D&L sees strong potential for biodegradable plastic product

MANILA, Philippines — Specialty foods ingredients, plastics and oleochemicals firm D&L Industries is ready to provide businesses a solution to the looming ban on single-use plastics through its newest product, biodegradable plastics.

D&L president and CEO Alvin Lao said the company is optimistic on the potential of biodegradable plastics as the world shifts toward more sustainable and environment-friendly materials.

“Over the long-term, we continue to innovate by investing in R&D as part of our strategy to stay ahead of the curve. In addition to biodegradable plastics, there are several other product developments in the pipeline that provide runway for growth,” he said.

D&L is manufacturing the biodegradable plastics through its subsidiaries D&L Polymers & Colours Inc. (DLPC) and First in Colours Inc. (FIC).

It is the only company in the Philippines that manufactures biodegradable plastics and additives that are internationally certified.

Furthermore, D&L has the capability to service the local plastic industry and even the export market should they decide to switch to more sustainable and biodegradable packaging materials, Alvin Lao said.

DLPC and FIC managing director Lester Lao said the ban on single-use plastics presents both challenges and opportunities to everyone in the industry.

“While this will likely put pressure on manufacturers of single-use plastics, there is a greater opportunity for us to increase our relevance to customers and provide innovative and higher value-added products. From a practical standpoint, however, it may not be possible to completely ban the use of single-use plastics instantly,” he said.

He said this is especially true in different industries such as medical, personal care, and other sectors where single-use plastics are necessary for sanitary and safety purposes.