aip october 2015 enewsletter

10
AIP National Office 34 Lawson Street Oxley QLD 4075 Australia +61 7 3278 4490 +61 7 3009 9916 [email protected] www.aipack.com.au AIP NEWSLETTER Join the AIP on 1 OCTOBER 2015 AIP PARTNERS Find out how your company can become a partner of the AIP by emailing [email protected] NEW MEMBERS The AIP would like to welcome the following new Members... Glen Knowles Member NSW Arvind Suvarna Associate VIC Tim Strachan Member NSW STATE JOIN THE AIP LINKED IN GROUP TODAY The AIP recognises the changing role of social media as an additional means of reaching our members, sponsors, and industry contacts across Australasia as an international group. The AIP has a Linked in Group and we invite you to join your peers who have already connected. Linkedin: Australian Institute of Packaging. THE AIP WELCOMES NEW DIPLOMA STUDENT HELP CONTRIBUTE TO EXTENSIVE PACKAGING COLLECTION T he AIP would like to welcome Sergio Palacio to the Institute and as a student of the Diploma in Packaging Technology. Sergio has been in the industry for two years in his role as a project engineer in the management of the design, manufacturing and commissioning of secondary and tertiary packaging machines for HMPS. These include wraparounds, Bag-in-box, robot case packers, RSC case packers, palletisers, carton sealers, among others. His role is guided by the HMPS three premises: to specifications, on time and on budget. By doing so, HMPS need to guarantee that their machines can deliver the expected outcome to their customers. A crucial part of this, is making sure the corrugated cartons they are using, or the pallet pattern the customer will be implementing are the right ones. In this process, he has been involved in the check/modification of RCS, shelf ready and wraparound cartons. Sergio has enrolled in the Diploma in Packaging Technology as he wants to gain a better understanding of where HMPS machines lie in the supply chain and how crucial it is for HMPS to integrate their processes with other areas of the packaging industry. T he AIP has recently agreed to collate a personal packaging collection of a gentleman in Adelaide so that it is archived in the manner it deserves; but we need your help! This is an extraordinary bequest from a South Australian collector of packaging, who was concerned that it might be lost on his passing, and loaded it up in a truck and personally drove it to Melbourne so that the industry would archive his collection. We are looking for volunteers to help catalogue the packaging collection which consists of approximately 3000 pieces. Ideally the volunteers would have a wide knowledge of packaging, a measuring tape, a Vernier or micrometer, a weighing scale, a digital camera and a laptop although because teams of 2 (1 measuring and 1 recording) are ideal, only every second volunteer needs the equipment. The work is being conducted in South Melbourne and the end result will be a catalogue of Australian packaging items across a broad industry range. If you have some spare time and would like to contribute to this worthwhile project please email Nerida Kelton on [email protected]. If everyone volunteered an hour or so then we would be extremely grateful! Sergio Palacio AAIP Project Engineer HMPS

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Page 1: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP National Office 34 Lawson Street Oxley QLD 4075 Australia +61 7 3278 4490 +61 7 3009 9916 [email protected] www.aipack.com.au

AIP NEWSLETTERJoin the AIP on

1

OCTOBER 2015

AIP PARTNERS

Find out how your company can become a partner of the AIP by emailing [email protected]

NEW MEMBERSThe AIP would like to welcome the following new Members...

Glen Knowles Member NSWArvind Suvarna Associate VIC Tim Strachan Member NSW

STATE

JOIN THE AIP LINKED IN GROUP TODAY

The AIP recognises the changing role of social media as an additional means of reaching our members, sponsors, and industry contacts across Australasia as an international group. The AIP has a Linked in Group and we invite you to join your peers who have already connected. Linkedin: Australian Institute of Packaging.

