Tuffy Brands, SA’s first accredited recycled refuse bag manufacturer, has introduced South Africa’s first 100% recycled insect repellent bag.

The refuse bags contain Vital Protection by HHL technology, previously used for protection against mosquitoes in the military and is currently being used by some of the most well-known brands in the outdoor and commercial fabric markets.

Rory Murray, Marketing Director at Tuffy Brands, says that the additive is bio degradable and repels insects and most notably will stop the hatching of flies’ eggs into larvae (maggots) in refuse bins.

“The additive of Vital Protection is incorporated into the raw material before the bags are made ensuring that it has a stable and long life efficacy,” he adds. The additive is also bio-degradable and is non-hazardous to humans and animals and does not affect the recyclability of the plastic in any way.”

He says that the new product is a win for consumers in South Africa where rubbish is collected weekly by the municipality and because of the rate flies reproduce they will always be found in and around garbage.

“The housefly’s life cycle commonly begins in a rubbish bin where they lay their eggs emerging as maggots, and pupation of these maggots takes only a couple of days when a new fly emerges as an adult and is ready to feed and reproduce in a matter of hours,” Murray explains. “By using the insect repellent bags you are able to cut the life cycle and limit the amount of flies found in and around your home.”

Vital Protection by HHL Technology is a solution incorporated into the product during the manufacturing process of each Tuffy Insect Guard refuse bag and Murray says that the additive has received certification by The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The Tuffy Insect Guard refuse bags are available in packs of 10 at a RSP of R21.99 and will be available in September at leading retailers nationwide.