Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to most common questions.
Theoretically, any material made up of organic compounds is biodegradable. No matter how long it takes, the carbon-based material will inevitably be oxidized into carbon dioxide and water via microbial respiration.
Biodegradable materials are materials that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. The degradation of these materials occurs in the presence of oxygen to produce water, carbon dioxide, minerals, and new biomass over time.
However, it is also possible for these materials to be biodegraded by anaerobic bacteria (in the absence of oxygen).
Compostable materials, like biodegradable materials, are broken down by microorganisms, but with a key difference: the broken-down matter must enhance the nutritious quality of the soil without introducing any toxicity.
Also, this entire process must take place within 12 weeks for a material to be considered compostable. Commercially produced compostable products (such as the compostable cutlery, cups and plates used by many restaurants) need to be sent to an industrial composting facility in order to biodegrade, where adequate conditions (such as temperature, humidity, etc.) are maintained.
They will not break down in a home compost pile or a landfill.
Degradation is a decomposition process that terminates in the fragmentation of plastics under the conditions of heat, sunlight, and moisture, resulting in the weakening of the plastic’s physical structure. So-called « oxo » degradables are in this category. The end product is many microscopic particles that are even more problematic than before degradation, as they may find their way into the diet of animal life and influence the food chain.
Many experts have suggested that degradable plastics do not solve any problem but instead push the problem into the future, with the production of microplastics.
The European Union has banned these plastics for just this reason.We do not use or support oxo-degradable/fragmentable additives.
Yes, our products are truly biodegradable when placed in an anerobic environment such as a landfill – where 91% of all plastic waste will end up. Our proprietary organic additive target microorganisms capable of processing petroleum molecules. It has been tested using ASTM D5511 standards to ensure our plastics are truly biodegrade in a landfill.
We use an organic enzyme to attract naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria in the landfill to digest the enzymes and break down the large plastic polymer molecules into smaller organic molecules that the bacteria then recognize as food. They then digest these smaller molecules and continue the process until the plastic is fully biodegraded.
Yes. With so many manufacturers and retailers offering ‘green’ products, it has become confusing to distinguish between what is a genuine biodegradable product, what is a compostable product, what is a degradable product, and what are unsubstantiated claims. We have ASTM and BMP tests, which are recognized internationally as being the benchmark of verifications. The ASTM D5511 is a test performed by an independent laboratory that measures the carbon released from the plastic as a biogas to verify claims of biodegradability in anaerobic conditions, intending to replicate conditions found in a typical landfill.
No. There is no toxic residue when the biodegradable plastic decomposes. Plastic such as polyethylene break down to CH4, C02 and organic matter.
No. It has no shelf life or expiry dates and will only biodegrade when disposed of in landfill conditions.
Yes. We have had our product tested and approved by a leading recycling company. The best part is that all the material that doesnt make it through the recycling process and receives a new life, will instead biodegrade when it ends up in a landfill.
bioaqualife™ biowrap performs exceptionally well in freezing temperatures. It maintains its strength, tension, and biodegradability even when exposed to sub-zero conditions. This makes it ideal for various applications, including outdoor storage and transportation in cold climates.
No, bioaqualife™ shrinkwrap products are specifically engineered to biodegrade in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments, such as those found in landfills. Unlike traditional plastics that persist in these conditions, our film will break down organically with the help of anaerobic microbes present in landfills, ultimately turning into water, methane, and organic microbial remnants.It’s important to note that bioaqualife™ film does not degrade or compost in backyard settings, nor does it break down when exposed to sunlight or heat alone. This controlled biodegradation process is designed to activate only under specific landfill (oxygen-free) conditions, ensuring that our film doesn’t disintegrate during typical use or storage.
bioaqualife™ film stands apart from compostable and oxo-degradable plastics due to its superior biodegradability, environmental safety, and performance standards. Here’s why:
- True Biodegradability, Not Degradation:
Compostable plastics require specific industrial conditions—high heat, controlled moisture, and oxygen—to break down effectively. Outside these environments, they behave much like traditional plastics. Oxo-degradable plastics, on the other hand, degrade into microplastics and leave behind harmful residues, including heavy metals, that pollute ecosystems.
bioaqualife™ film biodegrades completely in landfill-like anaerobic conditions, thanks to our proprietary monomer additive. This ensures the material breaks down into natural byproducts—water, gas, and biomass—without leaving microplastics or toxic substances. - Performance that Stands Strong:
Many compostable plastics struggle to maintain durability and tensile strength, making them less practical for demanding applications. bioaqualife™ film, however, combines ASTM-certified performance with eco-friendliness, offering robust strength and flexibility even in extreme temperatures—from freezing winters to sweltering summers. - Ease of Disposal:
bioaqualife™ film doesn’t require special composting facilities. Whether disposed of in a landfill or incinerated (thanks to its FR rating), it minimizes environmental impact. This makes it more versatile and practical than compostable materials that often end up contaminating recycling streams or failing to decompose outside controlled conditions. - Innovation Beyond Quick Fixes:
Oxo-degradable plastics are a misleading “quick fix,” claiming biodegradability but contributing more harm than good. They rely on additives that cause fragmentation but fail to address the root problem: microplastics and toxicity. bioaqualife™ is built differently, leveraging advanced chemistry to create a solution that works with nature, not against it.
By providing a cleaner, stronger, and truly sustainable alternative, bioaqualife™ film redefines the role of plastics in industries like marine, agriculture, and construction—offering a path forward that doesn’t compromise the planet.
Our biowrap (and biotape) are designed to be a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, with biodegradability as its primary feature rather than recyclability. While standard plastics are often suited for recycling facilities, our biodegradable shrink wrap and biodegradable tape are specifically formulated to break down in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments like those found in landfills. Here, natural microbial processes allow it to decompose into water, methane, and safe microbial remnants—without leaving behind harmful microplastics or heavy metals.
For disposal, bioaqualife™ shrinkwrap can be safely discarded as solid waste and sent to a landfill, where it will biodegrade as intended. Unlike traditional plastic wraps, which can linger in landfills for decades, bioaqualife™ shrink wrap begins to break down in this environment, helping to reduce long-term waste buildup. This means you can confidently dispose of it with regular waste, knowing it’s contributing to a reduced environmental footprint.
While bioaqualife™ shrink wrap isn’t compatible with typical recycling streams, we’re continually monitoring advancements in sustainable waste management and disposal. As technologies evolve, we remain dedicated to exploring future recycling options that align with our mission to provide eco-friendly solutions for the marine industry and beyond.
Yes, bioaqualife™ shrinkwrap is made from a plastic base derived from fossil fuels, but it is engineered with a groundbreaking eco-friendly twist. During production, we integrate a proprietary monomer into the plastic’s polymer structure. This additive is the key to its biodegradability—it attracts anaerobic microbes that perceive the material as a food source, enabling the shrinkwrap to decompose entirely into natural byproducts like water, gas, and biomass within 3–5 years, without leaving behind harmful microplastics.
Under optimal anaerobic conditions—like those in a landfill—our shrinkwrap biodegrades within 3–5 years.This process is driven by our proprietary additive, which attracts anaerobic microbes that consume the material, converting it into natural byproducts: biomass, water, and gas. Unlike traditional plastics that persist for centuries, or oxo-degradable plastics that leave harmful microplastics and heavy metals behind, bioaqualife™ shrinkwrap leaves no toxic residue, ensuring it is a truly sustainable solution.
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