#USA #Alsip #Daubert Cromwell #BioNatur VCI Films #Corrosion Prevention

Introduction

In an era where sustainability is paramount, Daubert Cromwell has stepped up to address the pressing issue of plastic waste with their innovative BioNatur® VCI Films. These films target the automotive, electric vehicle (EV), and aerospace sectors, offering a pioneering end-of-life solution that turns used industrial packaging into a contributor for renewable energy instead of a landfill burden.

The Challenge of Conventional VCI Films

Traditional vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) films play a crucial role in protecting metal components from tarnish, rust, and oxidation throughout the manufacturing supply chain. However, these films pose a significant environmental challenge at the end of their usage. Over 95% of flexible industrial plastics find their way to landfills, persisting for centuries without decomposition and providing no organic value to the environment. Given the growing regulatory demands to tackle their long-term impact, manufacturers have faced a complex dilemma about their packaging materials.

A Sustainable Alternative

Daubert Cromwell's BioNatur VCI Films are distinguished by their unique ability to biodegrade in anaerobic (oxygen-free) environments typical of landfills. The microbial processes inherent in these films enable them to break down naturally, contributing to the organic decomposition and generation of methane-rich landfill gas (LFG). This LFG can be captured and converted into electricity or pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG), turning a once-problematic waste into a valuable energy source.

Proven and Test-Validated Performance

To affirm their effectiveness, Daubert VCI Films with BioNatur® have been validated through rigorous third-party testing per ASTM D5511 standards, demonstrating a 99.7% biodegradation rate in under five years. Importantly, they break down into harmless water, gases, and organic soil matter, leaving no harmful residues or microplastics behind — a clear improvement over conventional polyethylene films.

Two Disposal Options for Manufacturers

Manufacturers adopting BioNatur films benefit from two responsible end-of-life options:
1. Recycling: The films remain fully recyclable within standard polyethylene recycling streams, negating the need for special handling.
2. Landfill Biodegradation: If directed to landfills, these films biodegrade under typical conditions, generating LFG that can be harnessed for renewable energy, again avoiding issues posed by traditional plastics.

This varied disposal approach ensures companies have flexible options for managing their packaging waste while adhering to regulatory standards.

Protecting Assets Without Compromise

Notably, adopting BioNatur VCI Films does not mean compromising on protective performance. These films retain the same protective qualities expected of traditional VCI films, providing full-spectrum metal protection across various materials such as steel, copper, and multi-metal assemblies. Furthermore, they maintain tensile strength and tear resistance suited for rigorous production and logistics environments, with no requirement for oils, greases, or secondary coatings.

Compliance and Reporting

For companies in the automotive, EV, and aerospace sectors, compliance documentation is crucial. Daubert VCI Films with BioNatur® meet stringent standards, including ASTM D5511 third-party validation and compliance with EU packaging directives, facilitating transparency in sustainability reporting.

Transitioning to Better Practices

By integrating BioNatur VCI Films into existing packaging workflows, manufacturers can instantly reduce their incoming plastic waste without altering established packing processes, resulting in an operationally seamless transition towards sustainability. With no additional changes needed in downstream waste management or recycling, the focus remains on protection without compromising on ecological responsibility.

Conclusion

In light of the urgent environmental challenges faced today, Daubert Cromwell's BioNatur VCI Films emerge as a game-changing solution for manufacturers in the automotive, EV, and aerospace sectors. As highlighted by Karen Clements, Director of Marketing at Daubert Cromwell, the future of packaging sustainability lies in innovative solutions that align with eco-friendly practices while maintaining the quality that customers expect. By choosing BioNatur films, businesses can finally answer the pressing question of what happens to their packaging at the end of its lifecycle, contributing positively to both their industries and the planet.

For more details on the BioNatur VCI Films and their application, visit Daubert Cromwell.