Role of Degradable Plastic Packaging Materials in Tropical Areas

Abstract

The photodegradation and stabilisation of plastics have long been studied to enhance their life. Rapid growth of plastics and continued increase in their utilisation, in a multitude of applications, have raised question regarding their disposal. The unabated use and subsequent disposal of plastics have resulted in acute litter and pollution problems. The impact of this new class of man-made materials on our environment and ecology is now being questioned. Most of these problems stem from the disposal of plastic packaging materials that have fulfilled their purpose. Almost all developed countries with high per capita consumption of plastic materials have realised the gravity of the situation and are devising strategies to combat these problems.

Saudi Arabia is producing a number of plastic materials, and the plastic processing and packaging industry in the Kingdom has grown considerably during the last decade. Plastics are being employed in a variety of packaging, in different applications. Their use is expected to grow with the passage of time. With the entry of Saudi Arabia in the plastics era, the imminent litter and pollution problems resulting from their disposal need to be addressed. A number of strategies are being developed to minimise the pollution resulting from the disposal of plastics. These include reusing, recycling, and sensitising plastics for rapid degradation. This paper presents an overview of the technique being developed in sensitising plastics with particular emphasis on thermoplastics being produced and widely used in the Kingdom.