Mineralization compost standards

Ecovio FS Paper is also a compound of Ecoflex FS and PLA with a very high content of renewable resources. This grade was optimized for extrusion coating of paperboard. It can be processed on standard PE equipment and shows an excellent adhesion to card board and paper. The Ecovio coating forms a barrier for fat vegetable and mineral oil, liquid and aroma. Applications of choice are compostable paper cups for hot and cold drinks, freezer boxes or paper wraps for snacks. 

Standard tests in solid conditions are rare. Petri dishes do not determine mineralization but only the resistance of a material to selective exposure to microorganisms and thus are not relevant for the problem of waste elimination. Controlled composting tests are more representative of the natural environment (i. e. waste management treatment). 

EN 13432 (2001) [3] No toxic or harmful substances Maximum 50% minerals Maximum 50% of heavy metals allowed in compost European national standards for chemical composition Ecotoxicity tests with two plant species... 

Manufacturers and users of oxo-biodegradable polyolefins view with concern the development of standards for degradable polymers which demand a high level of mineralization as the primary criterion. This protocol was originally developed for hydro-biodegradable polymers, which will primarily end up in sewage. For these polymers and in this application, such test methods are entirely acceptable but they are totally inappropriate for compost, litter and agricultural applications. 

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