logo-loader

Symphony Environmental welcomes new recycling study

Published: 17:05 05 Aug 2016 AEST

picture of coastline
Symphony's d2W technology biodegrades more easily in the sea

Symphony Environmental Technologies plc (LON:SYM) has welcomed a new survey that indicates its d2w oxo-biodegradable technology is safe to be recycled.

The technology uses additives that encourage oil–based plastic to decompose more easily in environments such as the sea.

Opponents, particularly those in Europe, say they are little better than what’s available currently.

The new report, by the Transfercenter fur Kunststofftechnik (TCKT) in Austria suggests that that recycled material from d2w oxo-biodegradable plastic can safely be used in the manufacture of thick cross-section plastic products such as building films, plastic lumber, outdoor furniture and signage posts.

The report also confirmed that d2w oxo-biodegradable (controlled-life) plastics have no material effect on the recycling process or on the recycled plastic products.

It is the fourth positive study of its kind and follows two studies by laboratories in South Africa in 2012 and 2013, Symphony said.

Michael Laurier, Symphony’s chief executive, said: "This latest study is an important step forward, as it eliminates the concerns of the recycling industry.

“For several years our sales have been slower than anticipated as decision-makers were concerned with potential contamination of the waste plastic feedstock by oxo-biodegradable plastics.

“These four expert studies finally prove that products made with d2w are fully compatible with recycling and should be freely used without any further concerns.

“As not all the plastic is collectable for recycling, it is important to use d2w plastics, which will biodegrade if they get into the open environment as litter, and will not lie or float around for decades. 

“During their useful life they are just as strong as conventional plastics, and can be made by existing plastics factories at little or no extra cost." 

Australian Strategic Materials signs US$600 million LoI

Rowena Smith, CEO and managing director of Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX:ASM, OTC:ASMMF), joins Jonathan Jackson in the Proactive studio to discuss the company’ s Dubbo Project, in Central West New South Wales. This project aims to extract and process critical minerals and rare earth...

6 hours, 24 minutes ago