M&H Plastics just launched a biodegradable product for use in its blow moulded HDPE bottles, Polyethylene tubes and PP jars and moulded caps. The product accelerates the decomposition of plastic in soil, which may be useful when the product is unlikely to be recycled.

An oxo-biodegradable blend works by breaking down polymer chains to make them brittle. This ensures polymers degrade in a similar way to other compostable materials. It looks like normal plastic product and has the same properties until placed in the waste stream when UV light starts the degradation process,” the company claims

The company can subsequently offer plastic components which degrade in 5 to 10 years; a fraction of the usual degradation time.

M&H also proposes 100% biodegradable labels incorporating a biodegradable adhesive, which biodegrade completely within days of being discarded.

This is a new addition to the range of materials M&H can offer to meet increased demand for sustainable products. These include Post Consumer Regrind, Post Industrial Regrind and PLA (Polylactic Acid). We believe that a small change can make a big difference and are continually striving towards a business that has minimal impact on the environment,’’ commented Simon Chidgey, Sales & Marketing Director of M&H Plastics.