Compostable packaging producer Vegware has released new visual guidance for biowaste processors handling their products.
With increasing volumes of compostable packaging entering processing facilities, Vegware says that its guidance will ensure that operators are better able to identify whether materials are compostable.
Lucy Frankel, environmental and communications director at Vegware, said: “Some compostable polymers like clear PLA do look similar to conventional plastic – which contaminates compost.
A collection of used Vegware packaging
“So we decided to experiment with our clear cups to provide visual guidance to organics recycling facilities. We are sending this to the facilities we work with and hope it helps operatives identify Vegware from plastic contamination.”
The guidance provides images of all Vegware products – from clear polylactic acid (PLA) items to bagasse packaging made from sugarcane fibre – to make it easier for operatives to spot Vegware within their waste stream.
The document also includes a ‘cup crush’ test which shows how PLA Vegware items can be differentiated from non-compostable plastics by its response to being crushed. PLA crushes similarly to PET but white crease marks appear which allow it to be identified.
Vegware is now accepted by more than 20 composting facilities in the UK – mainly in-vessel composting sites, but also open windrow and some suitable anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.
Vegware PLA cup demonstrating the ‘cup crush’ test for compostable plastics
Minimising contamination
Ms Frankel said the new advice was part of Vegware’s work to assist its clients at processing facilities.
“This new guidance is part of our longstanding focus on achieving quality feedstocks for our facilities. Looking upstream, we provide our clients a whole raft of posters, guides and bespoke bin signage, to minimise contamination at source,” she explained.
“Packaging suppliers who do not invest in this level of due diligence risk introducing contamination to waste facilities, so it is unsurprising many facilities only accept Vegware’s products, not others. Many packaging suppliers still mis-sell oxo-degradable plastics as ‘biodegradable’.”
Ms Frankel noted that though in 2012 Vegware’s products had only been accepted in commercial waste collections in 2% of UK postcode districts, now 38% of UK postcodes have a Vegware-approved trade collection for the organic recycling of compostable packaging.
Standards
Products from Vegware are compostable to EN13432 or ASTM D6400 standards. The EN13432 standard means that when the packaging sample is mixed with organic waste and maintained under test scale composting conditions for 12 weeks no more than 10 % of the material fragments will be larger than 2 mm.
The company’s packaging is also an allowable feedstock for PAS100 compost.
“This is all about making sure we are not getting plastic in the soil.”
Vegware have been working on the guidance with the Renewable Energy Association (REA) and ran trials with Vegware materials earlier this year.
Commenting on the Vegware’s new information, Jeremy Jacobs, technical director at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), said the guidance was important as compostable plastic became more popular.
He explained: “It helps processors when they speak to local authorities and contractors. As more compostables enter the market, it is important for householders and the contractor to know what can go into the bin.
“It is raising the profile because there has been quite a lot within the 25 year Environment Plan about protecting our soil. This is all about making sure we are not getting plastic in the soil.”
Related links
Vegware guidance sheet
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Source: letsrecycle.com Plastic
