| Biodegradability |
Complete assimilation by specific microorganism (as its food) causing significant alteration of the materials, and release water, CO2, methane and heat. International standards demand biodegradable materials must reach more than 90% degradation within 6 months of the microbial process. |
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| Cellulose |
A complex carbohydrate composed of long unbranched chains of ß-glucose molecules that contributes to the structural framework of plant cell walls. |
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| Compost |
A soil conditioning material of decomposing organic matter which provides nutrients and enhances soil structure. |
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| Compostability |
Compostability of a material is measured in 4 steps (i) qualified chemical composition (ii) biodegradation in pilot scale composting facility (iii) disintegration under active aeration at specified conditions over specified period of time (iv) compost quality examination via plant growth and soil improvement. In Australia an earthworm test is also added.
International standards demand a compostable material must reach more than 90% disintegration (physical size smaller than 2 mm) within 12 weeks under composting conditions. A complete compostability examination takes 6-9 months. |
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| Composting |
A solid waste management technique that uses natural process to convert organic materials to CO2, water and humus through the action of microorganisms. |
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| Fibre Composite |
Composites made of natural fibre through reinforcement of polymers such as adhesives, synthetic fibre and others. |
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| Humus |
In agriculture, it is often used simply to mean mature compost or natural compost extracted from a forest or other spontaneous source for use to amend soil. |
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| Lignocellulose |
A term used to refer to the bulk of the plant material. It consists principally of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and extractives. |
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| Microorganism |
Living organism or microscopic size, such as bacteria, fungi or yeast. |
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| Molded Pulp |
A fibre packaging made primarily of cellulose fibre that is molded from a wet fibre web and cured thermally, occasionally using radiation. |
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| Natural Fibre |
Any fibre made from a mineral, plant, or animal source, as opposed to a synthetic fibre. The natural fibres may be classified by their origin as plant fibre, animal fibre and mineral fibre. Plant fibre is one type of natural fibre. |
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| Oxo-biodegradability |
A degradation process is initiated by pro-degradant additive (typically 3%) being introduced into the manufacturing process of conventional plastics i.e. PE, PP, PET, thereby changing the behavior of the plastic. The oxo-biodegradation process starts immediately after manufacture and will accelerate when exposed to heat, light or stress. An oxo-biodegradable process returns intractable plastics to the ecosystem as CO2 and H2O, leaving no fragment in the soil. |
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| Plant Fibre |
Fibre derived from plants including wood and non-wood such as flax, hemp, kenaf and various agricultural harvest residues, i.e. rice straw, wheat straw, cotton linter, corn stalk, bamboo, sugarcane bagasse, oil palm, etc. |
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| Pulp |
A dry fiberous material prepared by chemically or mechanically separating the fibres which make up wood. Pulp can be either fluffy or formed into thick sheets. The latter form is used if the pulp must be transported from the pulp mill to a paper mill. |
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| Sustainability |
It is a holistic way of doing things, as defined by the Brundtland Commission, “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the environment. |
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| Yard Waste |
Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, garden residue. |
