The plastic used in metal caps on glass bottles and jars could be replaced by a newly developed rubber, thereby helping to reduce damage to the environment, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said yesterday.
The agency introduced “liquid silicone rubber” as a replacement for the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in metal twist caps, which was the result of a one-year cooperation with the Plastic Industry Development Center.
The agency said PVC is used in many household items, but studies have shown that it creates toxic dioxins through incineration — causing damage to health and the environment, which has prompted global efforts to reduce its use.
Measures in Taiwan include a 100 percent redemption coupon for recycling containers that include PVC material, introduced in 2008.
While the silicone rubber has properties similar to PVC, such as in its stretching and twisting potential, it nevertheless helps to improves food and environmental safety, the agency said.
The agency added that the material does not contain plasticizers or heavy metals, meaning that the silicon rubber complies with food safety standards.
The agency’s Recycling Fund Management Board executive secretary, Ma Nien-ho (馬念和), said that at the current low-volume production, the silicone rubber costs about three to four times as much as PVC, but if recycling and other treatment costs are included in the calculation, it proves to be cost-effective.
The agency said that the Industrial Development Bureau is to further explore ways to mass produce the silicone rubber.
Taiwan is to have nine extended holidays next year, led by a nine-day Lunar New Year break, the Cabinet announced yesterday. The nine-day Lunar New Year holiday next year matches the length of this year’s holiday, which featured six extended holidays. The increase in extended holidays is due to the Act on the Implementation of Commemorative and Festival Holidays (紀念日及節日實施條例), which was passed early last month with support from the opposition Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party. Under the new act, the day before Lunar New Year’s Eve is also a national holiday, and Labor Day would no longer be limited
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