Additives for Biodegradable Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE)

Learn more about how our additives support the biodegradation process.

pe additive

About Polypropylene and Polyethylene

pe additive

Biodegradable polypropylene additive is used to enhance the biodegradation of plastic by adding hydrophilic parameters to the polymer chain. This allows microbial enzymatic action to reduce the structure of the polymer by utilizing macromolecules within the plastic. BioSphere’s additive does not change the physical properties of plastic. Your product will maintain regular shelf life and tensile strength while offering the benefits of enhanced biodegradation.

Biodegradable polyethylene additive is also used to enhance the biodegradation of plastic by adding hydrophilic parameters to the polymer chain. By itself, polyethylene can be consumed by microorganisms, as we have seen by the Staff at Ben-Gurion University in Israel. At BioSphere, we enhance their reaction time in the biodegradation process and allow for these and other microbes to consume polymers at a much faster rate.

BioSphere’s 201 pellet additive—containing 100% active ingredients—works effectively in PP, PE, and a variety of other polymer applications.

FAQs

  • Yes, biodegradation of polyethylene and polypropylene are achievable and accelerated with the addition of BioSphere additive.

  • Polyethylene and polypropylene chains must be broken down into constituent parts for the energy potential to be used by microorganisms. These constituent parts (or monomers) are then readily available to other bacteria. The process of breaking these chains and dissolving the smaller molecules into a solution is called hydrolysis or oxidation.

  • Oxidation (using air) is the process in which polyethylene and polypropylene are broken down into high-molecular-weight polymeric components—the necessary first step in both anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation. Through oxidation, the polymers are converted from long chains to simple monomers and further into carbon dioxide (aerobically), methane gas (anaerobically), water, and metabolic biomass.

  • Polypropylene uses include plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment, and even fibers and textiles. Polyethylene is primarily used for packaging such as plastic bags, films, and bottles.

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Proven Biodegradable Efficacy

Products made with BioSphere additive are rigorously tested by third party labs to verify biodegradation of the polymer. We’re proud to share those findings with you.

BioSphere Pricing

Our additives are competitively priced by design. Commercially viable biodegradable solutions give our customers a competitive edge, and positively impact the environment at the same time.

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Whether ready-made or custom, we can provide the perfect biodegradable solution.