Protective transport packaging manufacturer Storopack is now offering its air-cushioning system Airplus in bio-plastic material quality.
As the compostable film is suitable for all types of equipment of the series, a large range of applications has become available.
The filling and padding material can be used throughout all service departments, from small dispatch rooms to the automated distribution centre.
The composting ability of Airplus Bio Film is certified according to the European standard EN 13432. For this reason, the air cushions are marked with the seedling logo and show the recipient that the shipping company stands for sustainability.
At present, this air-cushioning is available in the sizes 200 x 200 mm and 200 x 100 mm. It is planned to include further variants from the portfolio of PE films.
As with polyethylene-based films, Storopack co-extrudes the polymer during processing to produce a three-layered structure.
Compared with mono-extruded films, this reduces material consumption, the elasticity is increased and the low permeability ensures that the air fill does not shrink. Introduction to the market will take place in January 2009 in Europe and North America at the same time.
Airplus Bio Film is to be manufactured at the production sites in Wildau (Germany) and Cincinnati (USA). Storopack is following a fundamental approach meant to associate the term bio-plastic to two characteristics.
First of all, that of functionality - the plastic product is compostable.
And secondly, the basic raw material - the product is made of a renewable raw material. Both conditions are satisfied with Airplus Bio Film.
For the site in North America, Storopack in the USA received the certification ASTM D6400. In particular,
Storopack wishes to distinguish itself from suppliers marketing so-called “oxo-degradable” films and label them as “bio”-products.
As a rule, these are usually plastic products made of 100% standard polyethylene (PE), so that the raw material used is oil. PE is mixed with additives which accelerate its degradation.
These additives are based on metal compounds. According to European Bio-plastics data, some of these additives are to be classified as hazardous materials according to EU law, such as when the presence of cobalt has been detected.