THE AIP WELCOMES NEW DIPLOMA STUDENT

HELP CONTRIBUTE TO EXTENSIVE PACKAGING COLLECTION

The AIP would like to welcome Sergio Palacio to the Institute and as a student of the Diploma in Packaging Technology. Sergio has been in the industry for two years in his role as a project engineer in the management of the design, manufacturing and commissioning of secondary and tertiary packaging machines for HMPS. These include

wraparounds, Bag-in-box, robot case packers, RSC case packers, palletisers, carton sealers, among others. His role is guided by the HMPS three premises: to specifications, on time and on budget. By doing so, HMPS need to guarantee that their machines can deliver the expected outcome to their customers. A crucial part of this, is making sure the corrugated cartons they are using, or the pallet pattern the customer will be implementing are the right ones. In this process, he has been involved in the check/modification of RCS, shelf ready and wraparound cartons. Sergio has enrolled in the Diploma in Packaging Technology as he wants to gain a better understanding of where HMPS machines lie in the supply chain and how crucial it is for HMPS to integrate their processes with other areas of the packaging industry.

The AIP has recently agreed to collate a personal packaging collection of a gentleman in Adelaide so that it is archived in the manner it deserves; but we need your help! This is an extraordinary bequest from a South Australian collector of packaging, who was concerned that it might be lost on his passing, and loaded it up in a truck and personally drove it to Melbourne so that the industry would archive his collection. We are

looking for volunteers to help catalogue the packaging collection which consists of approximately 3000 pieces. Ideally the volunteers would have a wide knowledge of packaging, a measuring tape, a Vernier or micrometer, a weighing scale, a digital camera and a laptop although because teams of 2 (1 measuring and 1 recording) are ideal, only every second volunteer needs the equipment. The work is being conducted in South Melbourne and the end result will be a catalogue of Australian packaging items across a broad industry range. If you have some spare time and would like to contribute to this worthwhile project please email Nerida Kelton on [email protected]. If everyone volunteered an hour or so then we would be extremely grateful!

Sergio Palacio AAIPProject EngineerHMPS

Page 2: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20152

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE LATEST AIP ACTIVITIES FOR 2015

ALL MEMBERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND ANY EVENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALANDTo register to attend any of the events simply email [email protected] or visit the events page on www.aipack.com.au

FOODBANK CHRISTMAS HAMPER PACKING DAY

AIP VIC CHRISTMAS DINNER

When:Where:What:

When:Where:What:

Friday the 4th of DecemberOfficers Mess, Victoria BarracksMembers spend the day packing Foodbank Hampers to distribute to those in need at Christmas; many of whom are without employment, families with young children and living on the poverty line.

QLD

INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCT IDENTIFICATIONHALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

AIP/SCAA TECHNICAL DINNER

When: Thursday 22nd of OctoberWhere: 1330 Thirteenthirty, ScoresbyWhat:

Presenter:

When: Where: What:

Presenter:

When: Where: What:

Presenter:

When: Wednesday 28th of OctoberWhere: Box Hill Golf Club, Box HillPresenters:

VIC NZ

VIC

VIC

* = 3 CPE's

* = 12.5 CPE's

This course gives an insight into product identification requirements through the supply chain and the technology needed to achieve compliance as well as process improvements.

Mark DingleyGeneral Manager - OperationsMatthews Australasia

Wednesday the 25th of November 17E Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki, AucklandThis half-day course will be clear and comprehensive, it will present a precise, non-mathematical introduction to plastics, their raw materials, syntheses, and applications, discussing the manufacture and properties of plastics as a function of the molecular properties of polymers used in the plastics industry.

Pierre Pienaar, MSc, FAIP, CPPDirectorPackTech Solutions

Thursday the 26th of November 17E Greenmount Drive, East Tamaki, AucklandModified Atmosphere Packaging, MAP, is a technology that has been developed to ensure that packaged food products stay fresh and attractive for as long as possible. The increased understanding of the biochemical pathways coupled with the advances in plastics has opened new opportunities for product protection and shelf life extension.

NEW COURSE

Lance BarlowIndustry Manager - AdhesivesFibre Bonding and Construction PolymersBASFPSA LABEL INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Dr Carol Lawrence Phd, FAIPSustainability & Technical Service SpecialistUPM Raflatac OceaniaINSIGHT IN TO PRESSURE SENSITIVE ADHESIVES FOR NOVEL SELF-ADHESIVE LABELS

Richard LauNarrow Web Business ManagerDIC AustraliaBRAND PROTECTION AND EVOLVING FOOD SAFETY COMPLIANCE IN FLEXIBLE PACKAGING

INTRODUCTION TO PLASTICSHALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE PACKAGINGHALF-DAY TRAINING COURSE

* = 12.5 CPE's

* = 12.5 CPE's

Pierre Pienaar, MSc, FAIP, CPPDirectorPackTech Solutions

Wednesday the 25th of NovemberCiao Cielo, Port Melbourne A chance to experience an Exclusive Christmas Food & Wine Feast, Ciao Cielo specialising in modern European cuisine, welcomes you with Deco inspired décor, great food, service and wine.

