BPI’s Compostable Label (pictured left) is designed for used on compostable products and packages. Products or packaging certified under BPI’s Compostable Label are scientifically tested to ensure no residues will be left behind during the biodegradation process that may destroy the value of the finished compost.

Companies that have gained membership with BPI can apply to have their products certified as meeting ASTM D6400 and/or ASTM D6868 in order to provide their customers with the assurance of scientifically approved compostability or biodegradability. Products made of compostable materials are tested in NSF International laboratories on behalf of BPI. NSF scientists verify that the products meet requirements in ASTM specifications. ASTM D6400 specifications are designed to cover plastic films and bags, whereas, ASTM D6868 is for packaging that is designed to be composted, including plastic coated paper and board. For more information on the application and certification process please visit this useful link.

As of January 2012 BPI has partnered with NSF International to administer the Compostable Logo Program. NSF International is an independent North American certification organization that has been testing and certifying products for safety, health and the environment for 67 years. NSF has taken over the validation of BPI’s program, which was previously tested by independent scientists from 3rd party approved labs. Once a product is approved by NSF a member company will then enter into a licensing agreement with BPI.

If you are interested in finding out more in-depth information on BPI and their efforts to provide education and certification to the composting industry please visit www.bpiworld.org or the official BPI blog Greenwashing Spy.

At BSI, we’ve been working towards building a comprehensive list of compostable certification institutions and composting facilities as part of a larger, ongoing research and development project. We know our loyal customers share our sustainable values and love our compostable products so our aim is to be as open and informative as possible when it comes to composting and certification.

In addition, we want to be your source for all sustainable related news when it comes to compostable products and the compostable industry. There is a lot of helpful information out there, but it can be hard to find and decipher. There is also a lot of misguided information being circulated and more than ever consumers, environmentalists, and businesses need to keep themselves informed and aware. Over the next few weeks in a series of blog posts we will outline the what, where, and why of compostable certifications in North America and Europe. We will start by focusing on four certification bodies that are leaders in the industry with proven track records. These institutions provide the most comprehensive testing and certification standards available in the compostable industry to date.

They are as follows:

1. Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) in conjunction with the US Compost Council
2. Vincotte
3. Bureau de Normalisation du Quebec (BNQ)
4. European Bioplastics in conjuction with Din Certo

Why should compostable testing and certification be important to BSI and our customers?
Well, in the 1980s when “biodegradable plastics” hit the market manufacturers were able to make product performance claims without any corroborating scientifically based tests because the methods and standards did not exist (BPI). This caused consumer confusion and skepticism because these so-called “biodegradable plastics” did not biodegrade and perform as expected. Now there is more advanced technology that can create bioplastics that look and feel like existing products, yet have been engineered to completely and safely biodegrade and/or compost in composting facilities without leaving any residues. Through scientifically proven biodegradability specifications (called ASTM D6400 for films and ASTM D6868 for products) manufacturers can now make truthful and accurate claims about biodegradability and compostability.

Biodegradable and/or Compostable?
(Sourced from Canadian Compost Council, Compostability Standard and Certification Protocol, September 2011)

It is important to be aware that “compostable” and “biodegradable” are not equivalent terms. The key distinguishing features between the terms are time and end result. Biodegradation does not reference the amount of time needed for decomposition of materials or the type of physical and chemical quality attributes of the end products produced through the decomposition process. This means that materials can simply be broken down into smaller pieces of the original source. In contrast, the term compostable means that the materials are capable of undergoing biological decomposition, within a specific time period, that results in the materials being visually indistinguishable from finished compost, and being broken down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass. Currently the term “compostable” is not regulated by any jurisdiction in Canada; therefore certification is not required to use it. However, certification does provide a benefit. The purpose of voluntary certification is to garner consumer confidence by ensuring credible third-party verification of manufacturers’ compostability claims. Compostability certification provides a level of assurance that the specific product or packaging can indeed biologically degrade in accordance with the certifying bodies’ standards and not impact the compost quality produced.

via Flickr komunews

As green conscious consumers, you look for claims and certifications that will help you make informed decisions about your purchases. But in order to make the right choice, you need to understand the implications of these labels. David Suzuki’s Queen of Green, Lindsay Coulter has a handy printable pdf that explains most certifications that you may come across when shopping.
Download her Eco-label guide here.

