- 2009-04-01
- ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS
Junise Plastics and its partners are proud to offer new lines of «Ecological» alternatives for those using polyethylene packaging solutions. We are conscious of the growing awareness in consumer’s environmental impact, and the growing need for products that are less harmful to the environment.
We are pleased to know that you have decided to evaluate these «Ecological» alternatives, and we want to be certain that you truly understand the definitions of «Ecological» materials and how they can be used. With our partners, we have developed two different lines of ecological products; Degradable films & Compostable films.
In the market for plastic bags, there’s a lot of confusion as to the use of the term «BIODEGRADABLE» when qualifying a type of material. In fact, there is no clear cut definition of the term or standard upheld in the industry by which all manufacturers must conform. The popular definition for a product deemed «BIODEGRADABLE» is that a biodegradable material is made in part with molecules originating from a renewable source, as opposed to being strictly petroleum based. Such grades of plastic made from «BIO» materials already exist, however their costs are considerably higher than its petroleum based counterpart. In fact, this type of «BIO» substitute has nothing to do with degradability. When we talk about degradability we are referring to the disintegration properties of the material in a nature environment (garbage dumps, landfills, littering, etc…). To increase degradability, additives are introduced to the polyethylene resin mix, which accelerates the degradation process in specific conditions, thus classing the material DEGRADABLE.
As you’ve noticed, the terms BIO & DEGRADABLE are often associated to each other. However, a degradable material would require the presence of micro-organisms to completely decompose in nature. A product is therefore technically classified as truly «BIODEGRADABLE» if these micro-organisms are present.
Junise Plastics wants to be assured that you, the consumers, truly understand the technical difference between both before presenting our lines of ECO-friendly materials.
- Degradable Films – Our line of PE-***-ECO productsThis degradable film incorporates a chemical additive which causes the material to oxidize with time (triggered by heat and UV rays), and decompose. Oxidation will reduce the molecular mass of the plastic, then allowing for micro-organisms to feed off these molecules. This product line is polyethylene resin based with OXO additives integrated.
- Compostable Films - Our line of PE(DP)-***-COMP productsA film can be classed compostable if it meets the norms of ASTM D6400 requirements. The resin used in the production of this film will decompose completely, quickly and very safely when composted in specific areas designated for compost. However, this type of material can not be recycled along with other polyethylene materials using traditional methods. This product line is made from biodegradable resin.
It would be our pleasure to help your company make the transition to one of our «Écological» alternatives for whatever the application, however we must first make sure you truly understand the technical aspects. Junise Plastics clear itself from all present and future responsibilities concerning the use of these products since we have no control on the end use of these materials (warehousing, exposure to light/heat, life span, etc…). At the same time we make no environmental promises about these products other than the description/explanation provided above.
It would be our pleasure to answer all additional questions you may have about our product lines and your packaging needs, and we remain available for any requests you may have or any needs that your company encounters. Samples of all our products are also available upon request, and it would equally be our pleasure to prepare a detailed quote for the bags you are using as well as for all your packaging supplies.
We remain available to you for any need or request, and we will be very prompt when answering any of your inquiries. We have representatives on the road should you desire a more personal approach.