An enterprising Indian company along with its global partners seems to have solved the environmental problem caused by tons of PE generated from refuse sacks, bin liners and various plastics packaging. This is a unique technology, wherein, the PE product range can degrade completely in a landfill (dumping ground). The degradation process is initiated at extrusion stage by the inclusion of a small amount of pro-degradant additive. A special balance of inhibitors ensures that a sufficiently life expectancy is provided based on the application - a refuse sack might require an 18 month life cycle before beginning to lose its strength, whereas, a bread bag requires only 6 months. Degradation can get accelerated by a number of factors such as sunlight, heat and stress caused by pulling and tearing.

The unique properties of plastics - strength, toughness and durability - are due to the high molecular weight and the chemical bonding between the atoms. PE refuse sacks, though popular and useful, are considered environmentally unfriendly. A material is called degradable with respect to specific environmental conditions if it undergoes degradation to a specific extent within a given time measured by specific standard test methods. The degradation of PE, which is constructed of carbon and hydrogen atoms, results from the rupture of carbon-carbon bonds leading to a lowering of molecular weight and a resultant loss of strength and durability. The unique process developed, reduces the molecular weight of a product from one quarter million - 2,50,000 Daltons to less then 4,000 Daltons, leading to the rapid breakdown of the material when exposed to various conditions.

The degradation process is initiated at extrusion stage by the inclusion of a small amount of pro-degradant additive. Once degradation is initiated, it will continue. The eventual result of the degradation is the release of minute quantities of carbon dioxide and water (the same amount as we humans exhale everytime we breathe) and some biomass. Alternatively, when exposed to sunlight, photo-degradation will occur, allowing a complete breakdown of the film into CO2, water and biomass. As the additives are neither water soluble nor toxic in either degraded or un degraded conditions, there is no potential for leachate contamination. The degradable product will be stable under proper storage conditions. The product has a finite shelf life, which can be influenced by environmental factors, such as heat, exposure to sunlight, oxygen and the elements of time. The degradable products can be manufactured to many specifications, subject to quantities required.

The company has had the material tested for weathering and OIT testing at RAPRA technology establishments in the UK. Test data has been amended to include new requirements such as the 2002/72/EC direct food contact requirements for different applications. The degradable PE is fully approved as per EU Directive 2003/72/EC standards by testing carried out at RAPRA Technology. Ecotoxicity testing is essential and this has been carried out at the compost specialists OWS in Gent Belgium. In India, the same additive is to be tested with Bombay Textiles Research Association. Results of Pure Culture Test (G21), Composting tests, Muncipal Sewage Sludge tests and Natural Landfill tests are awaited.

The test results, which are available upon request, prove beyond question that the products will degrade, leaving no toxic by-products, saving space and resulting in a totally environmentally friendly solution to a global problem that has existed since the introduction of polythene for household use.
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** This information is based on our present state of knowledge and is intended to provide general notes on the product and their uses. It should not therefore be construed as guaranteeing specific properties of the products described or their suitability for a particular application.