Oxo-biodegradable plastic is made by blending a pro-degradent additive into the plastic during the extrusion process. The additive causes the molecular structure of plastic to break down when exposed to heat or sunlight. The plastic will eventually be in a state where it can be digested by microorganisms.

In the case of oxo-biodegradable materials, there are two stages of degradation, namely biotic and abiotic. The abiotic process consists of oxidative degradation, which occurs as a result of pro-oxidants (the polymer breaks down into smaller fragments).