PE Films and Rollstock Configurations
Additional Features
Biodegradable Film
Definitions and Terms
End-of-Life Environments
TERM
MEANING
Aerobic Digestion
Degradation in the presence of air. Composting is a form of aerobic degradation.
Anaerobic digestion
Degradation in the absence of air, as occurs in landfills or in purpose built anaerobic digesters. Anaerobic degradation may also be referred to as biomethanation.
Compost
A mixture of various decaying organic substances, such as dead leaves or manure, used for fertilizing soil.
Compost – Commercial
Compost produced in an industrial scale compost plant, a feature of which is the controlled and sustained elevation of temperature.
Compost - Home
Compost produced in a small scale home composting system which is usually less managed than a commercial facility and thus tends not to achieve sustained elevated temperatures.
Flushable
Suitable for disposal in the sewage system by flushing down the toilet.
Freshwater
Water that is not salty.
Landfill: Dry-tomb
A landfill that is constructed to restrict contact betweeen waste and air and water.
Landfill: Other
Method of solid waste disposal, including wet cell landfills, where refuse is burned.
Litter
Scatter rubbish, not properly disposed of in landfill, recycling, composting or other formal rubbish disposal methods.
Marine Water
Salt water that comes from the sea.
Mulch
Any pasteurized organic product such as a covering of straw or compost (excluding polymers which do not degrade such as plastics, rubber and coatings) that is suitable for placing on soil surfaces.
Open Air Environment
Any environment that is open to the surrounding atmosphere.
Plastics Recycling
The recovery of scrap or waste plastics and reprocessing into useful product.
Plastic to Fuels
The conversion of plastics to fuel sources such as diesel.
Septic Tank
A tank in which solid organic sewage is decomposed and purified by anaerobic bacteria.
Sewage Sludge
Sludge with active, live degradation microorganisms.
Soil
The portion of the earth's surface consisting of disintegrated rock and humus.
Wastewater
Water that has been used in washing, flushing, manufacturing of sewage
1 “Using Degradable Plastics in Australia - A Product Stewardship Guide and Commitment”