Biodegradable:
	Compostable
	Regulators and Regulations
	Bioplastics
	Sugarcane Bagasse:
	Composting

Biodegradable: Top

Biodegradable materials break down naturally into carbon dioxide, water and organic matter as a result of exposure to micro-organisms.

A biodegradable material must be exposed to moisture, heat and micro-organisms to biodegrade. The time it takes to biodegrade depends on how much exposure it has to these three factors, as well as size and type of the material.

Compostable: Top

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) defines materials as compostable if they can degrade in a compost site.

They must break down into carbon dioxide, water and organic matter at a similar rate to other naturally occurring materials (e.g. cellulose in plants).

Disintegration is important - the resulting particles must be very small.

They must also leave no toxic residue. The compost must not contain heavy metals or other toxins, and be useful as organic fertilizer.

Regulators and Regulations Top

The international authorities listed below have set standards and testing methods for compostability:

ASTM, ISO and DIN standards require 60% biodegradation within 180 days.

The EN13432 standard is much stricter, requiring 90% biodegradation within 90 days.

All of the standards above (except for the ISO) also stipulate allowable levels of toxins.

Our bioplastic and sugarcane bagasse products all conform to the standards above

Bioplastics Top

What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are a new generation of biodegradable and compostable plastics. They are made from plant starch found in corn, potatoes, tapioca and other raw materials.

Why are they better for the environment?

Bioplastics are more energy efficient. The production of bioplastics uses less energy than the production of conventional plastics, and so results in lower carbon emissions.

Bioplastics are 100% sustainable. The plants used to make them grow back annually. The oil used to make conventional plastics is a finite resource, not renewable and unsustainable.

Bioplastics are 100% biodegradable and compostable. They can break down relatively quickly into carbon dioxide, water and non-toxic organic matter. This organic matter can then be used as compost to support plant growth. Conventional plastics are not biodegradable or compostable. When they are disposed of in landfill, they take hundreds of years to decompose.

How are bioplastics made?

All plastics are made of compounds called polymers. Some of these polymers occur naturally, for example in plant starch. This starch can be extracted from the plants, leaving us with the basic raw material for producing bioplastics.

The production process is exactly the same as for conventional plastic. The only difference is that the starch polymers occur naturally instead of being manufactured synthetically.

The two types of bioplastics we use are PSM (Plastarch) and PLA (Polymerised Lactic Acid). Both of these are made from corn starch.

Due to the different production processes of Plastarch and PLA, Plastarch is white in colour and heat-resistant, whereas PLA is transparent but not suited to high temperatures.

What about the quality of the plastic?

The quality and properties of bioplastics are virtually identical to conventional plastics. In some cases bioplastics can even exceed the performance of oil-based plastics. For example, our cutlery has a natural flex which means that it is less prone to snapping than standard plastic cutlery.

Bioplastics are currently best suited for use as alternatives to fast moving packaged goods and disposable tableware.

NatureWorks PLA has also been FDA certified for use in food containers and other food packaging.

Sugarcane Bagasse: Top

What is sugarcane bagasse?

Sugarcane Bagasse is the fibre waste left after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juices.

This waste can then be used to make various products such as plates, cups and trays. Sugarcane Bagasse products are environmentally-friendly alternatives to paper and polystyrene products.

Why are sugarcane bagasse products better for the environment?

Sugarcane Bagasse products are more energy efficient. to produce compared to pulping wood or manufacturing polystyrene from oil.

Suagrcane Bagasse products are 100% sustainable. The sugarcane grows back annually.

Polystyrene is made from oil, which is not renewable and is a finite resource. Paper products are often derived from virgin wood rather than sustainable plantations. They are also lined with plastic to make them heat-resistant.

Sugarcane bagasse products require no plastic or wax lining, and are suitable for both hot and cold items.

Suagrcane Bagasse products are 100% biodegradable and compostable. This means that they can break down relatively quickly into carbon dioxide, water and non-toxic organic matter. This organic matter can then be used as compost to support plant growth.

Polystrene and wax/plastic lined paper products are not biodegradable or compostable. When disposed of in landfill, they take hundreds of years to decompose.

How are the sugarcane bagasse products made?

The crushed sugarcane fibre waste left after juice extraction is moulded at a high temperature and pressure into various products such as plates, cups and trays.

What about the quality of the sugarcane bagasse products?

Our sugarcane bagasse products have been SGS certified under the testing standards set out by the FDA. They are safe to use for packaging and storing food.

Also they are temperature resistant up to tempartures of 120 degrees Celsius, can be refrigerated and are microwave safe.

Composting Top

What is compost?

Compost is a mixture of decaying organic matter such as leaves, food waste and manure used to improve soil quality and to provide it with nutrients.

What is composting?

Composting is the much the preferred disposal method for bioplastics and sugarcane bagasse products. It is nature's own and oldest method of waste disposal and soil fertilisation. Our products can be put in a compost heap and decompose within 10 weeks.

Compost forms as a result of the natural breakdown of organic material such as food waste and plants. This breakdown occurs due to the microbial action of funghi, bacteria and insects.

For more information about composting please visit the following links:

• Compost Association
• Soil Association
• Waste Online
• WRAP

What is compost used for?

Compost is an extremely versatile product that improves the physical, biological and chemical characteristics of the soil.

As it contains a high amount of organic matter its application reduces the need for organic additives, helps soil retain moisture and reduces the need for fertiliser.

Where can bioplastics and sugarcane bagasse products be composted?

Industrial Composting Sites - Our products can also be taken to industrial composting sites. At the moment some of these do not compost bioplastics or sugarcane bagasse. But as the use of these products increases, the number of composting sites accepting these materials will increase.

Please click here for a list of DEFRA approved composting sites - http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/by-prods/approvals/section-7.pdf.

Home Composting - Home composting is also effective. Our products will decompose when conditions in the compost heap reach 50 degrees Celsius and 95% relative humidity.

If you are interested in home composting, please contact your local authority. Many now provide subsidised home composters. Advice on home composting is widely available both on the web and in various gardening books and magazines.