Next Generation Compostable Films: Compostable Films for Industrial, Commercial and Military Application, 2005 European PLACE Conference

ABSTRACT ONLY

Compostable and biodegradable film technologies have enjoyed a tremendous increase in demand from the marketplace. This is largely due to an increased awareness of the environmental and performance attributes and benefits that these technologies bring to their users. However, most of the compostable film and plastic products on the market today have been limited to waste collection bags and food service items. Recent developments in polymer technology, manufacturing processes and complementary chemistries have allowed the next generation of commercially available products to enter the marketplace. These products include corrosion-inhibiting films, ESD/anti-static films, stretch films, masking films and films for other high technology applications. As these products become available globally, a much larger range of industries can effectively realize the environmental, economic and performance benefits of compostable technologies.