tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87497337623543755442024-03-14T03:47:55.810+08:00The Greener ChoiceDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-14354698037459903762012-03-24T23:43:00.002+08:002012-03-24T23:43:41.769+08:00Greatpac Sdn Bhd: Introduction to JASA Eco 2010 (TV2)<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/FDq3eEMAg7I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-60752068220561055052011-08-14T16:41:00.002+08:002011-08-14T16:49:59.129+08:00生物降解泡沫塑料及甘蔗渣餐盒是真‧陳貞源:“環保餐盒須慎辨防假”北馬 2011-08-14 12:21
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<br />(檳城)在檳州政府禁用保麗龍餐盒後,市面上出現越來越多號稱是“環保餐盒”的產品,這些琳瑯滿目的產品,到底哪一些才是可生物降解的呢?
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T11.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 199px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T11.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">可生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒(左)上除了印有公司品牌之外,也印有“Biodegradable”(可生物降解)字眼;右为仿製品。(图:星洲日报)</span>
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<br />目前,市面上出現5大種類的餐盒,即紙餐盒、塑料餐盒、可生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒、甘蔗渣餐盒及保麗龍餐盒。
<br />據全馬首個研發生物降解泡沫塑料公司GREATPAC有限公司高級經理陳貞源說,市面上目前能夠生物降解的餐盒只有出自該公司的JASA Eco生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒及甘蔗渣餐盒(並非由該公司生產)。
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<br />謝寶強:若發現仿製品
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<br />希望公眾善意提醒小販
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<br />代理商謝寶強則說,要推動環保商家必須憑良心及道德生產產品,不應該透過以假亂真的方式謀取利益。
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"
<br />href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 159px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T10.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">谢宝强(左)、陈贞源及胡宏发(右)出示JASA Eco生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒的化验报告及產品包装,向公眾讲解该公司的產品与市场上其他產品的差別。(图:星洲日报)</span>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 194px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T12.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">1.浅褐色保丽龙餐盒:只是增添了色素的保丽龙餐盒,印上“清洁与绿意”或“B1O2”的字眼,但是无法真正进行生物降解。(图:星洲日报)</span>
<br />他說,公司並不責怪小販,畢竟他們所獲得的資訊有限,甚至可能遭別人誤導,對此不知情,小販也可能被色素保麗龍餐盒較低的價格所吸引,因此他希望公眾在打包食物時若發現小販使用的是仿製品的話,可以善意向小販作提醒。
<br />出席新聞發佈會的包括代理商Sewanis(檳城)有限公司經理胡宏發。
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<br />“清潔與綠意”+“B1O2”
<br />以字眼誤導使用者
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<br />陳貞源認同檳州環保行政議員彭文寶日前指市面上出現“黑心餐盒”的說法,因此他特別召開新聞發佈會說明,希望讓公眾認清真正可生物降解及仿製品的產品。
<br />他說,該公司生產了淺褐色的可降解泡沫塑料餐盒,但是市面上卻有其他公司將保麗龍餐盒添加淺褐色的色素,試圖“混淆”使用者。
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<br />他說,仿製可降解餐盒並沒有名言指他們是可生物降解的,但是卻以“清潔與綠意”或“B1O2”的字眼讓使用者存有誤解。
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<br />獲大馬工業研究所等單位認證
<br />“反之,我們的產品除了獲得美國獨立化驗室的驗證,遵守嚴格的準繩之外,也符合食品安全標準,並獲得馬來西亞工業研究所等單位的認證。”
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 269px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T13.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">2.纸餐盒(左)及塑料餐盒:为了达到防水效果,纸餐盒上已经贴上一层护卡膜(Laminate);塑料餐盒则为了降低製作成本而添加了石灰粉,两种產品不能降解也不能保温。(图:星洲日报</span>)
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T14.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 237px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T14.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">3.甘蔗渣餐盒:可生物降解,但容易渗水。(图:星洲日报)</span>
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<br />他說,除非有另外一家公司呈交產品化驗報告給政府以證明他們的產品是可生物降解的,否則那些產品都只是仿製品。
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 300px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.14.P813T15.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">4.JASA Eco生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒:浅褐色,是目前市面上唯一可生物降解的保丽龙餐盒。(图:星洲日报)</span>
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<br />他說,可生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒一個售價為11仙,仿製品則便宜約3仙,由於不小心很容易以假亂真,因此他促請小販及公眾在選購產品時要特別小心你。(星洲日報/大北馬)
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<br />Source:http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/node/152554?tid=4
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<br />(檳城)在檳州政府禁用保丽龙餐盒后,市面上出现越来越多號称是“环保餐盒”的產品,这些琳瑯满目的產品,到底哪一些才是可生物降解的呢?
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<br />目前,市面上出现5大种类的餐盒,即纸餐盒、塑料餐盒、可生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒、甘蔗渣餐盒及保丽龙餐盒。
<br />据全马首个研发生物降解泡沫塑料公司GREATPAC有限公司高级经理陈贞源说,市面上目前能够生物降解的餐盒只有出自该公司的JASA Eco生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒及甘蔗渣餐盒(並非由该公司生產)。
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<br />谢宝强:若发现仿製品
<br />希望公眾善意提醒小贩
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<br />代理商谢宝强则说,要推动环保商家必须凭良心及道德生產產品,不应该透过以假乱真的方式谋取利益。
<br />他说,公司並不责怪小贩,毕竟他们所获得的资讯有限,甚至可能遭別人误导,对此不知情,小贩也可能被色素保丽龙餐盒较低的价格所吸引,因此他希望公眾在打包食物时若发现小贩使用的是仿製品的话,可以善意向小贩作提醒。
<br />出席新闻发佈会的包括代理商Sewanis(檳城)有限公司经理胡宏发。
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<br />“清洁与绿意”+“B1O2”
<br />以字眼误导使用者
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<br />陈贞源认同檳州环保行政议员彭文宝日前指市面上出现“黑心餐盒”的说法,因此他特別召开新闻发佈会说明,希望让公眾认清真正可生物降解及仿製品的產品。
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<br />他说,该公司生產了浅褐色的可降解泡沫塑料餐盒,但是市面上却有其他公司將保丽龙餐盒添加浅褐色的色素,试图“混淆”使用者。
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<br />他说,仿製可降解餐盒並没有名言指他们是可生物降解的,但是却以“清洁与绿意”或“B1O2”的字眼让使用者存有误解。
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<br />获大马工业研究所等单位认证
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<br />“反之,我们的產品除了获得美国独立化验室的验证,遵守严格的准绳之外,也符合食品安全標准,並获得马来西亚工业研究所等单位的认证。”
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<br />他说,除非有另外一家公司呈交產品化验报告给政府以证明他们的產品是可生物降解的,否则那些產品都只是仿製品。
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<br />他说,可生物降解泡沫塑料餐盒一个售价为11仙,仿製品则便宜约3仙,由於不小心很容易以假乱真,因此他促请小贩及公眾在选购產品时要特別小心你。(星洲日报/大北马)Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-54434557199354547982011-08-14T16:40:00.003+08:002011-08-14T16:41:20.777+08:00保丽龙添加黄色素 提防黑心环保餐盒 二零一一年八月十四日 凌晨十二时三十分
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<br />(槟城13日讯)“人心黑,产品黑,人民不得不防黑”,近期奸商频频推出黑心环保餐盒,意图混淆消费者,民众受促小心提防,细心辨别真伪!
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2011/08/14/6_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 283px;" src="http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2011/08/14/6_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">市面上推出淋朗满目的“环保餐盒”,然而大部分都是仿制品或添加黄色素的保丽龙餐盒,民众受促小心提防。</span>
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<br />环保餐盒代理商谢宝强严厉谴责,黑心环保餐盒生产商在“玩弄”消费者。他承认,市场上的确有黑心环保餐盒流出,然而这些餐盒都是添加黄色素的保丽龙餐盒,而非真正的环保餐盒。
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<br />他透露,一般环保餐盒可清楚看到“生物降解”(Biodegradeable)标示,惟部分奸商则试图瞒天过海,以“BIO 2”(生化物 2)或“Clean and Green”(干净与绿意)的字眼混淆消费者。
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<br />他挑战,若这些餐盒是真正的环保餐盒,请提供化验证明或认证书。他说,对于早前槟州环境委员会主席彭文宝揭发,州内商家将保丽龙“伪装”为生物降解容器,他表示支持揭发黑心行为。他也呼吁,民众、小贩,严防黑心环保餐盒代理商,并小心选择这些容器。他受询时透露,黑心环保餐盒的售价为8仙,而真正环保餐盒售价为11仙。
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<br />他是于周六召开记者会澄清及如何分辨“真假”环保餐盒时,这麽指出。
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<br />另外,特大包装(Greatpac)有限公司高级经理陈贞源表示,该公司所生产的环保餐盒品牌,即JASAeco是国内首家成功研发“生物降解泡沫塑料”的生产商,其产品具有环保认证,经由美国独立化验室验证,并获得马来西亚工业研究所(SIRIM)、通用工行证(SGS)及美国FDA认证,倘若有关当局质疑公司产品真伪,他很乐意提供产品认证书。
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<br />他补充,至今为止,该公司产品是大马唯一获得“生物降解”环保认证的公司。他说,若市场上有所谓的“环保餐盒”,有关公司也应根据正确管道为该产品取得认证书,否则就不应把产品推出市场误导消费者。
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<br />出席者有Sewanis私人有限公司经理胡宏发。
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<br />“环保餐盒”或危害健康
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<br />原来市面上出现的“环保餐盒”并不环保,而且还可能危害健康!
