Anti Bac Q & A’s
-
Why would you use an anti-viral additive on a refuse sack, Apron or film?
Using an antiviral additive on a refuse sack serves several practical and health-related purposes, particularly in environments where hygiene and infection control are critical. Here are the main reasons:
Preventing the Spread of Viruses
Refuse sacks often contain potentially contaminated waste, such as tissues, medical waste, or food scraps that may harbour viruses.
An antiviral additive helps to reduce the risk of cross-contamination or transmission of pathogens to people who handle the sacks, such as cleaners, waste management personnel, or household members.
Enhancing Hygiene in High-Risk Areas
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Medical waste can carry pathogens, including viruses, making antiviral refuse sacks crucial for infection control.
Public Spaces: In high-traffic areas like airports, offices, and schools, refuse sacks with antiviral additives help mitigate risks from discarded tissues, masks, and other waste.
Food Industry: Helps manage risks associated with waste from food preparation, which may be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria.
Odour and Pest Control
Viruses and bacteria in waste can contribute to unpleasant odours and attract pests. Antiviral additives may help curb microbial activity, thereby reducing odours and making the environment less attractive to pests.
Compliance with Hygiene Standards
In certain industries, especially healthcare and food production, using antiviral refuse sacks may be required to meet safety and regulatory standards for waste disposal.
Pandemic Preparedness
During outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19, antiviral refuse sacks provide an added layer of protection by neutralizing viral threats directly on the surface of the sack.
How Antiviral Additives Work
- These additives are often silver-ion-based, quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), or other antimicrobial agents.
- They disrupt the structure of viruses or inhibit their ability to replicate, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Using antiviral refuse sacks demonstrates a commitment to safety and hygiene, especially in settings where waste handling poses a potential health risk.
-
Are these sacks recyclable? (Additional Answer)
Yes, these are 100% recyclable.
-
What does Anti-fungal mean? (Additional Answer)
“Antifungal” refers to substances or agents that are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of fungi, including yeasts and molds. These agents are used to treat fungal infections in humans, animals, or plants and to prevent fungal growth on surfaces, materials, or food products.
Examples include:
Medications: Such as creams, ointments, or oral drugs used to treat conditions like athlete’s foot, ringworm, or yeast infections.
Household Products: Sprays or coatings used to prevent mold and mildew.
Agriculture: Treatments to protect crops from fungal diseases.
Antifungal agents work by disrupting the cell structure or metabolism of fungi, preventing their growth or survival.
-
What does Anti-microbial mean? (Additional Answer)
“Antimicrobial” refers to substances or agents that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and some parasites. Antimicrobial agents can be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic and are used in various applications, such as:
Medicine: Antibiotics (targeting bacteria), antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics.
Consumer Products: Coatings, textiles, cleaning products, and personal hygiene items to prevent microbial growth and contamination.
Food Preservation: To reduce spoilage and extend shelf life.
Healthcare Settings: Disinfectants and antiseptics to maintain sterile environments.
Antimicrobial substances differ in scope, as some are broad-spectrum (effective against a wide range of microbes) while others are specific to certain types of microorganisms.
-
Are these products tested against any standards? (Additional Answer)
Yes, they conform to the following test standards.
ISO 22196 is an international standard that specifies a method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces. The test determines how effective a treated surface is at inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It is widely used in industries such as healthcare, food packaging, and consumer products to validate claims about antimicrobial efficacy.
ISO 21702:2019 is an international standard that specifies a test method for measuring the antiviral activity of plastics and other non-porous surfaces. It is used to determine the effectiveness of materials treated with antiviral agents in reducing the presence and activity of viruses on their surfaces
ASTM E2180 is a standard test method developed by ASTM International to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of polymeric materials and hydrophobic surfaces. It is designed specifically to test non-porous surfaces that are treated with antimicrobial agents.
ASTM G21 is a standard test method developed by ASTM International for assessing the resistance of synthetic polymeric materials to fungi. It evaluates how well a material resists fungal growth when exposed to conditions conducive to fungal development, such as high humidity and warm temperatures.
Bio Based Q&A
-
What does Bio Based mean?
Bio-based refers to products, materials, or chemicals that are wholly or partially derived from renewable biological resources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms. bio-based products are a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil-based materials, supporting renewable resource use and reducing environmental impact.
-
What are the benefits of Bio Based products? (Additional Answer)
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Bio-based materials often sequester carbon during the growth phase of biomass, potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based alternatives.
Sustainability: Renewable resources can regenerate, unlike finite fossil fuels.
Decreased Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Promotes energy security by reducing reliance on petroleum-based resources.
End-of-Life Options: Many bio-based materials are compostable or biodegradable, contributing to a circular economy (though not all are).
-
What Bio Based material is used in the product? (Additional Answer)
The raw material is sugar Cane, and Ethanol is derived from this sustainable source.
-
Are these refuse sacks recyclable? (Additional Answer)
Yes, these are 100% recyclable and are indistinguishable from fossil-based sacks.
