EcoPure® technology from Bio-Tec Environmental, LLC allows the process of biodegradation* to happen at an accelerated rate in treated plastics.
Adding EcoPure® to the manufacturing process, creates a catalyst for biodegradation* if the plastic product is disposed of in a landfill. EcoPure® allows microbes to create the biofilm that coats the plastic. The microorganisms in the biofilm penetrate the plastic and expand the molecular structure to make room for microbes that send out chemical signals, a part of the quorum sensing process, that attract other microbes. Through this process, the microbes break down the chemical bonds of polymer chains at an accelerated rate.
Our standard additives are engineered to work on many different types of plastics, including EVA, HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, nylons, PET, PETG, polycarbonate and PP. All of our organic additives are thoroughly tested using the ASTM D5511 method. The method measures the amount of methane and carbonaceous gases that are released by the microorganisms breaking down the plastic material. It demonstrates how quickly EcoPure® treated plastic is broken down in relation to untreated plastic.
* Biodegradation rates of EcoPure-treated plastic materials measured according to the ASTM D5511 test method. Tests are generally conducted using 20% to 30% solids content; solids content in naturally wetter landfills range from 55% to 65%, while the driest landfills may reach 93%. Actual biodegradation rates will vary in biologically-active landfills according to the type of plastic used, the product configuration, and the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the landfill.