Is “Biodegradable” a dirty word?

The word **“biodegradable” has become so overused — and so often abused — that it’s now practically synonymous with greenwashing. I’ll admit, I used to believe it myself. But the more I learned, the clearer it became: most biodegradable plastics don’t actually solve the problem. They break into smaller pieces. They leave behind microplastics. They require very specific conditions to work — conditions most waste systems can’t provide.

The Problem with Conventional “Biodegradable” Plastics
Most people assume biodegradable plastic disappears into harmless nothingness. In reality, many of these materials rely on oxo-degradable technology — meaning they break down faster than conventional plastic under sunlight or heat, but through fragmentation, not full biodegradation. This leads to smaller and smaller plastic pieces — the microplastics that continue to pollute oceans, soil, and food chains.

Even some compostable plastics come with fine print: they only break down under specific industrial composting conditions, which the vast majority of Australians (and consumers globally) don’t have access to.

That’s why we’ve stopped using the word altogether. Instead, we’ve coined a new term: Eco-convertible.

Eco-convertible plastic doesn’t just fragment — it transforms. When recycling fails and plastic ends up in landfill or marine environments, Reloop™ technology activates only in microbe-rich conditions. Microbes colonise the surface, form biofilms, and trigger a natural breakdown process that converts plastic into harmless organic matter: CO₂, water, and biomass.

Why Reloop™ Is Different

Reloop™ isn’t “biodegradable” in the vague, greenwashed sense of the word. It’s eco-convertible. That means:

• It remains shelf-stable and fully recyclable during its useful life.

• If it ends up in landfill or marine environments, it activates only in microbe-rich environments — not sunlight, not heat, not mechanical stress.

• Microbes colonise the surface, form biofilms, and trigger a biological breakdown process that converts the plastic into biomass, carbon dioxide, and water.

• Most importantly: no microplastics are left behind.

Why This Matters for Brands (and the Planet)

Consumers want better packaging, but they’re getting wise to greenwashing. “Biodegradable” isn’t good enough if it just leaves behind invisible pollution. Brands need solutions that work in the real world — not just in ideal scenarios.

Reloop™ closes the gap when recycling fails. It offers a smarter end-of-life pathway, without forcing brands to overhaul their packaging supply chains or compromise on functionality.

Want to Learn More?

We believe there’s no such thing as perfect plastic. But there is better plastic. Smarter plastic. Plastic that’s designed for reality, not wishful thinking.

If you’re a brand looking to make your packaging part of the solution, not the problem — let’s chat.