Renewable & Compostable Material - the number relates to the type used for AWYVERDE® primary packaging.

No. AWYVERDE® primary packaging is made from RCM-1801. RCM-1801 consists of 2/3 of renewable inputs and of 1/3 abundant minerals. This is also certified by an independent institute.

RCM-1801 consists of ~2/3 renewable inputs and of ~1/3 abundant minerals (certified). Hence, it does not consist of petrochemicals.

The exact price depends very much on the quantity of material deployed. Yet, at comparable quantities, RCM-1801 is 30 - 90% less expensive than known bioplastics such as PLA or PHB.

RCM-1801 is produced in Western Europe.

RCM-1801 is produced through compounding which takes place at temperatures below 200 °C. In contrast, refining crude oil to extract conventional plastics requires temperatures of over 300 °C.

Yes. The migration properties of RCM-1801 are compatible with cosmetics and comply with the corresponding legal guidelines (Reg. (EU) 1935/2004 & 10/2011; EN1186) which has been certified by an independent institute. The corresponding certificates are available.

AWYVERDE® primary packaging is produced with conventional injection molding - no special equipment is needed.

Yes. Coloration is feasible.

Yes. Conventional decoration technologies such as tampon printing, hot foil stamping or silk-screen printing as well as surface finishings such as varnishing or metallization are feasible.

All packaging items for skin care, make-up and fragrances which can be produced via injection molding can also be produced as AWYVERDE® primary packaging. Further items are being investigated.

Yes, the underlying material RCM-1801 is recyclable.

No. Given the inputs of the underlying material RCM-1801 (see above), there is no microplastic.

Besides water and carbon, minerals are released which can be used as nutrients by plants or micro-organisms.

No. For the decomposition to start, micro-organisms are needed which are available in nature and composting plants but not in warehouses or shops.

No. Both the temperature and the humidity in bathrooms are not sufficient with regard to their height and consistency to start the decomposition process. Beyond, also the needed micro-organisms are missing in a household setting.

Typically, primary packaging is not entirely coated but only partially - hence, there is always an area where the decomposition process can start. Obviously, a bigger uncoated share of the surface as well as the application of biodegradable coatings/colors allows to shorten the decomposition process.

This depends on the type of water, its temperature as well as on the geometry of the packaging item. Taking these variables into account, five to ten years are needed for the process. Thin-walled packaging dissolves quicker in warm salt water than does thick-walled packaging in cold fresh water. Conventional plastics need ~ 450 years to dissolve.

Depending on the temperature as well as on the quantity of micro-organisms five to ten years are needed for the decomposition process. As the temperature in a home compost is typically higher and there are typically more micro-organisms, the decomposition is typically faster than in nature. Conventional plastics need ~ 450 years to decompose.

In order to receive a home compost certification, the material must be entirely decomposed after one year. However, due to the migration properties required for cosmetics, RCM-1801 cannot decompose within that time frame.