Acucote, part of Fedirgoni’s Self-Adhesives division, has introduced a line of 25 bio-based products that have been certified by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The move has come as a response to increasing demands from consumer brands for sustainable labels on their packaged goods.

The materials that Acucote, which was founded 34 years ago and is based in North Carolina, has introduced include coated, uncoated, fluorescents, tag and digital print media. Acucote says that the new options have been introduced without added material costs. 

They have been granted BioPreferred Certification by the USDA, the programme through which the organisation confirms the bio-based content of products. To be certified a product has to undergo third-party testing up to ASTM D6866 standard, which determines whether or not a commercial or industrial product is composed of biological elements.  

Each of the facestocks in this new portfolio have been certified by the USDA as being constructed with 87% bio-based components when combined with the comapny’s CP1 biodegradable adhesive and 40# liner. The minimum percentage required to earn BioPreferred designation is 25%.

In terms of other certifications CP1 adhesive also complies with 21CFR175.105, the Child Toy and Safety Act, CONEG, CPSIA, REACH and CA Prop 65. CP1 is acid, BPA and APEO free.