BASF receives certification for compostable adhesive

As producer of Epotal Eco, BASF is now able to offer the first compostable water-based adhesive certified by the German Technical Inspection Agency, TÜV.

‘Biologically degradable adhesives will play a decisive role in the future when it comes to developing compostable packaging materials,’ said Cornelis Beyers, marketing, industrial adhesives. Epotal Eco is particularly suitable for the production of multi-layer films for flexible packaging materials based on biodegradable plastics. Possible applications are bags for potato chips or chocolate bar wrappings.

‘In the past, we received, again and again, inquiries for biodegradable adhesives but were unable to satisfy them,’ said Merle Dardat, product manager at DIN Certco, a certification company of the TÜV Rhineland Group and of the German Standard Institute. DIN Certco has now issued the registration notice for Epotal P100 Eco, certifying the product as a biodegradable additive.

According to the European EN 13432 standard, substances are considered as fully biodegradable if at least 90 percent of the organic carbon contained in them is converted into CO2 within a testing period of no more than 180 days. The rotting test in composted earth showed that after 70 days, 90 percent of Epotal Eco is broken down. The molecule structure of the product resembles the one of naturally occurring polymers. Microorganisms are able to convert them into carbon dioxide, water and biomass with the help of enzymes. The best results are achieved in industrial composting facilities since they offer ideal conditions for microorganisms. After the decomposition process, Epotal Eco leaves no toxic residuals und shows no negative impact on the environment.

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