Transcon opts for bio-degradable plastic bag

One of Canada's largest printers and its largest consumer magazine publisher has announced that its Publi-Sac, which is used to distribute its community newspapers and flyers to the doorstep, has opted for a certified biodegradable plastic bag to deliver its materials in Quebec and eastern Ontario. It will begin using the bags in early 2008, according to a release.

Doubtless the company hears the approaching footsteps of government regulation on unwanted and proliferating plastic bags; some municipalities and other jurisdictions are considering banning them altogether.

"Transcontinental is committed to implementing ways of doing business that promote sustainable development," said Luc Desjardins, President and Chief Executive Officer, Transcontinental Inc. "The Publi-Sac is of coursereusable and recyclable. Now, it's also biodegradable. This is an importantstep that reflects our commitment to the environment."

The company chose this particular plastic because contains an additive which enables the plastic to degrade and totally fragment in 90 to 120 days and to biodegrade in a further 12 to 24 months after disposal. The plastic remains capable of being recycled. (Of course, environmentalists point out that if plastic is buried in oxygen-free landfills, it may takes years to break down.)

Transcontinental, which established its first environmental policy in 1993, won a 2007 award from PrintAction magazine in the category Most Progressive Environmental Process. Recently, the company announced the implementation of a Paper Purchasing Policy that promotes the use of environmentally preferable papers.