Category: Biodegradation & Composting
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Significant advances in the degradation of plastics by induced selection in microcosm
One of the pioneering lines of work of the RECOVER project focuses on obtaining microbial consortia capable of degrading linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), a type of plastic that has been scarcely studied in terms of biodegradation.
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Penn State University goes composting but refuses compostable plastics
Changes on the horizon for University Park’s compost and recycling collection
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Scientists Find Microbes That Can Break Down Plastic in the Cold
Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL have discovered microbes that degrade plastic at cool temperatures. This opens up new perspectives for recycling certain types of plastic. Most known microbes require at least 30°C for their decomposition work.
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Fungi makes meal of hard to recycle plastic
Plastic biodegraded by two common fungi — RETHINKING MATERIALS Innovation and Investment Summit – May 16-17, London. 10% discount with code BPN10
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Port Phillip (AU) Guidelines for Food and Garden Organics Bin
It’s important to keep contamination levels in our food and garden organics (FOGO) recycling bins low so we can continue to create high quality compost to nourish Victorian parks and grounds.
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Colorado’s Largest Composter is Changing its Accepted Materials List to be More Restrictive
A1 Organics, Colorado’s largest composter, is changing its accepted materials list to be more restrictive.
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Lignin Deconstruction by Anaerobic Fungi
Lignocellulose forms plant cell walls, and its three constituent polymers, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, represent the largest renewable organic carbon pool in the terrestrial biosphere
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Is Biodegradable Better? Making Sense of ‘Compostable’ Plastics
Bacardi rum bottles, Skittles sweet wrappers, designer water bottles—a bevy of companies are developing biodegradable plastic packaging they say is better for the environment than traditional plastics.
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University of Costa Rica Published Study on the Hidden Reality of Bioplastics
Most bioplastics behave just like conventional plastics and can remain in nature for hundreds of years, although they are marketed as an eco-friendly alternative. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the degree of biodegradability of materials identified as polylactic acid (PLA) and oxobiodegradable (OXO), which are presented as biodegradable. Likewise, other plastics such as…
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Tesco Accused of Greenwashing over Biodegradable PLA Teabags
Complaint filed against retail giant after an experiment found that the teabags did not biodegrade after a year buried in soil
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Toppan and Polymateria Release Biotransformed Packaging that Degrades in 176 days
Polymateria and Toppan Specialty Films have released packaging which fully biodegrades leaving no microplastic and toxins behind.
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A newly developed catalyst makes single-use plastics easier to upcycle, recycle and biodegrade
Researchers created a new catalyst that transforms hydrocarbons into chemicals and materials that are higher value, easier to recycle, and biodegrade in the environment.
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Quick Verification Test to Distinguish Compostable Plastics from Conventional Plastics
Not sure of the value of this but found it on the website of Indian Ministry
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Accelerated Degradation of Plastic Products via Yeast Enzyme Treatment
Biodegradable plastics can solve the problem of unwanted plastics accumulating in the environment if they can be given the contradictory properties of durability in use and rapid degradation after use.
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How Waste-Eating Bacteria Digest Complex Carbons
A common environmental bacterium, Comamonas testosteroni, could someday become nature’s plastic recycling center. While most bacteria prefer to eat sugars, C. testosteroni, instead, has a natural appetite for complex waste from plants and plastics.
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Degradation of Microplastics by a Thermal Fenton Reaction
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are emerging techniques for microplastics purification.
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Value of Compostable Packaging
What is the value of compostable packaging when there’s no access to industrial composting sites.
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The Mystery of What’s Eating our Plastic from the Ocean
‘This is certainly not a solution to the problem of the plastic soup in our oceans’
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New Method to Quantify Microbial Plastic Mineralisation
A stable isotope assay with 13C-labeled polyethylene to investigate plastic mineralization mediated by Rhodococcus ruber
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Bacteria Really Eat Plastic
Scientist Discovers a Plastic-Eating Bacteria That Actually Digests Plastic Pollution
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Compostable Packaging Degradation Pilot Launched
Led by the Composting Consortium, the pilot will generate data to help shape international standards for field testing compostable packaging and contribute to the launch of an open-source results database.
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Logjam for Biodegradable Plastic in India
A lack of coordination among multiple ministries of government has led to logjam; several manufacturers stare at an uncertain future
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Sunlight Degrades Plastic Waste in Oceans
UV light from the sun slowly breaks down plastics on the ocean’s surfaces. Floating microplastic is broken down into ever smaller, invisible nanoplastic particles that spread across the entire water column, but also to compounds that can then be completely broken down by bacteria.
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France Info Says Compostable Packaging Are Dangerous for your Health
France Info is a radio network operated by the French public service radio broadcaster Radio France. It provides continuous live news and information.
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Compostable and Biodegradable Plastics in India
An article on compostable and biodegradable plastics published in The Times of India.
