disposal

In the scope of the model project, Interseroh implemented a system according to the German Packaging Directive in the city of Kassel for the first time in May 2001. A basic requirement is a proof based on scientific research results that such a system would not lead to significant disturbance in composting organic waste.

Requirements for Compostable BDP Packaging Products

• Product Design: all used materials have to fulfill composting criteria (content also)
• Aproval of compostability: all BDPs used for the manufacturing of the packaging product have to be tested according to standards: EN 13432, DIN V 54900. This has to be accomplished by accredited laboratories.
• Certification and Labeling: for a clear distinction between biodegradable and non-biodegradable products and for liability reasons a certification and labeling procedure is necessary (see DIN Certco certification scheme)
• Waste Management: In Germany (EU) packaging products have to be licensed to a waste management system ("dual system"), which guarantees for the fulfillment of recovery requirements (according to Packaging Directive)

Kassel's municipal hauler, "Die Stadtreiniger Kassel", supports the project and encourages citizens to dispose BDP packaging into the biobins. BDP packaging has to be certified as fully compostable by the DIN CERTCO Institute, Berlin. The Environmental Ministry of the State of Hessia has passed regulations that the biobin is classified as a dual system according to the Packaging Ordinance; this dual system is organized by the Interseroh AG, Cologne.

Prof. Dr. Bidlingmaier of Bauhaus University, Weimar is the main scientific supervisor regarding waste management aspects. At Bauhaus University, the compostion of biobin waste is tested with special attention to the compostable packaging content and the non-organic waste content, i.e. missthrows. The performance of the BDP packaging from Kassel is evaluted in the composting plant of Goettingen. Furthermore the resulting compost quality and the use of the resulting compost in agriculture has been analysed.

In Kassel, the recycling idea, which is the developmental approach of BDP products, has been thoroughly tested in practice. The dual system for compostable sales packaging, which has been implemented in Kassel and managed by Interseroh, could then possibly be established all over Germany. It can also be seen as a model for other countries, which have a comparable infrastructure for composting. It corresponds largely to the initially shown natural sustance cycle of BDP products.