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<br />胡宏发出席记者会时表示,一般所见的“环保餐盒”,计有看似保丽龙的环保餐盒、纸制环保餐盒、塑胶环保餐盒等,然而这些所谓的“环保餐盒”一点都不环保,甚至可能危害使用者的健康。
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<br />他说,一般纸制餐盒其实在盒内表面已覆盖一层护卡膜,因此食物汤汁不能渗透盒子,然而此举却造成该餐盒不易腐化,进而破坏生态环境。他继说,至于注明是“Clear Environment”的塑胶环保餐盒,有厂商在生产过程中添加石灰粉以降低生产成本,然而一旦食物与盒子长期接触将产生化学作用导致使用者的健康受损,因此他也呼吁,民众严选环保餐盒。
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<br />Source:http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2011/08/14/6.htmlDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-20805487697122198132011-08-14T16:34:00.003+08:002011-08-14T16:37:53.588+08:00生產公司授招辨仿冒品‧环保餐盒印“可分解”字眼要闻 北马 地方 2011-08-13 19:48
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<br />檳城13日讯)最近市面上出现仿冒的浅褐色可分解保丽龙餐盒,目前全马唯一拥有生產可分解泡沫塑料餐盒及碗碟技术的特大塑胶包装(Greatpac)私人有限公司澄清,虽然可分解泡沫塑料和仿冒的保丽龙餐盒顏色皆为浅褐色,但只要细心观察,就可避免用到仿冒品。
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.13.q813p15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 187px;" src="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.13.q813p15.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">谢宝强(左起)、陈贞源和胡宏发出示多项的国际认证,力证该公司的產品绝对符合环保用途。(图:光明日报)</span>
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<br />檳州环境事务委员会主席彭文宝日前指出,带有浅褐色的保丽龙餐盒並非所谓的“生物降解餐盒”,这只是加了色素的保丽龙,根本就不是环保餐盒,而是商家为了牟取个人利益而製造的黑心產品。
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.13.q813p16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 219px;" src="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.08.13.q813p16.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">可分解泡沫塑料( 左) 和仿冒的保丽龙餐盒顏色皆为浅褐色, 但“ 真牌” 的餐盒上有印有该公司的销售品牌JASA Eco之外,也印有“可分解”(Biodegradable)字眼。(图:光明日报)</span>
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<br />特大塑胶包装(Greatpac)私人有限公司出口与环保发展部高级经理陈贞源週六召开记者会时说,市面上確实出现了与其公司產品相似度极高的仿冒,这些餐盒虽然印上“绿意及清洁”和“B1O2”的字眼,但並非可以真正分解,这些字眼只是为了误导民眾。
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<br />“並非所有的浅褐色餐盒皆是黑心餐盒,因此我们希望通过记者会教导民眾如何分辨可分解饭盒与贗品的差別,只要小心鑑定真偽,认清商標就可安心使用。”
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<br />在可分解泡沫塑料餐盒上面除了印有该公司的销售品牌JASA Eco之外,也印有“可分解”(Biodegradable)字眼,丟弃到土埋场首3个月就开始分解;至於仿冒餐盒虽然有印上商號,但却没有“可分解”字眼。
<br />“公司的环保餐具是经过改良和测试后,经由美国独立化验室,並遵循严格的ASTM D5511及D5335准则,也备受马来西亚工业研究所、通用工行证(SGS),以及美国FDA的產品认证。因此已证实为可分解物质,並已將有关报告呈给州政府,同时也获得州政府的支持。”
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<br />代理商之一的谢宝强说,市场上充斥很多冒牌的环保餐盒,因此要小心使用,虽然可分解泡沫塑料餐盒拥有环保用途,但每个约11仙,反而还比市面上的塑料餐盒(16仙)、甘蔗渣餐盒(18仙)、纸盒(18仙)还便宜。
<br />出席者包括可分解泡沫塑料餐盒供应公司Sewanis(檳城)有限公司经理胡宏发。(光明日报)
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<br />Source: http://www.guangming.com.my/node/110742?tid=3Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-80015119536675308432011-07-19T14:36:00.003+08:002011-08-09T12:19:08.719+08:00Styrofoam packaging masks as biodegradable productTuesday July 19, 2011
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<br />DEALERS and consumers have been warned that there are cases of imitation packaging in the market that are touted to be biodegradable but in reality are not.
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<br />The warning came from Greatpac Sdn Bhd, the manufacturer of the Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam Products.
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<br />Greatpac senior manager Douglas Tan said they were facing the problem especially in Penang.
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<br />“We believe it is a move by our competitor to increase their market share,” said Tan.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/7/19/central/m_07bio.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 250px;" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/7/19/central/m_07bio.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Spot the difference : Tan said the biodegradeable packaging manufactured by Greatpac are stamped with “Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam” (right), while the competitor’s styrofoam packaging are stamped with “BIO2”
<br />Greatpac launched its products in February to offer an alternative to the existing foam packaging.
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<br />The range uses an organic additive called EcoPure which takes about two years to biodegrade in a landfill environment.
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<br />Tan said Greatpac had spent US$4,000 (about RM12,000) for tests to ensure that the products conformed with the American Biodegration Standard ASTM D5511, and that the company had submitted all the test reports and certifications to the Penang government.
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<br />“Our biodegradable food packaging was targeted at Penang in particular due to the state government’s imposed ban on polystyrene food packaging,” said Tan, adding that the Selangor government is considering a similar policy.
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<br />“Greatpac found out about the competitor in early June, and learnt that hawkers were being duped into buying the competitor’s product.
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<br />“Rogue dealers and manufacturers are taking the opportunity of the policy by selling the styrofoam packaging at biodegradable packaging prices,” he added.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/7/19/central/m_07Tan.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 110px; height: 159px;" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/7/19/central/m_07Tan.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>
<br />Tan
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<br />Tan said those products manufactured by Greatpac were stamped with “Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam” while the competitor’s products were stamped with “BIO2” but were supposed to represent “B102” (“i” instead of “one”).
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<br />“Colour is added to the competitor’s products to make it look like biodegradable packaging, but they are in fact styrofoam packaging.
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<br />“Dealers would sell a Jasa Eco biodegradable lunchbox for eight sen per piece and the competitor’s one for 5.5sen.
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<br />“Hawkers and consumers who unknowingly buy the imitation packaging end up paying much more for a product they are likely to get fined for,” he said.
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<br />Tan also said the Taman Perkaka Village Safety and Development Committee, whom Greatpac had worked with on a roadshow to promote its biodegradable packaging, had called the competitor’s manufacturer who admitted that their products did not have any biodegradeable element.
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<br />“We have been informed that the Seberang Jaya Municipal Council plans to take action on this matter, and that the Penang City Council will follow suit.
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<br />“We urge the state government to have an approved brand register to allow manufacturers to submit their products to the state government to verify their authenticity and for the federal government to adopt a proper definition of biodegradable,” he said.
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<br />Greatpac brand manager Shaun Ooi said Malaysia was not seen as a green country in terms of manufacturing and the imitation products would further tarnish the market.
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<br />“These styrofoam packaging that are being sold as biodegradable packaging would affect the health of the environment,” he said.
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<br />Tan added Greatpac would continue selling the products and try to educate its dealers on the difference between its biodegradable packaging and competitior’s styrofoam packaging.