Bryan Nelson worked at iconic Melbourne establishments such as Walter’s Wine Bar under Ryan Clift, and Stokehouse under Paul Raynor, before becoming head chef at the popular A la Grecque in Aireys Inlet.

Page 3: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2015 3

QLD

GRADUATE OF DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ENROL IN THE DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY?Ego saw that there was a gap in our expertise in packaging technology, so I enrolled in the Diploma in Packaging Technology to further my career in the packaging industry and to expand the expertise within our small group of packaging technologists and engineers here at Ego Pharmaceuticals. We wanted to ensure we could deliver the best packaging outcomes for our rapidly growing business. Prior to this I had learnt through on-the-job experience, half-day training courses and site visits. I felt I needed to take this next step to increase my knowledge base and learn about areas of packaging technology that weren’t part of my day-to-day work. WHAT BENEFITS HAVE YOU ATTAINED FROM THE DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY? There was an immediate impact on my job; I was able to apply my new knowledge almost straight away. It improved how I could identify and handle issues with packaging deliveries as well as issues that came up during filling. I have also improved a number of processes and expanded the amount of data we capture about packaging. The Diploma in Packaging Technology gave me lots of ideas and inspiration. I also was lucky enough to meet with a few other students doing the course and we were able to organise a couple of site tours to each other’s businesses with a focus on course content. I found this really beneficial as I have never worked in food, which is a big focus for the course. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR NEW PEOPLE STARTING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION?I think if you are intelligent and have good common sense you can get quite far without formal education, but since completing the course I have realised how much I did not know and how important it is to have that base of knowledge. I also think it is good to learn at least a little about all areas of packaging technology which you are unlikely to achieve as a junior without formal education. It is really hard work while working full time but it is worth sticking with it. WHERE TO FROM HERE? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS?I have lots of ideas and improvements I would like to implement in my job, I am very focused on continuous improvement and the values of Ego. The Diploma in Packaging Technology has enabled me to not only to have these ideas, but also has given me the skills to implement them effectively. I would also like to look at becoming a Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) in the near future.

Michaela Cooke Dip.Pkg.Tech. MAIPQuality Control Chemist - PackagingEgo Pharmaceuticals

THE AIP WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MICHAELA COOKE, QUALITY CONTROL CHEMIST - PACKAGING, EGO PHARMACEUTICALS FOR GRADUATING FROM THE DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY.

Page 4: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20154

LIMITED SPACES

11-13 OCT

2016www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz

Co-locating with Materials Handling & Logistics (MHL)ASB Showgrounds, Auckland

NZ’S LARGEST FOOD MANUFACTURING AND PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY TRADE SHOW

INTERESTED IN

EXHIBITING?Contact our team nowVanessa White, Exhibition Sales Manager

[email protected] or [email protected]

+64 9 976 8367 | +64 (0)21 641 004

ADDING VALUE TO NEW ZEALAND’S FOOD CHAIN

AIP VISITED INTEGRATED PACKAGING

AIP MEMBERS HEAD TO VISY RECYCLING FACILITY

A IP VIC Members recently had the opportunity to visit Integrated Packaging and Integrated Machinery sites.

As the leaders in Stretch Film and Flexible Plastics Manufacturing Integrated Packaging Group (IPG) are Australia’s largest specialist manufacturer and distributor of stretch film wrap and associated products and has expanded into printed polyethylene products and PVC food films. Their expanded

manufacturing capability includes cast and blown stretch films, printed and plain collation shrink films, sacks and printed laminates, PVC food films, stretch hoods and pallet wrap, as well as an extensive range of agricultural crop packaging products. IPG also offers a full range of stretch wrapping machines and machine servicing. The site visit was very well received by the Members and the AIP would like to thank the Integrated Packaging and Machinery Teams for running such a great tour of their fabulous facilities.

