Why Biowrap*

The use of polythene, first commercially developed in the 1930's, has dramatically increased as demands for plastics increase. After there is no longer a use for the plastic product, it has conventionally been discarded in landfill.

Given that plastic is strong and durable material, the plastic does not degrade and can resurface and be detrimental to the environment.

Any problem requires a solution and none more so that the issue of plastic and it's sustainability in the environment. biowrap*, used exclusively by D&D Mailing Services, is a totally degradable plastic wrap.

Whilst maintaining the qualities of conventional plastic packaging - strong and durable - this unique plastic will ultimately disintegrate in the presence of oxygen. If inadvertently littered the plastic will rapidly disintegrate outdoors in direct sunlight, or if disposed of into a landfill the plastic will degrade within 12 - 24 months (as described in ASTM D6954-04 ).

These "degraded " plastic fragments in the presence of moisture, heat, microbial activity and oxygen will break down finally into water, carbon dioxide and small amount of biomass.  

Even thought it is 100% degradable, biowrap* plastic material can even be recycled prior to degradation, therefore there is no requirement to change any existing consumer habits.

biowrap* is not harmful to the environment once it begins the break down process, full research on the polythene material with TDPA additive incorporated into it has been conducted by reputable research institutes to ensure the there is no known eco-toxicity to the soil or to ultra sensitive organisms like water cress or daphnia. 

The speed of the degradation process can be predetermined by the amount and power of the EPI additive used. Normally the degradation process is programmed into the plastic to be around 18 months, but it would depend on the amount used and the availability of the trigger mechanisms like direct UV light, heat and mechanical stress  the plastic material has experienced (e.g. the wind ) - all of which contribute to the rate of chemical transformation of the plastic structure itself. 

No matter how the biowrap* is disposed of, the impact of the elements (air, sunlight and wind) will result in the complete degradation of the plastic wrap in short space of time, thereby minimising the risk of additional pollution to the environment.

Given that over 90% of conventional plastic is still with us on this planet, the solution is clear - the use of 100% degradable plastic is a step in the right direction to alleviate the world's pollution burden - using biowrap* will help.

* patent applied for