Designed To Be Worn A Lifetime.
In our previous articles, we've discussed waste and biodegradability extensively. However, it's important to note that M49 is designed with longevity in mind. Its biodegradability ensures that it won't persist indefinitely in the environment, while its versatility allows for the creation of exceptional products. Given its quality and adaptability, there's little reason for anyone to want to dispose of such valuable items - and that right there is our greatest strength - an item that is loved by you for a long time.
What Does Biodegradable Mean?
Biodegradability can often be misunderstood. Many people believe that if a material is biodegradable, it will simply decompose over time when left on the ground.
According to the International Organization for Standardization, biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by the enzymatic activity of microorganisms, sunlight, and other environmental factors into simple compounds like water, carbon dioxide, and methane. The rate of biodegradation depends on the material's chemical composition and the environment in which it degrades. To be classified as biodegradable, a plastic material must achieve at least 90% biodegradation within six months.
M49 meets this criterion, as its degree of biodegradation exceeds 90% after just 115 days of incubation, according to the UNI-EN-ISO 14855-2: 2018 standard.
What Does Compostable Mean?
A material is considered **compostable** if it not only meets the criteria for biodegradability but also disintegrates through a controlled aerobic process within a specific timeframe, typically less than three months. For a material to be compostable, it must satisfy both biodegradation and disintegration requirements, and the resulting compost must not adversely affect plant growth.
Here are the minimum compostability criteria:
- - **Biodegradation**: At least 90% of the material must biodegrade within six months.
- - **Disintegration**: More than 90% of the material must disintegrate, with the residual mass having dimensions greater than 2mm constituting less than 10% of the initial mass.
- - **Quality of Compost**: The compost produced should have low heavy metal content and should not have any negative effects on plant growth.
- - **Composting Phase**: The material must not negatively impact the composting process.
M49 meets these compostability criteria as outlined by the ISO 17088: 2012 standard.
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