Cortec, a global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI and MCI corrosion control technologies for packaging, metalworking, construction, electronics, water treatment, oil &, and other industries, has introduced the first certified industrially compostable VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) paper for protective metals packaging. With the EcoBio VpCI-146 paper, manufacturers, large and small, have yet another option for metals protection with a ‘circular economy’ focus.
The EcoBio VpCI-146 paper offers corrosion protection on both sides of the paper. It can be used to wrap or interleave both ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts, releasing corrosion-inhibiting vapors that form a molecular protective layer on metal surfaces while they remain enclosed in a package. When the package is opened, the corrosion inhibitors float away, making it easy to install a clean new part immediately. At this point, the EcoBio VpCI-146 paper can either be recycled in normal paper streams or composted at an industrial composting facility.
Due to the presence of a corrosion inhibitor in the product, it was important for the EcoBio VpCI-146 paper to undergo rigorous evaluation regarding its impact on soil when composted. Testing by TÜV Austria confirmed that the paper meets the EN 13432 standard for industrial composting and becomes humus with no eco-toxicity to the soil.
During testing, the EcoBio VpCI-146 disintegrated and turned into compost in about six weeks (test standard allows 12 weeks). Soybeans and corn seedlings grown with compost from the EcoBio VpCI-146 paper showed extremely similar results to plants grown using regular compost.
This successful evaluation has allowed the EcoBio VpCI-146 paper to become the first certified industrially compostable VCI paper in the world (#TA8012509007). Since it also contains 92% USDA-certified biobased content, it demonstrates sustainability from beginning to end—sustainable sourcing, preservation of valuable metal parts, and two options for environmentally responsible disposal. It is just one more example of Cortec’s leadership in developing corrosion solutions with environmentally-conscious users in mind.
Green initiative
The EcoBio VpCI-146 paper opens new packaging opportunities for companies that are committed to pursuing voluntary green initiatives or are under compulsory legal requirements to cut down on the use of plastic. It is especially ideal for assembly plants that have direct control over their suppliers’ packaging selection and have a desire to increase their ratio of compost to landfill waste.