The AIP would like to thank the Visy Glass Recycling Team for allowing a limited amount of Members the opportunity to see their remarkable facility. The visit provided an overview of the glass recycling process including: view in-feed raw materials, binder glass recycling plant, finished goods and QC testing systems.

The AIP Members essentially learned that after a manual sort the glass is fed through a series of equipment that is capable of detecting glass and its colour and gradually more and more glass is sorted from what they call CSP – ceramics, stones and porcelain. At many stages each time waste is rejected with the CSP there are feedback loops where the waste is further crushed and then analysed by the glass detection equipment to attempt to yield more and more glass. The final product is highly crushed cullet which is separated into clear, green and brown glass.

Page 5: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2015 5

PACKAGING

50 Foodmagazine | Aug/Sep 2015 | www.foodmag.com.au

A gloss finish has been aesthetically pleasing to consumers, because of its high reverse print quality

and clinical reflective finish. It presented a pack image that is high quality, fresh and professionally produced. This was achieved by initially reverse printing an image to a transparent film (like BOPP or PET) and then laminating this to a secondary substrate. This was particularly interesting for packs that were traditionally packed in surface printed papers and films, where most surface printed packs would look ‘tired’ after pack handling. Gloss varnishes were lacking and could not come close to the reverse printed film laminations. Additionally the reverse printed film presented the perfect scuff resistance and also allowed packs to be printed in the seal areas. These glossy packs stood out on the supermarket shelves and everyone wanted it.

Form Fill and Seal packs, like powder sachets, chip packs and labels, started to convert to the superior laminations. Based on the varnishes unmatched gloss performance against reverse printed films, this trend continued until a majority of flexible packs were using the high gloss reverse printed films. Eventually there was a continuous line of gloss packs on the supermarket shelves. Furthermore, traditional PE coated Paper wraps like ice-cream lollies were being replaced with gloss finished surface printed BOPP’s. Paper/Foil/PE type sachets were going to more extremes of adding an extra PET film, gloss finishing the more costly PET/Paper/Foil/PE laminate. From a market-ing perspective, it became frustrating to achieve product differentiation on the super glossy super market shelves.

Over the last five years, in response, there has been a gradual reversal from

gloss to a matte as a point of difference. A more natural looking paper appearance has become more appealing to consumers from an environmental perspective. The matte finish also better suits the image of certain products being packed. Chip packs are an example of this. About eight years ago only a few ‘kettle’ type chips were packed with a matte finish. Today the matte finish has spread across many other chip types and brands. Similarly, some of the chocolate coated confectionery packs have also moved from gloss to matte finishes. Interestingly, it has been said that consumers have a subconscious asso-ciation of gloss packs and ‘weight gain’. Packing theses type of products in a matte finish breaks this subconscious associa-tion and creates a more healthy perception of the product.

There is also a growing trend in combining a matte and gloss finish on the

packs. This involves a specialised printing process, but presents unique finishes on the packs, where the packs are predomi-nately matte, but have a gloss finish enhancements over the brand names or specific images. This is now popular and frequently seen on ground coffee or coffee bean packs.

More recent printing technologies have developed varnishes and inks that present much improved scuff resistance plus matte and gloss outcomes, which rival the reverse printed films. One can now achieve excellent print finishes and quality in paper laminates, making it easier for consumers to tear open the packs or sachets.

Brent Du Preez MAIPAustralian Institute of Packaging (AIP)[email protected]

To gloss, or not to gloss?

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A decade or two ago, supermarket aisles were full of high gloss packaging, but things have changed, writes Brent Du Preez.

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THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM FOOD MAGAZINE

Page 6: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20156

STUDENTS SHINE IN SOUTHERN CROSS PACKAGING DESIGN AWARDS

THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN PACKAGING NEWS

The results of the 2015 Southern Cross Packaging Design Awards, which recognise the creativity of Australian students, have been released. Awards manager Jen Salem said the judges were impressed by the level

of thinking and demonstrated ability to solve the industry’s set briefs. Under the guidance of the Australian Institute of Packaging, this award program was adopted 30 years ago by the Packaging Council of Australia (PCA). This year, more than 400 entries were received from 20 institutes across Australia including Universities, TAFEs and private colleges specialising in graphic, packaging and industrial design.

