Rayon FAQUpdated 2 months ago
Q: Why use Rayon instead of Cotton in packaging?
A: We use Rayon instead of Cotton in our packaging for a couple of reasons. Cotton is a commonly genetically modified crop. In order to avoid the possibility of being forced to use a GM product due to supply issues, we chose to use Rayon. Also, Rayon tends to absorb less moisture than cotton, which is preferable for ensuring that our special tablets reach our customers in their intended condition.
The rayon that we use in our packaging is a polymeric form of cellulose. It is made specifically for use in food packaging and is approved as safe for food contact by the FDA. It is an important element to prevent breakage and to control moisture. It is not a paraben and is compliant with 21 CFR 177.2260 criteria which details safe and allowable packaging for food products.
Q: Is rayon sustainable? Is it environmentally friendly?
A: Rayon fiber is 100% cellulose fiber which is recyclable and is biodegradable in both land and the sea. It is made from regenerated cellulose/viscose guihom fiber, are extracted from wood pulp, and is not associated with micro-plastics. Below you'll find more information about the compostability of rayon:
Industrial Compost: Rayon can be composted in industrial composting systems and meets the EU standard. There is no US standard and very little rayon goes to an industrial compost system since there are so few in the US.
Home Composting: There is no EU or US standard for this but a company in the EU set up their own standard and certifies Rayon as meeting their home composting standard.
Freshwater Biodegradable: Same as home composting.
Marine Biodegradable: Same as home composting. There is no European standard for assessing biodegradability in water because the variable conditions in freshwater and marine environments make standardisation difficult. ISO is developing standards for testing biodegradability in specific marine environments. The certification our vendor sent defines marine biodegradable as: 90% biodegradation achieved relative to cellulose or absolute, in addition to physical degradation to a particle size below 2 mm in 180 days, and is supplementary to ASTM D6691.137, That is a little confusing but it means that the 90% of the material degrades to a size below 2mm in 180 days.