Besides eco-labels, what helps you make green shopping decisions?

From www.summernightmarket.com

One of the biggest drivers to these events are the food and beverage vendors. However, except for the pop cans and pop bottles, all the food and drinks are served in paper, plastic or styrofoam packaging that head straight to the landfill. We are disappointed to see that there is no sustainability policy from either event organizer. Other large-scale events, like the Vancouver Folk Festival require food vendors to source sustainable packaging, provide recycling and composting bins to sort waste, as well as actively promote event go-ers to bring their own reusable containers.

We hope that the City of Richmond and the event organizers will create and enforce sustainability policies. As consumers, we also have the power to move the businesses in the right direction. Below is contact information for the Richmond Night Market and Summer Night Market. If you want to see a more sustainable night market, you need to let them know.

Richmond Night Market
Website: http://richmondnightmarket.com/
Facebook: Richmond Night Market
Twitter: @RmdNightMarket

Summer Night Market
Website: http://www.summernightmarket.com/
Facebook: Summer Night Market
Twitter: @nightmarket604

send your entry to info@biodegradablesolutions.com

Join Us March 2 at Dunbar Theatre!

For Immediate Release

February 27, 2012

Little Orange Lorax inspires us all to go Green!

Local companies Dunbar Theatre & BSI Biodegradable Solutions partner to celebrate the release of the Lorax movie by creating a “sustainable theatre” opening night & contest for kids.

Vancouver, BC – Dr. Seuss’ beloved environmental story The Lorax comes to life on the big screen this weekend, and Dunbar Theatre (4555 Dunbar Street) and local company BSI Biodegradable Solutions (BSI) wants to educate kids about ‘going green’ with a special opening night screening on March 2, 2012. Children four to 12 years old can enter the “Go Green to See Orange” contest to win tickets by explaining in 50 words or less how they can decrease packaging waste in their house and/or school. In addition, BSI will showcase compostable concession stand products at the event.

Full “Go Green to See Orange” contest details:

To enter, children four to 12 years old can email dunbartheatre@hotmail.com or info@biodegradablesolutions.com from now until Feb 29, 2012 and tell us in 50 words or less how they can decrease packaging waste in their house and/or school. The ten lucky winners will receive a green products prize package plus 2 tickets to the special showing of The Lorax at Dunbar Theatre on March 2, 2012. Winners will be contacted via email.

Dunbar Theatre’s aim is to increase its sustainable footprint by created a “bring your own container” option for the showing and by converting concessions from conventional to compostable packaging. The opening night showing will also be made “carbon reduced > carbon neutral” through the sponsorship of Carbon off-sets by BSI Biodegradable Solutions (up to 5 tonnes).

“As a child, The Lorax was an entertaining story and the message was easy to understand, even if we couldn’t figure out what kind of creature the Lorax was,” said Susanna Carson, CEO of BSI Biodegradable Solutions.“As an adult I feel the story of The Lorax is at the heart of some of our biggest issues with economy & environment. BSI is proud to sponsor the “Go Green to See Orange” contest. We hope the Lorax will inspire a new generation of aware consumers and future innovative entrepreneurs.”

About Dunbar Theatre

The Dunbar Theatre is one of Vancouver’s renowned independent theatres. Owned by Ken Charko, it was built in the early 30’s and is a community treasure. Local theatres play an important part in community economy & sustainability.  Each year over 80,000 vehicles don’t need to travel into the downtown core as moviegoer’s walk or take a shorter commute to their local theatre. Dunbar Theatre is located at 4555 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC.

About BSI Biodegradable Solutions

Founded in 2004, BSI Biodegradable Solutions (BSI) is becoming one of North America’s preeminent specialty suppliers of compostable and eco-friendly products for the restaurant and foodservice industry.  Our product lines include tree-free and certified sustainable forestry (SFI) packaging materials.  For more information, please visit www.biodegradablesolutions.com

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Media Contacts:
Dunbar Theatre
Mani Fallon
dunbartheatre@hotmail.com
4555 Dunbar Street (@30th)
604-222-2991
facebook.com/dunbartheatre

BSI Biodegradable Solutions
Sophia Cheng PR
sophia@sophiachengpr.com
604-828-3102
@chengsophia

The BSI team was especially happy to see the strong emphasis put on sustainability by the foodservice industry. The presence of the sustainable foodservice community was prominent throughout the two-day event with exhibitors showcasing a variety of sustainable innovations. Sustainability was also popular with the Expo visitors who were hungry for more information on our compostable foodservice ware product line. It feels like the industry is finally at the stage where most people are aware of biodegradable products and are increasingly seeking out better alternatives for their disposable foodservice ware needs.

