BASF's Ecoflex® resins earn the Biodegradable Products Institute's emblem

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 23, 2003 -- The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) granted its "Compostable Logo" to BASF's Ecoflex® resins for use in biodegradable films and coatings. This marks the second resin approved in the past 30 days, demonstrating the increased interest in the North American market by global suppliers. The BPI's "Compostable Logo" is awarded only after independent tests confirm that films and coatings made from Ecoflex resins meet ASTM D6400-99 "Specification for Compostable Plastics" and will biodegrade swiftly and completely, when composted in commercial or municipal facilities.

"The BPI symbol generates confidence in customers and endusers that Ecoflex products will biodegrade swiftly and safely, when composted," stated Michael Corwin, Marketing Manager for BASF. Besides the BPI approval, Ecoflex resins are approved by DIN CERTCO in Europe and the Biodegradable Plastics Society in Japan.

BASF's Ecoflex® resins are a leading synthetic biodegradable plastic available worldwide. This aliphatic-aromatic copolyester is ideal for bags for collecting and composting food scraps and yard trimmings, disposable packaging or agricultural sheeting because it decomposes in compost within a few weeks without leaving any residues. Each grade within the Ecoflex product line has been optimized through control of branching and chain length to match particular application requirements. Thermoplastic starch improves its property profile when blended with Ecoflex resin for applications in films and coatings for food packaging. BASF manufactures Ecoflex resin in Ludwigshafen, Germany, at a plant with an annual production capacity of 8,000 metric tons.

"The Compostable Logo program continues to grow rapidly both in the US and Canada," stated Steven Mojo, BPI Executive Director. "With the approval of products from 5 major resin suppliers, including BASF, and interest from converters in North America and Europe, awareness in the program will grow along with the confidence by consumers and composters," Mojo added. The "Compostable Logo" is now on bags, cups, salad, fruit and vegetable containers, fibers, and paper coatings.

BASF is a world-leading chemical company, offering its customers a range of high-performance products, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as crude oil and natural gas. Its distinctive approach to integration, known in German as "Verbund", is its strength. It enables BASF to achieve cost leadership and gives the company a competitive advantage. BASF conducts its business in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. In 2002, BASF had sales of $34 billion and more than 89,000 employees worldwide. BASF Corporation is the North American affiliate of BASF AG, Ludwigshafen, Germany. In North America, 2002 sales were approximately $8.2 billion and the company employs approximately 12,000 people..

The BPI is designed to be a multi-stakeholder group, involving people and organizations that produce, use or recover biodegradable plastic products. It promotes the growth of biodegradable plastics through education, use of scientifically based standards and cooperative efforts with organizations in Europe and Asia.

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Editorial Contacts
BASF
David A. Elliott
Manager, Communications
PH: (248) 948-2067
Email: elliotd1@basf.com
Website: www.basf.com/usa

Biodegradable Products Institute
Steve Mojo
Executive Director
PH: 888-274-5646
Email: execdir@bpiworld.org
Website: www.bpiworld.org