Biodegradable foam food packaging an alternative to styrofoam

By TAN KARR WEI
karrwei@thestar.com.my
Photo by SHAHRUL FAZRY ISMAIL

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.

“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.

He said the Jasa Eco foam takeaway containers and plates were similar in consistency as regular styrofoam containers and were oil-and water-proof.

The difference is that they are broken down at a quicker rate after they are disposed.


Here you go: Tan handing out reusable bags with biodegradable foam products to customers at the Taman Tun wet market.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

The company also produces a range of utensils like forks and spoons that were made from a corn starch resin instead of plastic.

For more information, visit www.jasa-eco.com

Bioplastics, Industry and Green Technology

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.


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?

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.

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.

2. When did your interest in this area start?

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.

3. How did you develop the product/company from an idea to a commercial viability?

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.

4. Did anyone (govt/organization/resource centre) assist you in making this happen? If yes, please share with us who and how they helped.

We did not receive any government assistance. We had applied for funding through KeTTHA, MITI and MIDA to no avail.

5. Ball-park estimate on your investment so far?

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.


6. What would be a successful ROI for you? Is it in terms of monetary value or market outreach?

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.

7. How do you see the growth of GT in your industry sector?

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.

8. From the time you started till now, how would you assess your competitors? Are there more players in the market now?

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.

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.

9. What do you need to take this innovation/endeavour to the next level?

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.

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.

10. How do you think the GT Ministry in Malaysia can improve on their role in assisting innovators/entrepreneurs like you?

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.

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.

11. What would your advice be to companies/individuals who are keen to pursue GT as a viable commercial business niche?


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.

12. What have been your greatest challenges so far? In your darkest moments, what was the driving factor to persist in this line?

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.

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.

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.

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.


13. In your opinion, which country is the leader in GT?

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.

14. How do you think Malaysia can achieve world recognition as a leader in GT innovation?

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.

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.

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.


15. Are you excited about the future?

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.

Are Biodegradable Plastics Good for the Environment?

Solutions for a Throwaway Society
By Anna Burroughs

Takeaways

Non-petroleum based plastics offer biodegradable alternatives for packaging and food containers.
These plastics are made from natural starches found in a variety of foods including corn & potatoes.
Using these plastics have the potential to reduce pollution and petroleum reliance.
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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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How 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?

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.

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.

The main issues that people look at when they make a purchase is three things:

1. Value
2. Quality
3. Attributes

In all honesty, that is the average consumer's thought process. In other words, they ask themselves:

-How much is it?
-Is it worth it?
-How good is the quality?
-Do I need such good quality?
-(optional) Is is environmentally/socially responsible?

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.

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.

Going Greener than Ever!

This is a fantastic blog entry by Leon Teh from Sunway College. Thanks Leon!

From http://leoncoffeeteaorme.blogspot.com/

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

Going Greener than Ever!

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’.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.
“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.

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.

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.

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.”
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.

Your's truly, Leon Teh Y.M at 7:46 AM 0 comments

Selamat Hari Raya!

To all our Muslim Friends, on behalf of JASA Eco, I would like to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya!

Thank you for your continuous support and continue to Ride the Green Wave!

LimKokWing and Sunway University College

I 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.

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.

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.

We shall be available through Giant, Carrefour and Tesco Hypermarkets nationwide, and coming soon to Cold Storage, Mercato, and Parkson!