Oxo-Biodegradable Tree Shelters and Tree Guards

Biodegradable Tree Shelters and Tree GuardsAcorn’s Oxo-biodegradable tree protection range includes the only oxo-biodegradable tree shelters, shrub shelters and mesh treeguards available in the UK – arguably the most environmentally friendly shelters available to date. Oxo-biodegradable tree guards and tree shelters appeal to customers for whom the environment is of paramount importance, and the modest price premium can be out-weighed by reduced tube removal and disposal costs.

The oxo-degradable Bio-shelter has been developed in conjunction with a specialist plastics firm and has undergone intensive testing to ensure that browsing protection is not compromised. During the manufacturing process an additive is added to the polymer which causes the plastic mesh to break down / fragment after its useful life. This fragmentation speeds up the polymer breakdown and the combination of natural UV light and a specially formulated additive make the plastic accessible to microbes found in the natural environment and will enable them to break down the shelter into harmless CO², water and biomass. The following quote is from the Oxo Biodegradable Plastics Association :

How does it work?

A very small amount of pro-degradant additive is put into the manufacturing process. This breaks the molecular chains in the polymer, and at the end of its useful life the product falls apart. The plastic does not just fragment, but will be consumed by bacteria and fungi after the additive has reduced the molecular weight to a level which permits micro-organisms access to the carbon and hydrogen.

Does it really biodegrade, or does it just fragment?

When the material has reached the fragmentation stage it is no longer a plastic, and is "biodegradable" in the same way as nature's wastes such as straw and twigs. The process continues until the material has biodegraded to nothing more than CO2, water, and humus, and it does not leave fragments of petro-polymers in the soil.
Oxo Biodegradable Plastics Association website 2011

As well as being oxo-biodegradable the Bio-shelter is also made from almost 100% recycled plastics, further enhancing its green credentials.

  • Made from recycled plastics and fully oxo-biodegradable
  • Degrades harmlessly into water, CO² and biomass
  • Full browsing protection for a 5-7 years
  • Available across our full Shelterguard® and Treeguard range for trees and shrubs
  • Competitively priced at just under 20% more than our standard shelters.

Our oxo-biodegradable plastic mesh and tree shelter range is available for our full range and sizes of Shelterguard® and Treeguard products. Please click below to be taken to these pages.

Oxo-biodegradable tree protection products are manufactured to order and not available generally available from stock. Please contact us for full details.