Polythene products are recyclable but require specialist management.

Please search the internet or your local business directory to find a suitable recyling services provider in your area.

Biodegradable Polythenes

Making a material biodegradable means it will be degrade into particles that will be easily absorbed by micro-organisms (bacteria, fungi, algae) and transformed into CO2, H2O, energy and neutral residue.

There two main types of biodegradable Polythene.

· Biodegradable Polythene

Also known as Starch based, Bio based or Hydrodegradable polythenes.

These Polythene products meet European Standard EN 13432 for compostability as they degrade at least 90% within 180 days or less.

They require compost conditions of heat, moisture and aeration for degradation to occur. As starch based products, storage and usage considerations are required prior to selection, especially if there is a chance that compostable conditions may be created during use.

· Oxodegradable Polythene

Also known as additive based polythenes.

These polythenes are manufactrued with additives to provide a UV/oxidative and/or biological mechanism to cause degradation. Oxodegradable polythenes are more competitive than starch based polythenes and offer excellent performance in comparison to non-degradable counterparts. These polythenes do not conform to European Standard EN 13432 for compostability as degradation time is 6 months to 2 years.

Click here for Biodegradable Carrier Bags.

For Biodegradable or Oxodegradable polythene alternatives to our standard or bespoke polythene products, contact us to discuss your requirements.