NatureWorks receives OK Biobased certification for Ingeo resins
The certification uses a four star rating system to indicate the amount of renewable carbon content in packaging materials and fibres as well as finished products.
“The OK Biobased star rating serves as a sustainability indicator for consumers by identifying materials and products that are helping to alleviate the environmental problems associated with fossil fuels and greenhouse gases,” said Steve Davis, director of corporate communications and public affairs at NatureWorks.
Certification process
In order for a product to be certified, it must fulfill two requirements, according to Vinçotte. The total organic carbon content of the product must be at least 30 per cent, and the carbon content of a renewable raw material (biobased) must be at least 20 per cent.
The four-star system indicates different levels of renewable carbon content, with one star signaling between 20 and 40 percent biobased carbon content, and four stars indicating a content of more than 80 per cent.
“All products (partially or completely) made of materials and/or polymers of natural origin are eligible for the OK biobased certification scheme (except solid, gaseous or liquid fuels),” Petra Michiels, of Vinçotte told CosmeticsDesign-Europe.com.
Products may only bear the logo if the entire product is certified, according to Vinçotte.
NatureWork’s resins certified four-star renewable
NatureWorks’ portfolio of Ingeo resins, which can be used in the packaging of cosmetics and personal care products such as compacts and lipsticks, has been certified by Vinçotte as four-star renewable.
According to the company, the certification test procedure showed that Ingeo resin is made from 99 per cent renewable plant sugars (renewable carbon). Although the entire carbon content in the resins is biobased, said NatureWorks, 99 per cent reflects the accuracy of the test.
Certification logos of this sort can help make products more attractive to consumers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
“Symbols on packages and products relating to the environment, such as the OK Biobased stars, inform and influence consumer buying decisions,” said Davies.
