Are we on the right path for managing plastic? Dr Ross Headifen of Biogone weighs in - a podcast by PKN Editor

In this episode, Lindy Hughson, Managing Editor & Publisher of PKN Packaging News and Dr Ross Headifen, founder of Biogone, an Australian eco-conscious company dedicated to designing and delivering cost effective biodegradable products, discuss the challenges and pitfalls of managing plastics.

Ross presents his concerns that the broader goals of Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets – to make all plastic recyclable or compostable by 2025 – are not achievable in the time frame.

The discussion includes a comparison of recycling vs reusability, the life expectancy of plastics, compostability, biodegradability and capturing the energy trapped in plastics.

Ross also explains the difference between atomic and molecular recycling, how plastic recycling only delays the inevitable and why, despite all our efforts, more and more new plastic is being produced and subsequently found in landfills and waterways. This leads to a review of methods to efficiently extract the energy trapped in plastics while also reducing the volumes being discarded into the environment.

The episode wraps up with Ross explaining the concept behind Biogone's biodegradable plastic products and their ability to provide us with the benefits of plastics while reducing their environmental impacts and giving the world time to develop improved recycling methods.

------------------------------

The PKN Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of PKN Packaging News, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

This episode is brought to you by Planet Protector Packaging (http://www.planetprotectorpackaging.com/).

The views of the people featured on this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of PKN Packaging News, Yaffa Media, or the guest’s employer. The contents are copyright by Yaffa Media.

If you wish to use any of this podcast’s audio, please contact PKN Packaging News via their website www.packagingnews.com.au or send an email to editor@packagingnews.com.au.

MC: Grant McHerron

Host: Lindy Hughson

Producer: Steve Visscher

PKN Packaging News - © 2021