Atlantic Poly Blog
Benefits of Plastic Trash Can Liners
Darren Kincaid - Monday, February 15, 2010
The main benefits of trash can liners are twofold. Plastic liners
are more flexible and durable than other materials, that provide a
better moisture and chemical barrier, and offer higher resistance to
tear propagation. Trash can liners
are typically made from linear low density polyethylene for superior
tensile strength and tear resistance. Lightweight, but strong and
durable, poly trash can liners
make it possible to move and store more waste than ever before. And
because of their advanced resistance to tearing and leaking, these
liners make it possible to handle waste and other hazardous material
without any threat to the surrounding environment.
Tough Roll-Off Liners Make Waste Disposal Easy!
Darren Kincaid - Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Container Bag Liners Provide Many Different Advantages
- Quick, easy installation from either inside or outside the container
- Fast and clean dumping
- More security when transporting
- Improves leak protection
- Cleaner containers
- Aids in dust and odor control
- Increases container longevity
- Bag liners available folded or on a roll
- Multiple packaging capabilities
- Sides ranging from 66" to 144" in height
- Thickness tanges from 3 mil to 10 mil
- Quantity and/or corporate discounts are available
Disposable Polyethylene Liners for Roll-Off's, Dump Trailers and Railroad Gondola Cars - Our heavy-duty bag liners are made from a combination of virgin and recycled polyethylene. Our unique patented form fit design virtually eliminates tearing and puts three thicknesses of plastic at the bottom of the container's tailgate for added leak protection. These liners are ideal for transporting bulk solids and sludges, and provide more protection than using film or film envelopes. A wide selection of bag liners is stocked for immediate shipment or custom liners can be manufactured to your specifications. Liner prices vary according to the length of the container, height of the liner, mil thickness of the liner, and material used.
Poly Bags are practical for many uses in many different industries
Darren Kincaid - Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Are
you looking for a certain types of bags which are practical for almost
all types of items? Do you prefer to have bags that you can reuse and
recycle from time to time? You should consider the polyethylene bags, commonly known as poly bags or plastic bags
. Many industries use these bags due to wide variety of types
available, ease of use and efficiency. They are frequently used in
industries related to fabrics, apparels, electronics, foods, and the
like to protect items from dust, dirt, and moisture.
Poly bags come in many different types in order to manage the variety of functions they are needed for. Among the more common and popular types are the flat, gusseted, and re-closable poly bags.
The most popular type among all the poly bags is the flat poly bag. They are used in industries like agriculture and landscaping, hospitals, banks, and electronics. Primary use examples are in the areas of electronics manufacturing and computer software shipping. Other industries includes mail order businesses and the like. Once the items are placed inside the flat poly bags, the bags are sealed through heating or through taping. There are also some instances when the bags are twist-tied to be closed.
Poly bags come in many different types in order to manage the variety of functions they are needed for. Among the more common and popular types are the flat, gusseted, and re-closable poly bags.
The most popular type among all the poly bags is the flat poly bag. They are used in industries like agriculture and landscaping, hospitals, banks, and electronics. Primary use examples are in the areas of electronics manufacturing and computer software shipping. Other industries includes mail order businesses and the like. Once the items are placed inside the flat poly bags, the bags are sealed through heating or through taping. There are also some instances when the bags are twist-tied to be closed.
PRINTING ON PLASTIC BAGS
Darren Kincaid - Monday, January 25, 2010
All Atlantic Poly plastic bags are printed
using a method called Flexographic Printing. Flexographic printing uses
flexible rubber printing plates which are adhered to a cylinder. The
inked plates with a slightly raised image are rotated on the cylinder
and the image is transferred to the plastic sheet or bag. All of our
inks are water based and are environmentally friendly. We can print up
to 8 colors on 2 sides.
Printing on a poly bag obviously adds to the cost of the bag. We can imprint as few as 5000 bags but the cost is much higher because of the set-up. (We find that for cost optimization runs of 25,000 or more are more cost efficient)
There is an initial cost for plates but the customer maintains ownership of the plates. These plates are compatible with most printing presses.We also have several graphic designers available to help with the design of your bag.
