November 18, 2022
More than 20 years ago, Cortec® developed and patented biodegradable VCI film. Today, that legacy lives on in the latest version of Eco-Corr Film®, a certified commercially compostable film wrap for metals packaging. With Eco-Corr Film®, manufacturers can take one step closer to the “circular economy” while still meeting corrosion protection packaging needs.
The Move Toward “Greener” Packaging
Many manufacturers today are reexamining their production model and seeking to implement a “circular economy” that takes the whole product life
cycle into account. One important component is the product disposal path. In the case of commercially compostable films, that means converting the packaging into non-polluting soil components. This is exactly what Eco-Corr Film® allows users to do after first achieving metals protection.
Corrosion Protection for Metals Packaging
Eco-Corr Film® contains Cortec’s proprietary VpCI® Technology and provides excellent contact, barrier, and vapor-phase corrosion protection for ferrous and non-ferrous metals being stored or shipped in corrosive environments. Metal parts or equipment packaged in Eco-Corr Film® receive continuous protection against salt, excessive humidity, condensation, moisture, aggressive industrial atmospheres, and dissimilar metal corrosion. Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitors in the film vaporize and then condense on all metal surfaces in the enclosed package, protecting exterior, as well as hard to reach interior surfaces. This is an excellent solution for preserving products in original condition and eliminating rust claims during domestic and overseas shipments.
Eco-Corr Film® End of Lifecycle
While some plastic films go directly in the garbage or preferably to the recycling facility after use, Eco-Corr Film® can take a different route, as noted above. The film is certified “OK compost INDUSTRIAL” by TÜV Austria (#TA8012206603), confirming that it meets the EN 13432 standard (equivalent to ASTM D6400) for compostability in a commercial composting environment. After Eco-Corr Film® is used to protect metal parts or equipment, end users can remove the film and dispose of it in an industrial composting environment,* where, in time, it disintegrates and becomes part of the facility’s soil amendment produced for use on farms and in gardens.
Target Industries for Eco-Corr Film®
So, who might be interested in commercially compostable VCI film? The auto industry is one field where there seems to be a heightened interest in “greener” VCI film options. In 2020, a subsidiary of one of the world’s three largest automakers started looking for a way to reduce their amount of conventional plastic packaging and decided to do a trial run of Eco-Corr Film® on engines shipped from Europe to India by ocean freight. No corrosion was found on the parts after arrival, and the Eco-Corr Film® was disposed in specially built bins for compost. It was estimated that this alternative packaging method could potentially eliminate half of the conventional plastic used for shipment to India, and a one-year pilot was launched.
Outside the automotive industry, the potential field of use for this “greener” packaging option is even wider:
- Stamped parts, forgings, and castings
- Musical instrument strings
- Nuts and bolts
- Fasteners
- Jewelry
- Coin blanks
- Machinery
- Appliances
Ultimately, Eco-Corr Film® is a great substitute for almost any application where standard plastic VCI film is used. It can be a simple way to institute an environmental initiative that aligns with corporate wide environmental goals, all while getting much needed corrosion protection. Contact Cortec® to discuss using Eco-Corr Film® for your application: https://www.cortecpackaging.com/contact-us/
Keywords: compostable film, circular economy, compostable film packaging, compostable film wrap, corrosion protection, metals packaging, Cortec, VCI film, green packaging trends, greener packaging
* This product is intended to be composted in a commercial composting facility operated in accordance with best management practices. Check locally to see if such a facility exists in your community and if they will accept this product. Not suitable for backyard composting.
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