Why Eco-friendly?

What is sustainable?

An object is sustainable when it is capable of being continued or maintained with minimal long-term effect on the environment.

Sustainability is a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. The term, in its environmental usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecological support systems and how long they can be expected to be usefully productive.

Why are our products sustainable?

All PLA products manufactured by Univenture, Inc. are considered sustainable products. They are manufactured of a renewable and sustainable plastic made from plants. Our bags, sleeves and pockets can be made from PLA film. This clear plastic film presents packagers with a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based materials.

What is compostable?

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost. A compostable material biodegrades substantially under the correct composting conditions. Compost biomass residues from a compostable material are fully biodegradable. The size of the material affects the rate of biodegradation.

Where can I take items to be composted?

Please check with your city manager for your community's controlled composting services. You may also use the following resources for your convenience:

• www.naparecycling.com (by appt. only for compostable items)
• www.mcgillcompost.com/Composting.htm
• www.mcgillireland.com
• www.findacomposter.com

What is biodegradable?

Biodegradable materials are those that are capable of being decomposed by the action of biological agents, especially bacteria. Biodegradation is the process by which organic substances are broken down by living organisms. The term is often used in relation to ecology, waste management, environmental remediation, and to plastic materials, due to their long lifespan.

What is biodegradable polypropylene?

A degradable plastic is defined (ASTM 1991) as a plastic that is designed to undergo a significant change in its chemical structure under specific environmental conditions resulting in a loss of some properties that may vary as measured by standard test methods appropriate to the plastic and the application in a period of time that determines its classification. A biodegradable plastic is defined as a degradable plastic in which the degradation results from the action of naturally occurring microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and algae.

Plastic samples, have been tested by independent laboratories in accordance with standard test methods approved by ASTM, ISO and other such standardization bodies to determine the rate and extent of biodegradation of plastic materials.

The biodegradation of the submitted plastic samples was tested using the following standardized methods:

• ASTM D5209-91, "Standard Test Method for Determining the Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Presence of Municipal Sewage Sludge",
• ASTM D5338.98, "Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials under Controlled Composting Conditions", which is equivalent to CEN prEN WI 261085,
• ISO 14855 method, "Evaluation of the Ultimate Aerobic Biodegradability and Disintegration of Plastics under Controlled Composting Conditions",
• ASTM 5511, "Standard Test Method for Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic Digestion Conditions".

Why are our products biodegradable?

The result of these tests specified above, and the related biodegradation and ecological impact experiments in various environments certifies that plastic products manufactured with ECM additives can be marketed as biodegradable and safe for the environment. For more information about products made from biodegradable polypropylene please read this document, or contact us at 1.800.992.8262.

What is recyclable?

Recyclable materials can be used again, passed through the cycle again, or undergo the renewal process to be created into new, useful products. Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce consumption and reduce different types of pollution.

Why are our products recyclable?

All core Univenture products are made of 100% recyclable polypropylene that is 100% recyclable. Polypropylene is manufactured from clean technologies. This process avoids the harmful gasses that are created in the manufacture and disposal of PVC. Polypropylene products are designed to extend the useful life of the package by enabling the package to be retained and re-used for storage.

Please check with your city manager for your community’s recycling services.

We welcome your suggestions or questions; please direct your email inquiries to recycling@univenture.com.