Material performance includes what happens after use. At Solinatra, we consider the appropriate end-of-life route alongside the requirements of the application.
Responsible End-of-life
650× magnification
The morphology of Solinatra bio-composite after 42 days of thermophilic incubation
1,000 × magnification
The tested Solinatra bio-composite shows surface changes during degradation, including increased roughness, open cavities and evidence of microbial activity.
The images show different surface features at different magnifications. Their interpretation depends on the samples and test conditions.
Disintegration study
Material grade, product thickness, shape and environmental conditions affect breakdown after use. Test results apply to the material and product format evaluated.
Performance includes what happens after use.
Solinatra Natural Engineered Materials are complete material formulations made with bio-based and naturally sourced ingredients. End-of-life is considered during material development, alongside the needs of the application.
The appropriate route after use depends on the grade, product format and market. End-of-life performance is validated against the specific material, product format and test conditions.
End-of-life pathways
Solinatra Natural Engineered Materials are developed with the appropriate route after use in mind. Biodegradation and composting are key focuses, with suitability assessed for the specific formulation, finished product and treatment conditions.
Certification and test results apply only to the products and conditions they cover. Other routes require separate assessment.
Industrial composting
Industrial composting takes place under controlled conditions. Solinatra Universal Food and Universal Dark have received OK compost INDUSTRIAL certification from TÜV AUSTRIA, within the scope of the relevant certificates.
Finished-product suitability and acceptance by the local collection and composting service must also be confirmed.
Home composting
Home composting requires separate evidence. Industrial compostability certification does not establish suitability for a garden compost bin.
Follow the finished product’s disposal instructions.
Other waste-treatment routes
Landfill
Landfill is not a controlled composting route. Composting test results do not demonstrate how a product will behave in landfill. Follow local disposal guidance.
Incineration
Where residual waste is sent for incineration or energy recovery, treatment follows local requirements. Bio-based ingredients alone do not establish an emissions profile.
Recycling
Recycling suitability depends on the material grade, product format and collection system. A bio-based formulation does not automatically belong in conventional plastic recycling. Confirm compatibility and acceptance with the relevant recycler.
Application-specific environments
Marine
For applications such as mangrove planters, degradation must be evaluated for the specific formulation, product format and marine conditions. Results cannot be generalised to all grades or environments.
Connecting our work with the UN SDGs
The UN Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for connecting material innovation, responsible production and restoration initiatives with wider environmental and social objectives.
Material research and engineering
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
We develop Natural Engineered Materials through research, testing and material engineering, with formulations designed around application, processing and regulatory requirements. Collaboration with manufacturing and research partners helps connect material innovation with industrial production and technical knowledge.
Responsible material choices and production
Our material development approach considers ingredient selection, manufacturing requirements and responsible end-of-life together. Through an ingredient-agnostic approach, formulations can be adapted to the needs of the application while considering the most appropriate route after use.
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate and resource transition
SDG 13 — Climate Action
The transition towards bio-based and naturally sourced material inputs can contribute to reducing dependence on conventional fossil-based material systems. Solinatra also works to improve material efficiency through application-specific formulation and established manufacturing processes.
Our restoration work in Madagascar provides an additional connection to climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience, although the long-term climate outcomes of the programme are still being monitored.
Restoration and field research
SDG 14 — Life Below Water · SDG 15 — Life on Land
Through Solinatra Forests, we work with local communities and researchers in Madagascar on mangrove restoration and field research. The programme includes planting, monitoring seedling survival and growth, and evaluating material performance in the nursery and coastal environment.
This work supports broader learning around ecosystem restoration, biodiversity and the interaction between materials and natural environments.
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