PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) has introduced TESLIN(R) Biodegradable substrate, an environmentally-responsible material that makes it easier for manufacturers and companies to meet the growing demand for "green" performance. This sheet material provides an end-of-life solution in addition to the durability, printability and built-in security inherent to the standard Teslin product.
In third-party laboratory testing to ASTM standard D5511, the substrate broke down into components such as carbon dioxide and water when placed in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment containing microbes that "eat" polymers. Such conditions are similar to those found in most landfills.
"With this third-party testing, our customers can be assured that this version of Teslin substrate biodegrades only when they want it to and not before," said Diane Kappas, PPG business director, Teslin substrate. "They can also count on Teslin Biodegradable substrate to offer the same excellent durability, security and printing performance they have come to expect from this family of products."
Teslin Biodegradable substrate does not require any special handling or processing. As with standard-grade Teslin substrate, it is available in all commercial thicknesses to accommodate applications such as loyalty cards, specialty print applications including maps and menus, and tags and labels.
In an early application, a loyalty-card manufacturer earned an Élan Award from the International Card Manufacturers Association for a facility access card produced using Teslin Biodegradable substrate.
Teslin substrate is a microporous sheet material that delivers a combination of benefits enabling a wide variety of applications, making it a preferred material for card, specialty print, in-mold graphic, tag and label use, as well as technology-focused applications, such as e-Passports and radio frequency identification (RFID) cards and labels.