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<br />SOURCE: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/7/19/central/9086646&sec=centralDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-24356013477167276192011-07-04T11:46:00.001+08:002011-07-04T11:46:59.136+08:00可分解饭盒有假货 公司提醒消费者慎选 北马03/07/2011 15:43<br /><br /> <br />转寄 列印 字体:<br />(檳城3日讯)消费者请谨慎,可分解饭盒也有假货!<br /><br /> JASA Eco高级经理陈贞源说,该公司出產可分解饭盒与盘子等器皿,都是以棕色为主,但他们发现市面上也有其它品牌相同顏色的饭盒,却无法分解。<br /><br /> “希望消费者与小贩慎选。”<br /><br /> 他昨日与光大区州议员黄伟益,在立信花园义丰饮食中心分派可分解饭盒予小贩时,这么说。<br /><br /> 他说,该公司生產的饭盒为每个10仙,可在1至3年內完全分解,但膺品也是售卖同样价钱,不过却需要500年时间分解。<br /><br /> 他指出,该公司的產品获美国测试与物质协会证实为可分解物质,並已將有关报告呈给州政府,同时也获得州政府的支持。<br /><br />吁仿冒者呈证书<br /><br /> 他说,现在的问题是,要如何教导人民分辨可分解饭盒与膺品的分別,毕竟小贩都不懂得这些知识。<br /><br /> “除了我们的公司,只有另外两间合作伙伴,有生產可分解饭盒,所以我呼吁仿冒者,应提呈相关证书给政府,以证明他们的產品可分解。”<br /><br /> 另一方面,黄伟益说,分派饭盒活动是由百家花园乡委会主办,其选区则以半赞助方式支持这项活动。<br /><br /> “该乡委会也是由我的选区领养,在这之前,光大选区已有展开这项分派饭盒活动。”<br /><br /> 他指出,在昨日的活动中,他们共分派4000个饭盒给小贩,以为小贩了解,州政府在禁用保丽龙时,还有替代品供他们选择。<br /><br /> “这是提供给小贩一个参考,让他们试用。”<br /><br /> 此外,Sewanis(檳)有限公司胡宏发也分派其可分解塑料袋予小贩。Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-55698387106110193262011-07-03T16:47:00.001+08:002011-07-03T16:49:19.433+08:00暴力示威要不得 黃偉益斥幕後策劃者北馬 2011-07-02 18:16<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.07.02.PBB0145MGPGAT-110702-10011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 219px;" src="http://www.guangming.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.07.02.PBB0145MGPGAT-110702-10011.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />黃偉益在百家花園社委會委員謝寶強和謝平源等人陪同下,到義豐飲食中心分派合格環保餐具予小販業者試用。<br /><br />檳島西南區2日訊)檳州首席部長政治秘書黃偉益遺憾週五有暴徒藉“反林冠英”及“反淨選盟2.0”名義,居然能輕易無阻在檳城光大前和檳城大橋非法遊行示威,還以暴力對待媒體,破壞民眾財物。<br /><br />“據知週六晚上類似的集會也會在新港一帶展開,我們不是反對集會,只是歡迎文明的和平集會,拒絕野蠻方式示威,而且還以暴力對待記者,敲打途經示威地點的車輛,甚至還以粗俗言語及手勢來挑釁民眾,這是很不應該的事。”<br />他週六早上在立信巴剎義豐飲食中心召開記者會時促請民眾冷靜,因為不希望以暴制暴而誤中有人策劃的圈套。所以民眾必須以不變應萬變,避免滋事者有藉口發揮,意圖使檳州民聯政府下台。<br />暴行升級內長須負後果“我認為有人幕後策劃,利用非政府組織展開不文明的示威,我們只歡迎和平示威,並非暴力示威。<br /><br />如果警方沒有嘗試阻止而讓暴行升級,引發不愉快事件或者更嚴重後果,就要內政部長負起全責。”<br />他說,這種不負責的態度應受制止,警方不該以政治考量來“選邊站”,對這種暴力行為網開一面。<br />此外,他也促請民政黨與馬華停止逢場作戲,雖然有發表聲明,卻被朋黨當成耳邊風。<br />“若馬華、民政真正與民同在,就該退出國陣,若以為小動作可以讓人民信服,就太天真。如果他們真正同情民聯議員住家和服務中心被破壞的遭遇,不需要通過報章說同情,而應直接向巫統最高理事會反映。”<br /><br />他引據馬華前總會長拿督斯里黃家定的金句:“堂堂正正做人,務務實實做事”,來奉勸馬華與民政醒悟。<br />派環保餐具給小販也是光大區州議員的黃偉益週六早上在立信巴剎義豐飲食中心,展開第二站免費派送環保餐具予小販,推廣採用合格環保餐具運動,提醒業者慎防假貨以確保消費者安全受保障。<br />他說,首站活動近期已在光大一帶舉行,這次是由百家花園社委會與他聯合半贊助方式,派送約4000個合格免費餐具予這區小販。<br /><br />他說,這些合格環保餐具是經過改良和測試後,獲得美國材料及試驗協會的ASTM產品認證。<br />他表示州政府會沿區推廣正確使用合格環保餐具運動,主要是讓人民了解和試用非環保餐具的替代品,鼓吹人民積極響應環保。<br /><br />據了解,有關環保餐具素質改良後有別於一般保麗龍,可以在120天後分解,在溫帶國家則需1至3年,但比禁用的保麗龍500年分解期,改進了500%。而環保塑料也改良生產後,均有安全指標,讓業者有更理想的替代品,消費者可安全使用。<br /><br />這些環保餐具由JASAeco與 Sewanis(檳城)有限公司供應,兩家的代表陳貞源與胡宏發促請商家和消費人在購買這些環保餐具時,確認真偽,慎防假冒。 ()Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-12861512053336103722011-07-03T16:41:00.003+08:002011-07-06T11:30:58.027+08:00有商號沒“可化解”字眼‧保麗龍餐盒有假!北馬 2011-07-03 11:47<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.07.03.P702T06.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 300px;" src="http://mykampung.sinchew.com.my/files/preview/292x300.2011.07.03.P702T06.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />陳貞源(右)及胡宏發展示可化解保麗龍及塑料袋,提醒小販在購入“環保產品”時,必須認清真偽。(圖:星洲日報)<br /><br />(檳城)市面上出現仿冒的可化解保麗龍餐盒,小販受促細心觀察,不要買到假貨!<br />可化解保麗龍和仿冒的保麗龍顏色皆為淺褐色,不過在可化解保麗龍上面除了印有生產公司的商號之外,也印有“可化解”(Biodegradable)字眼;至於仿冒餐盒雖然有印上商號,但卻沒有“可化解”字眼。<br /><br />陳貞源:相似度極高盼小販小心鑑定真偽JASA Eco高級經理(出口)陳貞源說,雖然目前該公司是唯一擁有生產可化解保麗龍餐盒及碗碟技術的公司,但是市面上卻出現了與其公司產品相似度極高的仿冒品。<br /><br />他說,可化解保麗龍可在丟棄到土埋場首3個月就開始化解,測驗也顯示可化解保麗龍可在3年內完全化解。<br />他說,因為市場需求及市政局的禁用不可分解保麗龍的政策,有商家才會推出仿冒的保麗龍,不過有顏色的仿冒保麗龍售價卻與真正可化解保麗龍的價格一樣。<br /><br />派4千保麗龍餐盒給小販“我們不是不願接受競爭,只是我們希望能夠在公平的情況下與其他商家競爭,因此希望小販能夠小心鑑定,所使用的是真貨還是仿冒品。”<br /><br />陳貞源是於昨日(2日)在百家花園鄉村治安及發展委員會派送4千個免費可化解保麗龍餐盒、碟子及可化解塑料袋給立信花園小販時,如此說。<br /><br />出席者包括光大區州議員黃偉益、百家花園鄉委會成員謝寶強及可化解塑料袋供應公司Sewanis(檳城)有限公司代表胡宏發。(星洲日報/大北馬)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Lunch Box with code but not ‘Biodegradable’ wording is simply carbon copy!</span><br /><br />(PENANG) Replica biodegradable lunch boxes have been found recently in the market, hawkers are advised to take extra precaution when ordering their food packaging.<br /><br />Both, the truly biodegradable and the replica lunch box share the same light brown colour. However the authentic one is embossed not just the company product code but also with the word ‘Biodegradable’, whilst the replicas only carry the product code.<br /><br />Douglas Tan: “Hawkers are warned to be really careful in identifying between the authentic and the virtually identical replica.”<br /><br />JASA Eco Senior Manager (Export) Douglas Tan said, although the company is the only manufacturer with technical knowledge in producing this biodegradable foam lunch box, plates and bowls, the market still found to have similar replica.<br /><br />He continued, biodegradable foam lunch box will start to biodegrade after 3 months of dispose-and-buried in landfill. Through testing, it also shown that the mentioned foam lunch box will fully biodegraded within 3 years.<br /><br />He said, due to market demand and in conjunction with the government’s ban on using non Bio-D polystyrene foam lunch box, there’s company who came out with faux biodegradable foam lunch box with the same colour yet selling at the same price as the authentic one.<br /><br />Distributing 4000 Foam Lunch Boxes to hawkers<br /><br />“It’s untrue that we aren’t willing to accept competition (in marketing Bio-D food packaging) but we hope that it’s all under fair and lawful circumstances. Therefore, we hope that the hawkers can examine carefully whether what they’re using is truly biodegradable or simply replica.” Douglas Tan said so during the free distribution of 4000 biodegradable lunch boxes, plates and Bio-D plastic bag to hawkers at Lip Sin Residence.<br /><br />Participants also include Komtar ADUN Ng Wei Aik, Taman Pekakar JKKK Dennis Cheah and Bio-D plastic bag supplier Sewanis (Penang) Sdn. Bhd. Representative Frederic Foo.Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-62454695586480588682011-06-24T11:43:00.003+08:002011-07-06T11:32:32.882+08:00The biodegradable element makes it more eco-friendlySaturday February 26, 2011<br /><br />By JADE CHAN <br />jade@thestar.com.my<br />Photos by SAM THAM<br /><br />THE JASA Eco Biodegradable Foam Products are all set to appeal to traders and consumers who want to conform to green policies and further embrace eco-friendly habits for a greener environment.<br /><br />The products are manufactured by Greatpac Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Wawasan TKH Holdings Bhd, that is touted as the first and only company to have successfully developed fully biodegradable foam food packaging in Malaysia.<br /><br />The recently launched Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam Products complements Greatpac’s collection of eco-friendly food and beverage packaging products under the Jasa Eco brand, which also includes a corn starch-based range and a compostable range.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/26/central/m_09jasaEco1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 237px;" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/26/central/m_09jasaEco1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Environmental-friendly: (from left) Greatpac Sdn Bhd senior manager Loong Kin Leong, Wawasan TKH Holdings Bhd CEO Datuk Tan Boon Pun, Douglas, Tan and RicheBio Sdn Bhd managing director Christopher Chin having a look at some of the biodegradable products.<br /><br />“Jasa Eco Biodegradeable Foam Products are a revolutionary new product range produced by Greatpac which uses an organic additive called EcoPure that makes it 100% biodegradable,” said Greatpac senior manager Douglas Tan.<br /><br />“The Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam Products offer an alternative to the existing foam packaging and takes about two years to biodegrade in a landfill environment,” added Douglas.<br /><br />The products are presently available in the form of food packaging like lunchboxes, plates, bowls, trays and even microwaveable containers in various sizes, with plans to include beverage packaging like cups in the future.<br /><br />“Among the benefits of the Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam Products are its familiar shape and size (to existing foam packaging), non-porous and good insulation properties, affordability and biodegradable element,” said Douglas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/26/central/m_09jasaEco.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 201px;" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/2/26/central/m_09jasaEco.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Full sets: The biodegradable products are available in the various forms of food packaging.<br /><br />“While our products are more expensive than conventional foam packaging in terms of price point, the impact is just a small increment of five to 10 sen but it has a positive effect for the environment.”<br /><br />Douglas said the products fulfil one of Greatpac’s major corporate social responsibility goals to help save the environment, as well as to ensure the health and safety of their consumers.<br /><br />“Our products are accredited with food safety contact certificates from Sirim, SGS and the US Food and Drug Administration,” he said.<br /><br />Greatpac managing director Datuk Tan Hoe Pin said the company is projecting to have the Jasa Eco products contribute some 20% of Greatpac’s overall turnover by the end of this year, with a 5-10% increment every year, for the local market.<br /><br />“We are expecting our export market to grow faster as the foreign markets have not come across biodegradable foam products and we have already received interest from Australian, American and European countries,” he said, adding that Greatpac’s turnover was close to RM70 million last year.<br /><br />Jasa Eco Biodegradable Foam Products are available for sale directly through Greatpac, and will also be made available nationwide via major hypermarket and retailer chains like Tesco, Giant, Carrefour and Parkson from April onwards.<br /><br />For details, contact Greatpac at 603-6286 0888/ info@jasa-eco.com, or visit www.jasa-eco.comDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-26686568748171081362011-06-23T15:14:00.002+08:002011-06-23T15:17:27.100+08:00Tropicana City Mall’s green event to instil environmental awareness in childrenFriday June 17, 2011<br />The Star <br /><br />OVER 95 children was inducted as Junior Green Corps in conjunction with the “Green Heroes Unite” event at Tropicana City Mall recently.<br /><br />Organised by Mypartners Communications and EcoKnights, Green Heroes Unite was aimed at creating greater environmental awareness and inspire the community to take action in their everyday lives.