BIOPLAST - PLASTICS

Bacterial source

The plastic treatment is used in this technology as a source for growth of bacteria culture. The inhibited Bacterial culture has been enumerated under laboratory tests. The total fungal and bacterial counts in biodegradable polyethylene bags have been observed as CFU/g*. A definite bacterial group found alive and active in these bags treated with our enzymes proves that the soil bacteria and the bacteria group present in the bag jointly eats away at the polyethylene film leading it to total biodegradation. Bacterial and fungal counts were enumerated and classified by Vimta Labs. The total fungal count is <10 CFU/g and total bacterial count is 25 CFU/g. * (Colonial Forming Unit per gram of polyethylene. As bacteria have been enumerated as CFU, further multiplication of bacteria cannot be ruled out.

White Biodegradable Bag
(Left : New, Right : 45-60 days burial)

Enzyme with polyethylene

Enzymes used in this product are regarded a catalysts, helping to change the chemical reaction of polyethelene accelerating the process of degradation. Autotrophic bacteria present in mineral salts mediums containing some form of nitrogen-energy supplying material are also used in this technology. Carbon is obtained from the added oxidation agents in this product. The PH values of this composition blended with polyethylene is 9.5 confirming its non-acidity characteristics. All the ingredients of our plastic products are food grade and non-toxic in nature.

Composting of Polyethylene

It is observed that soil contains at least 58% Carbon. The greater part of the Nitrogen content of the soil is closely linked to organic matter. As the organic soil matter gradually decomposes the nitrogen is converted into water or available forms of ammonia and nitrates. This moist soil reacts with the biodegradable polyethylene film making it susceptible to composting and the release of CO2. The enzymatic treatment is used at 1-1.5% dosage for Polyethylene (90% HDPE, 10% LLDE) and mechanically coated. The use of this product makes Polyethylene (HDPE LLDE) 100% Biodegradable. The cost of this process is very cheap as compared to any other method prevalent in the world. An application for a patent for both the biodegradable enzyme treatment and the process of manufacturing biodegradable bags is already submit with competent authority.

Bioplast Ltd
84 Southam Road
Hall Green
Birmingham
B28 0AG

PLASTICS

Due to the ever increasing usage of non degradable plastics in day to day life, and due to the environmental/pollution hazards faced due to its non degradable characteristics, this research was undertaken to make polyethylene totally biodegradable. Enhancing polyethylene products to undergo a change in its chemical structure under environmental conditions. The loss of properties of polyethylene while contacting with soils and water may vary as measured by standard list appropriate to plastic and the application in a period. Our biodegradable product enables polyethylene (HDPE and LLDPE) to biodegrade in atmospheric conditions in soil and compost thereby releasing CO2.

Difference between Disintegration and Biodegradation of Plastic

Disintegration of plastic is observed while the chemical chain structure of plastic/residues of plastic remains in the soil even after UV radiation, Photo degradation and high-energy radiation.

Where as biodegradation or alternatively chain end degradation is achieved on plastic when enzymatic characteristics aid the unzipping mechanism of polyethylene molecular chain ends, resulting in successive release of monomeric units composting the release of CO2. Thermal degradation also follows this unzipping method.

The oxidation-reduction systems in connection with bacterial metabolism inhibited in polyethylene through enzyme composition has resulted in enhancing the biodegradable process. This idea of oxidation naturally involves the exhortation of oxygen to the compound and a typical oxidation being such a reaction as the combustion of carbon to yield CO2.

Bio degradation is achieved through enzymatic composition with various AMIDS. Our patented compound acts as an active centre of high energy in cell surface caused by the interplay of affinities of neighbouring molecules in polyethylene. The treatment we use has exhorted a specific power of absorption on the polyethylene and activated it by distorting the electronic system rendering thus absorbed molecules of polyethylene unstable and capable of undergoing a chemical and thermal change. The compound treatment with inhibited bacterial culture (bifido beacteria metabolism) contains macromolecules which exert a bacterial mode of action.

The myth that the bacterial metabolism is inactive or dead at enhanced temperature is hither to proved wrong as bacteria remain in a state of suspended animation only. These bacteria once again become active after coming into contact with soil, atmosphere conditions and normal temperature.