Oxodegradeable film in magazine distribution

Second in a series of five articles exploring how to reduce the environmental footprint of magazine wrappers in mailings and magazine distribution.

 

Oxodegradeable film: the saviour or just presenting different issues'

Oxodegradeable film is manufactured with an additive that causes it to break down in the presence of light and oxygen. This helps to reduce the impact of plastic littering but does not aid decomposition in landfill since light will be absent. The cost is only slightly higher than conventional polythene but unfortunately this film cannot be recycled due to the additive. It’s also embroiled in controversy with many academics claiming it’s potentially a greater risk.

 

Potential negative impacts on human health and the environment

Oxo-degradable plastics are often marketed as an ideal solution to littering, but this is arguably confusing to consumers and may oversimplify the benefits. According to a white paper released by the New Plastics Economy initiative of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, oxo-degradable plastics fragment in the environment into smaller pieces, including microplastics. The length of the degradation process varies, and during this time microplastics remain in the environment, including the ocean. As with all microplastics in ecosystems, there is a risk of bioaccumulation, including into the food chain, with potential negative impacts on human health, wildlife and the wider environment.

 

The issues are complex and there isn’t one right answer

At Spatial Global we understand and agree with the drive to reduce our collective environmental footprint. Unfortunately the challenge is complex and the right solution will depend on whether you wish to reduce your use of plastic, reduce waste going to landfill, reduce litter or maintain your current costs. There is no one solution that ticks all these boxes.

 

Here are the five core options for distributing your title by mail:

We hope the following overview will be helpful.

 

1 – Conventional polythene (LDPE)

Recycling Qualities: Recyclable but most councils do not collect polythene wrap

Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely

Cost Comparison: The most cost effective option

More about Conventional polythene in magazine distribution

 

2 – Oxodegradeable film (breaks down in presence of light and oxygen)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives

Landfill Qualities: Will remain in landfill indefinitely due to lack of light, but will break down in the general environment

Cost Comparison: Slightly higher than conventional polythene

More about Oxodegradeable film in magazine distribution

 

3 – Biodegradable film (degrades in landfill)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable due to additives

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade in landfill but has a relatively short shelf-life

Cost Comparison: Approx 300% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Biodegradable film in magazine distribution

 

4 – Compostable film (manufactured from potato starch)

Recycling Qualities: Not recyclable

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill but has a very short shelf-life

Cost Comparison: Approx 580% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Compostable film in magazine distribution

 

5 – Paper envelopes (manufactured from recycled paper or sustainable sources)

Recycling Qualities: Recyclable

Landfill Qualities: Will degrade fully to compost in landfill (excluding window if applicable)

Cost Comparison: Approx 530% of the cost of conventional polythene

More about Paper envelopes in magazine distribution

 

It’s possible to reduce the environmental footprint of mailings, but…

The ‘greener’ options tend to be more expensive – which is why conventional polythene has become the de facto standard in the mailing industry. The shorter the shelf-life, typically the longer the manufacturers lead time and many have a minimum order of two tonnes. Spatial Global seeks to be environmentally conscious while giving our customers well-balanced advice on the pros and cons of the various options.

 

Improving our overall environmental performance

Spatial Global has taken positive steps to ensure our environmental impact is reduced wherever practically possible. This includes the installation of low energy lighting and more energy-efficient machines to reduce our carbon footprint. Our waste is recycled wherever possible and we are constantly reviewing our environmental policy to ensure we continually strive to achieve ever-improved standards.



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