Study warns on "biodegradable" plastic bags

LONDON (Reuters) - Plastic bags advertised as degradable and sold in many supermarkets may not be as environmentally friendly as thought, according to a study.

Such bags usually use "oxo-degradable" plastics which include small amounts of additives to make them degrade faster.

The study said these plastics have an uncertain impact on the natural environment and are neither suitable for conventional recycling methods, because of the chemical additives, nor for composting.

"As these plastics cannot be composted, the term "biodegradable' can cause confusion," Environment Minister Dan Norris said in a statement.

"We hope this research will discourage manufacturers and retailers from claiming that these materials are better for the environment than conventional plastics," he added.

The study was carried out by Loughborough University and funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

(Reporting by Valle Aviles Pinedo; Editing by Steve Addison)