The judging panel included graphic and industrial designers, business owners and former winners.

Senior judge Michael Grima said students had six briefs to choose from, with the direction of each brief set by the sponsors and driven by a packaging format or process. “As judges we always aim to find that trifecta of quality that includes an articulate and methodical rationale, a creative, well-formed packaging design solution, and a quality finished mock-up,” he said. “It was encouraging to note the diversity of schools and geographic dispersion from Commendation through to Gold winners, with five states across Australia represented. “Congratulations to all those involved. We’re looking forward to next year’s creative pool of talent on display.”

Here are the Gold award winners, with judges’ comments:

Brief: Toy packaging

Winner: Lucy Sargent, Billy Blue College of Design, NSW

Entry: ‘Go Racer’

“Lucy completed sound research in her design process – understanding the importance of a user-friendly packaging experience, the current problems faced by consumers and the need that exists to connect with the target audience – children. Go Racer is a small wooden race car which allows the packaging to become part of the product. Each part of the packaging is magnetic, which provides children to create a racetrack, garage and ramp. It’s easy to use, interactive and enjoyable.”

Brief: Birds Eye ‘Family of Packaging’ range

Winner: Sarah Radge, TAFE Queensland East Coast, QLD

“Sarah has ticked every box this brief asked. Her design has created a space that allows the packs to stand out from competitors – while belonging in the same family. The pack design created is a unique shape that boasts excellent and effective imagery. The labelling on pack meets the industry standard and is supported by excellent photography. All round, an excellent solution.”

Briefed with the task of creating a John West tuna pack for kids, James Innis, of TAFE Queensland East Coast, QLD, came up with “a well thought out concept that met and exceeded all of the requirements”. A reusable spork with a fun fishtail shaped end is included, located above the perforation.

Page 7: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2015 7

Brief: Spice Up: Dry herbs and spices

Winner: Sarah McColl, Billy Blue College of Design, VIC

“Sarah’s rationale showed that she knows her stuff! Her level of research was impressive and really paved the way for her to reach such a sound solution. Starting with the current problems faced by consumers with spice packaging – she has designed a three-level, concertina shaped pack that allows the consumer to stack at various levels so each variant is visible in the cupboard. She has incorporated bright colours and silver foiling to allow the pack to stand out both on the shelf and at home. The product has been carefully considered as she has chosen an opaque white plastic with no transparent windows to protect the spice from the UV light which would impact the flavor. A UV light inhibitor has been added to the plastic for further protection.”

Brief: John West tuna for kids (pictured)

Winner: James Innis, TAFE Queensland East Coast, QLD

“Kids’ Catch is a well thought out concept that met and exceeded all of the requirements of this brief. James produced a pack that would stand out on the shelf amongst current competitors. He did sound research in understanding both the primary and secondary target market - especially how the kids interact with the pack and the product. A reusable spork with a fun fishtail shaped end is included, and is located above the perforation. The shape of the pouch is suitable for a lunchbox and is easy for the kids to eat from. Clear communication with the “Push, Tear, Eat” call out tells them exactly what to do. An excellent solution to a challenging brief.”

Brief: Packaging for today’s consumer

Winner: Thomas Schwaiger, Billy Blue College of Design, NSW

“Thomas addressed the issues of current packaging for paint, specifically targeted at signwriters and lettering specialists. The product, Bespoke Lettering Enamel, focuses on easy storage and handling as well as a unique pouring solution. Thomas created an in-built spout to channel the paint out and over. The spout is deep enough to act as a barrier and stop the paint from sitting in the rim and improves the product life and paint quality by removing paint from the rim to provide the lid with a tight seal. The box, lid and palette are made from tinplate with the spout of the tin made from HDPE. Thomas has also created a brand that suits the contemporary market and target audience. A clever solution for this target market”

JUDGES RATIONALE AWARD

Winner: Sarah McColl, Billy Blue College of Design, VIC

“Sarah’s rationale was the perfect example of what the judges were looking for in this communication piece. Through the use of clear headings, subheadings and diagrams she clearly explained the stages of her design process - research, concept development, refinement and her final design which included the style guide, packaging dimensions, features, labels and product specifications. Sarah was also the Gold winner in the Spice Up: Dry Herbs and Spices category.

