Biodegradable Film > Definitions and Terms  >  Categories of Degradable Plastics

Categories of Degradable Plastics

Regresa® is a registered trademark of Brentwood Plastics, Inc. and refers to our films which include a catalyst to hasten the degradation of polyethylene to a few years instead of the approximate 300 year half life.

CATEGORIES OF DEGRADABLE PLASTICS

TERM1

MEANING

Biodegradable

Any organic substance capable of being broken down by micro-organisms in the presence of oxygen (aerobic) to carbon dioxide, water biomass and mineral salts or any other elements that are present (mineralization). Alternatively, any organic substance able to be broken down without the presence of oxygen (anaerobic) to carbon dioxide, methane, water and biomass.

Compostable

Organic matter capable of being broken down by aerobic and anaerobic means to make compost.

Degradable

Broadly describes plastics which are designed to break down into smaller particle sizes to a specific extent within a given time and within a specific end environment.

Oxodegradable

A catalyst-based, multi-stage degradable plastic which breaks down first by oxidation and later by bacteria.

Photodegradable

Water Soluble