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| Sunday, 23 April 2006 |
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Advantages of oxo-biodegradable polythene bags by Ananda Kannangara
Oxo-biodegradable polythene bags which are environmental friendly are now being manufactured by a Sri Lankan company. These bags degrade and disintegrate within a short period, said Managing Director of Plastic Packaging (Pvt) Ltd (PPCL) Mervyn Dias who are the manufacturers. In an interview with the Sunday Observer, he said, replacing polythene with paper bags was an expensive exercise. Here are excerpts of the interview. Question-The Government says that polythene would be banned by 2007. Is it feasible? Answer-If polythene is banned, it should be replaced with paper bags. As you know paper bags are expensive and cannot be used to carry frozen food or heavy weights like polythene bags. Question-But polythene is not environmental friendly? Answer-That's why, we manufacture oxo-biodegradable bags. Question-Can you explain about oxo-degradable bags? Answer-Oxo-biodegradable bags can be used as any other bags. It can carry frozen food and heavy items. When you throw it away after using, it degrades fast and disappears within a short period under the heat, sunlight or in any other place where oxygen is available. Question-Why do you say that normal polythene bags are not environmental friendly? Answer-When you throw them away after using, they will not degrade for decades and remain in the environment. As a result the soil too becomes infertile. Question-Have you tested the oxo-degradable bags in actual environmental conditions? Answer-We have carried out field testing by keeping the bags in different locations such as inside dark places and cupboards. We have also carried out testing in UK and the USA and found that these bags degrade and break down even without sunlight. Question-Can you describe some advantages when degradable bags are used? Answer-They are water-proof, can be used in the rain and carry wet things such as ice cream, fish and meat. Question-Do you think the Government should focus more attention on polythene before taking a decision to ban them? Answer-Yes the Government authorities should look into this matter to a greater extent and have a careful investigation on the manufacturing process of oxo-biodegradable polythene bags. Question-How do you control the degradation period of oxo-biodegradable bags? Answer-The degradation time period of oxo-biodegradable bags can be shortened or lengthened depending on the percentage of additives, added to the chemical structure. However, according to the manufacturing process, oxo-biodegradable bags degrade within six to 12 months. Oxo-biodegradable bags are manufactured with a high quality additive called PDQ-H which is imported from the USA. Question-Are the Oxo-biodegradable bags safe to come in contact with food? Answer-We have tested the degradable bags at Rapra Ltd, UK and they too have certified that the bags are safe to come in direct contact with food. Question-Have you tested the bags in actual environmental conditions? Answer-Yes, these bags have been tested in laboratories and under various other climatical conditions, inside dark places, cupboards or any other places where oxygen is available. Question-How is the market for oxo-biodegradable? Answer-At present nearly two million bags are sold per month to several local supermarkets as well as foreign countries such as UK and Malta. We are also expected to find markets in the South African region shortly. Question-Can degradable bags and packaging be recycled? Answer-Yes, they are completely compatible with the existing recycle operation. We also recycle all degradable bags and re-use these in our process again. Question-How could anybody get more details about oxo-biodegradable bags? Answer-Any interested party can visit our website www.ppsrilanka.com |
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