For the remaining Silver, Bronze and Highly Commended Award winners, click here.

STUDENTS SHINE IN SOUTHERN CROSS PACKAGING DESIGN AWARDS

THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN PACKAGING NEWS

Page 8: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 20158

Disappearing act: Why not to use ‘degradable’ polyethylene

[email protected] OR PH: +61 7 3278 4490

ON-LINE FUNDAMENTALS OF PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY BITE-SIZED MODULES

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALASIA THROUGH THE AIP.

NEEDING TO FILL KNOWLEDGE GAPS? NEED A BROAD INTRODUCTION TO PACKAGING?

TECH SPEAK www.packagingnews.com.au September-October 2015 September-October 2015 www.packagingnews.com.au TECH SPEAK 17

POLYETHYLENE is a marvellous plastic. Du-rable, strong, with excellent physical properties and chemical resistance, it is relatively low cost and is converted into many everyday and useful products: fuel containers, water tanks, pressure pipe, film and bags, wire and cable in-sulation, flexible packaging, milk and

other bottles, dinghies and canoes. Life would be very different without polyethylene.

Polyethylene has good durability, but it is susceptible to environmental attack which causes ultimate fragmentation into tiny pieces. To extend the life of the product, ad-ditives are used (antioxidants, UV stabilis-ers). Without these, a polyethylene product left outdoors will deteriorate, embrittle and eventually disintegrate into small particles, persisting in the environment for many years, decades, perhaps hundreds of years.

Technologies have been developed to ac-

celerate the disintegration of polyethylene. Generally known as prodegradants, when added to polyethylene the finished prod-ucts are sometimes called oxodegradable or oxobiodegradable polyethylene.

The additives cause polyethylene to frag-ment more rapidly, speed up what would happen anyway. Visually, the product may have almost disappeared, but it has not dis-appeared, it has simply changed form to millions of particles that will persist in the

environment for an indeterminate time. The particles will not biodegrade, and

will not be used as a food source by micro-organisms as happens with a biodegradable substance. Rather, they accumulate in the soil, rivers and oceans, entering the food chain for terrestrial and marine creatures. Examples of the disastrous effect the parti-cles have on wildlife are abundant as an in-ternet search will demonstrate. As the par-ticles move up the food chain, they are consumed by larger creatures including us. What will be the effect on the human body? No-one knows, but there is evidence from the past that it should be avoided.

Degradable polyethylene is promoted into applications that will directly cause an increase in particles on the land, in the rivers and creeks and in the seas and oceans of the world. These include plastic bags, packaging and agricultural film products. Under some conditions, the de-gradable polyethylene will disintegrate and appear to solve litter or disposal prob-lems, but at what cost? The cost is accumula-tion of plastic particles in the environment.

Degradable polyethelene, used in plastic bags, packaging and agricultural films, is promoted as good for the environment. It's not. Rowan Williams, president of the Australian Bioplastics Association, tells us why.

16

BIODEGRADABLE EXAMINED

If buried in landfill, nothing is gained.Where biodegradability or compostabil-

ity of a plastic product is desirable, prod-ucts are available that are certified to be compostable and biodegradable. Particles will not accumulate in the environment for years. The products will disintegrate and biodegrade to CO2, water and carbon biomass within a short period and have been tested and certified to that effect.

Almost certainly the initial dollar cost will be greater than for degradable polyethyl-ene, but the total cost of degradable polyeth-ylene, including long term irreversible envi-ronmental damage, is many times greater. In modern life we make many choices between a cheap but damaging product and a more expensive but useful and benign one. The choice between certified compostable and biodegradable plastics and so called degrad-able polyethylene is one of these. ■

Further information is available at: www.bioplastics.org.auwww.europeanbioplastics.comwww.bpi.com

As particles move up the food chain, they

are consumed by larger creatures including us.”

In the global market today there are many plastics which are claimed to be biodegradable, compostable, oxo-degradable or oxo-biodegradable.