<br /><br />Grand prize winner, Annie Liang Siew Chin, 12, walked home with a Jasa Eco hamper and Green Lantern movie premiums worth RM1,200.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thestaronline.com/archives/2011/6/17/central/m_32wee.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 194px;" src="http://www.thestaronline.com/archives/2011/6/17/central/m_32wee.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Off to save the world: Mypartners managing director Patrick Wee (third from left) and Tan (second from right) with Annie (middle) at the event.</span><br /><br />Contestants aged between nine and 12 were required to don a green superhero costume and share green ideas on stage.<br /><br />As part of the Junior Green Corps, the members will receive regular updates and invitations to participate in various green initiatives such as tree-planting and beach-cleaning.<br /><br />“We are proud to be the official sponsor of the Green Heroes Unite event. This is a great opportunity for the public to get involved and learn about how to live a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle.<br /><br />“It is inspiring to see children take to the stage and share their green ideas. This reminds us that conserving the environment is everyone’s responsibility,” said Jasa Eco senior manager Douglas Tan.Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-74875067657121611492011-06-23T14:37:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:37:55.057+08:00新院媒体研究系《SE3D 森生不息》环保活动(24/10-27/10/2010)加影新纪元学院媒体研究系二年级公关组的学生将于2010年10月24日至10月27日(星期日至星期三),举办为期四天的《SE3D 森生不息》社区关怀与环保活动。此活动的宗旨为推广社区关怀、发扬新纪元学院“源自社会,回馈社会”的教育理念,但最为重要的还是提高公众的环保意识。这是新院媒体研究系每年必办的一项公共关系实务课之主要计划;意即学生必须把之前所学的理论或知识运用在筹办一场规模较大型的社区关怀及环保活动。估计将有超过1,000人出席此活动。<br /><br /> 《SE3D 森生不息》,意指<Sense Environment Every Day>。该活动将会在10月24日早上9时30分拉开序幕一直到10月27日结束。YB欧阳捍华等人将受邀为24日活动开幕嘉宾。<br /><br /> 筹委会主席黄昭扬指出:“我们相信从自己开始做起的信念,把关心地球、爱地球的种子种植在我们心里,让环保种子像森林般的‘生生不息’。”此活动运用了时下最热门的3-D立体话题来呈现创意的环保新概念。“3-D”代表的是感官上的多重体验,如:听、看、触动;也代表低能量、低消耗、低开支;少用、再使用、再循环;垃圾分类桶的颜色:棕色、蓝色、橙色。爱环境、爱地球、爱自己,以实际行动让自己更贴近和感受我们的地球。<br /><br /> 当天的节目将依据主办单位的3-D环保概念主题所设,包括了听、看及触动的区域。“听”的区域有提供环保资讯的讲座,其中有高科技垃圾讲座以及由主讲人亲身示范的酵素讲座和亲子素食烹饪课;“看”的区域有“纸皮隧道”,将会展出多位摄影师的摄影作品,以地球美好的一面直到地球被破坏和污染的一面作为整体概念,警惕大家地球正面临的危害;“触动”的部分则有DIY创意教室教导大众如何废物利用,以及为幼稚园小朋友准备的SE3D运动会。当天还会有《创意环保袋填色与绘画比赛》,欢迎各大中小学生和幼稚园的小朋友报名参加,优胜者将会赢取丰富的奖品。<br /><br /> 该活动与往年不同之处是主办单位发挥大专生的创意来做环保,把环保概念传达至每一个年龄层,并强调环保生活化,每人都可身体力行实践环保理念,大的改变从小步骤开始。当天重点节目之一——由主办单位精心设计的SE3D运动会,届时将会汇聚多间幼稚园的小朋友,以创意有趣及实践性的方式培养小朋友环保和爱地球的意识。<br /><br /> 除此,主办单位也邀请到了马来西亚‘慈济’团体,透过精美的展览品教导大众如何简单做环保。慈济当天也会在新院举办两个时段的大型“百蔬V族大聚会”。<br /><br /> 所有活动都是免费开放给公众人士参观与参与,到场者还可免费享用主办单位所提供的1,000份素食。父母若携带孩子出席,主办单位所设的“绿色希望”小孩区会有工作人员全天照顾您的孩子,父母可放心参与讲座与活动。其他一系列的精彩活动和表演还包括:高科技垃圾讲座,亲子素食坊,街头艺人,领养可爱的“仙人掌宝宝”及参观‘SE3D纸皮隧道’及慈济的展览单位等等。<br /><br /> 欢迎各界人士踊跃出席及前来赢取丰富的奖品。本环保展览会每日开放时间:早上9时30分至下午5点。欲知详情请联络:巫敏瑄 016-7730471,黄昭扬 016 – 6491943 或浏览:http://necse3d.blogspot.com/。Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-144273815829809482011-06-23T14:36:00.001+08:002011-06-23T14:36:56.999+08:00特大塑胶包装 推出环保免洗餐具企业27/04/2010 17:39<br />中国报<br /><br />(吉隆坡27日讯)WWTKH(WWTKH,8818,主要板工业)旗下独资子公司特大塑胶包装(Greatpac)私人有限公司,推出Jasa Eco环保免洗餐具,放眼新產品在5年內为投资带来回酬。<br /><br /> “希望新產品在年底,取得30万至40万令吉销售。”<br /><br /> 特大塑胶包装董事经理拿督陈和彬指出,公司用两年时间研討此环保產品,並在机械和模具方面投资约100万令吉。<br /><br /> “公司把回酬目標放在5年后,原因是公司將在首三年积极举办多项活动,以提升国人环保意识,从而设立分销轨道。”<br /><br /> “相信新系列环保餐具將可取代现有传统塑料餐具。”<br /><br /> 他今日出席Jasa Eco推介礼及与武汉华丽环保科技签约仪式后,如是指出;列席者包括WWTKH主席拿督陈金火、特大塑胶包装出口与环保发展部经理陈贞源、武汉华丽总经理张先炳。<br /><br /> 该公司与武汉华丽签下策略联营合约,后者为可塑淀粉生物降解材料(PSM)供应商。<br /><br /> 陈和彬说,两个月內把新產品引进全国家乐福霸级市场销售。<br /><br /> “公司目前把大马市场视为主要发展先锋,但还是透过现有海外分销管道宣传新產品,逐步为新產品开拓海外市场。<br /><br /> Jasa Eco是环保免洗餐具是由可塑淀粉生物降解材料所製造。Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-86413749931455604102011-06-23T12:43:00.001+08:002011-06-23T12:46:11.899+08:00Greatpac distributes 150 Jasa Eco packs2011/06/22<br />By R. Indumathi <br />New Straits Times<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nst.com.my/articles/5jeg/single"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 263px;" src="http://www.nst.com.my/articles/5jeg/single" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lim Lip Eng (left) and Douglas Tan (second from left) distributing the green goodie bags goodie bags at Taman Tun Dr Ismail market. — Picture by Chan Wai Yew</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">PETALING JAYA:</span> About 150 Jasa Eco gift packs containing biodegradable products were distributed to the public on "No Plastic Day".<br />The bags were given by Wawasan TKH Holdings Bhd's subsidiary Greatpac Sdn Bhd staff and Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng at Taman Tun Dr Ismail market.<br /><br />Greatpac has created the Jasa Eco brand biodegradable containers, plates and cutlery since February this year.<br /><br /><br />The company is the first to successfully produce a completely biodegradable and environment-friendly product for food packaging in Malaysia.<br /><br />"We are targeting the hawkers to use our products," said Greatpac senior manager Douglas Tan.<br /><br />"Compared with the normal styrofoam boxes, which costs 11 sen each, a biodegradable Jasa Eco packet costs only 5 to 6 sen."<br /><br /><br />Jasa Eco products are made from corn starch, palm and sugarcane fibre.Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-88281650376412378212011-06-22T12:13:00.001+08:002011-06-22T12:15:29.098+08:00Biodegradable foam food packaging an alternative to styrofoamBy TAN KARR WEI <br />karrwei@thestar.com.my <br />Photo by SHAHRUL FAZRY ISMAIL<br /><br />CUSTOMERS doing their Saturday morning shopping at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail wet market in Kuala Lumpur last week were greeted with samples of biodegradable food packaging.<br /><br />“We want people to know that there are alternatives in the market for styrofoam products. We all have a responsibility towards the environment. Whenever people don’t bring their own containers, biodegradable ones can be provided,” said Douglas Tan, Greatpac Sdn Bhd senior manager, who handles the company’s Jasa Eco biodegradable foam products.<br /><br />He said the Jasa Eco foam takeaway containers and plates were similar in consistency as regular styrofoam containers and were oil-and water-proof.<br /><br />The difference is that they are broken down at a quicker rate after they are disposed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/6/22/central/m_8bags.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="http://thestar.com.my/archives/2011/6/22/central/m_8bags.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Here you go: Tan handing out reusable bags with biodegradable foam products to customers at the Taman Tun wet market.</span><br /><br />“Regular products may take more than 500 years to break down because they repel microbes but our products will break down between two to five years, which is a vast improvement,” he said.<br /><br />In terms of costs, Tan said that each piece of takeaway container costs about 5sen more than the regular foam ones, which costs about 5sen each.<br /><br />“The amount has a small impact on customers but a big impact on the environment as we need to combat the waste problem. We introduced our product in Penang and the response is very encouraging,” he said.<br /><br />Besides marketing their products to hawkers and commercial food businesses, Tan said that their products were now available at selected hypermarkets and those interested could also purchase it directly from them.<br /><br />The company also produces a range of utensils like forks and spoons that were made from a corn starch resin instead of plastic.<br /><br />For more information, visit www.jasa-eco.comDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-30217253845371290522011-06-16T12:09:00.004+08:002011-06-16T12:19:35.579+08:00Bioplastics, Industry and Green Technology<span style="font-style:italic;">This is the transcript of the interview I did with Joanne Lim from EXPOMAL, the organisers of IGEM 2011 and my thoughts on Green Technology today. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. How would you describe the green tech (GT) you are involved in? What is it? What makes it green and how does it impact the environment?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I am involved in a field called bioplastics, an innovation which basically moves away from traditional plastics. Bioplastics can be divided into 3 categories, treated plastic, biobased, and compostable. The treated plastic category is where we take traditional plastic and add an organic additive which would enable plastic to biodegrade naturally when disposed in a landfill environment. <br /><br />As for biobased plastics, the material is derived from a renewable resource, in our case it is corn starch, which is then mixed with conventional plastic. By doing so, we are able to reduce the carbon footprint of our product by up to 50%. This is especially helpful for countries that incinerate their waste and seek to reduce their carbon emissions. Finally, there are the compostable products, where they would naturally compost in an industrial composting facility in 180 days.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. When did your interest in this area start?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Working for a company that manufactures disposable food and packaging beverage products, we see our products being used on a daily basis. Slowly, it begins to sink in how plastic much we actually use and there is a need to make a change, in order for the business to be sustainable both financially and towards the environment. So in 2009, we decided to embark on a journey to find an alternative, and we developed a partnership with a bioplastic supplier from China. So in November 2009, JASA Eco was born. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. How did you develop the product/company from an idea to a commercial viability?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The product range we conceived was a relatively straightforward one. People use plates, bowls and cutlery all the time, so the first step was to do for a direct replacement, by introducing our first range which was the biobased range of product. We were looking for something more commercially viable, using the green aspects of the product as an unique selling point. However, development of the product, especially in Malaysia, is no mean feat as the general public still has a certain amount of apathy towards eco-friendly products, especially when they come at a premium. Along with our suppliers who double up as our partners, we have persevered and slowly but surely opportunities presented themselves. With plastic prices linked to world oil prices, the relative stability of bioplastic pricing is a great selling point for those who want to bring their spending under control. Now we have enquiries stemming out of the United States, Brazil and Australia for our product, which has been extremely positive. