Although it has been used in plastic production for some time, EcoPure® is still a relatively new concept in Vietnam and around the world. We know that EcoPure® is an eco-friendly plastic additive, but what is it about it that makes scientists and researchers trust it so much? Let’s find out in the following article.
The Concept of EcoPure®
Plastic waste is one of the most serious problems that needs to be solved. Every year, up to 380 million tons of waste is released into the environment, causing negative impacts not only on the ecological environment but also on human health. This is because during the decomposition process, plastic waste leaves behind small microplastics – the main agent behind deadly cancers.
In an effort to tackle the plastic waste problem, Bio-Tec Environmental has developed EcoPure®. Essentially, this is a mixture of organic components that are added to plastic during production to improve or change the existing properties of plastic, such as increasing durability, flexibility, brightness, etc. However, with EcoPure®, we focus on building environmentally-friendly properties, typically biodegradability.
Why is EcoPure® an excellent eco-friendly plastic additive?
Plastic waste has become one of the most intractable problems because plastic itself takes 450-5000 years to completely decompose in natural conditions. Not to mention, after decomposition, plastic does not disappear completely but becomes tiny microplastics – agents that are dangerous to human health and the environment.
When EcoPure® is incorporated into the plastic production process, this additive enables the plastic to “gain” biodegradable properties by allowing bacteria to form a biofilm coating around the plastic. Next, microorganisms in the biofilm penetrate the plastic and expand its molecular structure, then send signals from that location to attract other bacteria. This is also how bacteria work together to break the chemical bonds of the polymer chain.
According to research, the biodegradation process created by EcoPure® takes an average of only 3-5 years, which is many times faster than normal. At the same time, this process can also take place under standard landfill conditions, without requiring excessive temperature, air, or pressure. The final result of biodegradation is CO2, water, and biomass. These factors make it became an excellent and environmentally friendly plastic additive.
Practicality in other production applications of EcoPure®
One of the most common questions about EcoPure® is whether this eco-friendly plastic additive is easy to apply in production. Or, does it require additional new technology to achieve its environmental benefits? In fact, the advantages of this plastic additive extend beyond ecological benefits and are also notable for its impressive “adaptability” in production, such as:
Easy to integrate
True to its classification as an “additive,” EcoPure® easily adapts to all processes from injection molding, extrusion to thermoforming without requiring any additional technology or equipment upgrades. This seamless integration capability minimizes production disruptions and reduces the need for additional labor.
Low cost
As mentioned above, EcoPure® does not require new machinery or technology, which in itself saves businesses a considerable amount of money. But more than that, we also save on the additive itself, as only a small amount in the product is enough to significantly increase biodegradability due to its low LDR emission rate of only 1%. This low addition rate ensures profit margins for businesses while maximizing environmental benefits.
Overall, EcoPure® is less expensive when compared to traditional biodegradable materials. Therefore, it also offers many benefits in terms of expanding production or mass production without creating a cost burden.
Compatible and does not alter plastic
Does using EcoPure® to enhance biodegradability affect product durability? The answer is no. EcoPure® is designed to maintain the characteristic properties of plastic, such as durability, flexibility, and structural integrity. It can be said that enhancing properties while maintaining industry performance standards is one of the most impressive advantages EcoPure® offers.
Additionally, EcoPure® is compatible with a wide range of plastics, including PET, HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PS, making it suitable for various industries. Whether it’s food packaging, medical plastics, consumer goods, or industrial applications, EcoPure® meets the needs of businesses.
High reliability
Currently, EcoPure® has received certification according to ASTM D5511 (anaerobic biodegradation) and ASTM D6691 (marine biodegradation). This helps affirm the effectiveness and compliance with international standards of this additive in different environments.
Ensuring environmental safety and health
Given its diverse applications across industries ranging from healthcare to food, packaging, beverage containers, etc., the safety of EcoPure® is paramount and a top priority. Therefore, the production process of EcoPure® strictly adheres to stringent safety standards and complies with the FDA’s global regulations for safe food applications. No residues or harmful chemicals are used to ensure absolute consumer safety.
Conclusion
EcoPure® represents a significant step forward in promoting responsible plastic waste management. To save our ecosystem from plastic waste, start using plastic products with EcoPure® today!