Biodegradable materials
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Flip to reveal answersWhat two cycles does a circular economy run?
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All 4 Flashcards — Biodegradable materials
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Question
What two cycles does a circular economy run?
Answer
A technical cycle, where metals and polymers are recovered and remade, and a biological cycle, where materials return safely to natural systems.
Question
Where do biodegradable materials genuinely help?
Answer
Where a product is used once, contaminated in use, lost during use, or too small to sort — situations where collection for the technical cycle cannot happen.
Question
Degradable, biodegradable, compostable?
Answer
Degradable only breaks into smaller pieces. Biodegradable is converted by micro-organisms to water, carbon dioxide and biomass. Compostable is biodegradable within a defined time with no toxic residue.
Question
Why is biodegradable the wrong goal for a durable product?
Answer
A durable product should last; decomposition undermines the property that makes it sustainable. One recyclable polymer with a twenty-year life beats it on every account.
Read the notes
Full study notes for Biodegradable materials
Topic 10.2 hub
Design for a circular economy
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Design Technology exam skills
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