The Plastics Problem and How Science Solves It

It’s National Science Week! At Enqip we’re always concerned with the environment. After all, we help environmental scientists and consultants everyday. One of the biggest problems in the environmental equipment hire area is the high use of single use plastics in field sampling work. Everyday hundreds of metres of tubing, filter capsules, pump bladders, etc. are discarded into landfill.

Single use plastics are not going anywhere anytime soon and 90% of plastic waste is currently disposed of in landfill. We are a long way off having a functioning circular economy, however the science of landfill biodegradable plastics can help.

Enqip is proud to stock consumable products that are ‘Landfill Biodegradable’, but what does this actually mean? Normally for biodegradation to occur, three basic resources are required – heat, light and oxygen. In a landfill site, waste is entombed, creating a complete absence of light and oxygen. 

Landfill Biodegradable products however are made by adding an organic proprietary compound to traditional plastic. The biodegradation starts when the plastic is exposed to a landfill rich in microbes that digest both the additive and the plastic. The microorganisms break down the molecular structure of the plastic, which produces a humus-like material (organic matter) which is a natural plant fertiliser and a biogas. In addition these products do not fragment into microplastics during biodegradation.

And that can make a big difference to the long term impact of plastic on our planet. 

Reach out to us today about landfill biodegradable consumables for your next field sampling and equipment hire.

View our range of products here or contact us with your specific requirements.