Information regarding the biodegradability of the rawmaterial used to manufacture the Eco Wad

Summary of Raw Material

• The Eco Wad is made from biodegradable renewable materials

– Biodegradable = the material will decompose through the natural action of micro-organisms

– Renewable = the material consists of renewable resources

• The material is designed to perform like traditional polyethylene plastics with regards to strength and flexibility but it is not made from non-renewable resources, it is not a petroleum product.

Relevant Certifications

• Internationally recognized certifications for biodegradation include:

– Din Certco– OK Compost– ASTM D6400

• The material used to manufacture the Eco Wad has achieved all of these certifications.• The Eco Wad itself, in Wad form, has not been certified, but the raw material is the same.

Din Certco

• DIN CERTCO is the certification organisation of TÜV Rheinland Group and DIN, the German Institute for Standardization. It is highly regarded at home and abroad for its independence, neutrality, competence and more than 30 years experience in the field.

• DIN CERTCO operates a certification scheme for compostable products made of biodegradable materials and licenses the use of the corresponding Mark developed by European Bioplastics (the former IBAW Interest Group for Biodegradable Materials).

• Certification is here an integral part of an industrial recycling system. It enables compostable products to be identified by a unique mark and channeled for recovery of their constituent materials in specially developed processes. The Compostability Mark thus conveys product information to waste-disposal plant operators and product image to consumers.

• Laboratory tests are performed for materials, intermediates and additives. In these tests the chemical properties are checked, the ultimate biodegradability is verified and and the disintegration properties are determined.

• Chemical testing serves to ensure that neither harmful organic substances, such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dioxins, nor heavy metals, such as lead, mercury and cadmium, pass into the soil via the compost.

• The method specified for the testing of biodegradability and of disintegration serve to verify the complete degradation of the materials within the processing period of normal composting plants.

• For further information see: http://www.dincertco.de

OK Compost

• Belgium based Vinçotte is behind the OK Compost standard, www.vincotte.be

• Worldwide Vinçotte provides more than 130 specialised inspection, monitoring and certification services, analyses and tests for the most wide-ranging applications in the field of electricity, hoisting apparatus, pressure equipment, civil engineering, safety in the work place, environmental protection and radiant protection.

• Featuring this mark certifies that the product is compostable in an industrial composting unit, including the

• components, inks and additives used. The certification programme’s sole reference point is the harmonised

• standard EN 13432: 2000, which means any product featuring the OK Compost mark is in fact in accordance with the EU packaging Directive ( 94/62/EEC). With this marking system, users are guaranteed that the certified product can be composted in an industrial composting facility.

• Composting means a significant reduction in the volume of organic material and the compost produced can be recovered for use in agriculture and market gardening sectors.

• The OK Compost logo already appears on several types of bin bags used for renewable waste (fruit, vegetable and garden waste) and is also featured on various types of packaging (packaging for organic produce, for various publications)

ASTM 6400

• ASTM is an American based organisation, www.astm.org

• ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards development organizations in the world-a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services. Known for their high technical quality and market relevancy, ASTM International standards have an important role in the information infrastructure that guides design, manufacturing and trade in the global economy.

• The ASTM D6400 - 04 is the ASTM standard for Compostable Plastics

• This specification covers plastics and products made from plastics that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. The properties in this specification are those required to determine ifplastics and products made from plastics will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The purpose of this specification is to establish standards for identifying products and materials that will compost satisfactorily in commercial and municipal composting facilities.

Images of Biodegradation

• The first two images were taken at the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology, http://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/englisch/\

The material made into mulch film, these pictures show, in order from left to right, the film laid out, the film in use, and the film undergoing significant biodegradation

Other Biodegradable Products Made With The Same Raw Material

Carrier Bag Freezer Bag

Bubble Wrap

Fruit and Vegetable Mesh

Mulch Film for Pineapples

Material Safety Data

1. Hazards identification1.1 Classification: Not dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC1.2 Special advice on hazards: Danger of burns in contact with hot polymer. Hazardous vapours in case of burning.

