TV wildlife expert Chris Packham joins OPA
Chris Packham, TV presenter and environmentalist, has given his support to degradable plastics by joining the Oxo-biodegradable Plastics Association (OPA). He will become their Environmental Adviser.
With TV credits include the wildlife series The Really Wild Show and Spring Watch, Chris will work with the scientific team from the OPA to increase public awareness of oxo-biodegradable plastics.
He explained that he was concerned about the effect of plastic waste on the environment adding that both central and local governments in the UK were failing to do address the issue.
"Of course we must educate people to recycle their waste, but we will never collect it all. If oxo-biodegradable plastics are collected during their useful life they can be recycled with normal plastic, but if not it takes care of itself by harmlessly degrading, then biodegrading."
Oxo-biodegradable plastic (as conventional material) is made from a by-product of oil or natural gas. "As long as these are needed for fuel, it makes good environmental sense to use the by-product," said Packham.