At this stage of heightened awareness for compostable products, we noticed that both businesses and culinary professionals were very impressed with our sustainable vision and standards. We had some great conversations with industry buyers and competitors alike, who were all striving to make the foodservice industry more sustainable.

Overall, BSI definitely stood out from the 299 other booths exhibiting at the Expo and we were proud to receive a Special Recognition Award for outstanding booth design, concept and interactivity by the Tradeshow Organizers and Celebrity Chef David Adjey.

We had two successful days at the 2012 BC Foodservice Expo filled with great connections, engaging information, and positive conversations.

Did you catch us at the BC Foodservice Expo? What did you think of the event?

Find out more about the campaign: http://StrawWars.org/

Let’s take this a step further. Even when straws are necessary, there are alternatives to the conventional plastic option…

What are some alternatives to plastic straws? 

The disposable option: Bésics™ straws are made from Ingeo™, a plant sugar-based material called polylactic acid (PLA). They are a compostable alternative to conventional plastic straws and will breakdown completely within 2 months in a commercial compost facility. These straws will also break down in a home compost, but time required will vary. Bésics™ straws are available at BSI in commercial and retail quantities; please contact us for more details: office[at]biodegradablesolutions.com

The reusable option: Stainless steel straws are reusable, dishwasher-safe and readily available at local grocers and online. They are also safe for hot beverages. What’s even better? You can easily make stainless steel straws yourself! Instructions via HoundsInTheKitchen.com

Canadian company pioneers new Canadian-made compostable food wrap
BSI Biodegradable Solutions launches three original products

Vancouver, BC – The restaurant and foodservice industry can soon add compostable wrap paper to its list of eco-responsible food product choices. BSI Biodegradable Solutions (BSI) unveiled its brand new Canadian-manufactured Bésics wrap paper line at the BC Foodservice Expo this past weekend. The line includes a coated kraft wrap, oil and grease resistant wrap, and natural cellulose transparent wrap. In addition, BSI was awarded the best Exhibit Concept, Design & Presentation honours at the event.

“BSI is dedicated to developing and innovating new biodegradable foodservice products for the restaurant and foodservice industry” explains Susanna Carson, CEO of BSI Biodegradable Solutions. “We are extremely proud of the three new Bésic wrap papers. Wrap paper used for sandwiches, burgers, deli meats, and basket liners are usually thrown away with a long compost timeline. Our products can compost within 180 days under commercial & back yard compost conditions, reducing the amount of waste that enters our
landfills.”

The three new items are BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) certified compostable. The paper is Sustainable Forestry Initiatve (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, and its resin is corn-based and food contact approved.

• Bésics Coated Kraft Wrap features unbleached kraft paper coated with Danimer ™ PLA. The coated wrap paper is ideal for all applications where a moisture barrier is required.
• Bésics Oil and Grease Resistant Wrap Paper features bleached sustainably forestedpaper blended with a fluorine free formula of oil and grease resistant additives.
• Bésics Natural Cellulose Wrap Paper is composed of the inner cells of woodyplants/trees. Its transparent attributes make it great for fresh products.

“Our goal for the line is to stay true to our vision to create quality products with high environmental standards,” adds Carson. “Even these new products will improve over time. Our goal is to achieve 60 per cent post consumer recycled content in our paper products in the near future.”

For more information about the Bésics compostable food wrap paper line, please contact www.biodegradablesolutions.com. For more information about the BC Foodservice Expo,please visit www.bcfoodexpo.ca

About BSI Biodegradable Solutions
Founded in 2004, BSI Biodegradable Solutions (BSI) is becoming one of North America’s preeminent specialty suppliers of compostable and eco-friendly products for the restaurant and foodservice industry, including service ware, packaging, and flatware. For more information, please visit www.biodegradablesolutions.com
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Media Contact: Sophia Cheng PR, sophia@sophiachengpr.com, 604-828-3102,
@chengsophia

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