Enzyme-mediated plastics

These plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More are no bioplasticsBioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics e.V.) is a term used to define two different kinds of plastics: • Plastics based on renewable resour... More. Instead, a conventional non-biodegradable plastic (e.g. fossil-based PEPolyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised from ethylene. Can be made from renewable resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol). [bM 05/10] More) is enriched with small amounts of an organic additive. Microorganisms are supposed to consume these additives and the degradation process should then expand to the non-biodegradable PEPolyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised from ethylene. Can be made from renewable resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol). [bM 05/10] More and thus make the material degrade. After some time, the plastic is supposed to visually disappear and to be completely converted to carbon dioxide and water. This is a theoretical concept which has not been backed up by any verifiable proof so far. Producers promote enzyme-mediated plasticsMaterials with large molecular chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced by chemical or biochemical reactions. More as a solution to litteringIt is the (illegal) act of leaving waste such as cigarette butts, paper, tins, bottles, cups, plates, cutlery or bags lying in an open or public place... More. As no proof for the degradation process has been provided, environmental beneficial effects are highly questionable.