Q: How can compostability reduce waste?

A: Waste reduction takes two forms–using less or composting. Since bakers frequently use pan liners to produce quality goods, using materials that help reduce the total impact of production on the environment is another step in the right direction. Thanks to innovations in paper liners, bakers now have access to compostable, paper pan liners that provide superior and consistent baking performance, while creating an environmentally friendly point of differentiation in the marketplace.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its environmental marketing guidelines (a.k.a. Green Guides), the compostability of a product or package should be substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence that all the materials in the product or package will break down into, or otherwise become part of, usable compost (i.e., soil-conditioning material, mulch) in a safe and timely manner in an appropriate composting program or facility, or in a home compost pile or device.

Q: Are all paper-based pan liners compostable?

A: Just because you use a paperbased solution, which may include bleached and natural products, doesn’t mean a pan liner is compostable. It is important to know that claims must be supported by facts and data to ensure validity of compostability. Utilizing an independently certified test facility to test products against a recognized standard for compostability, such as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), provides such support.

Q: Why are consumers demanding compostable products?

A: Consumers are demanding ecominded products and manufacturing practices across all industries. Compostability of production materials is just one way companies can quickly and cost-effectively satisfy this growing trend. Since recycling of pan liners isn’t an option due to food residue, enlisting the help of paper pan liners that are 100 percent compostable can support corporate and consumer sustainability initiatives.

Q: Do compostable pan liners perform as well as traditional pan liners?

A: Compostable pan liners, such as Wausau Paper’s Eco Select® pan liner grade, use natural, unbleached fiber, yet offer the same or superior performance qualities and application characteristics as traditional pan liners, such as release properties that allow for quick and easy removal; effective holdout to resist water, oil and grease stains; and, char resistance up to 420°F.

Q: How can compostable pan liners diff erentiate my business?

A: Baking using green production technologies and environmentally sensitive processes can help support your company’s broader commitment to the environment, especially the total product life cycle. Pan liners such as Eco Select provide the same high-quality performance as traditional pan liners, while assisting restaurants and bakeries in achieving sustainable business practices and meeting environmental objectives– without compromising quality or profitability. Also, as consumers face more food/product options on the shelf and in restaurants, it is important that environmental performance claims are supported by facts and data.