How can deTerra® biobased polymer, a compostable material, stand up to the harsh environments of commercial and institutional buildings? It does appear to be a strange combination of qualities.

The (very simplified) answer is two-fold. First, "compostable" doesn't mean it will degrade in your backyard composter. Just like compostable utensils and food wrappers, deTerra biobased polymer needs to be in a very controlled environment to degrade. Commercial composting facilities provide those conditions.

 

ASTM D6400 determines if plastics and products made from plastics will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The disintegration portion of the test involves placing molded bars (dog bones) in glass jars containing active compost. The jars are placed in a 58°C oven for 12 weeks. Air and water are supplied to the composting jars and stirred regularly.   The molded bars are observed as the test nears completion. At the end of the test, the material must pass through a 2mm sieve. DeTerra biobased polymer passed the test in 40 days.

 

Second, the deTerra biobased polymer material was developed to be used for interior products like Alpar's wall protection. Our wall protection products will perform as well as PVC and its alternatives in interior environments like hospitals and schools. It also stands up as well or better to chemicals and staining agents. You can view chemical and stain tests by clicking here.

 

If you have questions that you think should be covered in this newsletter, please let me know. Miss a previous newsletter? We have a few back issues on the news section of our website.

 

Thanks for continued interest in Alpar Architectural Products.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lisa Britton, CSI, CCPR, LEED AP BD+C

Alpar Architectural Products is a manufacturer of wall and corner protection.  Our mission is to provide high-performance building products that have the least possible environmental impact. Alpar provides only products that are FREE from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) and petroleum, and that contain rapidly renewable or recycled materials including deTerra® biobased polymer.  DeTerra biobased polymer is made from more than 90% rapidly renewable materials and outperforms PVC and PETG on fire tests and many mechanical tests relevant to wall protection.

To learn more about the human and environmental health issues related to the manufacture, use and disposal of PVC, visit our resources page on our website or click HERE.

Alpar Architectural is a subsidiary of the Pawling Corporation.  Click the logo for more information.

Click to View the Catalog

It is our goal to provide product information in the most environmentally friendly way possible.  All technical information is available on our website or via email.  If you still prefer printed literature, we would be happy to send a binder made from PVC-free materials. To request hard copy information, please email info@alpararch.com

Alpar Joins the EPP Business Leadership Coalition

 

Alpar Architectural Products has joined Practice Greenhealth's EPP Business Leadership Coalition.  It was established to provide broader, shared involvement on the part of hospitals, GPOs and businesses in selecting environmentally preferable.