US-based Bioaqualife, a producer of environmentally friendly plastic film and tape alternatives, has received a Class A rating in the ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials for its biodegradable shrink wrap film.
This certification signifies that the film meets rigorous fire safety standards across various industries.
The industrial-grade shrink wrap biodegrades through digestion by landfill bacteria in a matter of years, presenting an advancement over traditional shrink wrap that degrades into nano-particle plastics over centuries.
The ASTM E84 test, also known as the Steiner Tunnel Test, is a crucial standard in the US for evaluating flame spread and smoke development in building materials.
To achieve this rating, the material must demonstrate a flame spread of 25 or less and smoke development of 450 or less under test conditions. bioaqualife’s film surpassed these criteria, boasting a flame spread index of <15> and a smoke development index of <300>.
Three benefits for bioaqualife customers
Certified Fire Safety for Boating Applications: Boat manufacturers, repair, and dry dock businesses, along with individuals, can now opt for bioaqualife’s biodegradable shrink wrap. With a Class A rating ensuring compliance with USCG fire safety regulations, this eco-friendly choice empowers the $42B US recreational boating industry to prioritise sustainability without sacrificing safety.
Approved for Agricultural Buildings and Animal Housing: bioaqualife’s Class A flame spread rating meets building code standards for agricultural structures, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional polyethylene shrink wrap. This enables eco-friendly practices without increasing fire risk in barns, stables, greenhouses, and more.
Suitable for Residential and Commercial Buildings: Architects, contractors, and builders can choose bioaqualife shrink wrap with its Class A rating for temporary protective covering during construction or renovation. This alternative to standard polyethylene builders’ film supports sustainability in the $900B US construction industry.
Carsten Petersen of bioaqualife says, “Earning a Class A rating in the stringent ASTM E84 test demonstrates our steadfast commitment to product safety. We strive to deliver top-tier performance so customers never have to compromise between sustainability, effectiveness, and safety.”
“This achievement unlocks new shrink wrap market biodegradability products to large use industries and furthers our and our customer’s missions of ending plastic waste.”
Brief about bioaqualife
Established in 2023, bioaqualife produces “innovative” biomaterials, offering sustainable alternatives in shrink wrap and more. Their films and tapes serve as a “bacterial feast”, accelerating degradation in years rather than centuries in landfills.
Product range includes biodegradable shrink films, agricultural films, construction materials, packaging tapes, and more. Headquartered in Narragansett, RI, bioaqualife is committed to advancing environmentally friendly solutions.
