Hello gentlemen I thank you

Hello gentlemen I thank you all for your prompt, honest, and insightful responses to my query and apologize for not being able to return to this forum more quickly. Many organizations (additive suppliers) that I've assessed have been operating for years and have significant sales numbers, allowing one to infer that the additives perform as described. It is easy for a potential consumer of said additives ( a plastics manufacturer or bottled water distributor ) to suspend their belief just enough to “enhance” their product lines. I'm going out on a limb here, but aren't some additive suppliers embellishing a bit as to the effectiveness of their additives? I can see it now....many years down the road when a landfill is in the process of reclamation the various plastic products are still there, biodegradable logos in tact. I guess they give themselves some wiggle room with a variety of fine print. The haze surrounding EN and ASTM definitions doesn't help much either. Mr. Stassinopoulos, I almost felt like I shouldn't have to ask for documentation. I would expect them to be waiving it around to anyone that cared to look at it. “Hey look at our great product!” As time went on I forced myself to ask and hoped that I didn't offend. Regarding Low PE shopping bags, are the particulate remnants the very end of the life cycle? Does there exist any situation, natural or manufactured that can convert said remnants to CO2 or H2O? Mr. Stephens, how can people claim degradation of PET if there exists little evidence? Please keep in mind, my intent is to simply understand. Is anything happening industry wide to address the inaccuracies in terminology? Compostable being synonymous with biodegradability for example. Mr. Oris, I fully agree that recycling is the way to go in both the short and long term. How can we hope to instill this mindset into the populations of developing nations when we ourselves only occasionally break the 25% mark regarding total PET recycled? I hope my figure is not too far off the mark. Additionally, how do we deal with the wide array of plastic products bearing recycling symbols numbered 3 to 7. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't these items simply sorted out of the recycling stream (due to the lack of quantity that enters the system), and disposed of as trash? I have also read that landfills behave much like tombs for the residents within. How will hydro and oxo-degradables fare in similar landfill environments? Again many thanks to all that have taken the time to read and share. Kindest regards and Happy Holidays!

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