Ingevity’s Capa™ thermoplastic technology receives freshwater biodegradability certification from TüV

Recently, Ingevity announced that its Capa® thermoplastic grade has obtained the OK Biodegradable WATER certification from TüV Inspection and Certification Bureau in Austria. The OK Biodegradable WATER certification confirms that Capa® thermoplastics are fully biodegradable within 8 weeks in natural freshwater environments, avoiding the formation of persistent microplastics. It can make lake and river ecosystems safer than conventional plastics made from alternative substances. This is another achievement following the company’s 2022 OK MARINE certification for biodegradation in seawater environments.

Ingevity’s portfolio of Capa® thermoplastics, which can be used in a variety of different applications including bags, films, consumer packaging and containers, is one of a handful of bioplastics to receive OK Biodegradable WATER certification, a distinction that requires materials to undergo Strictly tested and fully biodegradable within 8 weeks. In freshwater environments, lower temperatures make biodegradability more challenging than composting conditions. By fully biodegrading within 8 weeks, Capa®’s certified products help customers meet end-consumer biodegradability requirements for freshwater environments, as they are increasingly concerned about environmental pollution in rivers, lakes and other freshwater environments.

Steve Hulme, Ingevity’s Senior Vice President and President of Advanced Polymer Technologies, said: “Ingevity is committed to supporting global efforts to reduce plastic pollution. Adding TÜV’s Elite WATER certification to our portfolio makes Ingevity a A preeminent provider of sustainable solutions and further proof of Capa®’s ability to help plastics biodegrade quickly and completely, whether they are composted or thrown into water.”

The environmental benefits of Capa® bioplastics are validated by Ingevity’s global certification portfolio, which also includes the Biodegradable Plastics Institute (BPI), Japan Bioplastics Association, Seedling and TüV Austria OK compost HOME, OK compost INDUSTRIAL and OK biodegradable MARINE.

About TüV Austria

TüV Austria is a globally recognized licensing company providing independent third-party registration and certification services according to various international ISO standards.

Ingevity: Purify, Protect and Improve

Ingevity provides a broad range of products and technologies to purify, protect and improve our world. With a team of experienced and talented people, Ingevity develops, manufactures and brings to market solutions that help customers solve complex problems and make the world we live in more sustainable. Ingevity operates two business units, Functional Chemicals, which includes fine chemicals and engineering polymers, and Functional Materials, which includes high-performance activated carbons. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications including asphalt paving, oil extraction and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, inks, coatings, elastomers, bioplastics, and automotive components for gasoline emission reduction. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates in 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,850 people. The company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT).