We recently reviewed some material and test results for Bioflex, a supposedly biodegradable PVC. From what they provided here is what I have discerned:

First, test methods for things like landfill decay, UV degradation (a la the Pella Xenon test), nuclear exposure, bridge degradation, etc. are inherently simulated … the only way to know for sure on these types of things is to let time run its course, which is challenging for a 20 year or 200 year process.  But test methods which are run consistently at least allow us to compare and extrapolate consistently, which is better than nothing (or waiting 200 years).

By their tests, which were done according to recognized test Standards, but which are still new and likely haven’t been scrutinized much by 3rd parties …

1.       The material does break down under simulated landfill conditions, better or worse under differing conditions of moisture and adjunct materials.

2.       Bioflex’s decomposition does not appear to increase the toxicity of a standard landfill sample, at least under some simulated conditions, which by inference, says that the biodegradation isn’t creating new toxic materials.

From these tests, Bioflex claims their material will break down in 3-5 years.  This result I could not support from evaluating their test data.

However, from the above,  I could/would say to customers that companies have now begun to develop and manufacture materials which are showing good promise for being biodegradable, and for which testing is actively ongoing. 

Bella is working to stay on the front edge of these developments, and can/will offer what we feel are the best candidates, knowing what we know at that time.  At this time, Bioflex looks to be a good candidate for being biodegradable, and we can recommend it with the caveat that its use and testing is still early stage.