Come si decompongono i guanti di nitrile biodegradabili in discarica

Guanti in nitrile biodegradabili are designed to decompose more rapidly than traditional nitrile gloves when disposed of in landfill conditions. Here’s how the process generally works:

• Microbial Activity: Biodegradable nitrile gloves incorporate special additives or are made with formulations that attract microorganisms. Once in a biologically active landfill, these microbes consume, metabolize, and break down the nitrile material. This decomposition process converts the gloves into natural compounds like organic soil, methane, and carbon dioxide, which can contribute to creating fertile soil without leaving behind toxic residues.
• Time Frame:
  • Some biodegradable nitrile gloves can achieve significant biodegradation within a few years. For instance, with products like those using Eco Best Technology (EBT) by Damao, biodegradation can occur within 1 to 5 years, as opposed to the hundreds of years it might take for regular nitrile gloves to decompose.
  • Another example includes EcoTek technology, which allows nitrile gloves to degrade in landfills in approximately 2.5 years, or in some cases, reaching up to 82% biodegradation in 386 days under specific testing conditions.
• Testing Standards: The biodegradability claims are often validated by third-party testing following standards like ASTM D5526. This test method assesses the anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions, which simulate landfill environments.
• Impatto ambientale: The breakdown process aims to be environmentally friendly by not releasing harmful toxins or microplastics. Instead, it contributes to waste-to-energy processes where gases produced can be captured and used as renewable energy in modern landfills.

This technology represents a significant step towards reducing the long-term environmental impact of disposable glove waste, particularly in industries where glove usage is high and disposal in landfills is common. However, it’s crucial to manage expectations regarding biodegradation rates, as these can vary based on the specific conditions of the landfill, like moisture, temperature, and the presence of appropriate microbial activity.