Biodegradable in Landfill

We can now do Biodegradable in Landfill Packaging across our packaging range. Our landfill biodegradable packaging is available in PET, HDPE, LDPE and PP, which we can implement into our bottles, jars, tubes and more!

Our landfill biodegradable packaging will not discolour the base material, it does not taint or alter the chemical stability and functionality of the packaging. Our biodegradable packaging is FDA-approved and completely food safe. 

What our biodegradable packaging does is that it revolutionises what happens to the packaging when it goes to waste. It is estimated that 87% of plastic packaging will end up in landfill and this will sit there for over 100 years for our children’s children to deal with. With extensive testing and independent laboratory trials, we can now supply packaging that will biodegrade in landfill in an estimated 6-10 years. Not only will it break down all commercial packaging resins, it also leaves no microplastics. For the 13% of packaging that will get recycled, our biodegradable packaging is still fully recyclable.

 Watch the below video for more information:

What is the MOQ for Biodegradable Packaging

Our minimum order quantity is 10k units per shape/colour/size.

What are your lead times for Biodegradable Packaging?

Our Biodegradable Packaging is all made to order, so standard lead times apply. Around 4 weeks for pre-production samples & 9-11 weeks for production and delivery.

Is your Biodegradable Packaging compostable?

No, our packaging will biodegrade only once in landfill. As landfill conditions present the right environment for our packaging to biodegrade. 

Our packaging will  biodegrade in anaerobic (no oxygen, no light) environments, this includes common landfills. When these materials are placed in a microbial environment our packaging attracts specific microbes which digest the entire polymer, thus leaving behind inert humus (soil) and biogases. 

Is your Biodegradable Packaging Recyclable?

Yes, our Biodegradable in Landfill Packaging is fully recyclable. Our Biodegradable in Landfill material will not alter the base chemical structure of PET, PE & PP which is why it can be recycled. 

How long will it take for the Packaging to Biodegrade?

Through laboratory testing it is estimated that our packaging will biodegrade within 6-10 years once it has been buried in landfill. 

Is your Biodegradable Packaging available in your entire range?

Our Biodegradable Packaging is available in most of our range and can be implemented into our bottles, jars, tubes, caps and more. We can have Biodegradable Packaging in PET, HDPE, LDPE & PP.

How are you making the "No Micro Plastics" claim?

We have been researching this and laboratory testing for over 12 months.

We rely on the internationally recognised biodegradable standard ASTM D5526. We have tested our packaging in independent laboratories in the USA. The results were that over time the packaging will fully biodegrade in landfill.

The testing guidelines measures the gasses not weight loss, the catalyst is the enzymatic breakdown of the polymer through microbial activity that result in anaerobic environments. Therefore the packaging is designed to breakdown in standard landfill environments leaving behind only soil and gasses and no micro plastics.

Oxo-Degradable v Biodegradable

Oxo-degradable products break down through exposure to light and oxygen. The testing data we use to validate performance provides the best differentiation since these are anaerobic environments. Oxo-degradable technologies would not use this type of testing since there is no oxygen our UV to breakdown the polymer.

The word Biodegradable is a general term and causes much confusion in the market. Biodegradation needs to mean something and it needs to be managed for the return value (energy recovery). Ultimately, our applications are designed for Landfill Gas-to-Energy recovery, this is a big difference when it comes to our technology versus Oxo.

Although our products will break down as per our testing data in 6-10 years as opposed to general plastics 100+ years we still encourage landfill sites to become a Gas to Energy recovery so the true sustainability of the packaging can be harnessed.

Are the materials PLA or PHA/PHB?

No the materials are not PLA or PHA/PHB our tubes, jars and bottles are biodegradable PE and PET this ensures stability with your formulation and also allows the most efficient processing from our side.  Our materials are recyclable.

Misunderstanding with compostable and what international standards apply

ASTM6400 standard is for compostable materials our materials are not compostable as that could potentially affect your product shelf life ie breaking down with moisture etc. We have concerns that compostable plastics can leave micro plastics in the soil for over the longer term..

What's my carbon footprint when I use biodegradable packaging?
Based on findings of a report from Solid Waste Management and Greenhouse Gases United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Biodegradable provides an extra 13% to 15% discount on carbon footprint when used in your packaging.
What independent testing method do we use?

We test our landfill biodegradable plastics with a BMP testing method by an independent laboratory and over the longer term to ensure they meet standards ASTM D5511, ASTM D5526 and ASTM D5988.

