Degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine environment

► There is considerable concern about the hazards that plastic debris presents to wildlife. ► Here we investigate breakdown of oxodegradable, compostable and conventional plastic bags. ► Compostable plastic disappeared from our test rig between 16 and 24 weeks. ► Approximately 98% of the other plastics remained after 40 weeks. ► Fouling by marine organisms substantially reduced the amount of UV-light reaching the plastic.