GREEN-FRIENDLY CANS
IN an effort to protect and preserve the environment, Permanis Sdn Bhd has introduced a more environmentally-friendly aluminium can for canned soft drinks.
The new 100 per cent recyclable aluminium can features the "stay-on-tab" (SOT), designed to remain attached to the can after opening, instead of the pull ring used in most cans available locally.
Launched by Deputy Science, Technology and the Environment Minister Peter Chin yesterday, the SOT can made its debut in the local market in April.
The "pull-ring" version, which is widely used in this country, can pose a hazard.
"The ring is often thrown away indiscriminately after the can is opened. Although the can is recyclable, the small pull ring often ends up as litter," said Permanis deputy general manager Zainal Abdin Mohamed Shariff.
"The sharp edges of the pull-ring can cause nasty cuts to bare feet, especially at popular picnic spots like beaches and waterfalls."
The SOT can, uses a tab designed to stay attached to the can after opening.
It is opened by lifting one end of the tab which causes the other end to break the opening. The tab is then pushed back and it is ready for drinking.
"No part is separated from the can and the whole piece can be collected for recycling," Zainal Abidin said.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Permanis, the manufacturer of Pepsi, 7UP, Mirinda and Wilson Sports drinks, Is committed to contributing to a cleaner environment.
Permanis had also invested RM3.5 million in new, long-lasting and recyclable plastic crates for carrying bottles.
In conjunction with the launch, Permanis presented a sponsorship cheque of RM10,000 to Chin for the coming Environment Treasure Hunt 1993.
Organised by the Department of Environment (DOE), it will be held on Oct 24 in Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya.
It is part of the Malaysia Environment Week celebrations in conjunction with the World Environment Day.
Among the aims of the event are increasing awareness on the environment among urban residents and encourage them to improve the quality of the environment.
Garbage separation gets cool response
DESPITE Government’s efforts to instill environmental awareness, the public has yet to fully grasp the need for recycling to protect and preserve the environment.
Pilot projects initiated by local authorities to separate garbage into different categories like bottles and cans have received cool response from the public.
"As we approach the 21st century, Malaysians should discard their couldn’t-care-less attitude and play an active part in keeping the world clean," said Deputy Science, Technology and the Environment Minister Peter Chin in his sspeech at the launch of Permanis Sdn Bhd’s ‘stay-on-tab’ recyclable aluminum can for its soft drinks yesterday.
He urged parents to try to inculcate in children the need to treat the environment with tender, loving care.
"Teaching a child simple acts like throwing a candy wrapper into a rubbish bin or collecting empty soft-drink cans to be sent to collection centres can go a long way towards that objective," he said.
He believes that if everyone plays his part, environmental projects like aluminum can recycling will be more successful.
However, he said the production of recyclable items is not the only way to solve the nation’s solid waste disposal problem.
"The local companies concerned should also take the lead and responsibility in ensuring that its recyclable products will be recycled," he said.
This can be done by opening more recycling centres or stations nationwide, like shopping complexes, mini markets and other strategic public places.
"The companies can also come up with redemption schemes offering cash refunds or products to consumers in exchange for the recepticals or packages," Chin said.
Campaigns, educational programmers and activities as well as disseminating information through posters and pamphlets are also the ways to get the message across.
1,000 tins go out to welfare bodies
THE Malaysian Tin Can Manufacturers Association (MTCMA) and Perusahaan Sadur Timah Bhd (PERSTIMA) yesterday donated 1,000 tins of canned food to two welfare bodies as part of their recycling project.
MTCMA president Chu Tham Sang hopes that the two homes, Pure Life. Society and Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory, will return the cans for recycling.
Receiving the canned food were Spastic Children’s Association president Datin Lain Peng Chong and Pure Life’s J.B. Ferns.
The canned food was donated by Gan United Cannery, Cheong Chan (Hup Kee), Ace Canning Corporation, Jeehuat Foodstuffs Industry, Dutch Baby and Marushin Canneries in support of the MTCMA/PERSTIMA recycling project, Have-Can-Will-See.
Source : The Malay Mail, June 18 1993
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