Evanesto®: the enzymatic solution that makes plant-based plastic compostable even at ambient temperature!

Evanesto® production

Player : Carbiolice

Carbiolice formulates the enzymes produced by its partner Novozymes so that the enzyme activity is protected at high temperatures. The protected enzyme takes the form of an additive named Evanesto®.

Introduction and processing on industrial lines

Players : Material transformers or packaging manufacturers

Carbiolice supplies Evanesto®, which is added at a rate of 2-5% to a compound with a high PLA level during traditional plastic transformation processes such as extrusion, injection molding,calendering or thermoforming. The enzyme remains inactive during the entire period of the product’s use.Tests have been performed at the Institut Pasteur de Lille confirming that plastic made with Evanesto® have no skin irritating effect.

A series of tests were executed by OWS to find out whether biodegradation begins during the PLA products use. Biodegradation starts only under domestic or industrial composting conditions. No impact on the packaging lifetime and its mechanical properties was observed.

From the left to the right:

• Food only
• PLA tray with food
• PLA + Evanesto inside with food®

Enzyme activation and plastic end-of-life

Players: Consumers and/or waste recovery companies

The enzyme is activated under composting conditions (humidity, temperature, PH). It allows plastic disintegration,  which will then be digested by the microorganisms in your compost bin. With Evanesto®inside, the PLA becomes compostable under home composting conditions (NF T51-800). It also facilitates and accelerates industrial composting and generates biogas in methanization. 
 
Tests performed on a 25 µm film made of 33% PLA and 5% Evanesto®

Some test results. 

Tests performed on a 60 µm film made of 33% PLA and 5% Evanesto®. – Test carried out by OWS laboratory  

The 4 criteria defined by the NF T51-800 “Plastiques – Spécifications pour les plastiques aptes au compostage domestique” standard have been met: 

• Disintegration achieved within 70 days
• Total biodegradation achieved in 120 days
• Zero Toxicity: Watercress sprout tests were conducted in virgin compost and in compost containing the sample for 12 days. The germination and biomass rate reaches the 90% required by the standards. 
• Validated chemical characterizations: limits for heavy metals presence and minimum volatile content are also respected. 

Tests performed on a 60 µm film made of 95% PLA and 5% Evanesto®. – Internal testing

• Total disintegration achieved in 2 weeks

• Tests performed on a 700 µm film made of 95% PLA and 5% Evanesto®. – Internal testing

  • Total disintegration achieved in 6 weeks

Tests performed on a 60 µm film made of 95% PLA and 5% Evanesto®

Disintegration:
Ongoing tests at OWS

Biodegradation:  
70% of average biodegradation in 95 days – still on-going

Ecotoxicity:
Test for watercress growth in virgin compost and in compost containing the sample for 12 days. The rate of germination and biomass reach the 90% requested by the standards.

Chemical Characterizations: 
limits on the presence of heavy metals and minimum volatile matter content are also respected. 

Tests carried out by the OWS laboratory ​​

• Disintegration test: tests performed on a 700 µm sheet made of 70% PLA and 5% Evanesto®.
  
  Disintegration achieved in 6 weeks
  

• Compressive strength test
  With an equivalent thickness, a PLA yoghurt pot containing Evanesto® is twice as strong as a PS yoghurt pot (a non-recyclable plastic conventionally used to make yoghurt pots).

• Mechanical properties test:
  After 3 weeks in the refrigerator, the yoghurt-filled pots have not suffered any change in their mechanical properties. Lactic ferments do not cause the enzyme activation. The enzyme keeps all its properties.

​Test carried out internally

Ecotoxicity:
Test for watercress growth in virgin compost and in compost containing the sample for 12 days. The rate of germination and biomass reach the 90% requested by the standards.

Chemical Characterizations: 
limits on the presence of heavy metals and minimum volatile matter content are also respected. 

Tests carried out by the OWS laboratory 

Hot Fill Test​

PLA containing Evanesto® can crystallize during the process, allowing it to withstand to a sufficient temperature. 

e.g. hot beverage container

Biodegradation

33% PLA content for 25µm thin blown film results, in home composting conditions : biodegradation reached in 120 days for films containing 5% of Evanesto®, disintegration achieved in 70 days.

• Biodegradation process speeded up by at least 30%
  
  

Results presented in the flexible film (packaging) category are valid for this product category. 
Criteria required by the standards also apply to bagging films.  

Ecotoxicity:
Test for watercress growth in virgin compost and in compost containing the sample for 12 days. The rate of germination and biomass reach the 90% requested by the standards.

Chemical Characterizations: 
limits on the presence of heavy metals and minimum volatile matter content are also respected. 

Tests carried out by the OWS laboratory 

• Processability

Tests validated on industrial injection and thermoforming lines at our partners’ facilities. Disintegration and biodegradation tests in progress.