| Seedling logo to launch in Australia and New Zealand |
|
The Australasian Bioplastics Association (ABA) announced the launch of the seedling logo throughout Australia and New Zealand. The seedling logo is used to clearly identify certified compostable packaging materials. It will help the end consumer and/or municipal authorities to recognise compostable packaging and dispose of it accordingly. The ABA has licensed use of the logo from the European Bioplastics Association. To be certified compostable and carry the seedling logo, suitable biopolymer materials must undergo a stringent test regime, carried out by independent accredited laboratories to major global standards, in order to confirm that their inclusion will have no negative effect on soil or compost quality. Once successful testing is complete, application for formal certification must be made to the ABA.
Use of the seedling logo is available to both packaging material
producers and their customers. Converters/manufacturers purchasing
compostable films can potentially use them as the basis for achieving
their own product certification. The rules, testing requirements and
costs involved will vary depending on the complexity of the conversion
carried out on the materials. Compost Australia (the Association of Commercial Composters) DEHWA (Department of Environment and Heritage) and PACIA (Plastic and Chemical Industry Association) have been kept informed and support the initiative. Some ABA members already have compostable applications in the market place and they will be actively applying for certification e.g. BioBag, Plantic who are producing confectionery trays, Chemiplas for PLA trays in the market and Plastral for use of Mater-Bi on nappies among others. "Our vision is educated consumers who are able to recognise compostable packaging and understand the end of life options available and have the supporting infrastructure to allow bio recovery," said Alan Adams, President of the ABA. The ABA will be showcasing the work of its members at its Bioplastics Pavillion at the Auspack exhibition, taking place from Tuesday 16 - Friday 19 June 2009 at the Sydney Showgrounds. Bookmark this page!      |
Be the first to know!
