KINGSTON, Jamaica — Flexpak Limited, a member of the Omni Industries Group has officially launched a line of environmentally-friendly “oxo-biodegradable” plastic bags.

The company’s “go green” initiative was unveiled at its manufacturing headquarters in Twickenham Park, St Catherine recently.

A news release disclosed that the official launch coincided with a tour of the Flexpak plant by Government Senator Matthew Samuda, President of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association (JMA), Metry Seaga and other officials of the JMA.

Chairman of Omni Industries, Uwe Kumst, has stated that Flexpak has been creating the bio-degradable plastic bags for some time but has recently increased their production as part of its commitment to preserve the environment, as well as impending legislation and increased demand for biodegradable products.

“We think we have found a solution for plastic bags not to be a major problem in this country and it is a fairly simple solution to a very difficult problem,” said Kumst.

This solution comes in form of a bio-degradable additive which is added to the polyethylene resin used to make the bags.  The polyethylene resin, Kumst stated, is made from virgin or recycled pellets to construct the bags.

Nigel Hoyow, technical director at Flexpak Limited noted that the degradable time frame of the bags is dependent on client demand.

 “The agricultural industry, for instance, would want it in a lesser time frame of perhaps three-six months. The breakdown period can vary up to three-four years depending on how you want it to perform.

Currently our bags will start to degrade six months after being disposed of and up to 12-18 months in not so optimum conditions,” said Hoyow.

He also stated that the breakdown of bags will depend on method of disposal and heat and surrounding conditions.

Hoyow affirmed Flexpak’s commitment to providing environmentally sustainable solutions in its operations and said the company is in full support of the government’s push to support environmental protection.

Government Senator Matthew Samuda, who has led calls in the parliament for more environmentally friendly products in the manufacturing sector, lauded Flexpak for the initiative.

 “At the end of the day we all want an environment that is friendly to business that is clean and sustainable.  I support the initiative by Flexpak.  This is an example of how the Government and private sector can work together to get a favourable outcome that benefits all,” said the senator.

In his remarks, JMA President Metry Seaga, noted that it was necessary that a private public partnership be pursued between the industry and the Government as the problem of plastics pollution is something that needs to be addressed.