Why Bio-plastics

BioPlastics - Unlike the traditional plastics which are manufactured from petroleum, bioplastics are derived from plant sources such as hemp oil, soy bean oil and corn starch rather than traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum. This is generally regarded as a more sustainable activity, because it relies less on fossil fuel as a carbon source and also introduces less, net-new greenhouse emissions if it biodegrades.

These polymers being biodegradable can be disposed in safe and ecologically sound manner, through disposal processes (waste management) like composting, soil application, and biological wastewater treatment. Considering the necessity to assess the degradation pattern of these polymers, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) sponsored a study to Central Institute of Plastics and Engineering and Technology (CIPET), Chennai for identification and evaluation of performance  of biodegradable polymers in India with reference to its biodegradability  under laboratory scale composting conditions as per ASTMD-6400 and IS/ISO 17088:2008. View Technical Data Sheet certificate

In this document, effort has been made to compile the status of availability of biodegradable polymer materials as well as testing methods for establishing biodegradability of plastics films/products and its impact on environment.

This company provides degradable polythene having all the advantages of normal plastic, Our product while serving the purpose of plastic when exposed to sunlight or when kept in natural decaying conditions degrades in a stipulated period In places like Nurseries or Forests where Plastic is used for cultivation and other purpose, this plastic after serving its purposes, this plastic after serving its purpose causes a great harm to the natural environment; In such cases Degradable plastic is a very Useful and affordable replacement.
Can be used as :

Carry Bags
Laundry Bags
Garbage Bags / In roll Form
Food Bags
Sheets & Covers
T Shirt Bags
Shopping Bags



Product Traits

According to our ageing study, the biodegradable films are stored in polyethylene package with a desiccant for duration of 6 months. Store in a dry environment and at room temperature.

Avoid storing the film rolls and bags in contact with sharp edges and rough surfaces. Preserve the film roll in polyethylene bags inside the carton box.

The film has been shown to biodegrade under simulated composting conditions (ASTM D5338 @ 58°C (135°F)) and passes composting certification standards. Composting is a method of waste disposal that allows organic materials to be recycled into a product that can be used as a valuable soil amendment. The film is made primarily of biodegradable polyesters. First, the moisture and heat in the compost pile provides optimum conditions for the growth of thermophilic micro organisms which attack the polymer chains and split them apart, creating smaller polymers, and finally monomers.

Microorganisms in compost and soil consume the smaller polymer fragments and monomers as nutrients. The end result of the process is carbon dioxide, water and also humus, a soil nutrient. This biodegradation process is dependent on temperature, moisture and Carbon: Nitrogen. Regulatory guidelines and standards for composting revolve around four basic criteria: Material Characteristics, Biodegradation, Disintegration, and Ecotoxicity. Description of the requirements of these testing can be found in the appropriate ASTM D6400 (USA).

Natur-TecTM film complies with the specifications established in the American Society for Testing and Materials standard ASTM D6400 & D6868, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the "Biodegradable Products Institute and The United States Composting Council-Certification Program for Products Made of Compostable Plastics -Program Rules":

FAQ
1. What are bioplastics?

Bioplastics are distinguished by two separate categories:

Compostable plastics are certified according to the ASTM D6400 Standard and developed using either biobased (e.g. corn, cellulose, etc.) and/or non-renewable, fossil (petroleum-based) resources.  The focus of compostable plastics is based on their function of compostability not on their raw material basis.  Certified, compostable plastic products can contain renewable raw materials.  However there are also synthetic polymers based on fossil, raw materials which are fully compostable according to the ASTM D6400 Standard.    

Any plastic material making the claim of compostability must be proven by recognized testing standards (US: ASTM D6400).  Resins and finished products should be certified by independent, third-party laboratories and labeled with the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) compostable logo.  Any product which contains polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or any other traditional plastic material should be questioned for accurate, reliable advertising claims. 

Biobased plastics are produced using at least 50 percent of renewable resource-based content, such as; sugar, starch, vegetable oils, cellulose, etc.    The focus of biobased plastics is on their raw material basis, not their function of compostability.  Corn, potatoes, cereals, sugar cane and wood are the most commonly used feed stocks. 

Although most biobased plastics are not intended or designed to be compostable, they aid in product sustainability by requiring less energy for production and reduce dependence on petroleum as a raw material.  ASTM D6866 testing methods are used to determine the proportion of bio-content a product or resin has.

2. What does biodegradable and compostable mean?

Biodegradation occurs when under the right conditions the microbes in the environment can break down materials and use them as a food source. It is a process that can take place in many environments including soils, compost sites, water treatment facilities, marine environments and even in the human body. This is the process that converts carbon into energy and maintains life.

In order for plastics to biodegrade they must go through a two-step process:

a) The long polymer chains are shortened at the carbon-carbon bonds. This process can be initiated by heat, moisture, microbial enzymes or other environmental conditions, depending on the polymer. This step is called “degradation” and you know it is occurring because the plastic becomes weak and will easily fragment.

b) The shorter carbon chains pass through the cell walls of the microbes and are used as an energy source. Biodegradation occurs when the carbon chains are utilized as a food source and are fully converted into water, biomass and carbon dioxide.

