THIRD GENERATION PSMELTING UNIT - DEVELOPED
PPCP continues its advocacy in recycling. In order to address the perceived concerns of some quarters regarding the alleged environmental effects of PS melting oven, PPCP in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology - Material Science Division has developed a newly improved third Generation of melting oven for foam polystyrene. After a thorough research finally, the PPCP - DOST has launched its newly improved PS melting unit. Enhancement of its features made it easier for the recycling of foam polystyrene. During the development, comprehensive assessment on its environmental impact was done which includes a careful examination on its smoke emission and odor reaction mechanism. With a satisfactory result gained from the gas emission test conducted together with the DOST - MSD - ITDI experts and the Ateneo National Chemistry Instrumentation Division, this third generation melting unit had passed the alleged non-environmental issues.
A CLOSER LOOK ON ITS IMPROVEMENTS… ……… The earlier generations of PS melting oven are made up of steel vessel, metal lined, with cover, LPG fired – 50 kgs capacity with downspout for pouring molten products with hood and chimney for smoke. Now, melting process has been made easier and simplified. An improved paddle for mixing the foam PS has been attached to the unit. Gas emission has been more manageable through the enhanced exhaust chimney, suction blower, a condenser for liquid gas collection, hooper, activated charcoal chamber, motorized plunger, vacuum pump for gas collection and melting chamber cover.These enhanced features of third generation PS melting oven produces a cleaner gas emission. The improved unit is also composed of an improved temperature recorder from the previous contemporary temperature gauge of second generation melting unit which gives accuracy in the heating process and the over-all outcome of the end product. Improved spout is attached for better pouring and casting on pre-shaped metal moulds.
OLD PS MELTING OVEN	IMPROVED PS MELTING OVEN
MORE USEFUL PRODUCTS …………………. Some useful products are table tops, cat walk, boards, bricks, synthetic timber plank and now even plastic planters are being discovered from the recycled foam PS.
GROWING PUBLIC INTEREST …………….. With the continuous effort of the organization, PPCP believes that this technology will not only help regularize recycling industry but safeguard the environment while at the same time providing an option for diversion of solid wastes. Demand from the LGU's and communities are relatively good. PPCP's main objective is to promote recycling using this technology with the benefit of generating income at the side. Trainings and actual demonstrations were conducted to municipalities of different regions and cities like in Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Boracay. PPCP was even able to conduct such actual demonstrations in schools that embrace Solid Waste Management in their premises like the Environmental Science Institute of Miriam College. More and more innovations for recycling will hopefully come out as PPCP continues in performing its mission on providing more campaigns and information on recycling to help and protect the environment Acknowledgement and Sources: DOST – MSD – ITDI presentation on PS Melting oven Engr. Manuel Navarro Dr. Araceli Monsada Mr. Nelson Develos DOST – MSD - ITDI

FOAM POLYSTYRENE FAST-FOOD CONTAINERS:
OFTEN THE SCAPEGOAT, NOT THE PROBLEM

Persistent questions as to the environmental impact cause by alleged huge amount of plastic containers in the solid waste stream continue to be an issue of discussion. With some sectors zeroing in on popular, highly visibly target: plastic foam packaging.

As manufacturers of plastics- including the foam containers used by the fast food industry – we’re deeply concerned about the solid waste disposal problem. But the problem has to be attacked logically and scientifically, without the helter-skelter rush to anoint villains. For the fact is, there are no villains, and we’re all “guilty.” Every household, every business, every office-indeed, every Filipinos contributes to the refuse stream everyday. To zero in on the fast-food business, or the plastics industry, is to engage in scapegoating, not problem solving.

Here, then are some facts along with some myths-about plastic foam containers:

Myth: It’s frivolous for the fast-food industry to use plastic foam containers.

Fact: Consumers want their food fresh, clean, and served at certain temperatures, without sogginess. Foam containers best meet these demands. Fast food restaurants that don’t use foam to meet these demands do use foam of paper but the paper is coated with plastic or wax to do its intended job. Either way, solid waste is generated.

Myth: But paper is biodegradable and foam isn’t.

Fact: Paper isn’t necessarily biodegradable, and coated paper certainly isn’t. in a sanitary landfill, where air and sunlight are absent and moisture is limited. It often takes decades for even uncoated paper to degrade. In fact, archaeologists, probing old landfills, have recovered intact newspapers in which they could read dates of 40 years ago. And these old papers, obviously, weren’t plastic-coated, the way fast food container.

Myth: Foam packaging is among the prime reasons landfills are rapidly reaching capacity and closing down.

Fact: Paper substitutes for fast food foam packaging add as much weight to a landfill as does foam. According to the 1997 JICA studies done for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, JICA says 17 percent is paper and paperboard, with yard waste accounting for about 18 percent. 3 percent is glass and 5 percent is metals. Some 16 percent is plastics but out of this total less than one half of one percent of the municipal waste stream is fast food foam packaging. So your neighborhood fast food restaurant and its foam package hardly the cause of the landfill shortage.
Myth: When they incinerated, plastic foam containers emit harmful elements into the air. Paper packaging doesn’t.

Fact: Incineration is not allowed in the Philippines, but for purposes of discussion, proper incineration of foam produces virtually nothing but harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. Furthermore, combustion of plastics in an incinerator contributes no more to pollution than paper, wood or even leaves. But the truth is that these materials can be burned without harmful emissions in properly equipped, modern incinerator as is being done all over the world.

Myth: Disposable paper products are recycled. Plastic foam isn’t.

Fact: With regard to the food industry, the recycling argument is a red herring. Paper food containers are not recycled because they contain residual food. Recycling is a valid solution to part of the overall waste problem, but is irrelevant in the foam vs. paper comparison.

Foam polystyrene food service containers however are recycled in the Philippines. Efforts are currently made to help stakeholders in the province to the recycling activity.

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