Printing on a poly bag obviously adds to the cost of the bag. We can imprint as few as 5000 bags but the cost is much higher because of the set-up. (We find that for cost optimization runs of 25,000 or more are more cost efficient)
There is an initial cost for plates but the customer maintains ownership of the plates. These plates are compatible with most printing presses.We also have several graphic designers available to help with the design of your bag.
Plastic Pricing Keeps Going Up!
Darren Kincaid - Wednesday, January 20, 2010
PRICING ON ITS WAY UP !!
We have been advised that our polyethylene resin suppliers have implemented their previously announced .05/lb increase which will go into affect on Feb. 1, 2010 (This brings the total resin increases implemented since January of last year to over .21/lb). Our suppliers are citing continued export volumes, extremely low inventories throughout the supply chain, high operating rates, and rising costs on feed stocks as the main reason for the increases. Please be assured we will continue to support our loyal customers and continue to minimize the impact that these increases have on your business.
We have been advised that our polyethylene resin suppliers have implemented their previously announced .05/lb increase which will go into affect on Feb. 1, 2010 (This brings the total resin increases implemented since January of last year to over .21/lb). Our suppliers are citing continued export volumes, extremely low inventories throughout the supply chain, high operating rates, and rising costs on feed stocks as the main reason for the increases. Please be assured we will continue to support our loyal customers and continue to minimize the impact that these increases have on your business.
Comparison of Oxo-Biodegradable and Hydro-Biodegradable Plastics
Darren Kincaid - Friday, January 15, 2010
See table summary below
Comparison of Oxo-Biodegradable and Hydro-Biodegradable Plastics
|
OXO |
HYDRO |
|
Usually made from a by-product of oil-refining |
Usually made from starch |
|
Can be recycled as part of a normal plastic waste-stream |
Damages recyclate unless extracted from feedstock |
|
Can be made from recyclate |
Cannot be made from recyclate |
|
Emits CO2 slowly while degrading |
Emits CO2 rapidly while degrading |
|
Inert deep in landfill |
Emits methane deep in landfill |
|
Can use same machinery and workforce as for conventional plastic |
Needs special machinery and worforce |
|
Suitable for use in high-speed machinery |
Not suitable |
|
Compostable in-vessel |
Compostable |
|
Little or no on-cost |
Four or five times more expensive than conventional plastic |
|
Same strength as conventional plastic |
Weaker than conventional plastic |
|
Same weight as conventional plastic |
|
|
Leak-proof |
Prone to leakage |
|
Degrades anywhere on land or sea |
Degrades only in high-microbial environment |
|
Time to degrade can be set at manufacture |
Cannot be controlled |
|
No genetically modified ingredients |
Possibility of GM ingredients |
|
Safe for food contact |
Safe for food contact |
|
No PCB's Organo-chlorines, or "heavy metals" |
No PCB's Organo-chlorines, or "heavy metals" |
|
Can be incinerated with high energy-recovery |
Can be incinerated, but lower calorific value |
|
Production uses no fertilisers, pesticides or water |
|
|
No limit on availability of feedstock |
Limited availability of feedstock |
|
Demand for oxo-biodegradable plastics does not drive up cost of fuel for vehicles |
Demand for hydro-biodegradable plastics drives up price of human and animal foodstuffs |
Recylced Bags - What are they really?
Darren Kincaid - Saturday, January 09, 2010
RECYCLED BAGS
What is a recycled bag?
Blending recycled resin with virgin resin creates a recycled content
bag. There are currently no guidelines in place stating what a “decent”
blend would be. Making a 100% recycled bag is not recommended because
doing this would compromise the strength of the bag. Our recycled bags
are normally mfg. from a 30/70 blend. (30% Recycled/70% Virgin) The
recycled content can consist of one of two different types of
feedstock…post industrial scrap**(See Below) or post consumer scrap.**
In theory, a “recycled bag” should cost less than a “virgin grade bag”
but, because of a fluctuating market this isn’t always the case. (The
scrap still has to be processed, cleaned and mfg. into a usable form)
Also, recycled bags tend to be cloudier and must be mfg. from at least
.0015 thickness to maintain strength.
Customers have also
inquired about printing the Recycling Logo on the bags. This can be
done, and we do it for many of our customers but it does become a
“custom” run and adds to the expense of the bag.