2. Composition / information on ingredients2.1 Chemical characteristics: Biodegradable polymer-blend based on polylactic acid (PLA), contains a copolyester and additives. Compostable acc. DIN EN 134322.2 CAS no: PLA: 9051-89-22.3 Additional information: no harmful ingredients

3. First-aid measures3.1 On skin contact: In case of contact with molten polymer immediately cool the skin with cold water. Medical aid may be required to remove adhering material and for treatment of burns.3.2 After inhalation: After inhalation of decomposition gases or dust remove patient to fresh air. Contact a doctor in case of discomfort.3.3 On ingestion: No effects known. Rinse mouth with water and drink more water. Contact a doctor in case of discomfort.3.4 On eyes contact: Rinse open eyes thoroughly with water

4. Fire-fighting measures4.1 Suitable fire extinguishing media: water, dry chemical extinguisher, foam, carbon dioxide4.2 Special exposure hazards: During incomplete combustion release of carbon monoxide, tetrahydrofurane and decomposition products possible.4.3 Special protective equipment: Self-contained breathing apparatus4.4 Remark: Accumulations of dust can be inflammable.

5. Accidental release measures5.1 Personal precautions: Use suitable protective clothing. Avoid eye contact and inhalation of dusts. Keep ignition sources away.5.2 Methods for cleaning up: Sweep up material and place in a container, risk of slipping. Avoid ingress of material into drainage systems.

6. Handling and storage6.1 Handling: Avoid contact with molten polymer. Avoid generation of dust and electrostatic charge.6.2 Storage: Protect against moisture. Store cool and keep packaging closed when not in use. Avoid sources of ignition.

7. Exposure controls/ personal protection7.1 Technical safety measures: With suitable ventilation the threshold limits assumably will not be reached. Avoid electrostatic charge by use of grounding cables.7.2 Personal safety equipment: Use adequate safety equipment, e.g. protective clothing, eye protection glasses, heat protection gloves. In case of dust formation wear mask with particle filter.7.3 Work hygiene: No eating or drinking during working. Avoid contact of hot material with the skin. Avoid breathing dust and vapours.

8. Physical and chemical properties8.1 Form: Granules 8.2 Colour: beige8.3 Odour: almost odourless 8.4 Melting range: 145 - 160° C8.5 Oxidising properties: not self igniting / flammable 8.6 Explosions limits: not applicable8.7 Density: 1,2 - 1,4 g/cm3 8.8 Solubility in water: insoluble

9. Stability and reactivity9.1 Stability: The product is stable at recommended storage conditions.9.2 Conditions to be avoided: Avoid exposure to extreme heat and all sources of ignition. Thermal decomposition > 240°C.9.3 Substances to be avoided: Strong oxidizing agents9.4 Hazardous decomposition Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, aldehydes, products: tetrahydrofurane, low molecular weight oligomers.

10. Toxicological information10.1 Local irritation: Dust can cause irritation of eyes, respiratory organs and skin. After ingestion stomach pain or nausea are possible.10.2 Other remarks: Based on our state of knowledge and experience no injurious health effects are expected if product is properly handled for the designated use.

11. Ecological information

11.1 Ecotoxical effects: No negative ecological effects known at the present state of knowledge, test results are not available.Due to insolubility in water most probably not hazardous to aquatic organisms.11.2 Biological degradation: Product is biodegradable.11.3 Bioaccumulation: Due to its consistency and insolubility in water biological accumulation is not expected.

12. Disposal considerations12.1 Product: Generation of waste should be minimised, check possibility for recycling. Waste product can be incinerated or dumped together with domestic waste in compliance with local authority requirements.12.2 Uncleaned packaging: Packaging material has to be emptied completely and disposed in accordance with the regulations. Packaging can be recycled if not contaminated.

13. Transport information13.1 Transport regulations: Not classified as hazardous under transport regulations ADR, ADNR, RID, ICAO/IATA, IMDG/GGVSee, ICAO/IATA

14. Regulatory information14.1 EU regulations: This product does not require a hazard warning label in accordance with EC Directives.14.2 Water exposure class 'nwg', no risk of water pollution, Germany: classification acc.Att.1 of VwVwS

15. Other informationThis data is based on the current state of our information and experience. This safety data sheet describes our product in terms of safety requirements. Preceding data is not applicable as a warranty of product properties. It is the responsibility of the recipient to observe the existing legal regulations for the use of this product.

16. Hazards identification2.1 Classification: Not dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC2.2 Special advice on hazards: Danger of burns in contact with hot polymer. Hazardous vapours in case of burning.

Unit 4,Gilbert Way

Burma Road Business ParkBlidworthMansfield

NottinghamshireNG21 0RT

T: +44 (0) 1623 794 094F: +44 (0) 1623 795 095enquiries@ecowad.com