Film Overview
Ecolene® biodegradable polyolefin shrink film is a unique environmentally friendly packaging film that utilizes the environment to return to the environment. Because Ecolene® simply supports a naturally occurring breakdown process, it can biodegrade in nearly any disposal condition without special handling requirements- no light, heat, or stress required. Unlike some competing eco-friendly films, Ecolene® retains the same performance properties as regular polyolefin shrink film and does not begin to degrade until disposal. Ecolene® is also cost-effective and an excellent choice for eco-conscious brands packaging products across industries.
Ecolene® biodegradable film can only run on machines equipped with hot wire or “V” knife sealing systems.
Compatible with
As long as the machinery is equipped with a hot wire or “V” knife sealing system.
Incompatible with mushroom blade sealing systems.
Ecolene® technology encourages the microbes naturally present in water, soil, and landfills to convert the base material of the biodegradable plastic into a food source. The additives used in Ecolene® film help natural microorganisms form biofilms on the Ecolene® polyolefin films, which then aid in the microbial consumption and biodegradation of plastics. Unlike some competing brands, Ecolene® breaks down fully into the environment as biomass and humus instead of tiny plastic particles, making it truly environmentally friendly.
| Ecolene | Oxo Degrader | PLA Bioplastics | |
| FOR BIODEGRADATION | |||
| 100% Biodegradable in landfill, as litter or backyard compost, and in water | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| FOR RECYCLING | |||
| 100% Recyclable at an time | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| Compatible with the recycle stream | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| FOR PROPERTIES | |||
| No Special storage conditions required | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| Shelf life is same as standard polyolefin film | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| Not degraded by exposure to light,heat or stress during storage, shipping, handling or use | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| Does not fragment during degradation | TRUE | FALSE | TRUE |
| Degradation does not begin before disposal | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| FOR PERFORMANCE | |||
| Physical properties are unchanged from standard polyolefin film | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
| UV or anti-oxidant additives are needed, inhibiting product performance | FALSE | TRUE | FALSE |
| Performance not negatively affected by overloading | TRUE | FALSE | N/A |
| FOR THE ENVIRONMENT | |||
| No Heavy Metals, Ecologically Safe | TRUE | FALSE | TRUE |
| Degraded product returns to environment as biomass and humus, not as small plastic particles | TRUE | FALSE | TRUE |
| FOR THE BOTTOM LINE | |||
| Cost Effective | TRUE | FALSE | FALSE |
Yes. The additives utilized in the production of Ecolene® polyolefin films have undergone the following standard testing to confirm their biodegradability and environmental safety:
Yes, Ecolene® film is fully recyclable at any point in time.
Since Ecolene® relies on biofilms to naturally biodegrade, it can biodegrade in any environment that other organisms are biodegrading, including:
No. Unlike competing biodegradable films, Ecolene® maintains the same performance properties as regular polyolefin shrink film. As such, it will not degrade in:
Ecolene® only begins the degradation process upon disposal.
Biofilms are groups of tiny organisms surrounded by a slimy substance that sticks to surfaces. They can form on any surface with moisture, nutrients, and a surface. Some examples of biofilms include plaque on teeth, slime on river stones, and the film inside a flower vase. When certain biofilms form through contact with Ecolene® additives, the microorganisms within them produce acids and enzymes that break down polymers, the building blocks of plastic, and use them as a food source for the biofilm. This breakdown happens without UV light, heat, oxygen, or water. The biofilm population produces everything it needs to survive through direct interaction or as a byproduct of digestion. This means that Ecolene® can break down in any conditions where other organic materials are also breaking down.
Do you have more questions about Ecolene®’s biodegradable film? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer them.
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