BIOGEGRADABLE PLASTICS are not all equal or good for the environment
Darren Kincaid - Monday, January 04, 2010
BIOGEGRADABLE PLASTICS
Biodegradability is an issue we’ve been involved with for the past several years. We urge you to read the following paragraphs to better understand what it involves. Currently we run both types of biodegradable bags (Oxo or Hydro). There is a shelf life with these bags so we currently do not have a stocking program. Please contact us to help implement a “Green” program for your company.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics - It is important to distinguish between the different types of biodegradable plastic, as their costs and uses are very different. The two main types are oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. In both cases degradation begins with a chemical process (oxidation and hydrolysis respectively), followed by a biological process. Both types emit CO2 as they degrade, but hydro-biodegradable can also emit methane. Both types are compostable, but only oxo-biodegradable can be economically recycled. Hydro-biodegradable is much more expensive than oxo-biodegradable.
OXO-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC - This new technology produces plastic which degrades by a process of OXO-degradation. The technology is based on a very small amount of pro-degradant additive being introduced into the manufacturing process, thereby changing the behaviour of the plastic. Degradation begins when the programmed service life is over (as controlled by the additive formulation) and the product is no longer required.
There is an additional cost involved in products made with this technology, which can be made with the same machinery and workforce as conventional plastic products.
The plastic does not just fragment, but will be consumed by bacteria and fungi after the additive has reduced the molecular structure to a level which permits living micro-organisms access to the carbon and hydrogen. It is therefore “biodegradable.” This process continues until the material has biodegraded to nothing more than CO2, water, and humus, and it does not leave fragments of petro-polymers in the soil. Oxo-biodegradable plastic passes all the usual ecotoxicity tests, including seed germination, plant growth and organism survival (daphnia, earthworms) tests carried out in accordance with ON S 2200 and ON S 2300 national standards.
The length of time it takes for oxo-biodegradable products to degrade can be ‘programmed’ at the time of manufacture and can be as little as a few months or as much as a few years. They are protected from degradation by special antioxidants until ready for use, and storage-life will be extended if the products are kept in cool, dark conditions.
Unlike PVC, the polymers from which oxo-biodegradable plastics are made do not contain organo-chlorine. Nor do oxo-biodegradable polymers contain PCBs, nor do they emit methane or nitrous oxide even under anaerobic conditions.
HYDRO-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS - Hydro-biodegradation is initiated by hydrolysis. Some plastics in this category have a high starch content and it is sometimes said that this justifies the claim that they are made from renewable resources. However, many of them contain up to 50% of synthetic plastic derived from oil, and others (e.g. some aliphatic polyesters) are entirely based on oil-derived intermediates. Genetically-modified crops may also have been used in the manufacture of hydro-biodegradable plastics.
Hydro-biodegradable plastics are not genuinely “renewable” because the process of making them from crops is itself a significant user of fossil-fuel energy and a producer therefore of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels are burned in the autoclaves used to ferment and polymerise material synthesized from biochemically produced intermediates (e.g. polylactic acid from carbohydrates etc); and by the agricultural machinery and road vehicles employed; also by the manufacture and transport of fertilizers and pesticides. They are sometimes described as made from “non-food” crops, but are in fact usually made from food crops.
A disproportionate amount of land would be required to produce sufficient raw material to replace conventional plastic products, and a huge amount of water, which is in such short supply in so many parts of the world.
Residues from some native starches can be seriously toxic; bitter cassava for example (tapioca) has a high level of hydro-cyanic glucoside present, which has to be removed by careful washing. During growth the plant is toxic to wildlife. Cassava is exhaustive of potash .
Three recent articles in the international press have drawn attention to the danger of using “renewable” resources derived from plants as a substitute for petroleum products. They focus on the use of corn and palm oil to make “biofuels” for motor vehicles, but the same danger arises from the use of corn and other agricultural products to make hydro-biodegradable plastics.
The International Herald Tribune wrote on 31st January 2007 “Just a few years ago politicians and green groups in the Netherlands were thrilled by the country’s adoption of “sustainable energy” by coaxing electricity plants to use biofuel. Spurred by government subsidies, energy companies designed generators that ran exclusively on this fuel, which in theory would be cleaner than fossil fuels because it is derived from plants.
