Appendix A: Glossary
Polymers Polymers are long-chain molecules built from smaller repeating units called monomers. Some polymers contain only one type of monomer as its building block; others, known as copolymers, may contain two or more different types of monomer. The OECD defines a polymer in more detail as: “a substance consisting of molecules characterised by the sequence of one or more types of monomer units and comprising a simple weight majority of molecules containing at least three monomer units which are covalently bound to at least one other monomer unit or other reactant and consists of less than a simple weight majority of molecules of the same molecular weight. Such molecules must be distributed over a range of molecular weights wherein differences in the molecular weight are primarily attributable to differences in the number of monomer units. PLFs (polymers in liquid formulations) A broad group of polymers that are used in formulations that are liquid during the manufacturing process and/or are liquid up to the point of utilisation. Some common uses of PLFs are as thickeners, emulsifiers and binders within a formulation. PLFs are used across a wide variety of sectors for both consumer and industrial products. They are important ingredients in sectors such as: adhesives and sealants, agriculture, household cleaning, inks and coatings, lubricants, personal care and cosmetic products, and water treatment. Sustainable polymer A polymer material - including PLFs and plastics - that addresses the needs of end-users while minimising the negative environmental impacts of production and consumption, and considers the needs of future generations. Biodegradable polymer Biodegradation is a subset of degradation involving mineralisation by microorganisms. A biodegradable polymer undergoes degradation by organisms and biomolecules such as enzymes, forming small molecules that are metabolised by natural organisms. Biodegradable polymers should break down into simpler substances - such as carbon dioxide, water and others – that can be returned to the environment with minimal pollution or damaging effects. Circular polymer A polymer designed to minimise waste and maximise reusability. When a product reaches the end of its useful life, if it does not biodegrade, its polymer materials can be physically or chemically recycled through energy efficient processes. These materials can then be fed back into a restorative system in which waste is minimised as materials are reused for the same or different applications.
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