Biodegradable
SUPER 8® loosefill
Environmentally Friendly Packaging
from FP International

Biodegradable SUPER 8® loosefill is the right choice for the environment and for protecting your valuable products.

Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill is the next generation of sustainable packaging. From manufacturing to disposal, Biodegradable SUPER 8 is made to provide superior product protection while being environmentally friendly packaging. Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill is the only biodegradable packaging loosefill made from 100% recycled polystyrene that includes postconsumer polystyrene foam packaging that would other wise end up in the waste stream. If not recycled, Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill will decompose completely within 9 to 60 months in the presence of microorganisms, whether it is sent to a landfill or ends up as litter in the soil. Not only is Super 8 loose fill packing truly biodegradable packaging, but it is cost effective while providing superior product protection.

Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill is also recyclable packaging and can be reused many times. This eco friendly packaging is collected at over 1,500 locations in the US for reuse. It can be returned for recycling to locations listed in the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR) drop-off or mail-in program. See http://www.epspackaging.org/info.html for more information.

Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill comes in an easy to identify, light green color for customer awareness.  Only green colored loosefill in the shape of a figure 8 is biodegradable packing peanuts and eco friendly packaging.

Biodegradable Packaging SUPER 8 loosefill is a better
environmental choice than starch loosefill or paper.

Benefits over starch loosefill

1. Made from 100% recycled polystyrene that is biodegradable
   * Starch loosefill uses crops which may increase food prices and decrease food supply

2. Biodegrades in 9-60 months in the presence of microorganisms

3. Emits 83% less greenhouse gas emissions than starch in its production

4. Can be recycled or reused

5. Has no attraction to rodents

6. Environmental humidity does not affect product performance

7. Superior interlocking secures the product and prevents it from shifting in the box

8. 64% lighter than starch loosefill to lower shipping costs

Benefits over crumpled or padded paper

1. 86% less energy used in its production

2. Emits 93% less greenhouse gas emissions than paper, in its production

3. Will biodegrade in landfills in the presence of microorganisms, whereas paper will not degrade as readily, if at all

4. 64% lighter than paper to lower shipping costs

5. Easier for packers to use – gentler on their hands

6. No spare parts or machine maintenance connected with its use

Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill is environmentally friendly packaging meets the growing need for sustainable products while providing superior performance. Biodegradable SUPER 8 will protect your products better, increase your packers’ efficiency and decrease your shipping costs. The unique figure 8 shape interlocks to securely hold your products in place during shipment resulting in less damage.

Important Facts About Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill

What makes the product biodegrade?

Our Biodegradable SUPER 8 loosefill is made from 100% recycled polystyrene that contains a proprietary additive, which will allow the product to degrade in the presence of microorganisms in 9 to 60 months. This additive does not affect the performance or the shelf life of our product, because biodegradation only occurs in the presence of microorganisms which are present in landfills, home and commercial composting, and other areas where they exist in nature. These eco friendly packaging products will biodegrade in aerobic (with air) and anaerobic (without air) conditions.

What causes the product to biodegrade?

Our environmentally friendly packaging contains an additive that promotes the formation of a microscopic bio-film on the surface of our SUPER 8 loosefill. Microorganisms in the bio-film secrete acids and enzymes that break down the long polymer chains into smaller pieces, which can then be digested by the microorganisms.

How do we know the product will biodegrade?

Numerous plastic samples that use the additive have been tested by independent laboratories in accordance with standard test methods approved by ASTM and other standardization bodies to determine the rate and extent of biodegradation of plastic materials.  The test methods include:

• ASTM D5511 - Anaerobic Biodegradability (Simulates landfill).

• ASTM D5338 - Aerobic Biodegradation under Controlled Composting Conditions.

• ASTM 5209 – Aerobic Biodegradation in the Presence of Municipal Sewage Sludge.

The results of these tests concluded that plastic products manufactured with this additive are biodegradable and safe for the environment.  Furthermore, our own testing supports these conclusions.

What is left when the product biodegrades?

After biodegradation, the resulting material has been transformed into carbon dioxide, water and inert-humus soil with no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.

Does the additive impact the product’s characteristics?

This additive does not affect the recyclability of the product nor the product’s performance as an excellent, light weight, protective eco friendly packaging material.

Is there any special handling for this product?

No special handling is required to load, use or store the material. This is truly environmentally friendly packaging.

From a packer’s standpoint, are there any safety issues with handling?

No, the additive is natural and is made only from FDA recognized ingredients and does not contain hazardous materials, as outlined by current OSHA regulations.

Will the additive transfer to other products?

No, the additive must be mixed with the raw materials during the production of the finished packaging material and becomes a non-transferable part of the product. It does not leave any residue on the product.

Environmental Commitment

FP International has a substantial record of environmental achievements. In 1990, FP International was the first company to recycle post-consumer polystyrene foam packaging and use the recycled material to make new loosefill from 100% recycled material. FP International received national recognition in 1991, for its “significant contributions to environmental improvement through recycling” with the Administrator’s Award of the US Environmental Protection Agency, and also received numerous state and local awards for environmental commitment and recycling programs. In 2008, the company recycled in excess of 10 million pounds of expanded polystyrene worldwide.