Precision Color Graphics’ Ecoterah pouches qualify.

Precision Color Graphics Ltd. (PCG; www.precisioncolor.com ), a Milwaukee-area packaging company, earned Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification for its Ecoterah™ (patent pending) multi-layer pouches and bags. The certification assures that the Ecoterah packaging products meet ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) D6868 and D6400 standards. PCG's Ecoterah products are the first multi-layer retail packaging to earn this certification in all of the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan.

BPI is the accepted institution for regulating compostability claims in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan. They promote the use and recycling of biodegradable polymeric materials (via composting). BPI is open to any materials and products that demonstrate they meet the requirements in ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards, based on testing in a BPI-approved laboratory.

BPI certification is awarded after a third-party laboratory performs rigorous compostability testing on every component of a product. Ecoterah multi-layer pouches and bags can contain several paper layers, a water-based adhesive and, finally, a biopolymer sealant. The inner film is made with an earth-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based films. The carbon-neutral biopolymer is made with 100% annually renewable plant resources and is compostable to ASTM D6400 and DIN EN 13432 standards.

Ecoterah products are FDA-compliant and ideal for a wide array of consumer and pet food package applications. PCG can print the pouches with full-color graphics using water- or soy-based inks and still meet the strict BPI testing standards.

Ecoterah multi-layer pouches and bags offer several benefits for consumer packaging needs:

• The petro-based plastics are replaced with more eco-friendly plant-based biopolymers and still provide the needed barriers.


• Because they do not contain petrochemicals, they are safe for recycling, composting and landfills.


• Materials for the inner film are grown, processed and produced domestically; therefore offering more control over the supply chain.
  

PCG President John Goeden says, “PCG's Ecoterah multi-layer pouches have been used for pet food and treats for about one and a half years; pouches holding nuts, granola, coffee, powdered drinks, and hops are in trials now. Next in line for certification are an Ecoterah pouch with a window and a stand-up pouch with a zipper closure―all fully compostable.