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Did anyone (govt/organization/resource centre) assist you in making this happen? If yes, please share with us who and how they helped.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">We did not receive any government assistance. We had applied for funding through KeTTHA, MITI and MIDA to no avail. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. Ball-park estimate on your investment so far?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">From 2009 to date, we have spent between RM1.5 to RM2 million for the research and development of the product, advertising and promotion, press launches, Capital Expenditure, modification and man hours on the project. <br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6. What would be a successful ROI for you? Is it in terms of monetary value or market outreach?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">There are two things that I would like to see. First would be the acceptance of our products into the mainstream market. Secondly, it would be that bioplastics grow to take up a substantial portion of our turnover, as more and more people make that transition. The period we are looking at would be 5 years, meaning that by 2014, we should have successfully recovered our investment and grown to the business to a stage where our bioplastic sales would equal or exceed our plastic sales. </span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />7. How do you see the growth of GT in your industry sector?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Green technology is growing rapidly in our industry. Obviously, it is still not a fair fight as compared with plastic, but with bioplastics posting a 20% year on year growth, the future of bioplastics is certainly looking up. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. From the time you started till now, how would you assess your competitors? Are there more players in the market now?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">We believe that we would have an advantage as we started the process much earlier than our competitors. The bioplastic market is not like the plastic market, in the sense it is not a commodity product. It is a specialized market which requires specialized knowledge. <br /><br />Despite this, some other competitors have merely tried to be opportunistic and market normal plastic products as bioplastic to dupe the buying public. In respect of this, the enforcement for biodegradable or eco-friendly products must improve, especially in Malaysia, in order for eco-friendly products to have a genuine opportunity to survive. Yes, it would be accurate to say that there are more players in the international bioplastics market, but whether or not they are genuine is left to be seen.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. What do you need to take this innovation/endeavour to the next level?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Obviously, the first thing we need is for the public to respond positively to our product and take a pro-active role to ensure bioplastics can survive. Despite all the environmental arguments for the propagation of bioplastics, we still live in a market economy reality, where the consumers are king. Environmental legislation and the lead from governments and corporate businesses must be the key forces to drive the demand for these products, including introducing incentives to the public and companies to use green products. Regulation must be tight, like in the European Union or the United States, in order to protect the consumer against fraudulent claims or product misrepresentation. <br /><br />Naturally the other thing which would help is direct funding from the federal government in the form of grants for research and development, not merely soft loans which banks would have to provide the majority of financing. R&D is essential for product development and finding new ways to ensure that we are able to develop the technology further and make it more economically viable for the market to afford. This would ensure long term and sustainable growth for the eco-friendly product market.</span><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />10. How do you think the GT Ministry in Malaysia can improve on their role in assisting innovators/entrepreneurs like you?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Despite Green Technology Funds and the like promised by the Prime Minister, I hope that the GT Ministry would be able to see that the companies which require funding to further their businesses are not merely start ups, but businesses which are currently engaged in producing other products, but using the profits and proceeds to fund green technology initiatives. I believe that you should not simply throw money to any kind of idea just because it’s ‘Green’ but really it should go towards workable, marketable products which can be successfully commercialized. It is about the small players as well, not just for the solar panel and wind turbine makers of the world. Bioplastics can be used over such a wide range of applications, but its true potential can be unlocked with appropriate backing and funding. <br /><br />Additionally, the ministry should propose to parliament to pass environmental legislation which promotes the public and industry to use green products and services, as this is in the interests of businesses going forward, in order to become a more sustainable, greener country as a whole. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">11. What would your advice be to companies/individuals who are keen to pursue GT as a viable commercial business niche?<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Green Technology is an exciting new venture for any company, and it is one which is steadily growing. However, if you are to do it yourself, make sure you have enough financial backing, the right people and partners to help with your research and product development. You should have a good idea about the market which you would have to market it in and also assess your risk of going in. A lot of money would be spent on promotion and education to enable the market to see the value of the product. On top of this, the products must be price competitive. Patience is the name of the game, and this is a long term initiative, and to approach it as a quick source of revenue generation would be a grave mistake. </span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">12. What have been your greatest challenges so far? In your darkest moments, what was the driving factor to persist in this line?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Since the whole concept is a new one, although I am technically selling cutlery, plates and bowls, it is not so simple. Challenges crop up at every corner and smooth sailing is hardly an option. Because of the additional cost and the amount of international legislation which regulates green products, buyers are normally reluctant to commit. <br /><br />The greatest challenge is really when it comes down to selling the product. You have to go through piles of information, test reports and then when you think you have given the customer all the information they require, they hesitate to decide because they are skeptical it can sell. <br /><br />There are long periods where you feel you are running around and getting nowhere fast and where a deal can take over 12 months to conclude. However, despite all of this, optimism can be found when we look into the market. Change is happening, although at a slower pace than you hope. <br /><br />Nevertheless, you need to have the drive within you, and the passion to make the change for the good of the industry and for the good of the environment. If you do not believe that you are able to make a positive impact on the environment and if you do not genuinely want to initiate change, going into green business is a challenge. <br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">13. In your opinion, which country is the leader in GT?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The region of the globe which is showing the highest promise in Green Technology would be the European Union, and I can single out Germany as the country which is the most progressive in making the change. Other countries who’s efforts are commendable are Canada, Switzerland and even the Maldives, the little island state which was the first country in the world to become carbon neutral. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">14. How do you think Malaysia can achieve world recognition as a leader in GT innovation?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I believe the first step is to take it seriously. Despite a dedicated ministry and the prime minister’s announcements, there is so little progress in this country with respect to Green Technology. If the Government never makes it a priority, there will be a constant reluctance for industry to change. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on companies or the public to safeguard the interests of the environment. <br /><br />For years, NGOs have been screaming at the top of their lungs for change to take place, but change can only take place if the government implements the infrastructure and enforces their use. We are so privileged to live in a country with 500 million year old rainforest, but tragically our major cities are covered with smog. When I drive down the highway and see a lorry billowing out black smoke which has been approved by Puspakom, I believe the government is more interested in the money and just pays lip service to the environment. <br /><br />We need new waste management projects, recycling initiatives, compost facilities, reforestation activities, stopping development on virgin rainforest and introducing heavy fines and penalties for open burning and littering. We have to move away from petroleum based industries, step away from coal and oil to generate electricity, finance alternative renewable energy projects, introduce safe and green public transport, introduce incentives to develop and market green technology, and legislation forcing companies to cut their carbon footprint. Only then can we stand up and say we are making in-roads to being a world leading in Green Technology. It would be fair to say, we have a long way to go. <br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">15. Are you excited about the future?