functionality as a commodity plastic for the required service life but degrade to non-toxic end products in a disposal environment. They are typically designed to oxo-degrade while undergoing changes in chemical structure as a result of oxidation in air, thus causing the breakdown of the molecules into small fragments that are then bioassimilated. This article presents (i) a comprehensive review of the chemistry of additives for degradation of polyolefins, (ii) a patent and scientific literature summary of technologies including commercially available systems, (iii) the mechanisms of degradation and biodegradation, (iv) testing methods and (v) toxicity.