Clariant colour and additive masterbatches from five production sites in Europe and Asia have received TÜV certification for biodegradability.
Clariant's masterbatches have now been recognised by the TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NV the OK compost HOME and OK compost INDUSTRIAL labels. The certification means that the Ingredients of the masterbatches - including the carrier polymer - the Biodegradability of plastic products and packaging, in which they are used, in any way.
The masterbatches are produced in accordance with EN 13432:2000, the widely recognised standard for masterbatches. European standard for heavy metal content and plant toxicity, and the eEuropean Packaging Directive 94/62/EC and independently audited.
Two German plants also fulfil the standards
The Clariant plants in Poliagno, Italy, and Sant Andreu de la Barca, Spain, had already received the OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification in 2012. Following the latest tests, they can now now also with the OK compost HOME label characterise the more demanding requirements provides. This means that compostability is not only in industrial composting plants guaranteed, but also in standard household and garden compost heaps, where conditions are less controlled and degradation is much slower.
In addition, the Ahrensburg and Lahnstein plants both standards in Germany. The Clariant plant in Phanthong, Thailand, is certified as a supplier of OK compost compliant masterbatches for customers in Asia.
A Masterbatch is a granulate, which is a Contains colourant and/or additive in high concentration. The ingredients are evenly dispersed in a plastic material, which is known as Carrier polymer is labelled. During processing, the masterbatch granulate is subjected to a natural (uncoloured) polymer mixed in, to produce plastic products with the desired colour and/or performance properties. In order to comply with the applicable standards, Clariant utilises the following in its OK compost masterbatches Only non-toxic and heavy metal-free ingredients and the quantities of colourants or additives in relation to a given volume of plastic are strictly limited. As Carrier polymers are exclusively biodegradable materials - mainly starch-based polymers such as polylactic acid (polylactide, PLA).
The development of these masterbatches is part of Clariant's strategy, Solutions for a more sustainable packaging industry and to further consolidate its portfolio of sustainable products.
„We are very pleased to be able to make these compostable materials available to a wider market not only in Europe, but now also in Asia. The OK compost HOME certification is particularly important for many of our customers,“ says Dr Jan Sültemeyer, Global Head of Innovation & Sustainability of the Clariant Masterbatches business unit.
Source: Clariant
