Compostable Certified Paper Products Heighten Facilities’ Sustainability

Compostable Certified Paper Products Heighten Facilities’ Sustainability

More paper product manufacturers are continuing to develop and talk about green products and practices. Discerning between the real benefits and greenwashing is becoming more difficult. However, independent third-party certifications, which ensure products are truly sustainable, provide facility purchasers the scientific confirmation they seek.

My employer, SCA, a global hygiene company and makers of the Tork^® brand of away-from-home (AFH) paper products, continues to strengthen its position as an industry leader in sustainable solutions. This includes the recent news that our Universal and Advanced Tork napkins now are certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) compostable label program, in addition to the previously earned EcoLogo™ and GreenSeal™ third-party credentials. This means Tork napkins can be safely disposed of and will quickly biodegrade in municipal and commercial composting facilities, which are becoming more prevalent across North America.

What’s The Value?
BPI certification ensures the napkin’s product lifecycle from development, production, use and disposal remains environmentally responsible. Proper degradability secures the manufacturer’s environmental value claims and lessens landfill waste. Facilities that dispose of napkin waste — including those which house cafeterias, food stations or other foodservice venues — will greatly benefit from BPI certified napkins, especially as more facilities move toward composting.

Why BPI
BPI, one of the largest independent compost certification groups in North America, is dedicated to the production, use and recovery of compostable materials. In order for paper products to be approved by the BPI, they must meet the requirements in ASTM D6868, based on testing in a BPI-approved, independent laboratory, and the results must be verified by third-party experts. This thorough process and certification is invaluable for any facility looking to reduce their footprint and move towards more sustainable operations.

Resources On Composting For Businesses
For businesses interested in composting, there are resources available to help initiate a program as well as provide support for existing programs. Options include:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s web page on composting for information on state and regional composting programs, specific materials that can be composted and environmental benefits
  
• The United States Composting Council web page for information on programs, advocacy, resources and education.

More and more facilities are looking to compost — from restaurants to offices to university campuses — to reduce costs and landfill waste. Being able to compost napkins as part of this effort goes a long way, and the certified compostable label helps mitigate any confusion about whether napkins can be elements of a comprehensive composting waste program.

Mike Kapalko, SCA Tissue North America's sustainability marketing manager, works to promote health and environmental responsibility with customers by taking SCA’s holistic approach to manufacturing its Tork systems and cost saving solutions. Mike has more than 12 years’ experience working in the away-from-home sanitary paper market and started his career in the commercial foodservice industry where hygiene and cross-contamination are constant areas of focus.