PermaNet® 2.0 Long-Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN)

A ready-to-use mosquito bed net, PermaNet® 2.0 is impregnated with an odourless and biodegradable insecticide called deltamethrin. The PermaNet® technology developed by Vestergaard Frandsen manages the challenging task of controlling the slow release and migration of the insecticide coated on the surface of the yarn. This is precisely what makes the PermaNet® tools "long-lasting," ensuring that the insecticide is always present at the surface of the net, even after multiple washes and years of use.

PermaNet®2.0 bed net is environmentally friendly as it reduces the total exposure of insecticide in the environment. This bed net requires no re-treatment or dipping and a dirt repellent feature has been added to keep it clean longer.

PermaNet® 2.0 has a WHOPES (World Health Organization Pesticide Evaluation Scheme) recommendation, which declares it safe and effective for the prevention and control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

Vestergaard Frandsen cares deeply about the environment, and we are committed to finding new ways to contribute responsibly to environmental challenges. We are currently in the process of carefully evaluating our production to pinpoint specific areas for improvement, in an attempt to take a precautionary approach to environmental sustainability. Vestergaard Frandsen also aims to reduce the amount of waste generated by our products themselves. As a result, we debuted new, environmentally sound product packaging in 2008.

PermaNet® biodegradable bag

Large-scale bed net distributions are a blessing to people living in areas affected by malaria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets can prevent the transmission of this terrible disease which claims one million lives per year, mostly those of children under five and pregnant women. Unfortunately, these same lifesaving tools can wreak havoc on Mother Nature, with their plastic packaging clogging landfills and choking rivers.

Sensitive to these concerns, Vestergaard Frandsen has once again proved itself a leader in technological innovation. We are the first long-lasting insecticidal bed net producer to announce the development of a new eco-friendly packaging solution—PermaNet® biodegradable bag.

Each PermaNet® biodegradable bag contains a unique additive which enables it to rapidly bio-degrade by loosening the carbon-carbon bonds of the plastic. Although the bag looks and performs in the same way as our original PermaNet® packaging, it will degrade naturally with exposure to oxygen. What’s more, the bag can also be mixed with normal plastics where recycling is available.

PermaNet® biodegradable bag is now standard for all NGO orders. In just the few short months since implementing this change, more than 8 million have already been distributed. That’s the equivalent of roughly 500 cubic metres of refuse—plastic that will disappear completely in just two years, reducing additional pollution and environmental damage in the developing world.

Adapted with permission from the Vestergaard Frandsen website, February 2009.

For more information please visit www.vestergaard-frandsen.com.