Plastics made from crops, are up to 400% more expensive, they are not strong enough for use in high-speed machinery, and they emit methane (a powerful greenhouse gas) in landfill. Also, it is wrong to use land, water and fertilizers to grow crops for bioplastics and biofuels, which drives up the cost of food for the poorest people
Business Week 5 Feb 2007 edition “The rise in the price of corn that's hurting US pig farmers isn't caused by any big dip in the overall supply. In the U.S., last year's harvest was 10.5 billion bushels, the third-largest crop ever. But instead of going into the mouths of pigs or cattle or people, an increasing slice is being transformed into fuel for cars. The roughly 5 billion gallons of ethanol made in 2006 by 112 U.S. plants consumed nearly one-fifth of the corn crop.” US chicken producers are also being hit. The industry's feed costs are already up $1.5 billion per year. Ultimately, these increases will be passed on to consumers, and there could be dramatic inflation in food costs.
Oxo-bio plastics degrade in the upper layers of a landfill, but they are completely inert deeper in the landfill in the absence of oxygen. They do not emit methane at any stage.
Paper bags use 300% more energy to produce, they are bulky and heavy and are not strong enough, especially when wet. They will also emit methane in landfill.
Biodegradability is an issue we’ve been involved with for the past several years. We urge you to read the following paragraphs to better understand what it involves. Currently we run both types of biodegradable bags (Oxo or Hydro). There is a shelf life with these bags so we currently do not have a stocking program. Please contact us to help implement a “Green” program for your company.
Types of Biodegradable Plastics - It is important to distinguish between the different types of biodegradable plastic, as their costs and uses are very different. The two main types are oxo-biodegradable and hydro-biodegradable. In both cases degradation begins with a chemical process (oxidation and hydrolysis respectively), followed by a biological process. Both types emit CO2 as they degrade, but hydro-biodegradable can also emit methane. Both types are compostable, but only oxo-biodegradable can be economically recycled. Hydro-biodegradable is much more expensive than oxo-biodegradable.
OXO-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC - This new technology produces plastic which degrades by a process of OXO-degradation. The technology is based on a very small amount of pro-degradant additive being introduced into the manufacturing process, thereby changing the behaviour of the plastic. Degradation begins when the programmed service life is over (as controlled by the additive formulation) and the product is no longer required.
There is an additional cost involved in products made with this technology, which can be made with the same machinery and workforce as conventional plastic products.
The plastic does not just fragment, but will be consumed by bacteria and fungi after the additive has reduced the molecular structure to a level which permits living micro-organisms access to the carbon and hydrogen. It is therefore “biodegradable.” This process continues until the material has biodegraded to nothing more than CO2, water, and humus, and it does not leave fragments of petro-polymers in the soil. Oxo-biodegradable plastic passes all the usual ecotoxicity tests, including seed germination, plant growth and organism survival (daphnia, earthworms) tests carried out in accordance with ON S 2200 and ON S 2300 national standards.
The length of time it takes for oxo-biodegradable products to degrade can be ‘programmed’ at the time of manufacture and can be as little as a few months or as much as a few years. They are protected from degradation by special antioxidants until ready for use, and storage-life will be extended if the products are kept in cool, dark conditions.
Unlike PVC, the polymers from which oxo-biodegradable plastics are made do not contain organo-chlorine. Nor do oxo-biodegradable polymers contain PCBs, nor do they emit methane or nitrous oxide even under anaerobic conditions.
HYDRO-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS - Hydro-biodegradation is initiated by hydrolysis. Some plastics in this category have a high starch content and it is sometimes said that this justifies the claim that they are made from renewable resources. However, many of them contain up to 50% of synthetic plastic derived from oil, and others (e.g. some aliphatic polyesters) are entirely based on oil-derived intermediates. Genetically-modified crops may also have been used in the manufacture of hydro-biodegradable plastics.
