Wells PM is delighted to announce the latest set of independent laboratory results completed by Intertek, demonstrating that polyolefin films containing Reverte™ Biodegradable Additive technology underwent significant transformation during the environmental phase of biodegradation, with clear evidence of reduced microplastic risk when compared to traditional polymers in the environment.
Following two comprehensive studies conducted under ASTM D6954-24, under both composting and soil biodegradation conditions, the materials successfully went through both oxidative and biodegradation phases, (together with flora and fauna ecotoxicity evaluation) resulting in a biomass that was rigorously analysed for microplastic content in accordance with the guidelines of ISO24187.
Advanced analytical techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy and electron microscopy, confirmed that residual particulate material, still undergo biodegradation, were chemically and structurally distinct from the original plastic. Rather than remaining as persistent polyethylene fragments, the material showed substantial oxidation and molecular breakdown, indicating a transition away from polymeric characteristics and availability for continued biodegradation.
Crucially, the study concluded that the remaining particles observed in the resulting biomass do not meet the accepted definition of microplastics, as they are no longer structurally or chemically polymeric in nature.
The findings of this suite of studies highlight that polyolefin films treated with Reverte™ Biodegradable Additive do not persist in the environment as conventional microplastic pollution and are fully available for biodegradation.
The results reinforce the environmental potential of Wells PMs’ technology Reverte™ to address one of the most critical challenges associated with plastics today—microplastic accumulation.
Using Reverte™ in polyolefin film applications enables polymers to be biodegraded, ultimately into biomass, water and CO2 with no microplastics residues, as evidenced by these reports.
Click Here To Access Reports Wells PM 001923A2 and Wells PM 001293B2