Materials specialist Symphony Environmental Technologies (Borehamwood / UK; www.symphonyenvironmental.com) has welcomed government legislation in Saudi Arabia, which requires the use of oxo-biodegradable plastic in plastic products in the country, including carrier bags, packaging films and agricultural films.

Following a series of ministerial initiatives, Symphony has been awarded the quality-mark for its "d₂w" oxo-biodegradable additive by the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation (SASO), and together with its regional distributor Eco-Polymers (Sharjah / UAE; www.ecopolyuae.com) has been selected as an approved supplier of oxo-biodegradable additive for inclusion in plastic products made or used in Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi government has specified 14 April 2017 as the effective date following which compliance is required. Symphony chief executive Michael Laurier said: "It is well known that plastic waste causes serious environmental problems around the world on land and in the oceans. I am delighted that the Saudi Arabian government has become the latest to understand the important role which oxo-biodegradable plastic can play in helping to protect the environment, whilst being fully consistent with a circular economy.”

Laurier said no orders had yet been received, but the company was “extremely pleased with this development. Our sales teams are now active in the country and we look forward to updating the market on activities in the region, as appropriate in due course."