Biolit Compostable Containers & Bases – Eco Product

Whilst we appreciate they may cause some concern at first glance, the bases and containers are surprisingly durable and, although the official term is ‘water resistant’, remain effectively waterproof for a considerable amount of time.

We asked our friends at Oasis for specific details for three different circumstances:

How long will containers last with soaked media?

With soaked media such as renewal foam, FibreFloral™, moss, etc, it actually lasts for weeks, this is even with a shallow reservoir of water.

How long will containers last if filled with water?

We asked how the trough Biolit container would perform if it were filled with water, perhaps when being used with chicken wire. Again testing proved these containers lasted extremely well, “for weeks”. They did highlight that this may change depending on the environment, but I’m sure you agree that this is a surprising and very positive outcome.

How long will containers last if used as a planted container?

We asked how the Biolit container would would they hold up if used as a planter and filled with plants that were watered indefinitely. Again, a positive response. The container would retain its shape indefinitely. The container would remain water resistant for well over a month. However, if used outside perhaps as planted design for a grave, or a doorstep for a considerable length of time, it’s good to know despite dampness from below, rain from above, and general moisture from the air they would be ideal and whilst when receiving dampness from all sides their water proofing may deteriorate, their shape would still stay.
If used for a planter in the home, their lasting ability would increase as the moisture would only be from one side. However, it is recommended for furniture to be protected.

How was this testing carried out?

The above results were shared following both in-house testing and independent trials carried out by experienced Oasis florist ambassadors in their own workplaces.

Cardboard or reconstituted cardboard is ususally recyclable but not compostable. Many keen gardeners may compost cardboard, however, there is a specific criteria that must be met for any products to receive and promote a ‘Home OK Compost’ label and certificate.

The strict requirements for a product to meet ‘compostable’ standards, are set out in the European standard EN 13432. The Biolit products are certified according to this standard.

The legal requirement to meet the ‘Home compostable standards’ say it must disintegrate after 12 weeks, which is just as long as an orange or a banana peel. After 12 weeks no more than 10% of the product fragments will be larger than 2mm. 90% of the material must completely biodegraded within 12 months. (That means that 90 percent or more of the material will have been converted to CO2. The remaining share is converted into water and biomass – i.e. valuable compost. without any negative effect on the composting process).

The material will compost under under home compost conditions temperatures of 20 – 30 °C.

These ‘Home Compostable’ levels are far more stringent than those of OK compost INDUSTRIAL.

You can find more details about the standards for composability HERE.

Who gives the certificates and makes the rules?

TÜV AUSTRIA is an independent Austrian service provider founded in Vienna in 1872. They are international leaders in the fields of testing, inspection, certification as well as training and further education – based on the principles of objectivity, impartiality and integrity.

TÜV AUSTRIA’s OK environment product verification marks are the only ones of their kind to offer a customised certification label for each biodegradation environment. More details can be found here.

The material will compost under high temperatures (>65 degrees Celsius). Compostable wrap composts in a maximum of 12 weeks, which is just as long as an orange or a banana peel.

iolit products can be disposed of through home composting or recycling.