Problems associated with disposing plastic film used in agriculture, and plastics used by society in general, seemed to have no solution – until now. Plastic is estimated to make up 20%, by volume, of refuse sent to landfill dumps worldwide. Plastics made from petrochemical by-products don’t biodegrade, neither does glass. This means the plastic we use now, will still be here long after every person alive on earth today is dead. But it also means that the same raw material could be recycled and re-used again and again to manufacture products we can rely on.
Advances in plastic technology in recent years have resulted in a breakthrough in the composition of plastic, to yield a plastic that progressively fragments into very small pieces within a few years in the soil. This is achieved by adding 1% of an oxo-biodegradable additive to the mix during the manufacturing process. George Fee of Self-Destruct Plastics in Umhlanga, Durban, says the lifespan of this new biodegradable plastic can be adjusted according to the requirements of the end user.
“For plastic film used by farmers, the plastic can be programmed when manufactured, to maintain its physical and mechanical characteristics during the growing season, or until it’s no longer needed, and then to progressively fragment in the soil. It’s totally eliminated from the environment,” says George. “Unlike non-biodegradable film which has to be collected and disposed of by either incineration or taken to a landfill, oxo-bio film is simply ploughed into the soil.” part from the benefits of plastic that breaks down quicker, to alleviate space shortages at landfill sites, the oxo-bio plastic has another significant benefit: it becomes a nutrient source for bacteria and fungi in the soil. “Oxo-bio products break down totally and harmlessly – even if improperly discarded as litter to leave nothing more than water, carbon dioxide and a trace of minerals,” says George.
He explains that in the Xianjing province of China, with a climate similar to South Africa, vast areas of agricultural land are covered with oxo-bio film. “This gives excellent weed and weather protection, and crops like cotton, tobacco, groundnuts and potatoes have shown outstanding improvement in yield,” he says. T he product is also suited for wrapping bales and protecting a variety of agricultural produce. The oxo-bio additive is being used in the manufacture of banana sleeves, carrier bags, refuse bags, cling wrap, bin liners and plastic bottles. list is as endless as the uses of plastic.
O xo-bio plastics have been tested by Rapra Technology, Europe’s leading independent research establishment and have been certified safe for direct food contact. E nvironmental tests have also concluded that oxo-bio plastic does not cause toxic or harmful effects or by-productism, and it’s soil safe. he oxo-bio additive will be available in South Africa in the first half of 2008. – Robyn Joubert Contact Auriel Mitchley on (011) 889 0796 or e-mail [email protected]. |fw
