FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive lots of questions about biomaterial. We've tried to answer a few common questions below, but feel free to Contact US if you have further enquiries.
The term biomaterial encompasses a whole family of materials which differ from conventional plastics insofar as that they are biobased, biodegradable, or both.
Biobased means that the material or product is (partly) derived from biomass (plants). Biomass used for biomaterial stems from e.g. corn, sugarcane, or cellulose.
The term biodegradable refers to a chemical process during which micro-organisms that are available in the environment convert materials into natural substances such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass (artificial additives are not needed!). The process of biodegradation depends on the surrounding environmental conditions (e.g. location or temperature), on the material itself, and on the application. Biodegradability is an inherent property of certain bioplastic including GAIA:s Biodolomer® material that greatly benefit specific applications (e.g. biowaste bags or service ware).
Biomaterial are driving the evolution of plastics. There are two major advantages of biobased plastic products compared to their conventional versions: they save fossil resources by using biomass which regenerates (annually) and providing the unique potential of carbon neutrality. Furthermore, biodegradability is an add-on property of certain types of bioplastics. It offers additional means of recovery at the end of a product’s life.
We guarantee a shelf life of 12 months for Biodolomer® Pouches. However if the products are stored in a cool and dry area they will keep for much longer. Biodolomer® should not be exposed to heat levels over 45 degrees C. Read more on how to store Biodolomer® at Biodolomer® Product Information
The process of biodegradation depends on the surrounding environmental conditions (e.g. location or temperature), on the material itself, and on the application. A Biodolomer® Pouch for organic waste will degrade in about 60 days in an industrial compost.
European Norm EN 13432 is scheme set by The European Committee for Normalisation (CEN) to determine if a material is biodegradable or not. EN 13432 is the most strict of all of the standards for evaluating biodegradability and compostability. Biodolomer® Pouches is certified to the EN 13432 standard.
Yes, there are materials such as polylactide acid (PLA), which is both renewable and biodegradable. However PLA is fragile and not suitable for eg flexible film. There are new biomaterials on laboratorie scale that will replace the fossil based biodegradable polyester. It will take a few more years before we have the new biomaterial ready on an industrial scale.
Contact you local recycling center and make a demand. Most recycling centers are able to change to GAIA:s waste bags. In a top-of-line pretreatment facility like our friends at Cellwood (external link) provide, our wastebags can even be converted to biogas. Download our information on Biodolomer® vs. Paper bags to strengthen your case.
GAIA:s ambition is to make as little impact as possible on the environment. Most of our ingredients derive from northern Europe. A few Biodolomer® qualities incorporate some PLA (polylactide acid), produced in the USA.
At our plant in Helsingborg, Sweden.