Getting our materials tested

We are currently in the process of having our biodegradable materials tested; a local and comprehensive analysis of the performance of our packaging. Although the additive has been tested previously, our discussion with the CSIR has prompted us to pursue independent laboratory testing of our own manufactured material. This means that we will provide several samples to be tested under various types of environmental conditions, to verify our claims within the market. This would take place under accelerated landfill conditions, a marine environment, as well as soil.

The tests are also divided into three stages: fragmentation, biodegradation, and toxicity. This process will confirm if the material breaks down in a certain timeframe, completely degrades, and that the end result is not harmful to the environment. It is paramount that the materials meet international standards and complies with market regulations.

Biodegradable regulations in South Africa

It seems that there aren’t any formal laws (i.e., hard laws) regarding biodegradable and compostable materials in South Africa. This conclusion is based on information received from local government and interest groups, as well as research papers. Most notably the 2020 position paper titled Biodegradable and Compostable Packaging: a review of the South African landscape, raises key points in terms of biodegradable and compostable packaging (The Moss Group, 2020, p. 3-4).

• Currently the restriction of separation, collection and processing infrastructures do not help direct post-consumer management of plastic packaging solutions (para. 4).
• Presently, there is a shortfall for legislation concerning particularly to biodegradable and compostable materials in South Africa, with SANS 1728:2019 identification requirement of degradable plastic marking as the exclusion (para. 5).
• The South African public do not have proper knowledge and understanding of what biodegradability and compostability means (para. 6).
• The majority of the raw materials i.e., resins, and some finished products are imported, whereby the South African Economy is being restricted (para. 7).

Phasing out unnecessary products

Since the above paper was released, there have been two significant developments that have attempted to curb plastic waste in South Africa: SA Plastics Pact and the EPR Levy. Although we have mentioned these both before, it is worth noting that the Plastics Pact is in the process of phasing out 12 products that are regarded as problematic and unnecessary. The collaboration between the plastic industry, business, and government has identified products such as single-use cutlery, thin-barrier fruit bags, as well as products manufactured with oxo-degradable additives.

Although our additive is a much newer and improved technology – and is currently an accepted biodegradable material – we continue to review the potential impact and relevance of our biodegradable material in the market. By undergoing testing that complies with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), we ensure that our claims are backed by rigid scientific processes. Additionally, this experience will allow us to continue learning and to be responsible custodians of the biodegradable materials industry.

Switching to biodegradable packaging solutions allows you to play your part in helping the environment. If you think there is potential for converting your packaging requirements to a biodegradable option, then get in touch with us to explore the solutions together.  

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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.

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Lamination & Print

Colour plays a significant role in the perception of your product or designs. Based on colour psychology, each colour can trigger different emotions and prompt different actions. Therefore, the design and quality of the print are essential. It needs to be both visually striking and appealing to the eye. This is to ensure that a product can compete with its competitors. With the help of the biggest packaging designers on the continent as well as a 10-colour Uteco printing machine, Sun Plastics can do your product the justice it deserves.

Additionally, we produce laminates for added barrier properties and product quality, and to prevent ink migration into the packed goods. So, whether you require mono-layer print or multi-layer laminates, Sun Plastics can offer the best options for your product applications.

Biodegradable or Recyclable

There are various ways in which sustainability can be analysed that can be extremely complex. For example, one may source a product that is cost-effective but is imported from China, or a product that is marketed as a green alternative but requires specific waste management processes. In this case, we find that unpacking this complexity while producing high-quality products creates great value for our customers.

The goal is to meet our customers’ requirements within an industry that seeks to move towards a greener economy. Which is where we are starting to see growth. The biodegradable additive that we use would not activate within the recycling stream, therefore, Sun Plastics can offer both biodegradable and recyclable mono-layer variants. These can be plain or printed and support the recyclability of plastic while also addressing waste management issues when the materials find their way into the natural environment.

Hidden Costs

From experience, we have found that the cost of packaging is an important factor – if not the most important – when choosing between potential suppliers. In most scenarios, imports are very competitive but should only be viewed by this characteristic. The reason is that one cannot claim to address environmental concerns when imports are favoured over the same materials being produced closer to home.

The same logic would also mean that quality/application cannot be claimed as the top priority. Especially if generic packaging is favoured over innovation (i.e., biodegradable). Even if there is a slight increase in material cost, addressing the hidden costs of environmental degradation makes biodegradable or recyclable products a lot more valuable.

To illustrate this effectively, one would only have to look at the rate of biodegradability in comparison to generic packaging. If one had to use the same volume of both variants for 5 years (e.g., 100MT per year), the waste of generic packaging would equate to 500MT or 100%, while the biodegradable material would be around 100MT or 20% after 5 years.

Understanding the industry and knowing exactly what you’re getting is important. With over 40 years of experience in the manufacturing of flexible packaging in Southern Africa, Sun Plastics is the company to keep you informed. Get in touch with them for high-quality packaging solutions.

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