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Anaerobic Degradability of Commercially Available Bio-Based and Oxo-Degradable Packaging Materials in the Context of their End of Life in the Waste Management Strategy

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  • Magdalena Zaborowska

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Sloneczna 45 G, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Bernat

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Sloneczna 45 G, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Bartosz Pszczółkowski

    (Department of Materials and Machines Technology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 11, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Irena Wojnowska-Baryła

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Sloneczna 45 G, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

  • Dorota Kulikowska

    (Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Sloneczna 45 G, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland)

Abstract

There are discrepancies concerning the time frame for biodegradation of different commercially available foils labeled as biodegradable; thus, it is essential to provide information about their biodegradability in the context of their end of life in waste management. Therefore, one-year mesophilic (37 °C) anaerobic degradation tests of two bio-based foils (based on starch (F S ), polylactic acid (F PLA )) and oxo-degradable material (F OXO ) were conducted in an OxiTop system. Biodegradation was investigated by measuring biogas production (BP) and analyzing structural changes with differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing and digital microscopic analyses, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After 1 year, F OXO had not degraded; thus, there were no visible changes on its surface and no BP. The bio-based materials produced small amounts of biogas (25.2, F PLA , and 30.4 L/kg VS, F S ), constituting 2.1–2.5% of theoretical methane potential. The foil pieces were still visible and only starting to show damage; some pores had appeared in their structure. The structure of F PLA became more heterogeneous due to water diffusing into the structure. In contrast, the structure of F S became more homogenous although individual cracks and fissures appeared. The color of F S had changed, indicating that it was beginning to biodegrade. The fact that F S and F PLA showed only minor structural damage after a one-year mesophilic degradation indicates that, in these conditions, these materials would persist for an unknown but long amount of time.

Suggested Citation

  • Magdalena Zaborowska & Katarzyna Bernat & Bartosz Pszczółkowski & Irena Wojnowska-Baryła & Dorota Kulikowska, 2021. "Anaerobic Degradability of Commercially Available Bio-Based and Oxo-Degradable Packaging Materials in the Context of their End of Life in the Waste Management Strategy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:12:p:6818-:d:576092
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lin, Long & Xu, Fuqing & Ge, Xumeng & Li, Yebo, 2018. "Improving the sustainability of organic waste management practices in the food-energy-water nexus: A comparative review of anaerobic digestion and composting," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 151-167.
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