In the relentless pursuit of a sustainable future, the plastics and packaging industry is under pressure to reduce waste, increase recycling efficiency and innovate materials. Amid this backdrop, PlastiColors is championing a technology that promises to redefine the plastics landscape: EcoPure® biodegradable polymer additive.

ECOPURE, manufactured and distributed in South Africa by PlastiColors (under the newly launched PlastiGreen), offers a unique approach to making conventional plastics biodegradable. It works by attracting microbes to the plastic. Once in a microbe-rich environment such as a landfill or the ocean, the additive initiates a process where microbes colonise the plastic, breaking it down as they consume it.

Technical specialist Reinhard Fechter explains the product’s ingenuity: ‘EcoPure doesn’t cause the polymer to degrade by itself, it simply invites microbes to do what they do best – break down organic materials. The beauty of EcoPure lies in its simplicity. With just a 1% dosage of the additive, you’re not just making plastic biodegradable, you’re doing it without compromising the material’s recyclability. This makes EcoPure a game changer, particularly in a country like South Africa where the focus is on recycling, not composting.’

He adds: ‘Unlike PLA (polylactic acid), for example, which can disrupt recycling streams, EcoPure maintains the integrity of the recycling process. You don’t need special equipment or alterations to your existing production line. It’s a seamless integration that offers a real solution to the challenges we face today.’

Indeed, the cost-effectiveness of EcoPure is another factor that sets it apart. ‘The added cost to conventional polymer is minimal,’ notes Reinhard. ‘Compared to bioplastics, which are significantly more expensive than conventional plastics, EcoPure is incredibly competitive. This affordability, combined with its environmental benefits, makes it an attractive option for brand owners looking to make a tangible impact.’

Innovation with impact

As the world grapples with the dual challenges of managing plastic waste and promoting recycling, technologies like EcoPure represent a significant leap forward. They address the need for materials that are not only easier to recycle, but also less harmful to the environment if they do end up in landfills.

For the South African plastics industry, these innovations couldn’t come at a better time. ‘South Africa is a leader in recycling within Africa, but we still face significant challenges, particularly with the environmental impact of plastic waste,’ Reinhard states. ‘EcoPure additives offer practical, scalable solutions that align with our recycling goals while also addressing the broader issue of plastic pollution.’

Technical manager Carolyn Kellock adds: ‘What’s truly inspiring about these products is their potential to make a real difference. We’re not just talking about reducing waste or improving recycling efficiency, we’re talking about redefining how we think about plastic altogether. EcoPure additives are more than just a product, they’re part of a broader movement towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.’

As South Africa and the world continue to search for solutions to the plastic problem, the innovations from EcoPure brought to market by PlastiColors as PlastiGreen offer hope. They are a testament to the power of innovation in driving meaningful change, turning the tide on plastic waste and paving the way for a more sustainable future.