Unique compostable films
There have been many developments over the last few years in both biodegradable and compostable films.
The debate continues as to where they fit in and whether they are commercially viable.
Our technical team is working on several Ultigreen™ films for release in early 2010. The current range of films we can supply is:
Degradable Packaging
Ultimate are able to supply many of our film specifications as degradable. Simple additives are incorporated into the films at the extrusion stage that break down the molecular structure of these products.
Depending upon the level of additive oxodegradable films will break down normally between two and five years - the conditions of the disposal site will of course affect this.
Eventually you are left with H2O, CO2 and biomass in negligible quantities.
The main negative factor with film of this type is its recyclability in the normal waste stream.
The debate with regard to biodegradable and compostable films is very complex.
At Ultimate the definitions that we apply to biodegradable and compostable are:
Biodegradable
Capable of undergoing decomposition into carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds or biomass in which the predominant mechanism is the enzymatic action of micro-organisms, that can be measured by standardised tests, in a specific period of time, reflecting available disposal conditions. For practical purposed claims about biodegradability of plastic should specify a time frame.
Compostable
A polymer is 'compostable' when it is biodegradable under compostable conditions. The polymer must meet the following criteria:
a) Break down under the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and algae)
b) Total mineralisation is obtained (conversion into CO2, H20, inorganic compounds and biomass under aerobic conditions
c) The mineralisation rate compatible with the composting process and consistent with known compostable materials (e.g. Cellulose). For a film to be specified as compostable it must meet EN 13432 2000 standards.
In summary there are many substrates being trialled and presented to the market place but only 3 are currently commercially viable in the UK.
Natureflex™
This film is both industrial and home compostable.
The base film is manufactured from biodegradable cellulose extracted from wood pulp which is harvested from managed plantations. Its seal layers are formulated from biodegradable resins.
Natureflex™ is certified compostable to EN13432 2000 by Dincertco and OK compostable schemes.
It is a proven film that is biodegradable in industrial and home compost situations and water waste environments.
Of course it is renewable as it is made from sustainable wood pulp from plantations adopting forestry management principles.
The main use of this film is for horizontal flow-wrap and small pack weights on horizontal form fill.
Natureflex™ is available in a wide range of specifications and there is even a metallised version.
Biophan®
Biophan® is a film made from polylactic-acid (PLA). It is made from a primary product starch and is therefore completely biodegradable into carbon dioxide and water.
PLA is an environmentally friendly thermoplastic polymer made from corn starch.
Biophan® biodegrades in around 45 days in the correct industrial compost conditions.
The film is certified as being both biodegradable and compostable in accordance with EN13432 2000.
Biophan® is only really suitable for horizontal flow-wrap applications.
Biopac
Biopac film is made from maize and again is biodegradable into both carbon dioxide and water.
No GM materials are used in its manufacture and it is a product based on a renewable resource.
Biopac is certified as being biodegradable and compostable in accordance with EN13432 2000.
Its main applications currently are horizontal form fill for pack weights up to around 1.5kg and pre-formed bags.
Because of what it is made from, the clarity of the film is not brilliant and it has a haze of around 52% however it is the only film that has reasonable strength characteristics.