Q: What are AirFlow Spacers made from?
A: AirFlow Spacers are manufactured by Kansas-based Green Dot BioPlastics, a leader in sustainable resin development. They are made with materials that meet industry standards for fully biodegradable designation, and contain a proprietary blend of starch-based ingredients and other polymers. More info
Q: What does biobased mean?
A: 'Biobased' means the material or product is (partly) derived from biomass (plants). Examples include corn, sugarcane, cellulose, potatoes, cassava, and wheat.
Q: What does bioplastic mean?
A: Bioplastics are a family of materials with different properties and applications. A material is considered a bioplastic if it is biobased, biodegradable, or both.
Q: What does biodegradable mean?
A: Biodegradation is a chemical process where microorganisms convert materials into natural substances like water, carbon dioxide, and compost, without artificial additives. The rate and success depend on environmental conditions, material composition, and application.
Q: Are the spacers biodegradable?
A: Yes. AirFlow Spacers are biodegradable in soil, with an estimated rate of 2 years. FTC regulations require specifying the environment and timeframe for such claims.
Q: Are AirFlow Spacers compostable?
A: Yes. Similar products have passed ASTM D6400, EN13432, TUV Austria Home Composting, and Soil Biodegradability certifications. TUV Austria is a third-party verifier of such claims. More info
Q: Can I dispose of the spacers in soil?
A: Yes. AirFlow Spacers can be disposed of in soil with an estimated biodegradation rate of 2 years.
Q: Will AirFlow Spacers leach toxic materials into the soil?
A: No. Ecotoxicity testing has confirmed that toxic leaching does not occur. This is required for TUV composting and soil certifications.
Q: How long do spacers take to biodegrade?
A: 1 to 4 years, depending on thickness, moisture, temperature, sunlight, oxygen, and pH. This estimate is based on studies of similar materials.
Q: Do the spacers contain plastic?
A: No. They do not contain conventional petrochemical-based plastics.
Q: Will the spacers degrade into microplastics?
A: No. They will break down completely via composting and microbial activity, so microplastics will not persist in the soil.
Q: Do the spacers contain petroleum?
A: No. They are made from a blend of new (plant-based) and old (glycerol-derived) carbon feedstocks.
Q: What about AirFlow Spacer performance with textured units?
A: They effectively separate most units, including those with up to 2 mm texture depth.
Q: Do AirFlow Spacers reduce cube efflorescence?
A: Yes. Better air circulation between layers reduces moisture movement and helps prevent efflorescence. They also improve circulation under top sheets, reducing top-layer discoloration.
Q: How are the AirFlow Spacers applied?
A: They can be dispensed via most inline granule dispensers, including sand dispensers. The spacers are designed not to roll, and dispensing efficacy depends on height and speed. Automated dispensing systems can apply them without manual intervention.
Q: Can leftover spacers be reused?
A: Yes. Spacers left on boards or caught in containment systems can be reclaimed and reused. Proper dispenser settings and containment can minimize waste.
Q: Do AirFlow Spacers require extra steps during palletizing?
A: No. Unlike separator sheets, they don’t require extra handling and improve efficiency and safety during palletizing.
