Here at Interfil, we’re proud to incorporate more renewable products into our range. As you probably know, manufacturing and industrial operations account for a significant percentage of Australia’s carbon emissions, so we want to help our clients take every step possible towards reducing their impact. One of those ways is by using biodegradable filter media.
Have you ever wondered what happens to the average filter material roll once you’ve finished with it? Unfortunately, because many air filter rolls and wastewater filtration rolls are petroleum-based, they can’t be broken down organically. This means they end up in landfill, which is something we want to reduce. Biodegradable filter media, however, can be disposed of through most local waste schemes which may include commercial composting.
Why switch to biodegradable products
Quite simply, biodegradable products are much better for the environment. Landfill sites eventually fill up, meaning more of our valuable land needs to be taken up for further landfill sites. The waste in landfill sites can’t be broken down, so it just stays there forever. These sites ultimately create air and water pollution.
There is also the energy consumption aspect to consider. Biodegradable and recycled products use a lot less energy to produce, meaning we can lower our impact on the environment that way. If you’re worried about the financial and societal concerns, you shouldn’t be. Industries developed to recycle goods or divert waste away from landfill create more jobs than the landfill business.
In short, for safer and more environmentally friendly products, biodegradable is the way to go.
How is biodegradable filter media made?
Biodegradable filter media is made from 100% corn (maize). This means the membrane can be broken down and composted, which results in more soil. Using long molecular chains of Polymer Polylactide (PLA), the media is solely derived from naturally occurring plant starch.
It’s a cyclical process. Composted waste creates soil, in which corn is planted. Photosynthesis creates sugar and oxygen in the leaf of the corn plant, which is used to fuel the plant’s growth. Any unused sugar remains in the corn kernels. The corn is then ground to isolate the starch for converting into sugar. Microorganisms then change the sugar into lactic acid through fermentation, and it all comes together as a PLA. These raw materials are converted into the fibres used to make the media.
Then, to complete the cycle, it can be disposed of through commercial composting schemes, sending it straight back to the earth.
How does composting play a role?
Composting is an important process as we change the way we do things to become more environmentally conscious. Composting is essentially the process of breaking down organic materials so they can be re-used. Think of it as recycling for natural materials.
Compost is usually used to add nutrients to lawns, gardens and larger agricultural operations. Even basic composting can divert 30% of household waste away from landfill. However, most councils have waste disposal schemes that include commercial composting. So, if you dispose of your biodegradable filter media properly, it will be re-used and you’ll instantly reduce your waste.
The environmental benefits of biodegradable filter media
Aside from the benefits we’ve discussed, the process of creating biodegradable filtration media uses about 50% less petroleum and contributes 40% fewer greenhouse gases.
If you’d like to know more about the renewable products on offer at Interfil, we’d love to hear from you. There are plenty of ways we can help you meet your sustainability targets. Contact us today to find out more!
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