Which? Gives NatureFlex its Seal of Approval

WIGTON, Cumbria, UK—Innovia Films’ compostable cellulose-based packaging film, NatureFlex™, was recently tested by a UK leading consumer body and received a favorable review.

In the May 2009 edition of the Which? Gardening magazine, five compostable materials, used in supermarket packaging, were tested using a home compost bin in the usual way—filled with garden waste and turned at two and four month intervals. Observations were recorded as to how well each item composted. NatureFlex™ was judged to have “performed brilliantly” and is described as “Very impressive—the material completely breaks down in just a few weeks.”

With more than 650,000 members, Which? is completely independent, with no owners, shareholders or government departments to answer to. With more than 50 years experience, Which? campaigns to protect consumer rights, review products and offer advice on a wealth of subjects.

Which? decided to test compostable packaging materials to see if they really would break down easily in a home compost bin. NatureFlex™ packs tested by Which? included those used for supermarket fresh produce and a cereal bag. The latter is a lamination of NatureFlex™ and another compostable material, Mater-Bi®. At the end of the two-month testing period, the fresh produce packs had completely broken down and there were only minute pieces of the cereal bag remaining.

Andy Sweetman, global marketing manager, Sustainable Technologies for Innovia Films, said, “We are absolutely delighted that our NatureFlex™ film has been recognised by the UK’s leading consumer body. NatureFlex™ was in fact the first packaging film to achieve the OK Compost Home certification standard and this independent testing, carried out by Which?, completely supports all our claims.”