3. What are the requirements of the ASTM D6400 standard for measuring compostability?

The ASTM D6400 Standard for compostable plastics specifies three criteria for compostability

a. Mineralization

• At least 90 percent conversion to carbon dioxide, water and biomass via microbial assimilation.
• Occurs at the same rate as natural materials (i.e. leaves, grass food scraps)
• Occurs within a time period of 180 days or less

b. Disintegration

• Less than 10 percent of test material remains on a 2mm sieve

c. Safety

• No impact on plants, using OECD Guide 208
• Regulated (heavy metals less than 50 percent of EPA prescribed threshold)

4. How are Natur-Tec^® bio-resins made?

Natur-Tec^® resins are produced using a proprietary ReX process.  The process reactively blends compostable polymers, natural polymers, organic and inorganic materials – in the presence of proprietary compatibilizers and polymer modifiers to produce biobased and compostable polymer resin formulations that exhibit unique and stable morphology.

5. What are the advantages of using Natur-Tec^® products?

Natur-Tec^® resins and products allow customers to reduce their carbon footprint, while providing superior performance and competitive prices.  Natur-Tec^® biopolymer resins are easily processed on conventional equipment and meet industry standards both for compostability as well as for biobased content.  The broad portfolio of Natur-Tec^® resin compounds tailor to a wide variety of end-use applications and offer competitive performance to traditional plastic materials.

6. What applications can Natur-Tec^® resins produce?

Natur-Tec^® has a uniquely, broad product portfolio which includes:

• Flexible Film:  Bag products, foodservice ware, agricultural film, consumer products, product packaging, etc.
• Injection Molded:  Foodservice ware, consumer products, product packaging, etc.
• Foam:  Packaging, cushioning, insulative packaging, etc.
• Extrusion coated: Foodservice ware, consumer products, product packaging, etc.

7. What are Oxo-degradable/degradable plastics?

Oxo-degradable or simply degradable plastic materials are falsely marketed as biodegradable or compostable.  Oxo-degradable plastic products are manufactured by combining polyolefins with metal containing additives, which when exposed to sunlight allow the material to breakdown into small fragments.

Oxo-degradables cause many severe health and environmental concerns:

• The additives used to trigger the fragmentation process contain heavy metals, proven to cause adverse effects on humans and the environment.
• The tiny fragments left behind cause extreme pollution problems among compost facilities, oceanic pollution and cause bioaccumulation among birds, fish etc.
• The degraded plastic fragments attract and house PCBs and DDTs – when consumed cause endocrine disruption in the food chain.  Endocrine disruption is known to cause significant health problems, including; miscarriages, birth defects and many forms of cancers.

True compostable plastics should be able to prove they meet the ASTM D6400 Standards and carry the BPI logo.  For more information regarding the harmful effects of oxo-degradable plastics please click here.

The BPI composting logo is designed to address the confusion that has existed between truly compostable materials and oxo-degradable plastics by building credibility and recognition for products that meet the ASTM D6400 Standards among consumers, composters, regulators and others.  It is designed to be easily recognizable and able to be placed on the actually product as well as packaging and sales literature.

8. What is composting and what are the benefits?

Composting is the natural breakdown of organic material into rich soil known as compost.  Tiny microorganisms found in the soil breakdown organic matter by consuming it as a food source.  Composting organic waste (yard trimmings, food waste, etc) helps to divert organic waste away from a landfill. 

Compost, when added back to land projects promotes healthy plant growth, improves soil moisture retention, amends sandy/clay soils and improves crop nutrient content. 

9. What is the proper disposal environment for Natur-Tec^® products?

Natur-Tec^® products are designed to be fully compostable in a professional or municipal compost facility.  These facilities are carefully controlled to maintain the correct balance of moisture, nutrients and temperature needed for full biodegradation. 

10. Can Natur-Tec^® compostable products be disposed of in a landfill?

Modern day landfills are designed to entomb garbage anaerobically – meaning without oxygen.  Landfills are managed so that very little material actually degrades even if the material is organic.  Landfill excavations have uncovered newspapers that are still readable after almost forty years, ten year old carrots that are still bright orange on the inside and twenty year old steaks that still have meat on the bones.
Biodegradation is an aerobic process – meaning oxygen breathing.  For complete, proper biodegradation, compost facilities have to maintain a carefully controlled balance of moisture, nutrients, temperature and particle size. 

Biodegradation is not the answer to extending landfill space.  Diverting organic material to a compost facility instead of a landfill is a more sustainable solution and allows for the reuse of the final compost material.

11. What is a Waste Diversion Program?

A source separated waste diversion program refers to the successful separation of waste streams.  These waste streams include; organics, recyclables and non-organic trash.  Each waste stream is collected separately in clearly labeled containers.  The collection bin for all organic waste is lined with Natur-Tec^® compostable bags; this makes the collection process more efficient and hygienic.  As additional compostable foodservice products (compostable tableware, cutlery, etc.) are introduced into the facility they can also be collected along with the organic food waste. 
The organic waste is collected and hauled by a professional compost facility and the resulting compost can be used for land projects in the community.  Source separated waste diversion programs are ideal for large institutions, cafeterias, schools/universities, government agencies, etc.
Waste diversion programs help divert millions of tons of organic materials away from landfills, reduce garbage hauling/tipping fees and divert organic waste to a compost facility so waste can be reclaimed for land projects. 

District wise dealer enquiry solicited
Contact for more details here