We propose biodegradable/compostable and biobased products.
Biodegradable and compostable products have two main advantages: 1. They reduce the plastic waste in the environment 2. Diminish the use of fossil oil derivates.
The compostability of the materials are according to EN 13432 / ASM D6400.
The raw materials used are corn-starch based.
Provided below is a representation of the degradation of film. This is only a representation and does not apply to all materials. Degradation timeline varies based on the requirements and limitations specified by the usages and customer standards.
Bio-based products are made entirely or partially from renewable resources.
Social benefits of biobased products are:
1. fewer greenhouse gases produced,
2. less energy requirements,
3. production of fewer toxic pollutants over their lifecycle than products made from fossil fuels.
The transition from a petroleum-based to a biobased economy also provides lower impact on the environment and health.
Existing certification of bio-based content refers to bio-based carbon and is based on the standard ASTM 6866 “Standard Test Methods for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using Radiocarbon Analysis”.
The combination of BIODEGRADABLE / COMPOSTABLE characteristic and BIO-BASED content,
in addition to the above described advantages reduced the waste streams to already crowded landfills or incinerators.
ASTM D6400
Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics ASTM International is a well-known standardization body, especially in US. The ASTM D6400 standard is important historically because it was the first standard to specify the requirements for plastics and plastic-made products to be composted in aerobic composting facilities at municipal and industrial level. The standard determines whether the plastics concerned compost satisfactorily and if they biodegrade at a rate comparable with that of known compostable materials.
The test approach of ASTM D6400 is similar to that of EN 13432.