Friday 23 December 2011
Thursday 8 December 2011
Festive Bin Liners!
Check out these inspiring Christmas Bin Liners!!!! Guaranteed to bring Christmas cheer to all your neighbours faces, even Mr Scroog at number 30.
Monday 31 October 2011
Alpha Packaging now offer Biothene as a paper bag alternative
A quick Intro to Biothene ....
Biothene® is an additive which degrades polythene under the influence of light and heat. The addition of 2% to 3% Biothene® will produce a photochemically and thermally degradable film. Polythene containing Biothene® will not degrade before being exposed to UV light. Once the polythene has been exposed to UV light, the degradation reaction will be triggered and continues even in the dark, for instance in conditions to be expected when buried in a landfill site. Degradation will be accelerated by heat. Check out our blog for FAQ's on Biothene.... 'a great eco-friendly alternative' available from Alpha Packaging today just contact for a quote; design@alphapackaging.co.uk
FAQ'S
How long does it take to degrade?
This depends on the condition the Biothene is in and the thickness of the material. If it is kept in a box out of direct sunlight and heat it can be kept for up to 18 months or more. If it is left in the open and subject to heat and light it will degrade within approximately 18 months. Even if the bag is used and then put in landfill or somewhere dark it will still degrade as the process has already been triggered by the initial contact with the sunlight.
How does it work?
The active agent is a metal ion and a catalyst which is added to the polythene when it is extruded. These react with sunlight and this reaction starts to break down the molecular chains in the material.
How long has it been established?
The original concept was developed in the 1970s by The Royal College of Forestry in Stockholm. It
was however not until 2002 that the product was further developed and improved to be able to be used more widely.
Can it be classed as compostable?
No. According to the EN 13432 compostable classification the material must break down within 3 months to be classed as compostable. Because we are aiming at a reusable material we wanted the material to last longer than 3 months so for classification purposes it cannot be classed as compostable.
Are there any harmful residues left after it has degraded?
No. The products produced are water, carbon dioxide and a small amount of inert mineral oxides which naturally occur in the environment such as SiO2 and Fe304 etc. These residues are non-toxic to the environment.
Can it be used for food contact?
Yes. It complies with the EU directive 2002/72/EC and 2004/19/EC relating to plastic materials that come into contact with foodstuffs.
Is it made from corn starch?
No. The corn starch material has some major environmental and practical issues. The material is made from corn-based crops and the increased use of these for non-food use is causing concerns. The price of the corn/wheat is being forced up by the increased use of bio-fuels and starch based materials, which means we are making it harder for the third world countries to source their essential basic food ingredients. Also there are areas of rain forest and natural habitats being cut down to grow these extra crops. Also in the process of degrading corn starch emits methane, which is according to the AEAT report more than 23 more times potent for global warning than CO2. There are also concerns that GM corn is being used to make the material which in turn has its issues.
Are paper alternatives better than Biothene for the environment?
No. 70% more atmospheric pollution is caused by making paper bags and 300% more energy. Also when they degrade they emit methane. Paper products can not be reused as many times as Biothene as they are not as strong and break down if they get wet. On average, it would cost approximately 7 times more to transport the same number of paper products as it would Biothene due to the bulkiness of the paper.
Are cotton/nylon products better than Biothene?
There are a lot of drawbacks with the nylon/cotton products. Firstly their convenience. It is not always possible to have one or enough of them when you are out shopping. Many people shop spontaneously and it is not always possible to have them to hand. They are also a lot bulkier than Biothene and carrying a large number of these to do your weekly shopping is also inconvenient. Finally these bags are not generally waterproof and items inside them can possibly get water damaged.
Is there a classification or standard that exists for Biothene?
We are currently working towards a British Standard BS 8472:200X for degradable polythene. How does it differ in looks and feel different to normal polythene? Biothene differs only in that is has a very slight brown tint. It is not noticeable on individual bags but can be seen if stacked together. Otherwise it has the same strength, feel and other properties of normal polythene.
Can it be recycled?
Because the material degrades there is no need for it to be recycled. It is a material which can be reused multiple times and then left to degrade afterwards.
What can Biothene be used for?
Anything that polythene is used for at present. This includes food, retail, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural, mailing/postal and many others.
Friday 14 October 2011
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Order today for 10% OFF your next packaging order
Don't miss our September offer.......
Order today and we will send you a voucher code that entitles you to 10% OFF your next order including any of our products; Polythene carrier bags, Paper carrier bags, Moving boxes, Mail Bags, Grip seal bags, Printed mail bags, Refuse sacks, Printed & Plain Tape, Strapping, Wine boxes, Compostable bags, Degradable bags, Cleaning paper, Gloves, Garden centre products, Automotive consumables & much more .....
Offer lasts until September 30th 2011, voucher code lasts until December 31st 2011
Thursday 25 August 2011
FREE carrier bag design!
Don't forget to take advantage of our latest offer.
Order your printed carrier bags by the end of August and our design team will design a print, graphic, logo or anything you like absolutely FREE!
Designer Print Tape
We are always trying to think of new exciting ways to decorate birthday gifts and presents to loved ones and friends. Why not try jazzing up your gift and impressing your friends by using designer print tape!
Here are just a few we came across on our travels...... lace tape designed by Stella Bugbee, camoflauge tape, screwhead tape, psychedelic 60's printed tape.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Paper V Plastic Carrier Bags?
Having trouble making a knowledgable decision that is both economically and environmentally sign?
Check out this great link we came across: http://www.angelfire.com/wi/PaperVsPlastic/ which has all been concluded for you below;
"The making of paper can waste many thousands of gallons of water, as can the recycling of paper. The human and mechanical efforts and costs are very high, not forgetting the physical cost to loggers and those who work around the numerous chemicals. Plastic is, by comparison, efficient and low energy to produce, and, easily and efficiently recycled. Plastic reduces, recycles marvelously, and in that, is reused. After contrasting the efforts behind the making of paper and plastic, it is our unbiased opinion that plastic is indeed more beneficial to the environment, in that it is less harmful. The next time you are asked the dreaded question, "Paper or plastic?", you can answer knowing that you are making the informed choice."
Friday 10 June 2011
10% off June Online Orders
10% off all polythene carrier bags, paper bags, grip seal bags, grip seal bags with write on panels, random bags, cardboard moving boxes, bubble wrap, printed tape, printed mail bags, jiffy bags, arofol bubble lined mail bags, layflat tubing, refuse sacks, wine boxes, automotive consumables including disposable polythene seat covers, paper floor mats, car covers for online orders throughout June 2011 using offer code JUNEOFFER
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Egg Packaging!
Amandine Alessandra website. It individually packs raw shell-less eggs in vacuum plastic pockets that keeps them fresh for longer. The egg can be cooked in the sachet which determines its shape.... wonder if it will catch on?
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