-
Are these products degradable? (Additional Answer)
No, these products are NOT degradable, they are 100% recyclable.
Bio-Based vs. Biodegradable
- Bio-based refers to the origin of the material (derived from renewable resources).
- Biodegradable refers to how the material breaks down after use.
- A product can be bio-based but not biodegradable (e.g., some bio-based plastics that behave like traditional plastics).
-
Are these products certified? (Additional Answer)
Yes, they are certified by the TUV as well as the Carbon Trust.
Compostable Q & A
-
What is compostable?
Compostable is used to describe a product that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements. It also does so at a rate consistent with similar organic materials. Compostable products require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product (CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass)
What is the Difference between Compostable vs. Biodegradable?
The terms compostable and biodegradable are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here’s how they differ:
Compostable
- Definition: A material is compostable if it can break down into organic matter in a composting environment, resulting in nutrient-rich compost that benefits the soil.
- Requirements:
- Decomposes within a specific time frame (usually 90 days in industrial composting conditions).
- Leaves no toxic residue or harmful substances.
- Typically requires controlled conditions (e.g., specific temperature, moisture, and microbial activity).
- Certifications: Standards like EN 13432 (EU) or ASTM D6400 (US) define whether a product can be labelled as compostable.
- End Product: Breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass that enhances soil health.
Biodegradable
- Definition: A material is biodegradable if it can naturally break down into smaller elements (carbon dioxide, water, and biomass) through the action of microorganisms.
- Requirements:
- No specific time frame is required. Some materials can take years or even decades to degrade.
- Decomposition does not always require controlled conditions; it can happen in natural environments.
- End Product: While it eventually degrades, it might leave residue, and the process is not always beneficial for the environment (e.g., some plastics are labelled as biodegradable but break into harmful microplastics).
Key Differences
Feature Compostable Biodegradable Time Frame Breaks down quickly (usually <90 days) No set time frame; varies widely Environmental Benefit Leaves nutrient-rich compost May leave residue; not always beneficial Conditions Requires specific conditions Can degrade naturally or artificially Standards Strict certifications exist Fewer regulations Summary
All compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Compostable products offer a more controlled, eco-friendly disposal process, while biodegradable products may vary widely in their environmental impact and decomposition time.
-
What is EN13432 Standard? (Additional Answer)
EN 13432 is the benchmark standard for compostable packaging in Europe. It guarantees that products break down safely and completely in industrial composting settings, leaving no harmful residues and contributing positively to the environment.
-
What can be composted? (Additional Answer)
what can be composted depends on the type of composting system: home composting or industrial composting. Here’s a guide:
Materials Suitable for Composting
Organic Kitchen Waste, Fruits and vegetables: Peels, cores, scraps. Coffee grounds and filters. Tea bags (if free of synthetic fibres).Eggshells (crushed for faster decomposition).Leftover bread and grains (in small amounts).Garden Waste, Grass clippings. Leaves and small branches. Dead plants and flowers. Wood chips or sawdust (untreated wood). Paper and Cardboard (If Non-Toxic and Uncoated) Shredded paper (newspapers, office paper).Cardboard egg cartons. Paper towels and napkins (if not heavily soiled with grease).
-
Compostable Packaging (Additional Answer)
Certified compostable items (look for EN 13432, ASTM D6400, or similar certifications).Compostable bags, utensils, and plates made from materials like PLA or bagasse. Hair, fur, and nail clippings. Plant-based fabrics (e.g., cotton or linen, if untreated).Biodegradable corks.
Materials for Industrial Composting
Industrial composting facilities can handle a wider range of items due to their controlled high-temperature systems. It’s always best to check with your local authority or waste collection company.
Dairy products .Meat and fish scraps. Large woody materials. Compostable plastics certified to EN 13432.Processed or cooked food waste.
Items to Avoid in Composting
Non-Biodegradable Materials: Plastic, metal, glass. Treated or Toxic Materials: Glossy or coated paper. Painted or treated wood. Harmful Substances: Chemical cleaners or pesticides. Diseased plants. Potential Attractants or Odor Sources (in home composting): Meat, bones, and fish scraps. Oily or greasy food. Synthetic Fabrics: Polyester, nylon.
Product Keywords
-
Earth2earth Anti Bac
Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral, Anti-Fungal, earth2earth,Hygienic, Cost Effective, Bin Bag, Bags, liner, liners, waste, refuse sack, trash, garbage, rubbish, recyclable.
-
Earth2earth Bio Based Carbon Negative (Additional Answer)
Bio Based, Carbon Negative, Sugar Cane, earth2earth,Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly, Carbon Footprint. Bin Bag, Bags, liner, liners, waste, refuse sack, trash, garbage, rubbish,
-
Earth2earth Compostable (Additional Answer)
Compostable, Industrial compostable, EN13432, earth2earth, Seedling,Certified, Food waste, Heat resistant, water resistant, Reliable
Finalist
Finalist