NISC Packaging Now 100% Biodegradable

Posted 30 June 2021 by under Announcements & Notices
NISC Packaging Now 100% Biodegradable

In the modern world packaging has become a ubiquitous but necessary element of product delivery. While digital equivalents have reduced the need for certain physical products, there remains a demand for print journals and books. As we ship a considerable number of print products each year, we recognise that product packaging is an important area where we can reduce our environmental impact. As such, we are proud to announce that as of July 2021, we will no longer ship our journals and books in plastic bags. This comes as part of NISC's broader internal drive to consider sustainability issues within the business.

Journals and books will now be shipped using a plastic-like biodegradable bag which offers the same strength and tensile properties as traditional non-degradable plastics. The product is locally sourced and formulated in accordance with EU Packaging Directive requirements. It contains an additive that accelerates biodegradation when in the presence of micro-organisms. After the biodegradation process, the resulting material is transformed into simple molecules found in the environment such as carbon dioxide, water or biomass with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals. The bags will begin to biodegrade after 900 days in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The bags are also recyclable and safe for use in the recycling system.

We hope that this change will play a small part in reducing plastic waste that enters landfill or gets washed into the ocean. NISC will continue to consider issues of sustainability in the interest of our stakeholders, broader society and the environment.

Contact us if you would like further information on our packaging.

The review process is quick and is being done within the reasonable time. After acceptance, NISC is also quick enough to send proofs and is very efficiently publishes the accepted paper online before its print version.

- Author - Southern Forests: A Journal of Forest Science
The editorial experience was excellent: the reviewers were timely and their feedback was generative. The co-editor of the special issue was proactive about communicating information to me. In latter stages, the staff that shepherded the essay through the copy-editing stages was also very helpful and in good contact.
- Author - Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies
The biggest development in the history of Quaestiones Mathematicae was the association with NISC and to have the journal running in a very stable way without severe financial concerns.
- Barry Green, QM Editor
It has been an enriching experience working with such enthusiastic and professional people at NISC who have become more friends than business partners over the years.
- Stan Pillar, Editor of the African Journal of Marine Science (1996-2013)
Excellent attention by editor-in-chief; very good work of reviewers; good time for review and processing.
- Author - African Journal of Range & Forage Science