Pilot Project to Study Large-Scale Use of Disposable and Biodegradable Tableware

By G.P. ThomasAug 23 2012

BASF and Lausitzring have launched a pilot project to introduce disposable and compostable tableware at the ADAC Masters Weekend motorsport event.

Lausitzring and BASF launch pilot project with compostable and disposable tableware at the ADAC Masters Weekend

Polster Catering, the company responsible for general catering at the event will be using only compostable paper plates and cardboard trays. Hosti has manufactured the disposable tableware, which consists of paper that is coated with ecovio FS Paper. The ecovio FS Paper is made from polylactic acid and partially bio-based ecoflex FS. The ecoflex FS is an oil-based biodegradable polyester. The final thin plastic layer consists of over 50% of renewable raw materials and the final product is composed of over 90% organic raw materials.

Microorganisms can break down the ecovio molecules, and these organisms can convert the cardboard plates having the ecovio coating into water, biomass and CO₂. This avoids the need for sorting out the tableware as it also gets converted into compost along with the other organic waste. The plastic layer does not have to be incinerated.

The present project aims to test composting of disposable tableware with ecovio FS Paper coating in large quantities. The compost yielded is utilized for upgrading the soil at Lausitzring. This endeavor is a part of the “Green Lausitzring” project, under which EuroSpeedway Verwaltungs, the race track operator, is providing support for environmentally friendly technologies.

The disposable tableware and the food residues will collected by the caterer in compostable trash bags and transported to the Hörlitz composting plant. A dedicated area has been set aside for the waste from the Lausitzring, in order to monitor, control and study the degradation behavior.

The ADAC Masters Weekend event is to be held 24-26, August 2012 at the Lausitzring race track. Polster will be introducing compostable cups during the next season.

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