Characteristics of biodegradable materials
Polylactic acid (PLA)
This substance, commonly known as PLA, is produced from the fermentation of starch contained in several types of plants that are indigenous to the region in which they are grown (corn, wheat, beet). Following a series of chemical and bacteriological processes, a transparent polymer is obtained with mechanical qualities similar to that of polystyrene, the type of plastic used for transparent disposable containers.
In conventional paper cups, the inner surface is lined with a petroleum-based plastic (polyethylene) to prevent leakage. The Ecotainer™ cup, on the other hand, is lined with a polymer made from corn, making it the only hot beverage cup made from materials entirely renewable and compostable.
Starch (corn, potato, tapioca)
Starch (corn, potato, tapioca, etc.) is used for the manufacturing of utensils. Due to the inherent nature of their natural polymers, utensils made of starch are much more resistant to heat than PLA. On the other hand, their rate of degradation is slower, which does not prevent them from being 100% compostable after a period of 60 days under optimal conditions.
Bagasse
Bagasse is made from sugarcane fiber residues following extraction of fructose from sugarcane. The development of these residues is of great interest from an ecological standpoint. Its use is mostly oriented toward containers of all types for receptions or ready-to-use recipients, comparable to polystyrene containers. Indeed, these products can conserve heat and do not deteriorate as do paper containers when exposed to a hot liquid. Comprised of natural additives, bagasse decomposes in two weeks and is non-toxic to the environment.
Product characteristics (3R-VE)
Reduction
- Minimizes the consumption of nonrenewable resources (plastic no. 6 and 7)
- Facilitates better waste management in the food industry and can limit the volume of wastes destined for landfill.
Re-use
- Are reusable, according to consumption and washing temperatures (60°C max for PLA, 90°C for potato starch)
Recovery (composting)
- Both 100% biodegradable and compostable according to OK Compost (Europe) and BPI (USA) standards within a time-frame ranging between 2 weeks and 2 months.
Disposal (energy recovery)
- If buried underground, the biodegradable products are transformed into biogas which generates energy that can be converted into electricity or heat.
WHEN DISPOSED IN A CENTRALIZED COMPOSTING PAD, THE DISHWARE WILL DECOMPOSE WITHIN A PERIOD OF 2 TO 8 WEEKS. |
