise the value of plastic products for our people and did not wish to ban them.
They were however aware that, despite their best efforts to improve waste management, a significant amount of single-use plastic products do get out into the open environment in our country. They therefore decided that they must be made oxo-biodegradable so that they will safely biodegrade without creating microplastics and will not persist in the environment – but can still be recycled if collected.
In the nine years since this law was passed it has made an important contribution to the protection of our environment, and Saudi Arabia has experienced no difficulties at all with it.
You may nevertheless encounter products misleadingly marketed as compostable or biodegradable, and this could cause difficulties for you with the Saudi authorities.
Pure Polymers are now making d2w, the world’s leading oxo-biodegradable masterbatch, which is approved in Saudi Arabia, and we can now offer it to our customers. You can now buy with confidence that your plastic products will be compliant.
