What is a totally degradable plastic bag?
A totally degradable plastic bag, like most plastic bags, is made from Low Density, High Density or Blended Polyethylene. However, the plastic is manufactured using a degradable additive known as TDPA (totally degradable plastic additive) manufactured by a Canadian company called EPI. TDPA allows the plastic to break down into small fragments as a result of exposure of naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi. |
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What sets off the breakdown of the plastic bag?
After the bag has served its purpose and is thrown away, the TDPA begins to breakdown the Polythene into brittle fragments due to exposure to natural UV light, heat and oxygen. The plastic molecules eventually become so small that micro-organisms can use them as a source of food.
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How long does it take for the bags to degrade?
The rate of the oxidative-degradable chemical reaction is dependent on the plastic bag's exposure to oxygen, UV light, heat and physical stress. The more exposed the plastic is the faster the rate of reaction. It is recommended that the plastic bags are used within 18-24 months from the date of manufacture or the bags will be in an advancing stage of breaking down and may no longer be suitable to hold the loading of product that they were originally designed to hold.
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What if the bags do not end up in a land-fill?
If the bags are discarded in a less environmentally friendly manner, the bags will begin to degrade due to their exposure to the open air, sunlight, wind and rain. The by-products of the degradation process are CO2, water and non-toxic mass therefore the bags are considered to return to the environment in a friendly state.
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Is TDPA safe?
TDPA is non-toxic to sensitive plants and animals and all mineral salt residues are far below the specified EU and USFDA standards.
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Where can I find out more about EPI's environmentally friendly TDPA?
Check out more by visiting EPI's website: www.epi-global.com
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