A Discussion About Sustainable Materials
Our CRO Alex Abbott, joins the Packaging Today Show with Evelio Mattos, Adam Peek, and Cory Connors to discuss SmartSolve’s water-soluble products and applications, as well current issues in the packaging industry that are taking place, such as the topic of circularity.
During the discussion, Mattos asks Abbott about SmartSolve’s paper and where it eventually ends up after use. Abbott explains that SmartSolve’s materials are wood-based and FSC certified, which is the same certification used for toilet paper. The materials expand in water and disperse with agitation. As it begins to disperse, the material breaks down into wood microfibers and is consumed by natural bacteria, creating a circular end of life cycle for the product. SmartSolve materials are biodegradable in less than thirty days per the OECD 301B Biodegradability Test, as well as safe for drains and flushable, per the FG502 Slosh Box Disintegration Test.
Questions Regarding SmartSolve’s Product Specifications
When asked how SmartSolve materials are affected by heat and humidity, Abbott explains that it is much more durable than many perceive it to be, as temperatures ranging from cold to hot do not affect the material and its design. The materials will also perform well in humid environments.
By using SmartSolve’s innovative technologies, Abbott explains how one-time use product packages are creating new and exciting opportunities. SmartSolve’s pouch stock materials can be used to replace existing single-use packaging, leading to an overall decrease of waste over time.
A Single-Use Packaging Waste Alternative
Abbott states that SmartSolve’s water-soluble materials can help to resolve a part of the larger issues taking place within the packaging industry. They are indeed an innovative and promising solution to the problem of single-use waste, particularly when considering plastic waste. A study conducted by Our World in Data states that 350 million tons of plastic waste are produced in the world each year. SmartSolve’s vision is to make packaging no longer trash, and our water-soluble materials help to achieve this ambitious goal by turning it into a reality where zero waste is left behind in product packaging.
A Circular Economy
According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, a circular economy is defined as “a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated.” The three principles that help to give shape to this idea, described by the foundation, are:
- Eliminating waste and pollution.
- Circulating products and materials at their highest value.
- Regenerating nature.
SmartSolve’s materials are by definition circular in nature. This is made possible as SmartSolve’s water-soluble materials will break down and disperse quickly with water and agitation. From there, the wood pulp fibers turn into microfibers, are consumed by natural bacteria, and fully biodegrade. Within this process, SmartSolve materials help to eliminate waste and are regenerated within nature.
Check out the Packaging Today episode below for more details and to view the full discussion, as Alex joins in on the conversation at the 13:45 minute mark.
Upcoming Event
Our President of SmartSolve Jonathan Jakubowski, as well as our CRO Alex Abbott, will be attending the Circularity Conference on May 22nd – May 24th in Chicago, IL to join in the conversation of helping to build a circular economy.
Learn More
To learn more about SmartSolve’s product offerings and how you can use them for your specific application, request a sample or contact our team today.
Content Specialist