NOT FOREVER™
ENHANCING MATERIALS WITH A GOAL TO ELIMINATE PLASTIC WASTE
Our Approach to Responsible Material Design
We begin with widely used thermoplastics such as PP, PA, PC, TPU, and their expanded or foamed variations.
These materials are trusted by global manufacturers for strength, reliability, and versatility.
Instead of creating entirely new polymers that require new machinery, we work within existing manufacturing systems so brands can innovate without retooling.
We incorporate formulation components designed to support enhanced biodegradation under specific, managed disposal conditions such as:
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Anaerobic landfill environments
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Active, microbial rich soil conditions
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Industrial waste-treatment systems
These are controlled environments.
Not oceans, waterways, open air, or home compost.
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We follow internationally recognised standards where possible and share results under NDA.
Our work is ongoing, and we update partners as new data becomes available.
How Our Formulations Behave at End-of-Life
TOTO-TOA® materials are engineered to remain stable during manufacturing, storage, and use.
Our formulations enhance the biodegradation of both bio-based and fossil-derived polymers by integrating our proprietary ingredients with functional modifiers and compatibilizers to maintain the mechanical integrity and durability of each base polymer.
Our proprietary ingredients have shown to increase material breakdown rates under controlled laboratory simulations of:
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Anaerobic digestion (ASTM D5511 / ISO 15985)
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Aerobic Biodegradation Of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions (ASTM D5338-15)
These environments contain the microbes, moisture, and temperature necessary for accelerated breakdown compared with conventional resins.
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Our formulations are designed not to degrade during normal use, transport, or storage.
Degradation does not occur in every environment.
Results depend on:
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Polymer type
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Environmental conditions
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Part thickness and geometry
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Temperature & humidity
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Microbial load
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Disposal pathway
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LET'S GET A BIT
TECHNICAL
TECHNICAL
TARGETED ENVIRONMENT
The biodegradation process only starts when our TOTO-TOA® materials enter active microbial environments at end-of-life.
TOTO-TOA® materials are engineered to interact only with naturally occurring microorganisms commonly found in landfills, soils, and controlled composting environments as simulated in our 3rd party testing.
ENZYME ACTIVATION
Once these microorganisms colonise on the surface, they enter and release natural enzymes that break down the polymer chains of TOTO-TOA® materials into smaller fragments, turning it into their food source.
NATURAL TRANSFORMATION
These microorganisms digest the material fragments piece by piece and convert them into natural biomass, water, and gases such as carbon dioxide (in aerobic conditions) or methane (in anaerobic landfills). This process reintegrates the material back into the earth’s natural carbon cycle, without leaving behind harmful microplastic residues.
FASTER BREAKDOWN
Because of the way TOTO-TOA® formulations are engineered, microorganisms can access and break down the material much faster than conventional plastics.