Reducing Carbon Footprint: ESA Plastics Reduction Initiative - European Sealing Association

SWG Spacers: Moving Beyond Plastic

Plastic spacers are commonly used to separate spiral wound gaskets during transport to prevent damage to the sensitive graphite sealing surfaces. However, during a recent Environmental Social Governance (ESG) meeting in Düsseldorf, it was noted that alternative materials like silicone and biodegradable substitutes present their own challenges in terms of recyclability and shelf life.

During the Greener Manufacturing Conference & Expo 2024 in Cologne on 13-14^th November, Sandy Van den Broeck initiated further discussions with companies to explore renewable and circular manufacturing solutions.

These discussions have led to initial collaborations with innovative partners focused on pioneering sustainable alternatives.

One such partner is utilising advanced technology to develop biodegradable biopolymers derived from organic green waste within the local circular economy. This cutting-edge solution is poised to transform industries like horticulture, agriculture, construction, food, and packaging by replacing single-use plastics.

Key Features of the Biodegradable Biopolymer Solution:

• Sustainable Origin: Converts organic waste into biodegradable pellets.
• Environmental Impact: Decomposes in soil, enriching it while significantly reducing plastic waste and CO2 emissions.
• Durability: Offers a shelf life of several years, making it suitable for both short-term and long-term applications.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligns with the upcoming EU regulation mandating all plastic packaging in the EU to be recyclable by 2030.
• Ease of Adoption: Compatible with existing injection moulding equipment, facilitating seamless integration into current manufacturing processes.

Initial samples for evaluation will be 3D printed soon, followed by the distribution of a batch of 1,000 pieces to our ESA members for further testing.

This promising solution will be reviewed and assessed at the Flange Gasket Division (FGD) meeting during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) from Monday, April 14, to Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Slovenia.

Sustainable alternative for LDPE stretch film

LDPE stretch films pose significant environmental challenges, often ending up in soil and waterways without proper sorting or recycling. While most sustainable foils are made from recycled plastic, they are not fully biodegradable. Typical bio-compostable plastic alternatives include cellulose films, starch blends, polylactic acid (PLA), … The biodegradability of these materials depends on their chemical structure rather than their origin.

The European standard EN 13432 defines the minimum requirements for packaging to be suitable for industrial composting.

Key benefits of biodegradable stretch films include:

• 100% compostable, ensuring eco-friendly waste management
• No harmful gas emissions during production, minimising environmental impact
• Reduced landfill methane emissions when processed in industrial composting facilities
• High tensile strength for durability
• Excellent clarity for visibility and presentation
• Compatible with both machine and hand application
• No microplastic generation, ensuring a cleaner environment

These biodegradable materials break down within 12 weeks in an industrial composting facility or a home composting setup. Although the standard allows a 12-week

period before the material achieves final degradation, most compostable bioplastics require less time to degrade. They fit well in the existing reality of most industrial composting plants. However, the exact duration of the process depends on the waste type, thickness, and on the type of composting facility.

ESA is currently engaging with potential manufacturers to explore the production of biological compostable stretch film for packaging applications. As the industry moves toward reducing plastic dependency, the search for sustainable alternatives remains a key priority.

Sandy Van den Broeck
ESG Director, ESA