Is my paper packaging suitable for composting? Or does it pose a risk to the environment? These questions are playing an increasingly important role in consumers' purchasing decisions, meaning that the topic is also becoming more important for packaging manufacturers. The experts from the international analysis, testing and consulting company WESSLING provide answers to these questions.
In the newly opened WESSLING GreenLab, they are investigating which materials break down naturally in compost - providing packaging manufacturers with important information on how they can further optimise their products in terms of sustainability. The Lyon-based laboratory is one of the first in France to focus exclusively on the compostability and biodegradability of products.
The compostability tests are used to check whether materials in the compost can be reintroduced into the soil without any negative impact on the environment. The WESSLING GreenLab team mainly tests Food packaging made of paper, with or without plastic or paraffin paper windows.
Special history of origin
The story behind the new laboratory is a very special one: WESSLING customer and packaging manufacturer for paper, cardboard and baking solutions Gault & Frémont has set itself the goal of limiting the impact of its products on the environment as much as possible. "Thanks to our long-standing and trusting collaboration, we were brought on board for the project with our analytical expertise," explains Diana Weßling, spokesperson for the family-owned company. "The establishment of the new WESSLING laboratory was therefore a response to very specific customer needs and was thus significantly promoted."
In a newly created laboratory area totalling 70 m², analysis and documentation are now carried out completely digitally using state-of-the-art instruments. For this purpose, the WESSLING GreenLab is equipped with a screen for monitoring the tests. In addition, a digital information transmission system has been set up, which is used specifically for automatic monitoring of the test conditions in the sample containers.
Soon also tests of bags or film
"Following the successful launch of the laboratory, we are of course already planning the next expansion stages in parallel. In future, the tests will be extended to other product groups such as cutlery, bags or mulch film. The focus will then be on plastic and organic materials in particular."
Jean-François Campens, Managing Director of WESSLING France
Source: WESSLING
