Barcelona-based Kompuestos, a manufacturer of sustainable plastic compounds, has launched three new grades of its Okean family of bioplastics derived from 100% renewably-sourced feedstock, which are claimed to be fully biodegradable in sweet water.
The new materials have been certified by TÜV Austria, an independent testing, inspection and certification authority, which has granted the "OK biodegradable WATER" label to the new Okean grades, verifying that the products will biodegrade within a 56-day period in a freshwater environment at temperatures of between 20°C and 25°C.
Biodegradability is understood to mean that the resins will decompose into biomass, carbon dioxide and water, and without leaving toxic residues, within the specified period.
The products, say Kompuestos, can be processed on conventional processing equipment and hence offer a reliable alternative to standard, fossil-based plastics.
Moreover, because they are derived from maize, potato, and other renewable sources, their production generates a smaller environmental impact and reduced carbon footprint.
Previously, Kompuestos launched its Biokomp line of bioplastics into the market. The Okean products are the next step within the New Plastic Economy global commitment led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, in collaboration with UN Environment, of which Kompuestos is a signatory. Launched in October 2018, the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment unites businesses, governments and other organisations behind a common vision and ambitious targets to address plastic waste and pollution at its source, starting with packaging.