Additive boosts green potential of PET

28-Nov-08

A new additive renders polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles biodegradable over time, particularly if they are inadvertently disposed of or littered outdoors. BioSmart said PET bottles using its additive, Bi-X007, are thermally stable, and have excellent storage and shelf life as well as good transportation stability. Caps, ring, labels and packaging of a new bottle range including the shrink film and pallet wrap are all produced with the BioSmart additive to give the consumer a totally 'green' package. The new range of biodegradable water bottles provides an environmentally friendly solution for the percentage of PET products that get thrown in a landfill or littered. The new technology for the PET industry does not rely on composting and does not interfere with the recycle chain, instead it fully breaks down and biodegrades in a landfill between 14-24 months. These plastics are capable of being allowed to re-enter the carbon cycle naturally, leaving no eco-toxic remnants behind. The additive does not alter in any major way the structural integrity of the plastic products, and, in many cases, it is difficult to distinguish between the standard or conventional product and the 'eco friendly' product. Until now, BioSmart has been using its Bi-X additives in plastic film packaging made from blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). Now, this additive technology is 100% adaptable to any form of product using a PET based resin, be it a thermo 'injection moulded' tray or other product type.