Oxo-degradable polymers have what key characteristic?

Oxo-degradable polymers are characterized by their ability to degrade more rapidly than traditional plastics when exposed to oxygen and certain environmental conditions. This feature is primarily due to the incorporation of additives that facilitate the breakdown of the polymer chains, leading to a shorter degradation time. This property makes them intriguing for applications where minimizing environmental impact is desired, as they can help reduce plastic waste accumulation in landfills and ecosystems.

The other options do not accurately represent the defining characteristics of oxo-degradable polymers. For instance, while some polymers can be recycled, oxo-degradable materials are often not designed for easy recycling and may complicate recycling processes. The reference to renewable resources pertains more accurately to bioplastics rather than oxo-degradable polymers, which can be produced from petrochemical sources. Lastly, while some plastics can resist UV light, it is not a key feature of oxo-degradable polymers; their main focus is on enhanced degradation rather than UV resistance.