Scodix, a provider of digital embellishment technology for the graphic arts industry, has successful completed its latest recyclability tests, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability.
FTC guidelines require third party independent testing to allow manufacturers to use a recyclable symbol. Scodix worked with Western Michigan University (WMU) to implement the SBS Equivalency (WMU SBS-E) testing protocol, which models the Fiber Boxboard Associations (FBA) wax coating replacement protocol.
The testing was performed on 16pt SBS Westrock Printkote C1S paper with 15% coverage of Scodix Spot varnish embellishment. Sheets were taken through the process of repulping, screening and cleaning to ensure that the digital embellishment would not inhibit the recycling process.
The tests produced positive results showcasing the recyclability of Scodix digitally embellished sheets. Passing the WMU SBS-E protocol with a score of 98.8% yield free from stickies, proved that sheets with up to 15% coverage with Scodix embellishment would qualify for recycling and could be repulped during the process. Brands and manufacturers using Scodix embellishment under this control protocol are able to use the FTC recycling symbol as long as the substrate used is also certified as recyclable.
The results demonstrate that Scodix embellishments can be repulped during the recycling process, allowing products enhanced with Scodix embellishments to carry the recyclable symbol.
Scodix CEO and co-founder Eli Grinberg commented, ‘Sustainability is a core pillar of our business operations. As such, we are thrilled to share our latest test results, which underscore the positive impact Scodix products can have on building a more sustainable future. With our repulpability and recyclability certification coupled with our lifecycle assessment (LCA) findings, Scodix users can confidently embrace data-driven sustainability practices.’
He added, ‘Today is a momentous day for Scodix, but our journey towards sustainability doesn’t end here. We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving continuous improvements in sustainability and equipping manufacturers with the necessary data to accurately measure their processes.’
