In the world of sustainable packaging, compostable solutions are not just a trend — they are a necessity. With growing concerns over plastic waste and its environmental impact, manufacturers are increasingly focused on packaging that achieves desired performance targets while reducing environmental footprint. BASF is at the forefront of this movement, offering innovative products that meet high sustainability demands. Among these products is Epotal® CF 430, a compostable laminating adhesive for flexible packaging.
As the demand for sustainable packaging options rises, the industry faces the challenge of developing effective and environmentally friendly materials. Flexible packaging, often used for food products, must meet stringent requirements for durability, safety, and barrier properties while also being sustainable. This is where BASF's Epotal CF 430 comes into play.
"Compostability and recyclability are complementary approaches to a sustainable economy," said Steven Gaik, BASF Technical Account Manager. "They are not intended to replace each other but rather to augment where recycling may not be feasible, such as in small-format food wrapping or packaging with food residues."
BASF's Epotal CF 430 is a water-based compostable adhesive specifically designed to address flexible packaging challenges. Based on Epotal ECO 3702, the CF 430 variant is coater-ready product, meaning it can be coated as-received without further formulating. "Epotal CF 430 is designed to be application-friendly," says Akbar Hussaini, Senior Technical Account Manager. "Any laminator in the industry could potentially use it for their compostable flexible packaging needs."
One of the key advantages of Epotal CF 430 is its composition, which not only minimizes VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions but also ensures the safety of both the environment and those handling the materials. This aligns with BASF's commitment to sustainability and innovation in packaging solutions.
Certification is crucial when it comes to compostability. Products claiming to be compostable must meet specific standards to ensure they will break down effectively in composting facilities. Epotal CF 430 is certified for industrial composting by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in the U.S. and TÜV Rheinland's DIN Certco in Europe, and was the first certified water-based composable adhesive for film-to-film lamination in the US. "Certification is important because it streamlines the commercialization process for converters," explains Gaik. "If a product like Epotal CF 430 comes with a third-party certificate, it saves the converter time and money in the certification process." BASF is also working on obtaining home compost certification for Epotal CF 430, which would further broaden its application in consumer markets.
Flexible packaging using BASF's Epotal CF 430 meets compostability standards and offers comparable performance and processability to traditional, non-compostable adhesives. This means manufacturers do not have to compromise on quality when switching to a more sustainable option.
Flexible packaging offers several advantages over rigid packaging, including material and energy efficiency, using less material minimizes waste during production and disposal. It also enables lightweighting for reduced energy consumption and carbon emissions during transport. The product has also been found to improve certain barrier properties, such as moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR), in some applications. While this is not the product's primary selling point, it highlights the added benefits of using BASF's innovative adhesives.
This versatility makes flexible packaging an increasingly preferred option for manufacturers and consumers.
BASF's dedication to advancing compostable adhesives is evident in its proactive approach to meeting future market demands. The company is prepared to support the growth of compostable packaging solutions, particularly as infrastructure for composting continues to expand in North America and globally.
"We are ahead of the curve in this market," added Sujith Chacko, BASF Technical Team Lead. "BASF was the first to launch water-based compostable adhesives, and we are actively working with our customers to bring these solutions to market."
BASF's Epotal CF 430 is an important product in developing environmentally friendly packaging as the world shifts toward more sustainable practices. With its ease of use, certified composability, and performance on par with traditional adhesives, Epotal CF 430 is poised to play a significant role in the future of flexible packaging.
BASF provides more than just technical support; the company also offers regulatory assistance to help customers navigate complex compostability standards and changing legislation. As the focus on composting grows in North America, BASF offers advanced water-based compostable adhesives to help manufacturers meet the needs of a progressively eco-conscious market.
Moreover, BASF has developed partnerships across the value chain, including brand owners, film suppliers, and converters. Over the past 10 years, Epotal CF 430 has been proven in the field through in both closed loop waste venues, such as sports stadiums, and open loop waste venues, such as fast-food restaurants. These partnerships and market experiences underscore BASF's leadership in the compostable packaging space, making it a trusted partner for manufacturers striving to achieve environmental and performance goals.
With Epotal CF 430, BASF is not just contributing to the future of packaging; it is actively shaping it, providing sustainable solutions that meet the market's evolving needs while upholding the highest performance and environmental responsibility standards.
Contact BASF for questions relating to Epotal CF 430 and other sustainable solutions.