Yes! First and foremost, SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film is designed to be recycled. The addition of ECLIPSE™ technology does not negatively impact the recyclability of stretch film or the recycle stream, provided the film has been collected and recycled before the bio-assimilation process has begun. If the material still has the mechanical characteristics of stretch film, it can be recycled. The addition of ECLIPSE™ technology acts as a safety net in the event that the stretch film evades the recycling system. It is not meant to encourage landfill disposal.

ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology initiates the free radical process, causing the long entangled chains within the polymer to breakdown into shorter and shorter chains. In other words, it breaks the carbon-to-carbon bonds within the polymer molecules, allowing microorganisms to feed on the available carbon. Once this process is initiated, it becomes a runaway freight train that can't be stopped, resulting in zero microplastics. This makes SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology a truly sustainable solution to the global plastic waste problem.

Bio-assimilation is the final and conclusive stage of biodegradation where microorganisms can convert the material into CO₂, water and biomass. The term “bio-assimilation” means the total molecular conversion of a polymer-based material into CO₂, water, and biomass, where zero non-bio-assimilable microplastic fragments are left behind.

SPTek ECLIPSE Stretch Film will bio-assimilate in a composting environment, however, it does not meet all requirements to be compliant with ASTM D6400. This is because the ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation process sequesters the majority of carbon as biomass, whereas ASTM D6400 requires the majority to be expelled as CO₂.

Once the microorganisms have consumed all of the exposed carbon and the bio-assimilation process is complete, the molecular mass of the original polymer has reduced until there is nothing left but water, C0₂ and biomass. Biomass is the natural mass of living organisms, ranging from plants and animals to microorganisms.

We have conclusively proven our SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology through rigorous independent third-party testing and a world’s first C-13 carbon labeling study conducted at LMPE, a leading Ecosustainable Polymeric Material Laboratory located in Italy. ECLIPSE™ technology is also compliant with EU Directive 2019/904, also known as the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

If ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film evades the recycling system it will bio-assimilate in marine, terrestrial or anaerobic landfill environments, resulting in zero microplastics.

ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film has a guaranteed functional life span of 2-years. It is only once the programmed stabilizers run out at the end of this 2-year period that the bio-assimilation process begins.

ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film has gone through rigorous efficacy and performance testing which determined that it performs exactly like original products. The addition of SPTek ECLIPSE™ technology does not alter the benefits of traditional stretch film.

There is a low inclusion rate of ECLIPSE™ at only 1%, which adds a minimal cost to the overall price. To determine the optimal amount of film for each customer’s unique need, the Rite-Gauging Assessment is used. This assessment ensures customers aren’t paying extra for any material they will not use.