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">The future of Green Technology is certainly very exciting, but what I would hope for is more support. We want to make a change in the world for the better, so our future generations can inherit a world which is clean, green and beautiful instead of a gigantic garbage dump as it seems to be turning into now. What the future holds is uncertain, but I am quietly optimistic people will begin to wake up to reality. <br /></span>Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-64739001440878379262011-03-28T12:00:00.001+08:002011-03-28T12:02:12.558+08:00Are Biodegradable Plastics Good for the Environment?Solutions for a Throwaway Society<br />By Anna Burroughs<br /><br />Takeaways<br /><br />Non-petroleum based plastics offer biodegradable alternatives for packaging and food containers.<br />These plastics are made from natural starches found in a variety of foods including corn & potatoes.<br />Using these plastics have the potential to reduce pollution and petroleum reliance.<br />Conventional petroleum based plastics make up 25% of landfills in the United States. The production of these plastics requires 200,000 barrels of oil per day. Most of the plastic products are used for packaging and containers for food transport and sale. An alternative to conventional plastics is available through a resin known as polylactic acid (PLA) or corn-plastic.<br /><br />The largest producer of PLA resins is Nature Works located in Blair, Nebraska. Nature Works is owned by Cargill, the largest corn merchant in the world, so Nature Works’ PLA resin comes from corn. At the factory, corn kernels are milled and dextrose is extracted. The dextrose is fermented and lactic acid is produced as a by-product. Lactic acid can be derived from other starchy sources, such as potatoes, but Nature Works relationship to Cargill makes corn the logical choice. Nature Works converts the lactic acid to lactide and then links the lactide into long chains known as polymers. These polymers are polylactic acid or PLA.<br /><br />At Nature Works, the final product is PLA resin in small translucent pellets. The pellets can be melted and shaped into containers that can be used to transport and sell food but avoid the land fills because they are biodegradable. Unlike the more common petroleum based plastic polyethylene terephthatlate (PET), PLA plastics can be composted meaning it will break down into natural compounds.<br /><br />Not only does PLA have the potential to reduce waste, unlike its predecessor PET, PLA is made from renewable resources. It also requires 65% less energy to produce. It produces 68% less greenhouse gases and contains no toxins. These statistics translate into a more efficient and less expensive product. The world’s biggest bottom line watcher, Wal-Mart, uses PLA for two reasons: it’s biodegradable and it costs less. Wild Oats Natural Food Stores switched to PLA containers in their deli department and saw a positive consumer reaction that increased the department’s sales. The well known line of organic foods Newman’s Own also switched to PLA containers where possible because, as its CEO Peter Meehan noted, “no one has ever gone to war over corn.”<br /><br />It costs Nature Works $1 to produce 1 pound of PLA. Even if it is used just once, the PLA product will decompose into carbon dioxide and water in 90 days in an industrial hot compost environment. There are about 100 such facilities nationwide but not all accept municipal compost material. The waste management industry will have to adjust its methods of collection and disposal as PLA becomes more prevalent.<br /><br />While biodegradable, the PLA does alter compost environments increasing both moisture and acid levels. This decreases the oxygen available to the microbes which make compost happen. However, many waste management facilities are aware of the pending changes that a higher volume of PLA would bring. In anticipation, some facilities plan to convert to anaerobic compost processes, a method that doesn’t require oxygen.<br />Some stores, such as Wild Oats, that sell products made with PLA currently accept responsibility for recycling the products. Others, like Wal-Mart, do not. So what can consumers do with a biodegradable product that they can’t compost themselves? The waste management industry worries that PLA products have the potential to wreak havoc. PLA and PET products appear similar but must be handled in two completely different ways. PET products, like soda bottles and milk jugs, are handled by processors which break down the plastics and make them into new products. At current, waste facilities have an increased cost to separate PLA out of PET bundles. Nature Works has suggested that waste management facilities separate the PLA and sell it back to Nature Works but the cost is still fairly high to the recycling facilities.<br /><br />The concern with PLA is that it will end up in landfills alongside PET products all of which will remain for at least a hundred years, maybe ten times as long. The other criticism of PLA is that it uses a resource that is scarce in many parts of the world, including the United States: food. Already, much of the US agricultural harvests are converted to non food products and the question remains do we want this to increase when so many people are hungry? Also, monoculture cultivation of corn is not an environmentally friendly practice. It is the most chemical dependent crop in the US, a title that includes an assortment of other environmental downfalls including contributing to soil erosion and water pollution.<br /><br />Proponents of PLA tout its immediate benefits: its lower production costs, biodegradable potential and use of renewable resources instead of petroleum. Ecologists argue the need to produce goods that are aligned with natural processes and can be cycled back into these processes. The overwhelming consensus is that widespread consumer habits won’t change as fast as the environment requires and that adapting products to existing behaviors is the best way to “change from within.” Challengers of PLA offer this question: Why are we using so much plastic at all? Like many environmental issues, increasing PLA use poses more questions whose outcomes are difficult to predict. However, between the current given choices, PLA is the lesser of plastic evils.<br /><br />2011 © Associated Content, All rights reserved. <br />Privacy Policy | Terms of ServiceDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-51391906296962623452011-01-30T22:26:00.002+08:002011-01-30T23:01:25.355+08:00How important is the environment in our daily lives?Honestly when we look at the market today, we find a substantial amount of products and brands beginning to advertise that they are eco-friendly and that people in general are becoming more conscious of the environment. From using less plastic bags, to opting for a car with lower fuel consumption, is the reason why we are doing this for the environment or is it really for ourselves? <br /><br />I can see that in today's society, we live in a very 'me' world. Everything is about 'me' and what is in it for 'me'. Everything else is secondary in our lives. We go for the latest product because it makes us feel good about ourselves and it would enhance our image amongst our friends and make them jealous. In short, it truly is what makes us cool. <br /><br />Green isn't cool just yet. It is a thing which is more mainstream yes, and it is no longer just associated with hippies, environmentalists and NGOs. People are making a conscious effort, but then again, they won't open their wallets to it as they don't see why it should cost more than anything at the moment. <br /><br />The main issues that people look at when they make a purchase is three things:<br /><br />1. Value<br />2. Quality<br />3. Attributes<br /><br />In all honesty, that is the average consumer's thought process. In other words, they ask themselves:<br /><br />-How much is it?<br />-Is it worth it?<br />-How good is the quality?<br />-Do I need such good quality?<br />-(optional) Is is environmentally/socially responsible? <br /><br />More often that not, the last question doesn't even register. Based on our study and survey, less than 1 in 10 Malaysians give a damn about the environment. Despite natural disasters happening all the time, and tonnes of talk about going Green on the media, people are generally stubborn, and point the finger at the government to ask them to sort it out. But for the government it is a catch 22 as going Green may mean displeasing some industries who are hugely energy inefficient but are government linked, and if they don't do anything, they bear the wrath of the NGOs and the media. <br /><br />All in all, we can see that it is a long journey to truly get the public to make a conscious buy of eco-friendly products over conventional products. I have faith we shall get there eventually.Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-63526315237702201122010-10-11T15:25:00.001+08:002010-10-11T15:26:57.094+08:00Going Greener than Ever!This is a fantastic blog entry by Leon Teh from Sunway College. Thanks Leon!<br /><br /><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>7.8 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>2</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:spaceforul/> <w:balancesinglebytedoublebytewidth/> <w:donotleavebackslashalone/> <w:ultrailspace/> <w:donotexpandshiftreturn/> <w:adjustlineheightintable/> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:usefelayout/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <h2 style="margin: 18pt 0cm 6pt; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri;" lang="EN-US">From <a href="http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/">http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/</a></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri; color: black; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: normal;" lang="EN-GB"></span></h2> <h2 style="margin: 18pt 0cm 6pt; line-height: 16.8pt;"><span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Georgia; color: black; text-transform: uppercase; font-weight: normal;" lang="EN-US">FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010</span></h2> <div style="border-width: medium medium 1pt; border-style: none none solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color -moz-use-text-color black; padding: 0cm 0cm 3pt;"> <h3 style="margin: 3pt 0cm 0.0001pt; line-height: 16.8pt; border: medium none; padding: 0cm;"><a name="627367350567871089"></a><i><span style="font-size: 16pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; font-weight: normal;" lang="EN-US"><a href="http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/2010/09/going-greener-than-ever.html"><span style="color: black;">Going Greener than Ever!