C-Line Biodegradable Products FAQs
Here are our most frequently asked questions about C-Line's biodegradable products.
How is biodegradable defined?
The EPA Terms of Environment Glossary defines biodegradable as, "Capable of decomposing under natural conditions." back to top ↑
What happens when a biodegradable product is buried in a landfill (anaerobic conditions)?
When buried in a microbial landfill, this product biodegrades leaving only bio-gas and bio-mass (humus), a highly nutritious soil. When oxygen is present (aerobic conditions), it will biodegrade leaving only carbon dioxide and bio-mass. back to top ↑
Is there any toxic residue as a result of the film decomposing?
No. There is no toxic residue when the film decomposes. It is safe for the environment and will not cause harm to living organisms on land or in water. back to top ↑
How long does it take to break down?
The timeframe depends on environmental conditions, but a good estimate is that the sheet protector or project folder will fully degrade in two to five years in a landfill. back to top ↑
What test method do you use to be sure they are biodegradable?
ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world and a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services, has developed a standard test method for determining anaerobic (without oxygen) biodegradation of plastic materials under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions (in landfill conditions). It is Standard D5511. Lab test for ASTM D5511 shows that film made with the biodegradable additive used for our biodegradable products is biodegradable in anaerobic (landfill) conditions.
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How are the products made biodegradable?
At the time of manufacture we add EcoPure, an organic compound, to the plastic resin. EcoPure expands the molecular structure of the plastic, scissoring the polymer chain and adding in nutrients and other organic compounds that weaken the polymer chain for microbial action to colonize in and around the plastic. These microbes then secrete acids which break down the entire polymer chain. EcoPure produces a biodegradable end product that will have indefinite shelf life until placed in an active microbial environment, such as a landfill.
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I need archival products. Will the products start to degrade before they are disposed of?
No. In order to biodegrade, the product needs to be in constant contact with other biodegrading material like that found in a landfill. It will not degrade in warehouses, shelves, offices or homes. back to top ↑
Are the products recyclable?
The products can be recycled where facilities exist that accept polypropylene. To aid in recycling, polypropylene items are typically marked with a "PP" and a "5" to identify the material. back to top ↑
What is composting?
The EPA Terms of Environment Glossary defines composting as, "The controlled biological decomposition of organic material in the presence of air to form a humus-like material. Controlled methods of composting include mechanical mixing and aerating, ventilating the materials by dropping them through a vertical series of aerated chambers, or placing the compost in piles out in the open air and mixing it or turning it periodically." back to top ↑
Are the products compostable?
Under the ASTM standard for commercial composting conditions using high heat processes, a time frame of around one year is a reasonable expectation for decomposing. For non-commercial composting a reasonable expectation is two to five years. The product has not been tested to meet ASTM D6400-04 which requires that it break down in 180 days so we do not market it as compostable. At this time commercial composting is not generally used in the United States and plastic products that are disposed of almost always end up in a landfill, so biodegradability is the more important test. back to top ↑
Is the product made from renewable ingredients like corn?
No. While plastic made entirely from corn (polylactic acid or pla), is used for some products, it has not been a good material for producing archival quality products that will not start degrading on their own in high heat and humidity. back to top ↑
Are the products safe?
The products are safe. In fact, the film is FDA compliant for food contact applications. back to top ↑
Made with EcoPure natural biodegradable additive. Polypropylene made with EcoPure is 100% biodegradable when tested according to the ASTM D5511. When buried in a microbial landfill, the polypropylene in this product biodegrades leaving only bio-gas and bio-mass (humus), a highly nutritious soil.
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