Leading sustainable plastics solutions expert advocates global policy reassessment.
“d2w oxo-biodegradable plastics offer an organic recycling pathway for plastics that escape collection systems” says Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony Environmental Technologies Plc.
“d2w plastics offer both oxidative conversion into harmless materials and subsequent biodegradation by microorganisms. This fundamental difference from conventional or “oxo-degradable” means that d2w plastics will not create microplastics and will biodegrade if they escape collection. This has been proved by independent testing over many years and is a scientifically validated, environmentally responsible option within the circular economy.”
“Organic recycling by transforming unavoidable waste into a naturally recoverable form, aligns directly with UNEP life-cycle principles and circular economy biological recovery loops - avoiding long-term accumulation.”
Also, during its useful life d2w plastic remains recyclable with conventional plastics during its programmed life.
Laurier continues by outlining the economic realities of plastic against alternative materials.
“Plastic is the most sustainable material choice, and Life-cycle analyses consistently show that plastics generate lower carbon emissions than alternatives made of glass, paper, metal, or cotton, and require less energy, less water, and produce less waste over their full life cycle. Replacing plastics with heavier, energy-intensive materials is environmentally counterproductive.”
“Plastics deliver an economic advantage that alternatives cannot match, such as lower manufacturing and transportation costs due to light weight, reduced food-waste through superior preservation, reduced product damage and improved hygiene across healthcare, safety, packaging and supply chains. D2w technology enhances this a step further by delivering an improved end-of-life profile.”
Laurier says that governments must recognise d2w as part of the circular economy, and promote it as part of the solution.
“Governments need to adopt a scientific over ideological approach and recognise d2w as an approved “organic recycling” pathway that fits into the biological loop of the circular economy. To align with global best practices, we must enable innovation rather than restricting it.”
Laurier concludes: “Plastics play an irreplaceable role in modern life and exhibit the lowest environmental footprint among commonly used materials, but environmental persistence, especially when waste escapes collection systems, must be addressed. The solution is not restrictions but better plastics, such as d2w biodegradable alternatives that eliminate long-term pollution by waste that escapes reprocessing.”
Recent regulatory decisions, such as the landmark 2025 decision by the Canadian government to reverse its single-use plastics export ban, demonstrate that policies can change if prohibitions displace manufacturing, increase trade distortions and shift environmental burdens without delivering meaningful ecological benefits.
