Features & Benefits

Disposable products are discarded after only one use producing a tremendous volume of medical waste.
Studies have shown that the length of time for polyethylene (a component of single-use barrier products) to decompose can be as long as 400 years. How do they know? Scientists often use Respirometry testing to determine long-term estimates of decomposition. Various solid waste samples are placed in a vessel containing microbe-rich compost, and then the mixture is aerated. Over the course of several days, microorganisms assimilate the samples bit by bit and produce carbon dioxide; the resultant CO2 levels are an indicator of degradation.

Respirometry tests work perfectly on other test samples but when scientists test polyethylene products, nothing happens.
There is no CO2 production and no decomposition. Why? Because the Microbes do not recognize polyethylene as a food source and therefore they do not participate in breaking down this component. New sources site a 500 year estimate while others 1,000 year lifespan.
According to experts, these figures are just another way of saying they will be there for a really, really long time.