FAQ biocompostable film

The decomposition of a biocompostable film depends on four components: temperature, moisture, bacteria and UV light. When these four come together in perfect conditions, the decomposition of a biocompostable film goes faster than otherwise. In an ideal scenario, this happens in 40 days at a constant temperature of 40°C. Although this is often difficult to achieve. Tests by Knohopack show that the decomposition process is faster in a compost barrel than in a compost heap.

Composting is of course still the most ecological solution. But you can also dispose of our biocompostable film at home in the residual waste bag. This is perfectly acceptable as the use of ink on our film is within the 5% contamination tolerance. In addition, the film then goes with the flow of fruit and vegetable waste.

• Consists of more than 80% renewable raw materials
• Produced CO2-neutrally (sugar cane absorbs CO2 during growth)
• Equally strong and flexible as PE film (30% more rigid than polyethylene)
• Perfect alternative to non-recyclable packaging materials
• Can also be put in the residual waste bag and goes with the fruit and vegetable waste stream
• Printing with water-based ink, so no heavy materials or presence of ecotoxic substances

Biocompostable film is more expensive than traditional plastic film. Due to the constantly fluctuating prices of raw materials, it is difficult to give a fixed percentage. Would you like more information? Contact us at sales@knohopack.be.

These three terms are often used interchangeably but do not mean the same thing at all.

• Bio-based: refers to the origin of the material (renewable or natural). Such products are not always biodegradable or compostable. For example: plastic based on sugar(s)
• Biodegradable: are biodegraded by fungi and bacteria. For example: wood, cork, ...
• Biocompostable: the material is broken down within a certain period of time under perfect conditions (temperature, moisture, bacteria, UV), either in nature or in an industrial incinerator.

No. Films that contain microplastics disintegrate into countless small plastic pieces that do not disappear. Our biocompostable film degrades and does not disintegrate.

Our biocompostable film is a certified film under the OK HOME compostable label from TÜV Austria and also complies with EU standard EN 13432. The latter specifies the properties a material must have to be considered biodegradable or compostable.

• More than 60% of consumers (including your customers) consider using green packaging. With our biodegradable film you send them a clear signal: you care about the environment and are taking action.
• You are doing your bit to reduce are, groundwater and soil pollution.
• You save raw materials by choosing packaging made from renewable materials.

The exact composition is not disclosed by the producer. However, we can tell you that our biocompostable film mainly consists of compostable (co) polyester granulates (including PBAT), sugar cane granulates, maize granulates and minerals. Each component is extensively tested for biodegradability.

Both materials have the same result: less damage to the environment. However, the way to get there is different. End products made from recycled materials can be recycled again and again until their constituents no longer allow this. Think of paper and cardboard. By recycling again and again, you have less waste.

With biocompostable materials, the product breaks down under specific conditions during a biological process. The biggest difference between the two lies in their processing. Recycled materials can be processed perfectly in Belgium. For biocompostable materials, our country currently has no possibilities other than a compost barrel, compost heap or residual waste bag.