"OK Biodegradable Water" certification was granted to Bio-on's MinervPHATM bioplastic in 2008. This important recognition was attributed to Bio-on by Belgian body Vinçotte, one of the world's most important and authoritative certifying bodies, thus confirming the complete biodegradability of MinervPHATM in water at ambient temperature.
The MinervPHATM biopolymer, made through technologies owned by Bio-on using agricultural and agro-industrial waste and by-products as raw materials, was the first in the world to obtain such certification. Products certified OK Biodegradable guarantee natural (unforced) biodegradation in a natural freshwater environment and thus make a substantial contribution towards reducing refuse in rivers, lakes and seas. Biodegradation occurs through the action of bacteria colonies naturally present in all environments: the microorganisms attack the material, breaking it down and leaving no trace in the environment. The bacteria colonies and their concentrations differ depending on where biodegradation takes place (specific temperature, humidity, pH, oxygen, etc.).
"BIOBASED PRODUCT" label and certification assigned in 2014 to Bio-on's MinervPHATM by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Bio-on's biopolymer was tested by an independent certified laboratory and was found to be a biobased material 100% originating from agricultural, forest or marine ingredients.
The
USDA's
BIOBASED PRODUCT certification verifies that the renewable and biobased ingredients meet or exceed the criteria laid down by the USDA itself. Based on the results obtained from these tests, consumers can be confident of the precise quantity of organic content in the product and can therefore make better-informed and more conscious purchasing decisions.
Through this voluntary labelling based on an initiative of the USDA's BioPreferred Programme, companies can request the certification of their products, the biobased origins of which are tested and verified according to ASTM standard D6866 by independent third parties using a transparent, efficient and analytical control method.
"Certificate of Material Excellence" from Material ConneXion: Certificate of excellence for MinervPHATM issued by a jury nominated by Material ConneXion in the "Naturals" category.
In 2015, MinervPHATM bioplastic was carefully evaluated by an international and interdisciplinary technical jury. Based on the results achieved, the biopolymer received the "Certificate of Material Excellence" and was included in the prestigious virtual "Materials Library" and displayed at Material Connexion's New York headquarters. This database is the world's largest tool for collecting and consulting innovative and sustainable materials and processes. This great archive, with its library of samples and its online database of thousands of items, aims to collect only the most interesting materials in terms of innovation, technical characteristics and potential for application.
Starting in 2016, Minerv-PHA will also be available through representative product samples at Material ConneXion's other libraries around the world, in Bangkok, Bilbao, Daegu, Milan, Skövde and Tokyo.
Material ConneXion, part of SANDOW, is a consultancy firm for materials and innovation worldwide that helps clients create the products and services of the future through smart materials and Design Thinking. Material ConneXion is the trusted consultant for Fortune 500 companies, and for forward-thinking agencies and government bodies seeking a creative, competitive and sustainable margin. With premises in Bangkok, Bilbao, Daegu, Milan, New York, Tokyo and Skövde, Material ConneXion's international network of specialists provides a global and inter-sector perspective on materials, design and development of new products, sustainability and innovation.