The Ocean Crisis Under the Eco-Label

        Plastic bags labeled as “biodegradable” or “eco-friendly” have become increasingly common in recent years, and many consumers are willing to pay a higher price for them in the belief that they are doing their part to help the environment. However, according to a recent report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 2024, more than 65% of the world’s “eco-friendly” plastic bags do not actually degrade in the oceans, and produce even more microplastic pollution than traditional plastics.

Part I: 3 types of “pseudo-environmental” plastic bags that are poisoning the oceans

1. Oxo-degradable

? Problem:

made from traditional PE plastic + degradation additives

breaks up into micro-plastics only and cannot be broken down by micro-organisms

banned by the EU, Canada and more than 40 other countries

? Experimental data:

Time Status Micro-plastic release 0 months Change Microplastic release

0 months Complete bag 0 mg

6 months Cracks on surface 120 mg/m²

12 months Fragmentation into <5mm pieces 580 mg/m²

2. Industrial compostable PLA

? Problems:

Requires 58-60°C industrial composting environment to decompose

Almost non-degradable in room temperature seawater

Causes intestinal blockage when accidentally ingested by marine organisms

? Real-life examples:

Large amounts of “compostable” PLA tableware residues were found on the coast of Hawaii in 2023, testing showed:

After 18 months of seawater immersion, the weight had decreased by only 3%. After 18 months of seawater soaking, only 3% weight loss

PLA microplastics detected in the stomachs of young albatrosses

3. Starch-mixed plastics

? Problems:

Usually contains 30-70% of conventional plastics (PP/PE)

Plastic skeleton remains after starch has partially degraded

More prone to form “porous microplastics” that can attract toxic substances

? Microscopic observation:

Honeycomb plastic structure left after starch has degraded Structure

Adsorbs 2 times more pesticides and heavy metals than ordinary microplastics.

Part 2: Laboratory tests – which materials are truly ocean-friendly?

Experimental methodology:

Five material samples were placed in artificial seawater at 25°C and tested periodically:

Weight loss rate

Microplastic release

Degree of microbial decomposition

12-month results:

Material type Weight loss Microplastic production Ecotoxicity

Conventional PE plastics 0% Very high Severe

Oxo-degradable plastics 5% Very high Severe

Industrial PLA 3% Medium Medium Medium

Starch-blended plastics 15% High High

PHA 92% 0 None

Part III: 4 Steps to Identify Real and Fake Eco Bags

1. Look at the certification mark

✅ Real Marine Degradable:

TÜV Marine Degradable Certification (Marine Degradable)

OK Biodegradable MARINE

❌ False Mark:

“Degradable” (no specific standard)

“Oxo-biodegradable” (banned in EU)

2. Check the ingredient list

Safe ingredients: PHA, PHBV

Dangerous ingredients: PE, PP, “Oxo-biodegradable”

3. Do a simple test

① Cut a small strip and put it in warm water (25-30°C)

② Add a spoonful of active composting bacteria (simulating marine microorganisms)

③ True PHA: softens and crumbles in 2 weeks

④ False degradation: no change in 1 month

4. Choose a trustworthy brand

Brands that meet the standards of the real test in 2024:

Danimer Scientific (PHA fishing nets)

RWDC Industries (PHA straws)

TIPA (marine degradable packaging film)

Part IV: What can we do for the ocean?

Consumer Action:

Refuse to buy “eco-bags” without specific certification

Use canvas bags or real PHA products

Collect pseudo-biodegradable plastics separately when participating in beach cleanups

Corporate Responsibility:

Stop using oxo-biodegradable plastics

Clearly label products with degradation conditions and times

Invest in real ocean-friendly materials such as PHA

Policy Recommendations:

Harmonize ocean degradation certification standards globally

Impose a 10% penalty on sales for false environmental claims Policy Recommendation: Harmonize marine degradation certification standards globally