Compostable Films of Mater-Bi Z Grades

Abstract

This paper focuses on the composting behavior of Mater-Bi Z grades for filming and on their in-use behavior, mainly as composting bags for the collection of organic waste. The compostability of Mater-Bi Z grades was demonstrated by means of a three-step test by following the approach of different international committees working on this matter comprising lab tests (biodegradability tests such as ASTM D 5338, ASTM 5901, and terrestrial toxicity tests) and full-scale composting tests. In addition to their compostability, the in-use behavior was estimated by tests of separate collection of organic wastes in different municipalities (Furstenfeldbruck/Bavaria, Korneuburg/Austria) comparing paper bags with Mater-Bi bags.