Renewable & Compostable Films for Packaging

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1 Renewable & Compostable Films for Packaging

2 Driving Compostable Packaging Consumers are becoming more environmentally aware as climate change is being viewed as a real phenomenon. In general, packaging only contributes to a small proportion of the environmental impact of most products, but it is perceived by the consumer to have a significant effect on the environment. Questions such as where does our packaging come from and where does it go after use are becoming more common. Modern legislation is increasingly encouraging recycling through a variety of methods including direct material recycling, energy recovery through incineration and more recently through organic recycling, more commonly known as composting. Another key factor driving the interest in biodegradable packaging is the fact that most biopolymers are based mainly on renewable resources. Whilst there are a number of synthetic biopolymers which are certified as compostable, they are often used to add greater functionality to renewable materials to improve their properties in a range of different applications. To be certified as compostable, the packaging material needs to undergo stringent testing by an accredited laboratory, and then be independently certified by the relevant official bodies. Composting of NatureFlex NatureFlex films are fully certified to the European (EN13432) and American (ASTM D6400) norms for compostable packaging by Vinçotte, Din Certco and the BPI. They are certified as home compostable and will also biodegrade in a waste water environment and are suitable for anaerobic digestion. Please see our Composting Testing flyer for more details. photo: Composting Association Windrow Industrial Composting Composting Certification Customers who use these materials can arrange for their own product certification to enable their products to carry the relevant composting logo. Depending on the degree of conversion, further testing may be required to ensure that the material still meets the required criteria. Further advice can be obtained from Innovia Films and/or Din Certco, Vinçotte or the Association for Organics Recycling (formerly the UK Composting Association). Use of the logo confirms that the material is truly compostable and also allows the consumer and/or local authorities to recognise it as compostable packaging and to dispose of it accordingly. NatureFlex films are eligible to carry the following logos: compostable

3 Reducing our Carbon Footprint A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted during the life cycle of a product or service. The carbon footprint of any product can accurately be determined by a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The environmental impact of NatureFlex was quantified during 2007 by a Life Cycle Assessment. Significant improvements in energy efficiency and waste reduction have been made and will continue in the future. However, any manufacturing process will inevitably have an environmental impact and involvement in carbon reduction schemes allows Innovia Films to offset the overall effect of NatureFlex production to ensure that coated NatureFlex films are Carbon Zero at the point of despatch. In collaboration with a leading carbon services company, co 2 balance, Innovia Films has invested in two carbon reduction schemes: Sand Martin Wood, Cumbria, UK Innovia Films has financed the planting of 3000 trees at a forestry plantation within 30km of the NatureFlex plant. Solar Ovens, East Africa This relates to distribution of solar ovens in East Africa and other communities that are currently using charcoal or wood burning stoves. See our Reducing our Carbon Footprint Flyer for more details. Renewability NatureFlex 30 Renewable carbon 94% Fossil based carbon 6% Most biopolymers are based on renewable raw materials such as corn, potatoes or wheat. NatureFlex films are based on cellulose which is the most abundant of all naturally occurring organic materials. NatureFlex films are produced from wood pulp sourced from managed plantations. The biobased content of a range of NatureFlex films has been determined according to ASTM D6866, which is based on radiocarbon methodology. The half life of 14 C is circa 5730 years and so fossil or old carbon no longer contains 14 C. Any 14 C present therefore must have been derived from new or biobased carbon. The amount of radiocarbon ( 14 C) is determined by comparison with a modern reference standard and is reported as a percentage. Depending on the grade of NatureFlex, the biobased content can vary from 90% to 99%. A typical result is shown here.

4 NatureFlex Application Checklist Application Example Film Type Key Performance Benefits Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Wide heat-seal range for high speed packing line performance Naturally free from static Enhanced gloss & transparency Controlled moisture permeability provides natural anti-mist properties and reduces condensation Bagmaking NP High moisture absorption to facilitate fast drying of water-based glues employed in bagmaking Designed for bagging pre-wrapped or non-moisture sensitive products Also suitable for sheet making Confectionery Formulated to provide the required moisture barrier for sugar and chocolate confectionery Controlled slip and naturally anti-static for problem free machinability Excellent deadfold for twistwrap usage Hygiene Formulated to provide the necessary barriers to moisture and external contamination Static-free, easy seal and deadfold properties for optimum machinability Proven biodegradability in waste-water environments Bakery NVR Choice of moisture barrier to fit a range of requirements Enhanced gloss and transparency Suitable for window applications Wide heat-seal range Dried Foods NVR Formulated to provide the moisture barrier necessary for dried foods Enhanced print and conversion receptivity Wide heat-seal range for high speed packing line performance Home & Personal Care Excellent chemical resistance Tear properties allow ease of opening Good barrier to moisture and external contamination Excellent aroma barrier Lamination D-NE NVR The inherent thermal stability aids lamination process Enhanced moisture and gas barrier aids product protection Compatible with other bio-materials

5 NatureFlex Application Checklist - Emerging Markets Application Example Film Type Key Performance Benefits Board Lamination D-NE Compatible with other bio-materials Enhances protective and optical properties of traditional materials Grease and oil resistance Lidding Refer to Innovia Films Designed for uses requiring sealability to PLA, apet, cpet, rpet & starch trays Specially formulated for use in chill cabinet conditions Choice of moisture barrier to fit product requirements Reamwrap Refer to Innovia Films Good fit with environmental consciousness of paper production and recycled papers Provides product integrity and prevention of moisture ingress Maximum visual impact on the retailers shelves NatureFlex Film Grade Summary Grade Micron/Gauge Twistable Heat Sealable Barrier-Moisture Barrier-Oxygen Printable Coated Peelable Antistatic Anti-mist Metallised White version Coloured version NP 21, 23, 25, 28, 35, 42 19, 23, 30 D-NE 22 23, 30, 45* * 23, 30*, 45* NVR 23, 30, 45 20, 23, 30, 45 * * Under Development

