Cortec^® has entered another point on history’s scoreboard of sustainable leadership by introducing the first certified industrially compostable VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitor) paper for protective metals packaging. This development highlights Cortec’s ongoing commitment to developing innovative, environmentally responsible solutions to corrosion challenges faced by industries worldwide. With EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper, manufacturers, large and small, have yet another option for metals protection with a “circular economy” focus.

From corrosion protection to compost

EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper offers corrosion protection on both sides of the paper. It can be used to wrap or interleave both ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts, releasing corrosion-inhibiting vapors that form a molecular protective layer on metal surfaces while they remain enclosed in a package. When the package is opened, the corrosion inhibitors float away, making it easy to install a clean new part immediately. At this point, EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper can either be recycled in normal paper streams or composted at an industrial composting facility.*

Another “circular economy” solution

Due to the presence of a corrosion inhibitor in the product, it was important for EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper to undergo rigorous evaluation regarding its impact on soil when composted. Testing by TÜV Austria confirmed that EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper meets the EN 13432 standard for industrial composting and becomes humus with no eco-toxicity to the soil. During testing, EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper disintegrated and turned into compost in about six weeks (the test standard allows 12 weeks). 

Soybeans and corn seedlings grown with compost from EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper showed extremely similar results to plants grown using regular compost. This successful evaluation has allowed EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper to become the first certified industrially compostable VCI paper in the world (#TA8012509007).  Since EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper also contains 92 percent USDA-certified biobased content, it demonstrates sustainability from beginning to end—sustainable sourcing, preservation of valuable metal parts, and two options for environmentally responsible disposal. It is just one more example of Cortec’s leadership in developing corrosion solutions with environmentally-conscious users in mind.

Ready for a green initiative?

EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146 Paper opens new packaging opportunities for companies that are committed to pursuing voluntary green initiatives or are under compulsory legal requirements to cut down on the use of plastic. It is especially ideal for assembly plants that have direct control over their suppliers’ packaging selection and have a desire to increase their ratio of compost to landfill waste.

Join the cutting edge of “circular economy” solutions

Cortec^® is proud to be on the cutting edge of “circular economy” solutions for the preservation of metals, itself an important part of responsibly managing our world’s natural resources. If your company is interested in a corrosion solution with two circular economy disposal solutions, contact Cortec^® to place your order of the first certified industrially compostable VCI paper: EcoBio^™ VpCI^®-146.