FDBusiness.com

A new 100% recyclable, carbon positive material has been unveiled by Polythene UK. The new Polyair material is bio-based, made from sugar cane – the process of photosynthesis as the plant grows makes the product carbon positive.

Polythene UK initially launched the product in 2009, as an oxy-degradable polyethylene. Managing director James Woollard explains: “When we initially launched Polyair it was an oxy-degradable polyethylene. At the time everyone thought that the oxy-degradable route was the way to go. However, although we felt we needed this in our product portfolio, we soon began to wonder at the actual benefits of a material that completely degraded within 2/3 years – our atmosphere simply turned it to flakes and particles.

“We are now delighted to say that we have found an amazing alternative and are relaunching Polyair to the UK market and specifically the FTSE 500 – this bio-based product will have a massive environmental impact.”

According to Woollard, for every tonne of the new Polyair manufactured, 2.5 tonnes of CO₂ will have been captured from the atmosphere.

“Polyair can be used across our full product range of bags, covers, tubes, films, wraps and stretch film, giving customers a significantly greener, environmentally friendly option,” he says. “Using a bio-based material, such as Polyair, at a percentage of 60% in film reduces the CO2 emissions to 0%, even when you take into consideration the energy used for manufacturing and shipping.”