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Smart Compost Bins Have Arrived in Manhattan
Smart Compost Bins—45 in All—Have Arrived in Upper Manhattan
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EU Policy Framework on Biobased, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics
Communication – EU policy framework on biobased, biodegradable and compostable plastics; and the Synopsis report on the consultation on the policy framework on biobased, bio-degradable and compostable plastic
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Biodegradable Microplastics in Soils Cause CO2 to Rise
New study by the University of Bayreuth: Biodegradable microplastics in soils cause CO₂ emissions to rise
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Enzymes and Bacteria Sent to Space To Upcycle Plastics
NREL and Collaborators Design Special Space Capsule for Autonomous Culturing
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BBIA Response to UCL Study Regarding Compostables Breakdown Rates
UCL has released a study (3 November) on the ability of packaging marked ‘compostable’ to break down, saying that 60 per cent of compostables are not fully compostable at home.
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Eisenia Foetida and Lumbricus Terrestres Show High Plastic-Degrading Enzyme Activity
The insects Tenebrio molitor, Ephestia kuehniella and Galleria mellonella as well as Acheta domesticus and Hermetia illucens have also been tested, but the latter two have not been effective in degrading plastics.
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CompostAble Chicago Study report
The Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and partners have released the CompostAble Chicago study report.
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Compostable Packaging in Canada Ends up in Landfill Says CBC
What happens to compostables in Ottawa green bins?
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Biodegradable Microplastics in Soils Cause Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Rise
Biodegradable microplastic increases CO2 emission and alters microbial biomass and bacterial community composition in different soil types
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Composting Consortium for US Composting
What will it take for us to get to zero waste? Composting plays an essential role.
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Accurately Tracking How Plastic Biodegrades
Researchers have developed an approach to accurately record and fully track the biodegradation of plastics in soils.
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Wax Worm Enzymes Can Degrade Plastics
Wax worm saliva contains enzymes capable of breaking down plastics
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New York Initiative for Compostable Waste
New York launches Curbside Composting program
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New Methodology to Asses PBS Biodegradation
Biodegradation of poly(butylene succinate) in soil laboratory incubations assessed by stable carbon isotope labelling
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How to Compost Bioplastics with Lomi Composter?
Lomi is a countertop appliance that quickly converts household organic waste into compost.
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Bayer Launches Innovation Challenge for Biodegradable Packaging
Bayer and yet2 Launch Innovation Challenge for Biodegradable Packaging Sachets/Tubes, Bayer Renews Commitment to Open Innovation
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Biodegradable Printed Circuit
Breakthrough could divert wearable devices and other flexible electronics from landfill
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Procedure for Issuing Certificate of Biodegradable Plastic Bags in India
Standard Operating Procedure for Issuing Certificate to Manufacturers of Biodegradable Plastic Carry Bags
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South Africa Receives Biodegradation Laboratory Equipment
CSIR receives plastic biodegradation laboratory equipment from Japan
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Why Biodegradable Packaging Might Not be Biodegradable
There’s a perception that product packaging labelled as ‘biodegradable’ will simply degrade in a matter of months, reducing litter and making for good compost. That is not always the case. In fact, it can be worse for the environment.
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Canada Consultation on Plastics Recyclability and Compostability
Canada Consults on Regulatory Framework for Plastics Recyclability and Compostability
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MIB Develops New Enzyme for Plastic Degradation
Engineering enzymes to help solve the planet’s plastic problem
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Setting up Curbside Compost Pickup in US Towns
How and where do you start to set up curbside compost pickup in the US? Here’s a concrete example.
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WMU Welcomes New Compostability Testing Center
Western student powers launch of new compostability testing center
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Should I Buy Biodegradable Materials If Trash Goes to Landfill?
Is there an environmental benefit to using biodegradable disposable plates and cutlery that are then thrown out with the trash in closed plastic bags — and presumably dropped in landfill?
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How France Will Implement Composting Obligation
By 2024, all French citizens will have to compost their green waste. How will this be implemented?
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Bacteria Can Remove Plastic Pollution from Lakes
A study of 29 European lakes has found that some naturally-occurring lake bacteria grow faster and more efficiently on the remains of plastic bags than on natural matter like leaves and twigs.
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All you Need to Know about California Composting Law
Still have questions about California’s composting law? Here’s what you need to know.
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University of Stuttgart Study on Plastic Degradation
Researchers at the University of Stuttgart present long-term study on the degradation of plastic
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CJ BIO PHA Tested by Korea Conformity Laboratories
CJ BIO Amorphous Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) demonstrates excellent biodegradability in natural marine environment in tests conducted by the national Korean testing agency (KCL)
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CJ CheilJedang and Kyungpook National University Partner on PET Biodegradation
CJ Cheil Jedang works with university researchers to commercialize enzymes for biological plastic recycling
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Degradation Triggerable Plastic Made of Vanillin
Towards Upcycling Biomass-Derived Crosslinked Polymers with Light
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Superworms That Can Eat Polystyrene
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered the common Zophobas morio ‘superworm’ can eat through polystyrene, thanks to a bacterial enzyme in their gut.
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Pakistan Goes Vermicomposting
Growers advised to focus on vermicomposting for organic farming
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Why Is Plastic So Nondegradable?
