We are happy to announce the launch of our first retail product: biodegradable refuse bags.
After years of R&D in this market segment, we have created a product that has innovated the way we deal with waste – literally. By taking an ordinary household product, we have transformed it into something with added properties and value. This is the first step in our sustainable transition towards flexible packaging.
What is a biodegradable refuse bag?
While our refuse bags are very similar to others on the market: recycled polyethylene that is extruded to a thickness of either 18 or 20 microns. What makes our material special is the additive that is used during the manufacturing process. This additive allows the material to break down when discarded in a landfill or the natural environment. When activated, it begins to soften the polymer chains (i.e., the structure of the plastic), which makes it available for natural microorganisms to eat. According to the scientific data, the biodegradation rate should enable the complete breakdown of the material after 5 years. This is a game-changer, as our waste removal practices will remain unchanged, but our waste management is improved.
State of South African Landfill’s
Leon Grobbelaar, from the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), has said that landfills in South Africa are close to reaching capacity. This is made worse by the lack of municipal expertise and inefficient on-site management. According to him, “Johannesburg has a maximum of three years left until its landfills reach capacity”. With an increasing population and demand for packaged goods, innovation needs to occur at every level of the value chain. This includes manufacturing, consumption, and waste management. Plastic is a valuable resource – and with it being so embedded in modern society – the opportunity to reduce waste through effective end-of-life strategies (biodegradability and recycling) is a significant step in the right direction.
Where to find our refuse bags?
The biodegradable refuse bags are specially manufactured for Pira Retail, our partners and the distributors of these products. If you are interested in adding these bags to your product list, get in touch with us through our website or via email.
We would be more than happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. There is also a QR code on the artwork which, once scanned, will lead you directly to the biodegradable page on our website for additional information.