Raw Material	Agricultural Waste -- bagasse (sugarcane dregs), straw, wheat stalk, reed, bamboo
Degradation	Biodegradable in water, soil and garbage in 60 to 180 days
Safety	Global hygiene and food safety standards UV-sterillized Acid, oil, and water resistant No mold count No yeast count No Coliform Bacteria (MPN) Natural material
Temperature Resistance	Oil 150° C Hot water 100°C Refrigeration -25°C Microwave safe Steamer safe Oven safe 220°C
Static Loading	Strong and Rigid -- no distortion
Leak Resistance	Waterproof Oil-proof
Customization	Custom-design to specific shapes and sizes

How BiopackUS products compare for environmental responsibility

	Coated Paper	Plastic	Styrofoam	BiopackUS’s products
Specifically designed to utilize natural, abundantly-renewable resources	NO	NO	NO	YES
Uses agricultural waste and recycles it into useful products	NO	NO	NO	YES
Level of greenhouse gas emissions	HIGH	HIGH	HIGH	LOW
Level of fossil fuels used in production	MORE	HIGH	HIGH	LOW
Biodegradable	NO	NO	NO	YES
Compostable	NO	NO	NO	YES
Use landfill space	YES	YES	YES	NO
Specifically designed with the environment in mind	NO	NO	NO	YES

Why choose BiopackUS?
BiopackUS is one of the world’s leading producers of biodegradable food containers and packaging products. With its innovative, pioneering technology, BiopackUS’s products have the highest hygiene, safety, and quality assurance supported by international standards and certifications. Customers can rest assured knowing that BiopackUS’s products always adhere to the highest standards. BiopackUS’s certifications include:

• ISO 9001 -- Quality Management System
• ISO 14001 -- Environmental Management System
• HACCP -- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
• SSOP -- Sanitation Standard and Operating Procedures
• GMP -- Good Manufacturing Practices
• Hong Kong Q-Mark Product Award Scheme
• BRC/IoP (British Retail Consortium/ Institute of Packaging) -- Global Food Packaging Standard
• OK Compost
• Din Certco

What are BiopackUS’s products made of?
Sugarcane fiber, also known as bagasse. Sugarcane fiber is an agricultural waste product from the sugarcane industry and a renewable resource that regenerates two to three times a year. BiopackUS turns recycled waste material into safe, usable products.

What makes BiopackUS products different from paper, plastic, or Styrofoam products?
Every stage in the lifecycle of a BiopackUS product is designed with the environment in mind -- from the sourcing of renewable raw materials, to its eco-efficient manufacturing process and disposal through biodegradation. Standard plastic and Styrofoam take 50 to 100years to disintegrate and never fully biodegrade. Conversely, BiopackUS products fully biodegrade in 60 to180 days. Unlike plastic or Styrofoam, BiopackUS products are microwavable; and unlike paper, they don’t get soggy while heating liquids and greasy foods.

What are the pros and cons of using agricultural waste versus other renewable (i.e., starch-based materials such as corn) as raw material for packaging products?
BiopackUS’s products are made out of raw material that would otherwise go to waste, so they leave a smaller footprint. Products made from bamboo, which is also a food stock, and bioplastics, which themselves are generally made from corn starch, drive up prices for these commodities.

Are BiopackUS’s products compostable and/or biodegradable?
And what is the difference? Yes, BiopackUS’s products are both biodegradable as per EN13432 as certified by Din Certco as well as home compostable as certified by OK Compost. That means BiopackUS’s products can be broken down by micro-organisms (thus making them biodegradable) and can be converted into compost in a private home compost installation.

How long does it take for BiopackUS products to degrade?
BiopackUS’s products biodegrade in 60 to 180 days, upon coming into contact with soil, water, and bacteria.

Can BiopackUS products be put in a microwave and/or an oven?
Yes, BiopackUS food containers are safe for use in microwaves, ovens (220°C), and steamers. They can also withstand hot oil up to 150°C and are freeze resistant to -25°C.

Are BiopackUS products imprintable?
Yes, printing is possible on BiopackUS products as per customer requirements and specifications.

Do BiopackUS’s products come in different colors?
Yes, BiopackUS uses coloring dye that is vegetation based and is both environmentally friendly and biodegradable.

Do any environmental organizations support BiopackUS?
BiopackUS is recognized and promoted by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, the Hong Kong Green Counsel, and “Friends of the Earth.” In 2006, BiopackUS won the Hong Kong Eco-Products Gold Award endorsed by the Business Environment Counsel, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, The Chinese Manufacturer’s Association of Hong Kong and the Federation of Hong Kong Industries.