What do these terms mean in reality? Professor Ramani Narayan of Michigan State University Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in the United States, a world renowned expert in the field of bioplastics and plastics generally, explains:

“Biodegradation is a measure of the ability of microorganisms to utilise a carbon substrate. Basic biology forms the basis for all the ASTM, ISO, Australian (AS) and European standards (EN) for measuring biodegradability (irrespective of what the initial degradation is – oxo, hydro, chemo or abiotic).

Under aerobic conditions, the carbon is biologically oxidised inside the cell to carbon dioxide (CO2). Under anaerobic conditions, CO2 + methane (CH4) (biogas) are produced.

Terms such as ‘oxo’, ‘hydro’, ‘chemo’ and ‘photo’ describe potential abiotic (nonbiological process) mechanisms of degradation. They do not constitute or represent ‘biodegradability’ .

One must clearly identify the ‘disposal environment’ when discussing or reporting the biodegradability of a product.

Reporting the time to complete biodegra-dation or more specifically the time required for the complete microbial assimilation of the plastic is an essential requirement. Stating that a plastic will eventually biodegrade based on data showing an initial 10−20% biodegradability is not acceptable and misleading. The percent biodegradation reaches a plateau after the initial rate and level of biodegradation − extrapolation from the initial rate and value to 100% biodegra-dation is scientifically untenable.

Specification standards with specific pass/fail criteria exist for biodegradability

in composting conditions − com-postable plastics. There are standard test methods for conducting, measuring and reporting biodegradability; however, they do not have pass/fail criteria. A claim of biodegradability using a standard test method is misleading unless the biodegradabil-ity claim is qualified by the rate and extent of biodeg-radation in the test environment, and validated by an independent third-party labora-tory using interna-tionally adopted standard test methods.

Claims of degradable, partially biodegrad-able or eventually biodegradable are not acceptable. It has been shown that these degraded fragments absorb toxins present in the environment, concentrating them and transporting them up the food chain.

Therefore, verifiable scientifically valid evidence from an approved third-party laboratory is needed to document complete biodegradability in a defined disposal system, in a short time period using the specified international standards”.

Claims of degradable, partially degradable

or eventually biodegradable are not acceptable.”

THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN PACKAGING NEWS

Page 9: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

AIP NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2015 9

Disappearing act: Why not to use ‘degradable’ polyethylene

[email protected] OR PH: +61 7 3278 4490

ON-LINE FUNDAMENTALS OF PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY BITE-SIZED MODULES

NOW AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALASIA THROUGH THE AIP.

NEEDING TO FILL KNOWLEDGE GAPS? NEED A BROAD INTRODUCTION TO PACKAGING?

TECH SPEAK www.packagingnews.com.au September-October 2015 September-October 2015 www.packagingnews.com.au TECH SPEAK 17

POLYETHYLENE is a marvellous plastic. Du-rable, strong, with excellent physical properties and chemical resistance, it is relatively low cost and is converted into many everyday and useful products: fuel containers, water tanks, pressure pipe, film and bags, wire and cable in-sulation, flexible packaging, milk and

other bottles, dinghies and canoes. Life would be very different without polyethylene.

Polyethylene has good durability, but it is susceptible to environmental attack which causes ultimate fragmentation into tiny pieces. To extend the life of the product, ad-ditives are used (antioxidants, UV stabilis-ers). Without these, a polyethylene product left outdoors will deteriorate, embrittle and eventually disintegrate into small particles, persisting in the environment for many years, decades, perhaps hundreds of years.

Technologies have been developed to ac-

celerate the disintegration of polyethylene. Generally known as prodegradants, when added to polyethylene the finished prod-ucts are sometimes called oxodegradable or oxobiodegradable polyethylene.

The additives cause polyethylene to frag-ment more rapidly, speed up what would happen anyway. Visually, the product may have almost disappeared, but it has not dis-appeared, it has simply changed form to millions of particles that will persist in the

environment for an indeterminate time. The particles will not biodegrade, and

will not be used as a food source by micro-organisms as happens with a biodegradable substance. Rather, they accumulate in the soil, rivers and oceans, entering the food chain for terrestrial and marine creatures. Examples of the disastrous effect the parti-cles have on wildlife are abundant as an in-ternet search will demonstrate. As the par-ticles move up the food chain, they are consumed by larger creatures including us. What will be the effect on the human body? No-one knows, but there is evidence from the past that it should be avoided.

