Pack Expo 2022 Q&A on Our Sustainable EarthGuard Line
You asked, and we answered. When we recently attended Pack Expo 2022 and showcased our EarthGuard line of sustainable packaging, we answered many questions. Below is a recap of the best and most relevant inquiries we had.
What is Sustainability to Portco?
Our top priority is ensuring the integrity of the product being packaged in our structures. We focus on protecting the product first to protect the resources consumed while making our customer’s products first vs. the resources used in the packaging itself. Once we make sure we have designed a structure to protect the goods inside the package, we then focus on limiting the negative impact of the package itself by designing structures with a more responsible end-of-life.
We created the EarthGuard line to meet customers’ priorities for sustainability, whether their need is for a compostable package, recycle ready, or post-consumer recyclable (PCR). These different options allow customers to pick what best fits where they are on their journey to sustainability. There’s not one “silver bullet” that fits all customer needs, just as no package fits all products. We’re looking at multiple solutions to help address the end-of-life challenges of plastic.
How does your EarthGuard package compost? How long does it take to compost fully?
This question is based on our EarthGuard Compostable line, and there are two types of composting when we’re talking about all compostable packaging: industrial and “backyard.” Portco’s industrial compostable products are based on ASTM D6400, which dictates a time frame that requires the compostable item to be 90% gone within 180 days. The backyard compostable products in our EarthGuard line are based on OK Compost’s home composting standard. Contact us to learn more.
What makes Portco’s EarthGuard line any different than the next companies’ sustainability line?
With EarthGuard, we have taken a holistic approach to ensure we have solutions to support our customers wherever they are in their sustainability journey. Our PCR, recycle ready, and compostable ensure a “product fit” that will ensure compliance with EPR requirements and push forward their commitment to a more circular economy.
What is EPR, and why is it essential to my company?
EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility laws, which have already been passed in multiple states and continue to gain traction in others. EPR laws mandate a state-by-state level of sustainability in packaging and are enforced by fees or prohibitions on various substrates. EPR is important to anyone that produces a product that is packaged because it will directly affect the cost of the final product or, in some cases, won’t even allow the final product to be sold because of the type of package it is in. The less sustainable the package is, the more costly it will be. EPR laws will go into effect in Oregon in 2025. Read in detail about EPR legislation as it applies state-by-state. For more EPR reading, see our last blog post on EPR legislation here.
What are the barrier capabilities (WVTR & OTR) of each EarthGuard offering?
Each product offering, because it has different base stock, has different barrier capabilities. Please reach out via our contact page, and we can get into further detail per your product’s needs.
Are the EarthGuard structures available as roll stock?
Only PCR and Compostable are available in Roll stock at this point in time. Roll stock options for recycle ready is expected to launch in 2023.
Does the Compostable SUP’s zipper disappear?
The Compostable stand-up pouch’s zipper will also goes away over time, but it must be properly composted.
Are there upfront costs to get EG Compostable structures certified? If so, who is responsible for the costs?
The materials we have used to make our EarthGuard compostable bag have been individually certified. Contact us with your specific needs to learn more.
What is the timeline for testing to get EarthGuard Compostable (COMP) certified?
Direct from BPI website, “The entire (compostable certification) process can take up to six months or more depending on the test scheme. Tests like Metals, Ash, and FTIR can take less than one month, but timelines depend on available lab capacity. Disintegration testing takes a minimum of 3 months. When all tests are submitted, and samples are sent, the technical review process generally takes four weeks to complete.”
Do all of our EarthGuard products need to be certified before a product launch?
Certain products need to be certified before launch. For more questions on which products need to be certified, please contact us for further conversation.
What solutions are available for items that need a very high barrier?
Ultra High barrier requirements are not a fit for EarthGuard at this time. However, EarthGuard products are available with barrier properties. Contact us with your specific needs.