Quebec extruder offers degradable PE retail bags

Omniplast Inc. (St. Hubert, QC) is using a degradable additive technology from Vancouver-based EPI Environmental Products Inc. to produce polyethylene retail carrier bags with a controlled lifetime. Omniplast says the bags will degrade in as little as a few months. EPI’s Totally Degradable Plastic Additives (TDPA) accelerates the oxidation of the plastic.
The degradation process can be triggered by UV light, heat or mechanical stress. The rate of degradation can be tailored to the buyer’s requirements, breaking down over a period of months or years. Once the plastic begins to oxidize, it becomes brittle and susceptible to the usual agents of degradation, such as moisture and microbes.
Biodegradable and compostable plastic bags currently available in Canada are largely aimed at curbside collection of yard and kitchen waste, and use biodegradable resins.
Omniplast reports that Safeway, Tesco and Wal-Mart have completed a two-year test using plastic bags with TDPA in their European operations.
EPI reports that its TDPA technology can be processed on existing equipment, and that product characteristics remain unchanged.