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The First Compostable Logo for Cutlery Goes on NAT-UR Utensils

The First Compostable Logo for Cutlery Goes on NAT-UR Utensils

Published 02-07-05

Submitted by NAT-UR, Inc.

LOS ANGELES - The NAT-UR(R) biodegradable plastic cutlery has just received another international honor. The Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) this week granted its first "Compostable Logo" to NAT-UR, Inc. for compostable utensils. NAT-UR(R) utensils are made of NAT-UR resin which incorporates NatureWorks PLA(TM). The BPI's symbol demonstrates that NAT-UR's cutlery meets ASTM D6400 "Specifications for Compostable Plastics."

"We are very pleased to be the first cutlery in the USA to carry the Compostable Logo; it has been a long search and a cooperative effort with our suppliers and others. NAT-UR utensils offer a convenient, durable and responsible alternative for everyday use by consumers," said Frederic Scheer, President and CEO, NAT-UR, Inc. "The cutlery provides more than just the performance and durability desired in flatware, it competes on price and will not deplete the earth's limited resources like traditional, petroleum-based disposable serviceware." The combination of higher costs for fossil fuels and the use of natural components makes NAT-UR(R) utensils competitive to conventional disposable plastic cutlery.

The BPI symbol will be used on all NAT-UR's utensils made, including its forks, spoons, knives and sporks of various sizes. NAT-UR utensils can be used like traditional plastic food service items but offer the benefit of being made of renewable resources and are compostable. NAT-UR's newest entries complement the company's already extensive line of BPI approved food service containers and compostable bags.

"I am committed to using biobased raw materials wherever possible," added Scheer. NAT-UR's food serviceware are made with NAT-UR(R) resins which incorporate NatureWorks PLA(R) resin manufactured from corn grown in the United States. The new utensils were tested by a third party laboratory for its biobased content using radiocarbon dating. The results confirmed that the products are biobased with content in excess of 95% and NAT-UR, Inc. is an active member of the Biobased Manufacturer Association.

The Compostable Logo is a joint effort between the U.S. Composting Council and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) to identify plastic products which are designed to biodegrade satisfactorily in municipal and commercial composting systems, as do leaves, grass and food scraps. Before a manufacturer can receive the BPI symbol, it must provide data from an approved, independent laboratory that their products meet the specifications in ASTM D6400. This assures that the products will disintegrate and biodegrade quickly during composting and not leave behind any toxic residues or plastic fragments. Further, the data must be reviewed by knowledgeable third party scientists to assure conformance.

Steve Mojo, BPI Executive Director, anticipates the growing list of compostable products will lead to savings in the composting industry. He said, "We encourage composters, officials and end users to look for products that meet the ASTM specifications and carry the BPI symbol in order to maximize the benefits and demonstrate their cost effectiveness."

About NAT-UR, Inc. and Its Biodegradable Packaging

NAT-UR's innovative manufacturing process combines natural starch with other biodegradable materials to produce packaging that are 100% biodegradable and compostable. And unlike so-called "degradable plastic," NAT-UR products do not use polyethylene or polystyrene and do not leave any plastic residue. When composted, NAT-UR packaging biodegrade completely into carbon dioxide, water and biomass in 30-60 days, just like food scraps and yard trimmings.

Composting organic waste has always been difficult, since all contaminants such as plastic utensils and polystyrene packaging must be first separated from the waste stream, a painstaking process that is usually too costly and labor intensive to make economic sense. NAT-UR products can be disposed along with leftover food in biodegradable trash bags that can be taken directly to a composting facility without expensive sorting.

NAT-UR is a leading provider of biodegradable packaging designed to meet the highest needs for sustainability. NAT-UR assists individuals, communities, schools, businesses and governments in finding innovative ways to reach sustainability in the use and disposal of biodegradable packaging, relying on organic material through sophisticated waste recovery systems. NAT-UR is involved in all levels of the supply and the recovery of sustainable packaging.

NAT-UR's products include lawn and leaf bags, bin liners, and food serviceware such as cutlery, cups, straws, lids and plates. NAT-UR products are sold by large national chains, such as Whole Foods Market. NAT-UR received the BPI logo for its line of biodegradable-compostable bags & liners and its other food serviceware including cups & food containers. NAT-UR is based in Los Angeles, California. More information is available at its website (www.nat-ur.com).

BPI is 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.

NAT-UR, Inc.

NAT-UR, Inc.

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