Hydro-biodegradable plastics are not genuinely “renewable” because the process of making them from crops is itself a significant user of fossil-fuel energy and a producer therefore of greenhouse gases. Fossil fuels are burned in the autoclaves used to ferment and polymerise material synthesized from biochemically produced intermediates (e.g. polylactic acid from carbohydrates etc); and by the agricultural machinery and road vehicles employed; also by the manufacture and transport of fertilizers and pesticides. They are sometimes described as made from “non-food” crops, but are in fact usually made from food crops.
A disproportionate amount of land would be required to produce sufficient raw material to replace conventional plastic products, and a huge amount of water, which is in such short supply in so many parts of the world.
Residues from some native starches can be seriously toxic; bitter cassava for example (tapioca) has a high level of hydro-cyanic glucoside present, which has to be removed by careful washing. During growth the plant is toxic to wildlife. Cassava is exhaustive of potash .
Three recent articles in the international press have drawn attention to the danger of using “renewable” resources derived from plants as a substitute for petroleum products. They focus on the use of corn and palm oil to make “biofuels” for motor vehicles, but the same danger arises from the use of corn and other agricultural products to make hydro-biodegradable plastics.
The International Herald Tribune wrote on 31st January 2007 “Just a few years ago politicians and green groups in the Netherlands were thrilled by the country’s adoption of “sustainable energy” by coaxing electricity plants to use biofuel. Spurred by government subsidies, energy companies designed generators that ran exclusively on this fuel, which in theory would be cleaner than fossil fuels because it is derived from plants.
Plastics made from crops, are up to 400% more expensive, they are not strong enough for use in high-speed machinery, and they emit methane (a powerful greenhouse gas) in landfill. Also, it is wrong to use land, water and fertilizers to grow crops for bioplastics and biofuels, which drives up the cost of food for the poorest people
Business Week 5 Feb 2007 edition “The rise in the price of corn that's hurting US pig farmers isn't caused by any big dip in the overall supply. In the U.S., last year's harvest was 10.5 billion bushels, the third-largest crop ever. But instead of going into the mouths of pigs or cattle or people, an increasing slice is being transformed into fuel for cars. The roughly 5 billion gallons of ethanol made in 2006 by 112 U.S. plants consumed nearly one-fifth of the corn crop.” US chicken producers are also being hit. The industry's feed costs are already up $1.5 billion per year. Ultimately, these increases will be passed on to consumers, and there could be dramatic inflation in food costs.
Oxo-bio plastics degrade in the upper layers of a landfill, but they are completely inert deeper in the landfill in the absence of oxygen. They do not emit methane at any stage.
Paper bags use 300% more energy to produce, they are bulky and heavy and are not strong enough, especially when wet. They will also emit methane in landfill.
ATLANTIC POLY’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Darren Kincaid - Monday, December 28, 2009
As
a nationwide supplier of packaging materials we’re faced with
unprecedented changes. Environmental issues have suddenly been thrust
to the forefront. We’ve been pro-active on this situation since 1995
with the establishment of Envirotech Div. (this is the Recycling Division of Atlantic Poly).
Over the past 15 years we’ve helped remove millions of lbs of scrap from the waste stream. We receive hundreds of calls inquiring about Recycling, Recycled Bags, Biodegradable Bags, and other environmental questions. Our views and what we’re doing about these issues will be discussed on the following pages. We realize each of your companies’ can be faced with different environmental challenges. What works for one company might not be viable for another. We’re here as a resource to help you with your environmental challenges.
Over the past 15 years we’ve helped remove millions of lbs of scrap from the waste stream. We receive hundreds of calls inquiring about Recycling, Recycled Bags, Biodegradable Bags, and other environmental questions. Our views and what we’re doing about these issues will be discussed on the following pages. We realize each of your companies’ can be faced with different environmental challenges. What works for one company might not be viable for another. We’re here as a resource to help you with your environmental challenges.
Atlantic Poly would like to help in your recycling efforts and conserving our environment
Darren Kincaid - Monday, December 28, 2009
Atlantic Poly would like to help in your recycling efforts and conserving our environment:
- Help your company's bottom line
- Help your environment
- Reduce your waste disposal costs
- Potential for value of materials recycled
- Possible tax benefits for recycling material
- Stretch Film
- Pallet Wrap
- Poly Bags
- Poly Films
- LDPE and HDPE