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An oxo-biodegradable bag is a type of plastic bag that is designed to degrade more quickly and safely than conventional plastic bags. It is a form of plastic that incorporates additives which promote its degradation through exposure to oxygen and UV light. These bags are marketed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic bags because they break down more rapidly, reducing the environmental impact associated with plastic waste.

Key Features and Characteristics of Oxo-Biodegradable Bags

1. Oxo-Biodegradable Additives:

   • The primary feature that differentiates oxo-biodegradable bags from traditional plastic bags is the inclusion of oxo-biodegradable additives. These additives are often metal salts, such as iron, cobalt, or manganese compounds, which accelerate the oxidation process when exposed to sunlight or oxygen.
   • The additive causes the plastic to break down chemically, starting with the oxidation of the polymer chains. This leads to a faster breakdown into smaller fragments, which then biodegrade more quickly in the environment.

2. Faster Degradation:

   • Traditional plastic bags can take hundreds of years to degrade, causing long-term environmental damage. In contrast, oxo-biodegradable bags are designed to degrade much faster, typically within 1 to 5 years, depending on environmental conditions such as exposure to sunlight, heat, and oxygen.
   • The degradation process involves the breaking down of the plastic into smaller pieces (oxidation) followed by microbial activity that breaks these smaller fragments into non-toxic components, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

3. Environmental Impact:

   • While oxo-biodegradable bags still rely on plastic (often polyethylene or polypropylene), they are considered an improvement over traditional plastic bags due to their enhanced biodegradability.
   • The breakdown of the plastic does not leave behind harmful microplastics in significant quantities, unlike conventional plastic bags that fragment into microplastics that persist in the environment.
   • The bags are especially effective in reducing long-term littering, as they degrade much faster than non-biodegradable plastics, reducing their presence in ecosystems like oceans and landfills.