</span></a></span></i></h3> </div> <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 9pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: rgb(80, 80, 80);" lang="EN-US">As we go through yet another hectic day of our modern lifestyles in our bustling towns and cities, we are constantly reminded to adopt a greener lifestyle. On the radio, through the television and by the various campaigns set up, the importance of saving our beloved earth continues to be hammered into us. You see, Mother Nature is getting old, and she’s been forced to smoke too much. Her home is getting warmer with the staggering amounts of carbon dioxide our modern world has produced. She’s also fed up with the number of natural disasters that she has to put up with- she does not take too well with floods as it ruins her pristine furniture. She gets very ill when toxic chemicals are dumped into her blood streams by factories. To say that earth is in dire need of change would be an understatement. Perhaps it is time we learn what it truly means to being ‘Green’.<br /><br />A wise approach to forming a ‘green’ mentality would be to target the younger demographics. The members of Sunway University College’s Student Council in collaboration with Sunway Health and Safety Department launched the ambitious and no doubt successful Go Green campaign which kicked off from the 17th to the 19th of August this year. Their goal was simple: to expose the students of Sunway to the growing importance of being environmentally friendly. We’re talking recycling, reducing waste production, reusing materials and practicing a more civic and responsible attitude towards planet earth. But it was the reduction of polystyrene or Styrofoam as known to many that takes the limelight for this event.<br /><br />Yes, the light-weight, petroleum-based plastic used that is used to make your disposal cups, food packages and plates due to its good insulation and relatively harmless properties is the main target that Go Green aims to eliminate. Many are confused about the difference between the term polystyrene and the name Styrofoam. The more commonly known name, Styrofoam in which many people will immediately identify as the white-foam moulded packaging our chicken rice and other food stuffs are packaged in is actually a registered trademark name of The Dow Chemical Company Inc. The substance of which these packaging are made of is polystyrene. Polystyrene is non-biodegradable, it crumbles into smaller fragments when disposed thus causing landfill and ocean pollution. So why not recycle it you ask? Well, technically it can be recycled but the recycling rates are low. The recycling of polystyrene is diminishing. In certain communities, recycling companies do not accept polystyrene anymore as people prefer to simply dispose of them. The manufacturing process pollutes the air and creates large amounts of liquid and solid wastes. Animals also choke on disposed polystyrene.<br /><br />The students behind Go Green are determined to slowly but surely replace polystyrene with alternate means of packaging. The Energy Hub at the cafeteria was the centre point of the campaign with various organisations setting up booths to promote their products and to encourage students to participate in the various activities they have installed. Global Environment Centre, a non-government organisation was present to supply interesting information regarding reducing, reusing and recycling through their various posters and pin-ups on the boards. Competitions were aplenty, such as the “Caught on Camera” video challenge where students were tasked to capture bad habits and wasteful practices of people around the college on tape. There was also a rather amusing competition of designing an elegant outfit out of trash and reusable materials (we’ll leave that to your imagination). WWF (World Wildlife Fund) was present to give a talk on the preservation of wildlife. In addition, students were ushered to check their carbon footprints at one of the booths to see just how much their habits have impacted the earth.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br /><br />Jasa Eco, was also present to promote Go Green’s primary agenda, that is to do away with polystyrene. Jasa Eco supplies a range of disposable food ware developed from cornstarch to help form a greener environment. Disposable cutleries made from cornstarch instead of the usual plastic (hence making them biodegradable) were given out to students. Douglas Tan, Export and Eco Development manager of Jasa Eco was present to oversee to the Jasa Eco booth. “We always look to the bigger organisations to help save our dying environment but we must realise that every household plays an equally important role. They are the ones that contribute to large quantities of wastes. If we want to Go Green, start at home,” Douglas advises. Douglas Tan admits that polystyrene has become an indispensable material, especially in the food industry. “Polystyrene will not disappear in the near future but we must nevertheless strive to kill it off naturally and seek a viable replacement in the market”. He went on to say that polystyrene elimination is just the tip of the iceberg in a world which is becoming ever-dependant on plastics.<br /><br />Ultimately, it is the consumers that determine the life-span of this detrimental substance. Mentality is the key here as consumers today do not even give it a second thought when using and disposing polystyrene containers. “Attitudes must change! The mental barrier that exists within our consumers is the main issue. They refuse to accept change and are completely fine with disposing plastics and polystyrene,” Douglas claims solemnly.<br /><br />So how do we reduce the use of polystyrene? Douglas hopes that Jasa Eco can aid in limiting the use of Styrofoam packaging and other polystyrene products through their range of eco-friendly alternatives. “They obviously cost a little more though,” he laughingly comments.<br /><br />“A concrete approach would be to outright ban the use of Styrofoam packaging. That would be a good start,” he shares. The use of polystyrene packaging has long been banned in certain countries around the world such as the 30 municipalities in California as well as the coastal communities in the United States. The first state to respond to the issue is Penang. Starting the 1st of January next year, a ban will be enforced on the use of polystyrene which will cover all food premises and temporary hawking sites owned by local councils on the island and mainland. It’s a sigh of relief considering the mountain of polystyrene food packages thrown away at the popular spots such as the Gurney Drive hawker centre.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />“The industrialists need to step up and speak against polystyrene production and use. When they talk, people listen. When the individuals from NGO’s talk, people ignore them. They have little power and influence. An outright ban should be imposed and when the time comes, companies will either comply with the ban and find other alternatives or be forced into bankruptcy,” he boldly comments. It’s harsh but it should get the job done. Douglas Tan later gave an informative talk regarding a styro-free environment to the students of Sunway University College as part of the Go Green event.<br /><br />There are people who want to make a difference. But there are also people who see this Go Green culture as a way to make money. Look around you the next time you go shopping and you’ll notice the plethora of products claiming to be eco-friendly. No doubt some are genuine on their intentions, but there are those who use it as a marketing tool. Many companies produce these so-called eco-friendly products which use bio-degradable packaging but some of these plastic packaging merely ‘breakdown’ into smaller fragments of plastic and still remain in the soil for long periods of time. Though fragmentation occurs, incomplete breakdown of these substances means they are not biodegradable.<br /><br />Some of students of Sunway University College were no doubt eager to participate in the programmes and activities. Even throughout the year, the student council of the college had organised events to ignite the spirit of going green. The G-Race which was similar to the Amazing Race challenge saw participants racing around Sunway, from Monash University to Sunway Pyramid and back to Sunway College to name a few. The participants faced various challenges that required teamwork and knowledge on the environment. The recent Plant-a-Tree programme in the Raja Musa Forest in Batang was also the student council’s idea of exposing students to the beauty of nature as well as the damage we have done to Mother Nature. The forest was once a reserved forest until it was cut down. Participants happily planted new seedlings in the hopes of restoring the forest, even if just a little into the beautiful place it once was.<br /><br />All in all, the Go Green campaign was a huge success with many students finally realising the importance of maintaining and caring for our beloved planet. “The whole thing was quite interesting and the talks were an eye opener,” says student, Nicholas Siew from AUSMAT. Sunway University College students and staff can also look forward to brand new recycling bins brought in somewhere around September to further promote recycling. This no doubt reflects on how determined Sunway University College is in going green. Vice president of Sunway University College Student Council, Eugene Koh reminds the students, “Our Earth is not in a good shape. We must be responsible for our actions and be aware of the issues surrounding the environment.”<br />So true, it’s time we realise the gravity of our actions on the environment. From the poorest of families to the wealthiest of society, from the smallest of hawker stores to the largest of factories, from the youngest of students to the oldest of adults, it does not matter who or where you are, you can make a difference towards our planet and towards its future by playing your part.