Compostability facility gains accreditation
7 May 2019
Scion’s compostability facility is now accredited to carry out compostabiity testing to internationally recognized standards.
Lou Sherman, Technology and Service Leader says this allows Scion to help companies certify their packaging products as compostable and use internationally recognized labels to communicate to consumers.
“We are the only testing facility accredited in Australasia,” says Lou. “And now we can meet the demand from local and international companies who want back up their compostability claims.”
There is a growing need for materials to be compostable. For example, if the packaging at an event is all compostable the food waste can easily be diverted from landfill. Another good example is in the horticultural industry where growing aids such as string and clips can contaminate green waste making it impossible to compost.
For more products to be compostable, it is important that companies are able to get independent verification that their products meet the required standards. This gives consumers the confidence to choose products and composters the confidence to accept products they know will be compostable.
The accreditation took time, and a visit from a DIN CERTCO auditor from Germany. DIN CERTCO is a company experienced at assessing the quality of a broad range of products and services.
Getting the big tick from DIN CERTCO confirms that compostability testing at Scion is meeting specified requirements including those for quality, safety, efficiency and reliability.
Dr Florian Graichen, Science Leader Biopolymers and Chemicals, says DIN CERTCO is a key partner for Scion in our role of leading the transition of New Zealand to a circular bioeconomy.
“Scion is helping to solve the new challenges that arise through the transition into a new economy focused on sustainable design and renewable resources,” says Florian. “The ability to design, manufacture, test and certify compostable products and materials are crucial for the success and future growth of New Zealand’s packaging and plastics related businesses.”
The accreditation covers both industrial and home compostable materials.
See Scion’s compostability facility in action:
Contact Kate Parker for more information.