CHEMICAL firm D&L Industries Inc. said is it ready to provide solutions to companies with the potential ban on single-use plastics.
The firm, through its units D&L Polymers and Colours Inc. (DLPC) and First in Colours Inc. (FIC), is the only company in the Philippines that manufactures biodegradable plastics and additives that are internationally certified.
D&L said it has the capability to service the local plastic industry and even the export market, should they decide to switch to more sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials.
“The potential ban on single-use plastics presents both challenges and opportunities to everyone in the industry.
“While this will likely put pressure on manufacturers of single-use plastics, there is a greater opportunity for us to increase our relevance to customers, and provide innovative and higher value-added products,” Lester Lao, managing director of DLPC and FIC, said.
From a practical standpoint, however, he said it may not be possible to completely ban the use of single-use plastics immediately since it is used in medical, personal care and other sectors where single-use plastics are necessary for sanitary and safety purposes.
“Plastic is a technological advancement that continues to play a crucial role in modern-day society. We believe that educating people to properly dispose, sort and segregate is the key to address the negative environmental impact of single-use plastics. At the same time, plastics must be reduced, reused and recycled,” he said.
Lao said the company has been doing research in the development of environment-friendly and sustainable plastic materials space, and was able to come up with two product lines.
“These products make plastics biodegradable, and are certified by international standards,” Lao added.
“We are optimistic on the potential of biodegradable plastics as the world shifts toward more sustainable and environment-friendly materials.
“Over the long term, we continue to innovate by investing in R&D as part of our strategy to stay ahead of the curve. In addition to biodegradable plastics, there are several other product developments in the pipeline that provide runway for growth,” D&L President and CEO Alvin Lao said.