What is Radical Catalyst?
A patented clay-like mineral additive that is designed to help conventional plastics undergo a controlled degradation process with sufficient exposure to UV light or heat
How it Works: Two-Stage Degradation Process
Once our catalyst is embedded, it interacts at the molecular level with polymer components, triggering a controlled breakdown process.
Over a tunable period - from a few months to several years - plastic made with Radical Catalyst first chemically, then biologically, degrades.
1. Chemical Phase
Exposure to UV light or heat enables polymer oxidation, changes chemical composition, and reduces molecular weight
2. Biological Phase
Microbes consume the degraded polymers and convert them into biomass, CO2, water and trace mineral nutrients
Performance and Versatility
Easy to Work With, Just Like Any Other Additive
Radical Catalyst is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing manufacturing processes.
For Thermosets:
The catalyst can be dispersed directly into the polymerization reaction or introduced into a specific component, such as the polyol phase in polyurethane systems.
It can be compounded into concentrated pellets as a masterbatch—on its own or alongside other additives—making it easy to incorporate into standard production lines.
For Thermoplastics:
Widely Applicable Across Polymers
Radical Catalyst can be used in a broad range of poly-based applications. This includes thermoplastics and thermosets as well as non-biodegradable plastics and plastics that are already degradable. Performance characteristics may vary by polymer type, formulation, and environmental exposure.
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Polyethylene terephthalate
• Polybutenes
• Polymethyl-pentenes
• Polystyrene
• Polyacrylonitrile
• Polybutadiene
• Polyacrylate
• Polyisoprene
• Polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic)
• Polyvinyl chloride
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Polyvinyl acetate
• Polycarbonates
• Polyesters
• Polyethers
• Polyacetals
• Polyurethanes
How We're Different
Many biodegradable plastics compromise on performance. Plastics made with Radical Catalyst perform like normal plastics. There is no compromise on strength or durability.
Our catalyst is distinct from “oxo-degradable” additives in that it is a true regenerable catalyst which enables complete mineralization of the material.
The Radical Catalyst
Natural and Cost-effective
Clay-like fine mineral matter is available in multiple formats, including pellets and powders, and at variable concentrations
Tunable
The breakdown process period is tunable, from a few months to several years, with sufficient exposure to UV light or heat
Safe and Compliant
Free from heavy metals and regulated contaminants (EN17033:2018, EPA 40 CFR Part 503).