Adviser about Folding boxes

Folding boxes made of paper can be composted under certain conditions. A distinction must be made between traditional home composting and industrial composting in accordance with DIN 13432. This standard describes the requirements and test procedures for assessing the compostability of packaging and packaging materials. For packaging to be considered compostable, it must be able to decompose by at least 90% within 90 days under industrial composting conditions. Despite advertising claims such as ‘biodegradable’ or ‘compostable’, professional associations such as the FFI advise against disposing of folding cartons in the organic waste bin or home compost. Disposal via waste paper should be preferred, as this sends the paper fibres contained in the Folding boxes to waste paper recycling, where they can be processed into new material.

The compostability of packaging materials depends on the composition of all components. Processing techniques such as the use of printing inks, varnishes, hot and cold foil stamping or laminations can significantly influence biodegradability and thus pose a challenge for compliance with the DIN 13432 standard. For successful certification according to this standard, it is essential that the manufacturer or distributor checks and confirms the compatibility of additives such as printing inks, plastic films and varnishes with the requirements of industrial composting processes.