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Kompuestos develops a bioplastic based on potato starch degradable on ground in 4 weeks
Press Release
Barcelona,
January 23, 2020
Kompuestos develops a bioplastic based on potato starch degradable on ground in 4 weeks
  • This new bioplastic, and three other products of the company's compostable resins range have obtained the "OK Compost" label from the Agency TÜV Austria. It certifies that these products are 100% biodegradable in a specific period of time
  • The innovative formulation of this new bioplastic aims to replace the traditional supermarket plastic bags for fruit or vegetables and thus, significantly reduce the carbon footprint
  • The 4 certificates obtained by the company are divided into: two "Ok Compost HOME" labels for bioplastics suitable for household composting and two "Ok Compost INDUSTRIAL" labels for those bioplastics that are only degraded in industrial composting facilities
  • Due to the similar look between traditional plastics and bioplastics, it becomes essential the use of independent and internationally respected labels that consumers can easily identify

Kompuestos (Plásticos CompuestosS.A.), publicly-listed company (listed in the “Mercado Alternativo Bursatil” a Spanish Multilateral Trading Facility) and leader in the production of sustainable plastic compounds in Europe, has developed a bioplastic made entirely from potato starch degradable on ground in 4 weeks.

The innovative formulation of this bioplastic, which is part of Kompuestos's compostable resins range®, aims to replace the traditional supermarket plastic bags for fruit or vegetables and thus significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

This new bioplastic, and three other products of the company's compostable resins range have obtained the "OK Compost" label from the Agency TÜV Austria which certify that they are 100% biodegradable in a specific period.

The acquisition of these new certificates is aligned with the Kompuestos' commitment to develop new sustainable products to replace traditional plastics. The 4 certificates obtained by the company are divided into: two "Ok Compost HOME" labels for bioplastics suitable for household composting and two "Ok Compost INDUSTRIAL" labels for those bioplastics that are only degraded in industrial composting facilities.

In addition, it is important to note that, due to their similar appearance, products made from bioplastics cannot be easily differentiated from conventional plastic products. The use of independent and internationally respected labels that identify them is important for consumers to receive transparent and correct information and to safeguard the positive image of bioplastics. Also, in order to be able to sell the products as biodegradable/compostable, it is mandatory to obtain certificates accrediting the properties that are advertised, which may require between four and fourteen months depending on the level of compostability.

About compostable resins

Compostable resin is a product based on biodegradable resins made from different starches derived from corn, potato and various types of cereals, among other polymers of renewable origin. These resins can be processed in standard processing equipments, being able to completely replace traditional petroleum-derived plastics. Compostable resin is thus a completely biodegradable and compostable alternative to traditional plastic. These two properties allow the recovery of plastic packaging through the recycling of solid-organic waste (composting and anaerobic digestion) specified in the European standard EN13432.

The use of raw materials of natural origin for the manufacture of compostable resin allows to reduce both dependence on materials of petrochemical origin and greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere at the end of their useful life (by 30-80% depending on the material and application).

Compostable resin products are certified by independent international entities according to European standard EN 13432. These certifications granted by the world leader in the certification of bioplastics, TÜV Austria, represent the highest award in terms of compostability and biodegradability of product, assigning the label "OK Compost INDUSTRIAL" or "OK Compost HOME" in function of the final life cycle

Kompuestos's mission and commitment is to preserve and care for the ecosystem through the responsible use of renewable resources. In this sense, the compostable resins product range enhances sustainable development, ensuring the highest quality throughout the value chain.

About Kompuestos
Kompuestos, a listed company in Spanish Alternative Stock Exchange, is a leader in the production of sustainable plastic compounds in Europe. Based in Barcelona, it is one of the leading international suppliers of high-performance compounds aimed at reducing the carbon footprint in the production of plastics, which are used as raw material in multiple industries worldwide.

Kompuestos has developed and certified a complete range of biodegradable products for the replacement of traditional plastics, especially in sensitive applications such as single-use bags and hard-to-recycle products.

The company maintains a strong commitment to the environment. In this sense, it is positioned in favour of the circular economy of plastics and is committed to sustainable innovation by developing biodegradable and compostable products as well as mixtures with minerals that improve the imprint of CO2. The company is developing advanced technologies and plastic recycling additives so that they can be properly reused and the result is not second-rate products and difficult to apply.
For more information:
ATREVIA

Mario Cordera Fernández / 673 33 9593 / [email protected]
Alvaro Pérez Magariños / 673 33 99 50 / [email protected]

www.kompuestos.com
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