Herma receives compostability certification

The label stocks consisting of the HermaExtracoat (grade 242) or HermaTherm Bio (grade 908) and the special adhesive 62N have now been awarded the Keimling logo, as certification according to EN 13432 has been successfully completed. The standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for the industrial compostability of biodegradable products.

HermaExtracoat is a white adhesive label paper that is semi-gloss coated on one side and PEFC-certified. It is suitable for producing labels that are compatible with multicolor printing with all the classic methods. HermaTherm Bio is an eco-quality thermal paper whose pulp comes from FSC-certified forestry. The certification of the complete self-adhesive materials according to the composting standard was carried out according to Din Certco, the certification company belonging to the TÜV Rheinland Group.

‘Those who wish to use compostable packaging, including materials made of appropriate bioplastics, no longer have to forego the efficiency benefits of labelling,’ said Dr Ulli Nägele, Herma’s head of development.

For certification to EN 13432, both products had to satisfy strict criteria. After composting for three months and been passed through a 2 mm sieve, for example, the materials cannot leave a residue equivalent to more than 10 percent of the original mass. The certification procedure also entails an examination of the resulting compost’s effect on plant growth, which indicates its ecotoxicity. Compost or humus produced from certified materials can therefore be used directly for agricultural purposes.