Article on Newsweek as to why plastic is non biodegradable
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Independent Testing of PLA, PBAT and BDP Residues in Compost
NatureWorks Ingeo PLA, BASF Ecoflex PBAT and more compostable plastics were independently tested by a team of researchers. The compost was tested after the biodegradation of compostable plastics. The researchers did a remarkable job.
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Leipzig University Research on PET Biodegradation
Newly Discovered Enzyme Breaks Down Pet Plastic In Record Time
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University of Bath Makes Plastic UV Degradable
Scientists at Bath found that incorporating sugar units into polymers makes them more degradable when exposed to UV light.
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UV Degradation of PLA
UV degradation of poly(lactic acid) materials through copolymerisation with a sugar-derived cyclic xanthate
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Digestibility of PHA and PBSA
Digestibility Kinetics of Polyhydroxyalkanoate and Poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) after In Vitro Fermentation in Rumen Fluid
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International Compost Awareness Week 2022
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry.
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Imperial College London Research on PET and PU Biodegradation
The MIPLACE project, led by Imperial and involving partners based in Germany, Spain and France, investigates the use of microorganisms for the recycling of PET and polyurethane plastic waste
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How Does BiologiQ NuplastiQ Works?
BioLogiQ inserts its own “iQ technology” into other plastic products, called NuPlastiQ.
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Japanese Biodegradable Guitar Picks
Japanese plastics firm launched 100% biodegradable guitar picks
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Bioplastics Could Cause Harm Says Hong Kong NGO
Biodegradable plastics can actually cause harm, says Hong Kong green group
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Marine Fungus that Degrades Plastics
Chinese scientists discover marine fungus that degrades plastic
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Methodologies to Assess Biodegradability of BioPolymers
Methodologies to Assess the Biodegradability of Bio-Based Polymers—Current Knowledge and Existing Gaps
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Plastic Eating Bacteria Created With Particle Accelerator
Scientist have been working on a Frankenstein bacteria able to eat plastic
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New Bioplastics Degrades Within a Week
Researchers have developed a new bioplastics and claim that it degrades within a week.
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USA Today Article on Home Composting
Our real-life guide to composting when you live in an apartment
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US Senators Introduce Recycling and Composting Bills
Senators introduce legislation to strengthen recycling and composting efforts
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Not all Paper Products can be Recycled or Composted (FREE)
David Goldstein, an environmental resource analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency writes about paper. This is a FREE article.
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Biodegradability Added to Traceable and Carbon Positive Fibres
ACATEL adds biodegradability to traceable and carbon positive fibres
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Biodegradation of Novel Bioplastics Study Receives Enormous Coverage
The following study seems to break records in terms of world wide coverage
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Indians Discover Enzyme that Degrades Plastics and Phthalates Faster
Indian scientists find enzyme that degrades plastic faster
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Natural Additives to Improve Biodegradable Plastics
Biodegradable plastics with natural additives as a replacement for synthetic plastics
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Ventura County Public Works Agency on Bioplastic Bags
Biodegradable plastic vs paper bags for local food compostig programs
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LA Times Says Avoid Compostable Plastics
LA Times makes a list of items that should not be placed in a compost
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Canadian Towns to Ban Compostable Plastic Bags
A proposed by-law could ban green bin bags advertised as “compostable” from food waste bins in the town of Bridgewater (Canada)
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Court Verdict on Dog Poop Bag Compostability
‘Compostable’ claims on dog poop bags are bogus, lawsuit says
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UK Parliament Talks Bioplastics Video
Video of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee talking about bioplastics
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Atlas Organics and Generate Capital Partner on Composting
Atlas Organics to Accelerate Growth of Commercial Composting Solutions Across North America in Innovative Combination with Generate Capital
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Residents Respond to California Composting Law
Senate Bill 1383 went into effect January 1, 2022, and under state law everyone in California should have started making the transition to compost organic waste
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Ban on Plastic Bags is Opportunity for Compostable Products
Ban on Plastic Bags is Opportunity for Compostable Products says German Compostable Plastics Association
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Plastic Waste Conversion to Biomethane, Syngas and Biochar via Anaerobic Digestion and Gasification
Plastic-containing food waste conversion to biomethane, syngas, and biochar via anaerobic digestion and gasification: Focusing on reactor performance, microbial community analysis, and energy balance assessment
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A Case for Landfill Biodegradable Plastics
Selecting packaging, what makes sense: Bio-based? Recyclable? Biodegradable? Compostable?
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Plastic Degrading Enzymes Correlate with Pollution
Plastic-Degrading Potential across the Global Microbiome Correlates with Recent Pollution Trends
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Indian MP Promotes Biodegradable Materials
Indian politician promotes Indian made biodegradable materials
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Enzymes Evolving To Eat Our Plastic Waste Video
It appears we have dumped so much plastic waste that micro-organisms are evolving to start eating the stuff. But it’s not the answer to all our problems
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Plastic Degrading Enzymes Correlate with Pollution
Microbes across the globe are evolving to eat plastic pollution
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