Degradable polyethylene is promoted into applications that will directly cause an increase in particles on the land, in the rivers and creeks and in the seas and oceans of the world. These include plastic bags, packaging and agricultural film products. Under some conditions, the de-gradable polyethylene will disintegrate and appear to solve litter or disposal prob-lems, but at what cost? The cost is accumula-tion of plastic particles in the environment.

Degradable polyethelene, used in plastic bags, packaging and agricultural films, is promoted as good for the environment. It's not. Rowan Williams, president of the Australian Bioplastics Association, tells us why.

16

BIODEGRADABLE EXAMINED

If buried in landfill, nothing is gained.Where biodegradability or compostabil-

ity of a plastic product is desirable, prod-ucts are available that are certified to be compostable and biodegradable. Particles will not accumulate in the environment for years. The products will disintegrate and biodegrade to CO2, water and carbon biomass within a short period and have been tested and certified to that effect.

Almost certainly the initial dollar cost will be greater than for degradable polyethyl-ene, but the total cost of degradable polyeth-ylene, including long term irreversible envi-ronmental damage, is many times greater. In modern life we make many choices between a cheap but damaging product and a more expensive but useful and benign one. The choice between certified compostable and biodegradable plastics and so called degrad-able polyethylene is one of these. ■

Further information is available at: www.bioplastics.org.auwww.europeanbioplastics.comwww.bpi.com

As particles move up the food chain, they

are consumed by larger creatures including us.”

In the global market today there are many plastics which are claimed to be biodegradable, compostable, oxo-degradable or oxo-biodegradable.

What do these terms mean in reality? Professor Ramani Narayan of Michigan State University Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science in the United States, a world renowned expert in the field of bioplastics and plastics generally, explains:

“Biodegradation is a measure of the ability of microorganisms to utilise a carbon substrate. Basic biology forms the basis for all the ASTM, ISO, Australian (AS) and European standards (EN) for measuring biodegradability (irrespective of what the initial degradation is – oxo, hydro, chemo or abiotic).

Under aerobic conditions, the carbon is biologically oxidised inside the cell to carbon dioxide (CO2). Under anaerobic conditions, CO2 + methane (CH4) (biogas) are produced.

Terms such as ‘oxo’, ‘hydro’, ‘chemo’ and ‘photo’ describe potential abiotic (nonbiological process) mechanisms of degradation. They do not constitute or represent ‘biodegradability’ .

One must clearly identify the ‘disposal environment’ when discussing or reporting the biodegradability of a product.

Reporting the time to complete biodegra-dation or more specifically the time required for the complete microbial assimilation of the plastic is an essential requirement. Stating that a plastic will eventually biodegrade based on data showing an initial 10−20% biodegradability is not acceptable and misleading. The percent biodegradation reaches a plateau after the initial rate and level of biodegradation − extrapolation from the initial rate and value to 100% biodegra-dation is scientifically untenable.

Specification standards with specific pass/fail criteria exist for biodegradability

in composting conditions − com-postable plastics. There are standard test methods for conducting, measuring and reporting biodegradability; however, they do not have pass/fail criteria. A claim of biodegradability using a standard test method is misleading unless the biodegradabil-ity claim is qualified by the rate and extent of biodeg-radation in the test environment, and validated by an independent third-party labora-tory using interna-tionally adopted standard test methods.

Claims of degradable, partially biodegrad-able or eventually biodegradable are not acceptable. It has been shown that these degraded fragments absorb toxins present in the environment, concentrating them and transporting them up the food chain.

Therefore, verifiable scientifically valid evidence from an approved third-party laboratory is needed to document complete biodegradability in a defined disposal system, in a short time period using the specified international standards”.

Claims of degradable, partially degradable

or eventually biodegradable are not acceptable.”

THIS ARTICLE WAS REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM PKN PACKAGING NEWS

Page 10: AIP October 2015 eNewsletter

PH: +61 7 3278 4490 [email protected] aipack.com.au

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