Not one of the 11 tested products fully degraded in simulated seawater, and PLA cups and bio-based bags showed no degradation in seawater or soil — evidence that 'biodegradable' labelling on these products does not hold up outside industrial conditions.
A degradation study conducted with the Marine Technology program at Burapha University tested 11 single-use products marketed as biodegradable or bio-based under three conditions: simulated seawater, real seawater, and soil. PLA cups and 'bio' handle bags failed to degrade in every condition, and several products shed microplastics.
