september 22, 2008
being green just got a little easier: simplehuman® introduces biodegradable bin liners
Despite all the major retailers offering schemes to help customers reduce and reuse plastic carrier bags, little has been done about the other plastic bags we use – bin liners. simplehuman biodegradable liners, which are designed to fit perfectly in simplehuman waste bins, are now available in a range of sizes: 20 litre (code D), 30 litre (codes G & H), 38-40 litre (code J) and 45 litre (code M).
"simplehuman’s overriding aim is to provide tools for efficient living", says simplehuman UK Commercial Director Kevin Clark. "So we’re not just introducing biodegradable liners for the sake of jumping on the environmentally friendly bandwagon. We see them as an easy way to be green at home, without having to make major changes to your lifestyle."
One of the key issues in designing the right biodegradable liners was finding materials that won’t degrade too quickly, causing the bag to rip or tear in use. Thanks to a special additive, simplehuman biodegradable liners are just as strong and durable as our standard bin liners. When kept in their original packaging, the biodegradable liners will stay strong for over 18 months, but they start to degrade when exposed to direct sunlight.
Like all biodegradable products, the simplehuman biodegradable liners will degrade faster if they aren’t buried in a landfill, so they are good candidates for use in a home compost heap. When exposed to sunlight, oxidisation occurs and the molecular structure of the plastic reduces to below 40,000 dalton from the original mass of approximately 300 dalton. In ideal conditions, these plastic liners decompose by 50% within 1-2 years. This is in strong contrast to traditional bin liners and carrier bags that may take over 500 years to degrade – if at all.
simplehuman transformed the rubbish bin with the introduction of the stainless steel "butterfly" bin in 2004. Today, simplehuman's mission to make people more efficient at home has resulted in a range of more than 100 products. All simplehuman products are designed to be ergonomic, easy-to-clean and durable. All products are made with the highest quality materials and are backed by a guarantee. The company has received numerous national and international design awards, including two silver awards at the DIY Week Industry Awards 2008. For more information and to locate your nearest retailer, please visit www.simplehuman.co.uk
dimensions, pricing and availability:
simplehuman biodegradable liners
RRP £10.99 - £15.99 per pack of 50 liners
sizes: 20 litre (code D), 30 litre (codes G & H), 38-40 litre (code J) and 45 litre (code M)
Available from www.simplehuman.co.uk from October 2008
