Q: How can plastic biodegrade in a landfill when there is evidence that even newspapers do not degrade after decades in a land fill due to lack of oxygen and UV light exposure.
A: It is true that landfills are not ideal settings for most materials to degrade. Our cans however have been molded in a material that is designed specifically for anaerobic conditions in landfill. We use an additive that alters the plastic at a molecular level when molded. This treated plastic can then be consumed by the micro-organisms and bacteria that exist in landfill conditions.
 
Q: After degrading, does the plastic leave toxins in the ground?
A: No. The plastic breaks down into harmless component molecules of methane, carbon dioxide, biomass and water. 
 
Q: Has this plastic been tested to prove that it biodegrades?
A: Yes, Umbra has certification from a third party testing lab that our cans biodegrade in landfill conditions. 
 
Q: How long does it take the cans to biodegrade?
A: We have not had real time tests to confirm a time frame, but our accelerated tests indicate that our plastics biodegrade ten to twenty times faster than untreated plastic. 
 
Q: Will one of these cans degrade in my home when filled with garbage or used as a planter?
A: No, the plastic is designed to degrade under specific landfill conditions. Normal household use will not cause the can to biodegrade?
 
Q: Can these cans be composted?
A: No, compost conditions are not the same as landfill conditions.
 
Q: Why would Umbra encourage people to send their cans to landfill instead of recycling them?.
A: Umbra always encourages recycling of plastics, but many communities in North America are not set up to recycle PP(polypropylene) when it is picked up in curb side recycling. PET and other packaging and bottle plastics are the ones sent for recycling, where as the PP is often shipped to landfill.

Over the years Umbra has designed products with sustainability in mind. We have taken the "Reuse" mentality and adopted a new approach that includes sustainable items like corn and plantation grown wood. Our new line of eco-friendly products promote our objective to provide contemporary, casual and affordable products that foster a healthy environment.