6 NatureFlex at a Glance NatureFlex flexible films are based on renewable wood pulp sourced only from managed plantations. Independently tested to both EU (EN13432) and American (ASTM D6400) composting norms Certified by Din Certco, Vinçotte and the BPI Suitable for both Industrial and home composting and anaerobic digestion Proven to biodegrade in a waste water environment Transparent, white and metallised films available Suitable for lamination to other biomaterials Compatible with other biodegradable packaging materials in a variety of applications Suitable for bagmaking, VFFS, HFFS, twistwrap, bunchwrap and overwrap Properties Good gloss and transparency Naturally high gas barrier Range of moisture permeabilities available to suit requirements of different products Wide heat-seal range of coated films for enhanced packaging speed and flexibility Inherently good deadfold for twist or fold-end uses High heat resistance Static free for high machine performance Excellent chemical resistance Resistant to greases, oils and fats Print and conversion friendly

7 Glossary Bioplastics: include materials which are manufactured primarily from plant based sources rather than petroleum sources and materials which are biodegradable. Many bioplastics are based on renewable raw materials and are compostable but some only satisfy one of these criteria. Biodegradable Materials: are organic in nature and can be degraded due to microbial, enzymatic or other biological action into simple compounds, water and carbon dioxide. There is no requirement for the biodegradation to occur within a certain time-frame and the final biodegradation products are not taken into account. Compostable Materials: will biodegrade in the presence of micro-organisms, heat and moisture and will disintegrate in an industrial composting environment under standard test conditions to afford a compost which will support plant life. Some biodegradable materials will only degrade in the more tightly controlled conditions of commercial composting units but others will biodegrade in the relatively cooler conditions of a home compost heap. Degradable Materials: can break down as a result of physical and chemical impact. Degradable plastics are oil based products with special additives that assist their fragmentation. Often referred to as oxo-degradable, these degradable materials do not meet the requirements of the EN13432 commercial composting standard. Life Cycle Assessment: Also known as life cycle analysis, this is a means of assessing the environmental impact of a given product or service throughout its lifespan. Renewable: Refers to materials that can be renewed or replaced. Materials made from organic plant derivatives such as NatureFlex are renewable in that new crops or trees are planted to replace those harvested. Sustainable: Refers to a system or practice that meets present needs without depleting future resources. Sustainable materials are those that are manufactured through the conservative use of resources whilst generating the smallest proportion of emissions in their life cycle. Composting Terms Anaerobic Digestion: Deliberate creation of anaerobic conditions to generate methane which is captured and burnt for energy. The nutrient-rich solids left after digestion can be used as compost. Biogasification: See anaerobic digestion. Home Composting: Using a home composting unit, this is the aerobic decomposition of kitchen and garden waste to produce a soil conditioner and to achieve a reduction in waste. Industrial Composting (in vessel): The composting mixture is placed inside a container through which air is forced. By controlling moisture, temperature and aeration this method maintains a rapid decomposition process whatever the external climatic conditions. Industrial Composting (Windrow): Compostables are placed in elongated piles, called windrows, normally outdoors. The windrows can be aerated through a chimney effect or turned mechanically to aerate the composting waste.

8 About Us Innovia Films is a major producer of speciality Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) and Cellulose films with production sites in the UK, USA, Belgium and Australia. We hold a leading global position in the markets for labels and security films, high performance coated packaging, tobacco overwrap and biodegradable and compostable films. Our technical expertise and market-driven development process is the key to our position at the leading edge of advances in these markets. Research and Development is at the heart of our business and we work closely with customers, suppliers, academics and commercial partners to ensure speed of delivery of new ideas and products. We prioritise quality of service and support alongside product quality and have teams in place across the world to maintain the highest possible level of responsiveness to the needs of our customers. NatureFlex NE laminated on the inside of a kitchen waste bag. natureflex@innoviafilms.com Trademark of Innovia Films Group Innovia Films Ltd Wigton CUMBRIA CA7 9BG UNITED KINGDOM Tel Fax Innovia Films Inc 290 Interstate North Cir SE Suite 100, Atlanta GEORGIA USA Tel Fax Innovia Films (Asia Pacific) Pty Ltd PO Box 341, 19 Potter Street Craigieburn, Melbourne VICTORIA 3064 AUSTRALIA Tel Fax Disclaimer: Innovia Films or any of its affiliated companies (hereinafter Innovia Films ) declines any liability with respect to the use made by any third party of the information contained herein. The information contained herein represents Innovia Films best knowledge thereon without constituting any express or implied guarantee or warranty of any kind (including, but not limited to, the accuracy, the completeness or relevance of the data set out herein). Innovia Films is the sole owner or authorised user of the intellectual property rights relating to the information communicated. The information relating to the use of the products is given for information purposes only. No guarantee or warranty is provided that the product is adapted to the client s specific use. The client should perform his own tests to determine the suitability for a particular purpose. The final choice of use of a product remains the sole responsibility of the client. The paper for this publication is produced with 80% recovered fibre comprising 10% packaging waste, 10% best white waste, 60% de-inked waste fibre and 20% virgin TCF fibre sourced from sustainable forests. Pub. Nr E Version B - UK