</span></i></b></p> <p class="post-footer-linepost-footer-line-1" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 9pt; line-height: 19.2pt;"><span class="post-author"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US">Your's truly, Leon Teh Y.M</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="post-timestamp"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US">at</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="post-timestamp"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"><a href="http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/2010/09/going-greener-than-ever.html" title="permanent link"><b><span style="color: black;">7:46 AM</span></b></a></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"> </span></span><span class="post-comment-link"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"><a href="http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/2010/09/going-greener-than-ever.html#comments"><b><span style="color: black;">0 comments</span></b></a></span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; color: black; letter-spacing: 1.2pt;" lang="EN-US"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="" lang="EN-US"> </span></p>Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-41214016108178725232010-09-12T16:19:00.003+08:002010-09-12T16:28:07.068+08:00Selamat Hari Raya!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ueq33Hk1qEs/TIyO-TtLGFI/AAAAAAAAAA4/Jsn5sPjXeo8/s1600/Raya.bmp"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Ueq33Hk1qEs/TIyO-TtLGFI/AAAAAAAAAA4/Jsn5sPjXeo8/s320/Raya.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515940844714793042" border="0" /></a><br />To all our Muslim Friends, on behalf of JASA Eco, I would like to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya!<br /><br />Thank you for your continuous support and continue to Ride the Green Wave!<br /><br /><img src="cid:3456an$IN628012840076300@mail.revenuevalley.com" border="0" />Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-52668899376304454482010-08-22T18:26:00.002+08:002010-08-22T18:31:38.073+08:00LimKokWing and Sunway University CollegeI have not been able to blog much recently as there have been many exciting developments in the recent months and you all shall be hearing more about that.<br /><br />I would like to take this opportunity to thank LimKokWing University and Sunway University College for inviting me for a talk entitled "Why Eco-Friendly?" I believe that we can take something away from it and really reconsider how we are able to reduce our overall impact on the environment.<br /><br />The growth of JASA Eco in the recent months have been very promising and it looks that acceptance is currently at about 17% to 20% of sales when compared against plastic, which beat our initial estimate of 10%. We thank you all for your support and we hope to progress further in the near future.<br /><br />We shall be available through Giant, Carrefour and Tesco Hypermarkets nationwide, and coming soon to Cold Storage, Mercato, and Parkson!Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-8207276516176295142010-06-21T11:57:00.002+08:002010-06-21T12:18:09.993+08:00Talk is cheapWe have now gone into the 3rd month after the official launch of JASA Eco and there have been a substantial amount of development but also a large amount obstacles and frustration.<br /><br />Having spoken to so many corporates, the MBPJ, the MPPP, and hypermarkets, it is obvious no one is opposed to the idea of going Green, but the fundamental question lies as to how we are to go Green.<br /><br />No one can criticise you for going Green. In fact, they will praise you and say that's the way to go, that's the future etc. But when it comes to crunchtime and the time to change, how many people are actually willing to go ahead with it?<br /><br />The problem is that people don't want to pay more to go Green. At the present time, as the material is already more expensive than current plastic, how can the price come down to the same as plastic? In terms of the word 'cheap', how much are we talking about? Is RM5 too expensive and RM1 acceptable? Or is 20 sen a bearable cost but 50 sen is too much? How much does 50 sen matter to us nowadays?<br /><br />Change can only come about when there is a change in mentality. 50 sen is really not a lot of money, but there is a psychological barrier which has hardwired into our conscience that 50 sen is a lot of money! Once we can associate the fact that we are doing good for the environment, people's perceptions don't change.<br /><br />Preferences are selfish or emotional, and to part with even 5 sen without seeing the cause is something we would rather not do. It is our job now to change this perception, and more people would be able to see that the environment is really something worth saving and worth putting our 50 sen towards.Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-87360609611345762252010-04-14T14:22:00.000+08:002010-04-14T14:27:48.325+08:00Action Now!As I sat having my lunch at Hong Kong airport, another earthquake struck the southern region of China. in the past two days there have been earthquakes in Mexico and Haiti, blizzards in Haerbin and droughts in Yunnan. Are these disasters as a result of man's actions or lack of? Could we have done anything to prevent them from happening?<br /><br />We realise that now more than ever, people are hungry for change. For change to happen something must act as a catalyst for that action to occur. You can be that catalyst.<br /><br />JASA Eco has already been launched at Carrefour Mid Valley and this is only the beginning. We are getting positive feedback and while we appreciate praise, we would like more action. That's why we are calling for your help. We intend to make JASA Eco a global brand, and a leader of the Green Revolution as to how we can go green in our daily lives. Let's go forward in this journey together!<br /><br />Live Green!Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-23593802202952713092010-04-07T19:07:00.000+08:002010-04-07T19:08:50.824+08:00JASA Eco Website Up!Hey all, our JASA Eco website is finally up. Follow this link:<br /><br />www.jasa-eco.com<br /><br />If you have any comments, you can leave them here!<br /><br />Live Green guys!!Douglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-15419777730173504582010-03-30T18:11:00.001+08:002010-03-30T18:16:18.875+08:00Earth SongMichael Jackson summed up the need to do something about our environment in his song, Earth Song. Sometimes it's just good for us to remember it.<br /><br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usUWkIDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8749733762354375544.post-89015602867565338772010-03-26T16:58:00.000+08:002010-03-26T17:41:25.099+08:00Degradable, Biodegradable, Compostable<div class="PageTitle"><span style="font-style: italic;">Many thanks to Michael Bloch of greenlivingtips.com for the article.</span><br /><br />The world of green, like any other industry, has its own language - for the person trying to make some environmentally changes to their life, it can get awfully confusing - take for instance the terms degradable, biodegradable and compostable when used in relation to plastics. There is a difference between the terms and it may play a role in your purchase decisions.</div> <div class="Content"> <p><strong>Biodegradable Plastics</strong></p> <p>Biodegradable products break down through the action of a naturally occurring microorganism, such as bacteria, fungi etc. over a period of time. These products are usually made from plant or animal sources. Examples of biodegradable include paper, vegetable scraps and some forms of plastics made from ingredients such as corn starch.</p> <p>There are some disadvantages to biodegradable waste. When dumped in landfills, it's often dug under where the "good" bacteria can't survive in the oxygen depleted environment. It then breaks down under anaerobic conditions which creates methane, a greenhouse gas with over 62 times the GWP (Global Warming Potential) of carbon dioxide. Also, biodegrable waste can contain toxins. For example, human and animal waste, which is considered biodegradable may contain traces of all sorts of toxins such as heavy metals and pesticides depending on the person/animal's diet.</p> <p><strong>Degradable Plastics</strong></p> <p>Degradable plastics are oil based and break down through chemical reactions rather than the activity of micro-organisms, so they can degrade in an anaerobic environment into water, CO2, biomass and trace elements. </p> <p><strong>Compostable Plastic</strong></p> <p>This is pretty close to biodegrable plastic but "greener". According to the American Society for Testing & Materials, for plastic to be considered as compostable, it must be able to break down into carbon dioxide, water and biomass at the same rate as paper. It also needs to look like compost, should not produce any toxic material and should be able to support plant life. Compostable items are made from plant materials such as corn, potato, cellulose, soy and sugar.</p> <p>So:</p> <p>Biodegradable - green, but can leave traces of toxins<br />Degradable - made from oil, but breaks down into harmless materials<br />Compostable - green from start to finish.. perhaps</p> <p>It looks like the greenest choice is clear - compostable plastics are the most earth friendly option.</p> <p>Or is it? </p> <p><strong>Green plastic challenge</strong></p> <p>One of the problems involved with creating green plastics is the amount of energy needed in production. In some scenarios, the fossil fuel input is more than what it is to create the equivalent in crude oil based plastic product.</p> <p>All breakdown of the above three kinds of "green" plastics also creates carbon dioxide. We're somewhat caught between a rock and a hard place in this. The compromise appears to be using the plants that the plastic is created from also as an energy source for production. </p> <p>Instead of carbon emissions being generated from sources sequestered under the ground such as coal and oil, the burning of corn stalks and other plants would not increase net carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, because new plants would absorb an equal amount of the gas.</p> <p>There's an in-depth discussion on this topic on Scientific American - <a href="http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=0000D61F-E193-1C73-9B81809EC588EF21&page=1" target="_blank">How green are green plastics?</a><br /></p> </div><br /><br /><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --> <script type="text/javascript"> addthis_pub = 'ttbservice'; addthis_options = 'favorites, email, delicious, digg, facebook, fark, furl, google, live, myweb, myspace, newsvine, reddit, slashdot, stumbleupon, technorati, twitter, more '; </script> <a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', '[URL]', '[TITLE]')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()"><img src="http://www.greenlivingtips.com/images/share-button-2.gif" alt="bookmark or share this page" width="130" border="0" height="32" /></a><script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/152/addthis_widget.js"></script> <!-- AddThis Button END --> <br /><br />Michael Bloch<br />Green Living Tips.comDouglas Tan 陈贞源http://www.blogger.com/profile/08172690721862837329noreply@blogger.com0