Bio-Methane Potential – BMP

Provides rapid indication of how much biogas (methane) a material has the potential to produce in an anaerobic environment. This test determines if a material is able to be converted into biogas within an environment with no/limited oxygen and limited light. It is used internationally by governments, universities, and researchers to determine the methane potential of a material in anaerobic landfills.

Over the short term what was the results?

Our test in the lab over 64 days showed 3.5% minimum biodegradation.

When testing to ASTM D5511

We can get quick results in an anaerobic environment. This test is used to validate if a material can convert to methane (biogas) in high heat, high moisture, no light, limited oxygen environments by replicating the environment found in an anaerobic digester or landfill bioreactor.

Testing to standard ASTM D5526

Provides realistic results of how fast a material could convert biogas (methane) in the conditions found in municipal landfills. This is a long term test that replicates the landfill environment of low heat, high pressure, limited oxygen, no light and low moisture. Results are typically much slower than those of the ASTM D5511, but also more accurate to landfill performance.

Testing over the longer term of 12 months and what were the results?

410 day independent laboratory test in accordance with ASTM D5988

This test is considered a true landfill test. It provides a realistic representation of biodegradation should a material be disposed of in an environment where it will be exposed to moisture, oxygen and in contact with soil.

Showed 68% biodegradation of the sample over the 13 months testing period.

Regulatory Information/Food Safe

FDA: All ingredients are compliant under FDA 21 CFR Chapter 1; Subchapter B; Section 170.39 and are considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the USDA/FDA
REACH: Active ingredients are REACH compliant. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
EU Food Contact: All ingredients are compliant with EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 Article 6, Section 3.c.
EU Authorisation List: The ingredients do not contain any substances listed on the EU Authorisation List.
EU SVHC: The ingredients do not contain any substances listed on the EU Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern for Authorisation.
Canadian DSL: All ingredients are listed on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL).
ANVISA: All ingredients are in compliance with Brasil ANVISA RDC 17/2008 standards and regulations.
Mercosur/GMC/RES No 32/07: All ingredients are in compliance with Mercosur/GMC/Res No. 32/07 standards and regulations.
US Pharmacopoeia: Active ingredients are compliant with US Pharmacopoeia XXII, 1190 Class VI for medical applications under confirmation of material suppliers. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
RoHS: Active ingredients do not contain materials regulated under Restriction of Hazardous Substances
(RoHS). Carrier resins should be verified individually.
Proposition 65: The active ingredients do not contain any components or chemicals subject to California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65). Carrier Resins should be verified individually.
Phthalates: The active ingredients do not contain regulated phthalates. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
Additional Materials of Interest: The active ingredients do not contain cobalt, tin, isocyanates, Bisphenol A
(BPA) or antimony. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
Animal/GMO Products: Active ingredients do not contain any animal derived materials or contain any genetically modified (GMO) materials. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
Heavy Metals (ELV Directive 2000.53.EC): Active ingredients do not contain Pb, Hg, Cd or Cr and are compliant with the restrictions of Annex II (Note) of the Decision 2002/525/EC of June 27th (amending Annex II of Directive 2000/53). Carrier resins should be verified individually.
CONEG: Active ingredients do not contain Pb, Hg, Cd or Cr and are compliant with the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) limitations. Carrier resins should be verified individually.
TSCA: All ingredients of this product appear on the TSCA Inventory

Important California Notice: California law prohibits the sale of plastic packaging and plastic products that are labeled with the terms ‘biodegradable’, ‘degradable’ or ‘decomposable’ or any form of those terms, or imply in any way that the item will break down, biodegrade or decompose in a landfill or any other environment. These restrictions apply to all sales in or into the State of California, including such sales over the internet.

Stability Information

Stable under normal storage and handling conditions.
Reactivity: No self-reactivity
Oxidizing property: No
Decomposition products: Carbon monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4)
Humus Reactivity with water: None

How much extra is it for a Biodegradable Packaging investment?

Only between 15%-20% higher than virgin plastic. 

Laboratory Test Results

 

The Table shows that after 64 days of independent laboratory testing, carried out by Eden Research Lab, PET is biodegrading 500% more than the standard material control sample and that the Polyethylene is 340% more than the standard material control sample. 

 

The graph shows the difference between untreated control sample and treated samples with the biodegradable material. Of real importance is that biodegradation does not really take off 30 days in landfill. This is exactly reflected in the extended tests and the trend continues as time goes on.

 

Want To Know More?

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