SUPER 8 green loosefill is the next generation of sustainable packaging. From manufacturing to disposal, our SUPER 8 green loosefill is made to provide superior product protection while being environmentally friendly packaging. Our SUPER 8 green loosefill is the only packing peanut made from 100% recycled polystyrene that includes postconsumer polystyrene foam packaging that would otherwise end up in the waste stream.

Our SUPER 8 green loosefill contains an additive that accelerates degradation. If not recycled, our SUPER 8 green loosefill will biodegrade within 1 to 5 years or more depending upon conditions, in the presence of microorganisms. Because conditions vary from place to place and landfill to landfill, the exact time for degradation varies depending upon the level of microbial activity. Not only is SUPER 8 green loosefill packing truly environmental packaging, but it is cost effective while providing superior product protection.

SUPER 8 green 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.

Our SUPER 8 green loosefill comes in an easy to identify, light green color for customer awareness.

Products labeled 'biodegradable' are not offered for sale in the state of California. For more information please see: FAQ on California laws on biodegradability

Benefits over starch loosefill

1. Made from 100% recycled polystyrene

2. Biodegrades in 1 to 5 years or more depending upon conditions, in the presence of microorganisms

3. Can be recycled or reused

4. Has no attraction to rodents

5. Environmental humidity does not affect product performance

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

7. 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

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

Our SUPER 8 green loosefill is environmentally friendly packaging that meets the growing need for sustainable products while providing superior performance. SUPER 8 green loosefill 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 our SUPER 8 green loosefill

What makes the product biodegrade?

Our SUPER 8 green 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 1 to 5 years or more depending on conditions. 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. Because conditions vary from place to place and landfill to landfill, the exact time for degradation varies depending upon the level of microbial activity.

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 green 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 under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions.

• 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. We have preformed aerobic testing in which our product biodegraded in one year.

Outside laboratories have tested our products using Biochemical Methane Potential testing, which results demonstrate degradation in landfill conditions. We are continuing to perform additional testing.

What is left when the product biodegrades?

After biodegradation, the resulting material has been transformed into simple molecules found in the environment, such as carbon dioxide, methane, water, inorganic compounds or biomass 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. As of 2009, the company has recycled in excess of 140 million pounds of expanded polystyrene worldwide.