Reflecting its sustainable approach, Herma’s labelstocks consisting of the label materials HERMAextracoat (grade 242) or HERMAtherm Bio (grade 908) – and the special adhesive 62N – have now been awarded the Keimling (seedling) logo. The recognition acknowledges that certification according to EN 13432 has been successfully completed.

The standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for the industrial compostability of biodegradable products. Herma is striving for the comprehensive composting of packaging, including any labels. HERMAextracoat is a white adhesive label paper that is semi-gloss coated on one side and PEFC-certified. It is suitable for producing sophisticated labels that are compatible with multi-color printing through all methods. HERMAtherm Bio is an eco-quality thermal paper whose pulp comes from FSC-certified forestry. The certification of the complete self-adhesive materials according to the composting standard was carried out according to Din Certco, the certification company belonging to the TÜV Rheinland Group.

“Those who wish to use compostable packaging – including materials made of appropriate bioplastics – no longer have to forego the efficiency benefits of labeling,” says Ulli Nägele, Herma’s head of development.

For certification to EN 13432, both products had to satisfy strict criteria. After composting for three months and being passed through a 2 mm sieve, for example, the materials cannot leave a residue equivalent to more than 10% of the original mass.

The certification procedure also entails an examination of the resulting compost’s effect on plant growth, which indicates its ecotoxicity. Compost or humus produced from certified materials can therefore be used directly for agricultural purposes. In the case of industrial composting, as envisaged by EN 13432, compared with garden composting the degradation processes take place much more quickly – within around 12 weeks rather than many months – because of the higher temperatures and other factors.