Cortec has announced its Eco Works 100 packaging film - certified as industrially compostable by TÜV Austria and said to contain 100% USDA certified biobased content - as a replacement for petroleum-based products.
Cortec says Eco Works 100 uses renewable raw materials to create a bioplastic with 100% biobased content, which can decompose alongside organic waste at an industrial composting facility at end-of-life without ecotoxicity to the soil. The company adds that due to its high level of renewable content and compostability, Eco Works 100 presents an opportunity to create a range of 100% biobased bags for shopping, waste disposal, or other industrial or commercial uses.
Cortec claims this harmlessness was demonstrated by growing sunflower seeds in a mixture of 50% blank compost and 50% compost made from Eco Works 100 resin. After two weeks, the pot containing Eco Works compost experienced a nearly identical germination rate and seedling growth yield compared to the control. Results from the 25% Eco Works compost sample were also said to be ‘extremely good’, passing the requirements for ASTM D6400.
Earlier this year Smart Planet Technologies’ released a biopolymer version of its EarthCoating barrier coating, combining a biobased PLA resin with a ‘specialized mineral blend’ to produce both compostable and recyclable paper cups. The mineral content is said to enable the coating to be removed in the same way as clay fillers, which are already used in paperboard and designed for removal during the recycling process.
In May Lignin Industries announced the raising of €3.9 million in funding to accelerate the scale-up of its bio-based thermoplastic derived from trees, aiming to end reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics. The company has partnered with UK-based compounder and distributor Hellyar Plastics to work with customers across sectors including consumer electronics, home accessories, appliances and construction.
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