Clarifoil’s Biodegradable Window Film Wins U.S. Credentials

DERBY, U.K.—Clarifoil carton window and lamination film produced at Derby, UK, has earned ASTM D6400 accreditation awarded by the United States Biodegradable Products Institute in addition to its European DIN EN 13432 biodegradability accreditation gained last year.

The accreditations give Clarifoil, which is used worldwide in packaging products, powerful further credentials in markets which are increasingly sensitive to environment and waste issues.

Clarifoil is made from woodpulp produced from sustainable forestry, and under UK legislation is classed with paper and board for recycling, composting and use in energy-from-waste electricity generators. Another feature is that the woodpulp used to make Clarifoil has no genetically-modified content.

Gordon Willins, Clarifoil commercial director, said a factor often overlooked in the drive to bear down on waste, is spoilage of food product packaging due to condensation inside the pack. Clarifoil is a cellulose acetate film which is naturally moisture permeable, allowing moisture to escape and preventing ‘fogging’ which can affect non-permeable windows on cartons containing food products packed while still warm, such as cakes and quiches.

“Consumers like to see what is in the pack and they don’t like fogged windows. Consigning spoiled cartons of food products to the tip because consumers don’t like the look of the pack or can’t clearly see what is inside, is in no-one’s interest,” Willins said.