Bio-Degradable Plastic Promises to Pioneer New Frontiers in Planet-Friendly Packaging

Heading the research into the development of bio-degradable plastics in New Zealand, Convex Plastic's Laboratory Manager Greg Burtenshaw puts Greensack under the microscope.

Imagine a future where unwanted plastic bags, fast food wrappers and disposable nappies can simply be tossed in the compost and left to decompose with all the other organic waste. The amount of packaging going to landfills is greatly reduced, and companies and individuals who really care for the planet have a wide choice of high quality packaging which they're confident won't harm the Earth.

Sound too good to be true? Well actually it's not - at least not according to Convex Plastics who have recently released their new Greensack bio-degradable plastic films which they are currently working on developing into a wide range of innovative packaging products which include this month's magazine wraps for Healthy Options. That's not to say it's all going to happen next year, or even in ten years time, but the potential is definitely there says the company's General Manager, Owen Embling.

Already in Europe various grades of bio-degradable plastics are being used to produce a wide range of products from disposable pens, nappies and lady razors to bubble film and pet toys. In addition, environmentally innovative companies such as Novamont in Italy, who currently supply the Greensack resin, are constantly extending the range of possible product applications by developing new resins.

At present in New Zealand, however, Embling believes Greensack technology is still in its infancy and could very easily be a decade ahead of its time; but he states Convex Plastics are committed to its development here because they view it as an investment in the packaging options and environmental health of the next generation.

"In 10 to 20 years time many New Zealand companies will be proud to say they're using bio-degradable plastics and they will have the marketing prowess to profit from its use", he claims, "so right now we're investing in the future and we need innovative companies to work alongside us to help identify and develop marketable products."

Although readily pointing out bio-degradable plastic has strength and sealing limitations which will never allow it to fully replace mainstream plastic, Embling says its potential uses are numerous. For instance, he reveals Convex Plastics are currently working on several commercial projects including the development of bio-degradable bait bags able to withstand freezing, waterproof egg cartons, bio-degradable planter bags for potting mix companies and kitchen tidies for organic waste.

The main drawback at the moment, according to Embling, is the slightly higher cost of Greensack films which has discouraged some potential users. However he believes companies who are really committed to being environmentally responsible should realise Greensacks are speciality products offering real environmental benefits and they shouldn't be basing their entire purchasing decision on cost alone. They should be asking instead, `how much will it cost the environment if we don't?'.

And it's hard-hitting questions like this which Embling believes will be much more frequently asked by the next more environmentally-aware generation. He says you only have to watch today's preschoolers to know that.

Motivated by TV heroes like Barney and Captain Planet many of them already busy themselves separating household rubbish, collecting cans for recycling, and asking difficult questions about toxic waste. They don't view it as a hassle, a waste of time or a luxury because they believe they're saving the world.

"So when that generation comes of age they will market bio-degradable plastic, they will drive it and they will insist on using it but unless we start working with it now the resins will never turn up on the market and the development will never be done."