23 June 2022. Suominen has built its own compost test center in Nakkila, Finland. The test center has both industrial and home compost conditions with the aim is to study biodegradability also wider in different environments.

A main goal of Suominen Green Lab is to determine the biodegradability of nonwovens made of renewable raw materials - the first steps were to analyze disintegration in compost conditions to support product development. In-house compostability tests have already given impressive results by providing information that helps Suominen to claim its products to be truly compostable and make more powerful sustainability claims for these products.

Compost testing conditions are set as ~+58°C and ~+20° C which represent industrial composting and home composting methods, respectively.

Tests have been made during the spring and they have shown impressive results in both industrial and home composting environments. For example, Suominen’s 100% viscose product disintegrates fully in home and industrial compost conditions in less than three weeks.

“This opportunity will support our sustainability journey and we can provide truly compostable products for our clients and make stronger statements about our products. This also gives us the opportunity to learn more about both raw materials and products and develop them further,” says Niina Salonoja, Manager, R&D.

Suominen continues to ramp up sustainable processes throughout its production lines. Earlier this week, the nonwovens producer announced it would invest €6 million in upgrading a line in Nakkila, Finland as part of these efforts. Additionally, the company has introduced Biolace Silva, a nonwoven with exceptional cleaning power and a 50% lower carbon footprint than 100% viscose products, in the European markets.