Archroma announces certification of compostability for range of paper dyes. (Photo: Archroma)

Archroma announces certification of compostability for range of paper dyes

Press Release

20 Oct 2023

Pratteln, Switzerland, 1 August 2023 - Archroma, a leading global provider of specialty chemicals and sustainable solutions, announces the certification of a color range of dyes for compostable paper. Colorants from our Carta®, Cartasol® F and Cartafix® range have been meticulously selected to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendlier coloration in the paper industry.

As the paper industry strives to adopt more sustainable practices and minimize its environmental impact, compostable materials have gained considerable attention. Compostability plays a crucial role in the circular economy, enabling waste reduction and the generation of valuable organic matter.

To ensure the safe and efficient composting of paper products, stringent evaluation criteria have been established, encompassing heavy metals and fluorine content, biodegradation, ecotoxicity and plant growth test assessments. Recognizing the importance of meeting these criteria, Archroma has introduced a range of compostable dyes and fixatives for paper applications that fully satisfy these standards set forth.

Archroma's compostable dyes and fixatives for colored paper not only provide exceptional color performance but also meet the most rigorous compostability standards. When applied to compostable materials in a specified concentration of dry weight, our dyes fulfill the evaluation criteria for heavy metals and fluorine, biodegradation, ecotoxicity and plant growth test, as outlined in EN 13432 (2000), NF-T51-800 (2015), ASTM D6400 (2012, 2021), and ISO 17088 (2012).

Key features and benefits of Archroma's compostable dyes of the Carta®, Cartasol® F and Cartafix® range for paper include:

Uncompromised color brilliance: Our dyes deliver vibrant, eye-catching colors that meet the demands of the most discerning brands and consumers, ensuring that sustainable papers and products are visually appealing. A complete shade gamut is achievable including deep shades using liquid and powder dyes with fixatives ensuring clear backwater and excellent bleed-fastness.
Compliance with international standards: Archroma's dyes are in accordance with globally recognized compostability standards, enabling their adherence to strict requirements regarding heavy metal and fluorine content, biodegradation, and ecotoxicity. The product range is compostability compliant and adheres to food contact regulations specified in BfRXXXVI, ensuring its suitability for food contact paper applications.
More sustainable coloration: By utilizing Archroma's range of compostable dyes, manufacturers can significantly enhance the sustainability profile of their products, contributing to a circular economy and reducing the environmental footprint.
Reliable performance: These dyes are carefully formulated to offer excellent color-fastness, durability, and stability, ensuring that the colors remain vibrant and consistent throughout the product's lifecycle. The fixatives ensure excellent bleed-fastness and clear backwater

To enable customers to unlock the full performance and sustainable potential of our range for compostable colored paper, Archroma has developed a dedicated system that supports industrial compostability for all types of paper, tissues, and packaging applications.

Our system, named DOWN TO EARTH, can be accessed through the online Archroma System Selector: https://www.archroma.com/systems.

"At Archroma, we are committed to driving sustainable innovation across industries, and the certification of our compostable dyes represents a significant leap forward in the pursuit of eco-friendly coloration solutions," said Gilles Le Moigne, Packaging & Coating Marketing Manager at Archroma. "By providing paper manufacturers with a range of dyes that meet the strict compostability standards, we empower them to create beautiful, more sustainable products that resonate with today's environmentally conscious consumers."