Boating Industry Canada
A new environmental product from the UK is being directed at ships but could also be considered by recreational boaters. The UK start-up Tanki has developed a sanitary paper that uses no adhesives or other nano-plastics. This sustainably sourced and produced paper uses virgin pulp, a by-product of timber grown for housing, and does not congeal to clog up a vessel’s sewage treatment system or pollute the environment.
While these glues are water soluble, they contain nano-plastics and frequently contain polyvinyl acetates (PVA) and silicon which cannot be broken down if released into the marine environment. Another constituent is Bisphenol A, a carcinogen and endocrine blocker which is not permitted for maritime use.
Tanki 2-Ply, the paper created by the eponymous company, uses virgin pulp, a by-product of timber grown for housing, from verified sustainable and actively managed sources. A patented binding system bonds the ply. Its supply chain and manufacturing facility is both BRC Grade A rated and recognised by the FSC.
Compliant with MARPOL Annex IV and V, the paper is indistinguishable from high street brands. Its unique composition allows the paper to completely disperse and disintegrate when submerged in water. There is no risk of pollution or chemical contamination if effluent is discharged overboard.
Under MARPOL, the discharge of sewage is prohibited within 12 nautical miles unless a vessel operates an approved treatment plant. Treated sewage can then be discharged three nautical miles from the nearest land.
Tanki 2-Ply, introduced to the maritime market in September, is already being supplied to countries that prohibit the flushing of toilet paper into the municipal sewage network as well as homesteads that use septic tanks.