Compostable and biodegradable compounds get BPI certification for US market

Sirmax Group's wholly owned subsidiary specializing in the production of bio-compounds, Microtec, has received the BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certification for Biocomp BF 01HP and Biocomp BF 7210, which allows these two compound grades to be sold in the USA. This endorsement allows producers of flexible packaging to export products to the United States with a certification that is recognized in this geographical area, just like TUV and DIn-Certco are recognized in Europe.

Microtec specializes in the production and distribution of completely biodegradable and compostable compounds, masterbatches and additives. Its product range currently includes a complete line of compounds for the flexible and rigid packaging industry processed through blown film extrusion and injection molding. In recent years, Microtec has developed the production and sale of completely biodegradable and compostable plastic formulations. To date, composting is applied to selected waste consisting only of biodegradable organic materials.

“The importance of the BPI certification takes on both market and strategic significance. The opening of new markets for our biodegradable compounds and the start of a brand awareness process in the American market is essential to the implementation of Microtec's three-year operational plan to double volumes in the medium term. However, this result is equally important because it marks the start of an internationalization process for this family of biodegradable and compostable compounds under the name Biocomp, the latest entry in the vast range of thermoplastic compounds by the Sirmax group. In fact, almost all the other product families are present at the global level both in terms of market and local production”, stated Massimo Veronelli, Global Sales Director at Sirmax Group's Green Business Unit.

Biocomp, the family to which the Biocomp BF 01HP and Biocomp BF 7210 grades belong, is an innovative family of bioplastics made with vegetable and biodegradable polymeric components obtained from both renewable and fossil raw materials. It is produced as granules in the Mellaredo di Pianiga plant (near Venice,Italy) using established technologies for the transformation of plastic materials, specifically adapted to treat biodegradable and compostable polymers. These granules can be used to make products with similar or improved characteristics compared to traditional plastics. However, unlike traditional plastics, the Biocomp family is completely biodegradable and compostable as required by the EN 13432 standard.

Biocomp has many applications in the flexible and rigid packaging sector, from large-scale distribution to the agri-food sector, catering, and disposable packaging for varied uses. Its use is therefore not limited to takeaway bags, but also includes compostable packaging for mozzarella and ice cream, general packaging for solid and liquid foods, refrigerator bags, laminated paper packaging for the processed meat industry, packaging and accessories for clothing and fashion items. It also extends to the production of plates, glasses, trays and cutlery for the hospitality sector, freezer and ice cube bags, and photo-selective mulching sheets.