PS foam degrades in a landfill.

Last month Cascades Inc., a paper recycler and packaging company in Kingsey Falls, Que., launched what's said to be the world's first oxidatively degradable (not biodegradable) polystyrene foam. The first application for "Bioxo" foam is plates and bowls for institutional meals, but Cascades expects to offer it for meat trays soon.

Bioxo is made from PS blended with a pro-degradant additive from EPI Environmental Products Inc., Vancouver, B.C. The additive reportedly adds strength to degradable plates, along with a light beige tint. EPI's additive is a fatty acid metal carboxylate that accelerates oxidation and chain scission after exposure to heat and/or uv light. Aider exposure, the PS foam breaks down into fragments and then into powder in around three years in a landfill. EPI: [phone] * www.epi-global.com