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To: richardred who wrote (18)	2/29/2004 10:22:14 PM
From: richardred	Respond to of 58

Industry supports development of degradable plastics Tuesday, 28 October 2003 The plastics industry welcomes the increased emphasis on research into and development of degradable plastics for many applications, particularly consumer packaging. Australia’s peak plastics industry body, the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA), says degradable plastics will play an increasingly important part in the total plastics marketplace within the next decade. PACIA chief executive Martin Jones says the emphasis now is on the application of new degradables technology in areas previously dominated by traditional plastics. “Plastics have been the material behind so much of the technology developed during the last 100 years, and in many cases have driven that technology to heights that would not otherwise have been possible,” Mr Jones said. “Degradable plastics offer a new development path for plastics manufacturers and for the many industries that rely on plastic to make or package their own products. “The plastics industry is actively working on these alternatives and they will be brought to market provided these products lead to better environmental outcomes than are available from existing materials.” Mr Jones said a recent study commissioned by the Australian Environment Department (formerly Environment Australia) recognised the increasing push towards degradable plastics. (Ref: ea.gov.au The principal aim of the review was to identify the emerging environmental issues associated with biodegradable plastics. It recommended that a framework be established for standards and testing, based on appropriate international standards. The review did find there is a significant risk of contamination by degradable plastics of conventional plastics that are currently recycled and reprocessed, from both kerbside and industrial recycling systems. It says the growing confidence in recycled plastics could be eroded if technical integrity is compromised by contamination with degradable plastics, leading to degradation of the new product as the degradable content begins to break down. In addition to the development of a national framework for standards and testing, the review says that it is essential that any new applications for degradable plastics have clearly identified disposal routes, recovery systems and processing infrastructure. Further information: Martin Jones - (03) 9426 3816 or Michael Catchpole - 0408 129 169