Don advocates Oxo-biodegradable products

by Ananda Kannangara

Polythene manufacturers in the country must focus attention on the manufacturing of oxo-biodegradable products which are environmental friendly, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Associate Research Prof. Gamini Seneviratne said.

He was delivering the keynote address at a public lecture on `The Introduction of Bio-degradable Polythene'.

The Sri Lanka Association For the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) conducted the lecture in collaboration with the Central Environmental Authority.

Prof. Seneviratne said that due to the use of high quality degradable additive, oxo-biodegradable polythene films degrades through oxygen and heat within a certain period.

"I conducted series research work here and abroad and found that these polythene films are environmental-friendly," he said.

Referring to the Government's ban on manufacturing less than 20 micron polythene bags and papers, the Professor said that polythene manufacturers must be educated on the importance of manufacturing oxo-biodegradable polythene, considering it as the best solution to avoid environmental pollution.

"The oxo- biodegradable polythene degrades into a form that is safely absorbed into the ecosystem in a certain controlled time frame," he said.

He said that oxo-biodegradable film biodegrades into carbon dioxide and water, thereafter the film disappears completely and finally there are no polythene fragments in the soil.

Prof. Seneviratne also thanked the oxo-biodegradable polythene manufacturers including the Plastic Packaging (Pvt) Ltd for encouraging other plastic manufacturers to produce oxo-biodegradable polythene products for the local and foreign markets.