EarthCorr Foam Biodegradability Report
EarthCorr Foam was evaluated by independent laboratories for biodegradability by exposing it to aerobic composting for 64 days in contact with compost materials. The results were compared to the biodegradation rate of cellulose, which is 90% carbon conversion and weight loss.
Samples weighing approximately 1.0-2.0 g were placed into 90 g of wet composting material. Composting material was obtained from Monterey Mushrooms Inc. in Princeton, IL. The composting medium had a Carbon: Nitrogen ratio of 14 :1, which was within the specifications for this test. The pH of the compost material was 7.2 with a total dry solids percentage of 50% when dried at 105° C until constant weight was achieved and was within the 50%-55% range. The volatile solids had a dry matter content of 30% which was under the 70% allowed.
Samples had degraded in the compost material for 64 days. Figure I represents the cumulative CO2 production of the cellulose samples as well as the tested materials. Figure II exhibits the % weight loss that was calculated over the 64 day testing period. 
The cellulose control had total degradation. The carbon conversion (%) for the cellulose was normal for this test and also confirmed a viable, active compost mixture. The carbon conversion value was over the 90% requirement for this type of material.
The amount of carbon from sample A (Positive Cellulose Control) converted to CO2 during the test had an average of 91.46% of the total carbon present in the sample.
The amount of carbon from sample B (Foam Sheet) converted to CO2 during the test had an average of 93.21% of the total carbon present in the sample.
The amount of carbon from sample C (Adhesive) converted to CO2 during the test had an average of 117.60% of the total carbon present in the sample. This value also represents that priming effect took place, which is CO2 produced by bacteria feeding on each other and the compost.
The efficiency of CO2 produced compared to the maximum theoretically calculated CO2 which should have been produced had an average of 91.46% for sample A (Cellulose) since a very large amount of the sample had degraded.
The efficiency of CO2 produced compared to the maximum theoretically calculated CO2 which should have been produced had an average of 102.45% for sample B (Foam Sheet) since a very significant amount of the sample had degraded.
The efficiency of CO2 produced compared to the maximum theoretically calculated CO2 which should have been produced had an average of 119.50% for sample C (Adhesive) since most of the sample had degraded.
Based on the 64 day weight loss and carbon conversion, the foam sheet and adhesive have met the ASTM D 5338 and ASTM 6400-04 requirements for a compostable material.
The results are clear. The EarthCorr Foam and the adhesive used in its packaging achieved the 90% carbon conversion and weight loss requirement for a compostable material. (See Tables I and II below)
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Biodegradability
