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SPTek ECLIPSE™

Our ECLIPSE™ Technology (patent pending) is a crucial safety net for plastic products should they not be recycled properly. ECLIPSE™ ensures complete bio-assimilation after a products tailor-made guaranteed functional life span, resulting in zero nanoplastics no matter what environment the plastic lands in.

How it works

SPTek ECLIPSE™ (patent pending) harnesses the power of bio-assimilation to completely breaks down PE and PP plastic in terrestrial, marine and landfill environments, all within 6-42 months. This additive does not change the recyclability of each product ensuring that they can be effectively used, collected and recycled without the bio-assimilation process kicking in.

After its guaranteed useful life, ECLIPSE™-enabled material begins to break down in any environment. Our ECLIPSE™ technology causes the break of carbon-to-carbon bonds within the polymer molecules, transforming it from hydrophobic, repelling water, to hydrophilic, allowing water to mix in. This process allows for microorganisms to use the exposed carbon-to-carbon bonds as a fuel source. Once the microorganisms consume the available carbon all that is left is CO2, biomass and water.

If ECLIPSE™-enabled material is not recycled and ends up as litter, it provides a feast for microorganisms and leaves no impact on the environment. Although it provides a no-impact end-of-life solution, ECLIPSE™ Is not a get out of free jail card, products should always be properly recycled.

FAQs

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How does ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation work?

ECLIPSE bio-assimilation technology causes the complete molecular transformation of plastic. 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.

Here’s a step-by-step explanation of what happens during the bio-assimilation process.

  • At the end of an ECLIPSE™ enabled product’s functional life, the molecular structure of the polymer within the material has a molecular mass of approximately 200,000 Daltons.
  • ‍Stage 1 (200,000 Da): The free radical process begins and carbon-to-carbon bonds within the material begin to break. The molecular mass of the material rapidly reduces as the long-chain molecular structure transforms into shorter and shorter chains.
  • Stage 2 (40,000 Da): As the molecular transformation continues, these shorter chain molecular structures change from being hydrophobic (repelling water) to being hydrophilic (attracting water), surrounding them with microorganism-rich water (known as a bio-film).
  • Stage 3 (5,000 Da): As the free radical process continues to transform the molecular structure and expose more and more carbon, the surrounding microorganisms begin to utilize this carbon as nutrients.
  • Stage 4 (0 Da): As the microorganisms consume all of the available carbon, the molecular mass of the original polymer continues to reduce until there is nothing left but water, C0₂ and biomass.
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What is a dalton?

A Dalton (Da) is a unit of molecular mass used in biochemistry. This unit of mass is incredibly small, with 1 Da equal to the weight of a single carbon-12 atom.

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What is a functional life span?

A functional life span is the period of time that a product is designed to last before the onset of the bio-assimilation process. It is designed around the length of time a product needs to be functional, so that it can be effectively used, collected and recycled before the onset of the bio-assimilation process.

What makes it different

There are products on the market that are able to achieve similar outcomes as our technology but they have limitations. One of our unique attributes is the ability to bio-assimilate in any environment. Our unique ECLIPSE™ formula (patent pending) works in all environments, including terrestrial, marine and landfill. This ensures that no matter where ECLIPSE™-enabled products land, they will not be a lasting detriment to the environment.

In addition, our technology is 100% proven by a first-of-its-kind test completed by our partners at LMPE, Italy. This revolutionary test conclusively proves the power of our ECLIPSE™ technology.

FAQs

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What is the C-13 bio-assimilation test?

Together with LMPE, Pisa University, CNR Laboratories, and other university bio-science labs, we designed and conducted the first-ever C-13 carbon labeling test to determine bio-assimilation in ECLIPSE™ enabled plastic (patent pending). This bio-assimilation test conclusively tracks the origin of carbon within a closed environment using Carbon-13.

The methodology of the C-13 bio-assimilation test is quite simple: the test took ECLIPSE™ enabled material and fed it to a colony of microorganisms in order to prove bio-assimilation. To track the amount of carbon given off during the test and the growth of the colony, proving bio-assimilation, the researchers used carbon labeling with Carbon-13 atoms. The carbon labeling showed that the locked hydro-carbon chains in the plastic broke down to an open carbon source which the colony of microorganisms could use as a fuel source, breaking the material down completely with no nanoplastics left behind.

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Does SPTek ECLIPSE affect the performance characteristics of plastic?

ECLIPSE™ enabled products go through rigorous efficacy and performance testing to determine that each product performs exactly like the original product. The addition of SPTek ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology does not alter the benefits of conventional plastic products.

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How do we know that the bio-assimilation claims are true?

We have conclusively proven our ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation technology (patent pending) through rigorous independent third-party testing and a world’s first C-13 bio-assimilation study conducted at LMPE, a leading Ecosustainable Polymeric Material Laboratory located in Italy. ECLIPSE™ technology is also compliant with recognized ASTM standards.

The specifics

ECLIPSE™ (patent pending) works with all polyolefins and does not alter the recyclability of any product. With the low inclusion rate of 1%, it is an easy addition to products. Each ECLIPSE™-enabled product has a customizable functional life span that will ensure the bio-assimilation process doesn’t kick in before the end of use or recycling.

FAQs

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Can you recycle and compost ECLIPSE™ enabled products?

Yes you can recycle ECLIPSE™-enabled products (patent pending) ! First and foremost, ECLIPSE™ enabled products are designed to be recycled. The addition of ECLIPSE™ technology does not negatively impact the recyclability of the products or the recycle stream, provided the plastic has been collected and recycled before the bio-assimilation process has begun. If the material still has the mechanical characteristics of its original product, it can be recycled. The addition of ECLIPSE technology acts as a safety net in the event that the item evades the recycling system. It is not meant to encourage disposal in landfill.

Will they compost, yes? ECLIPSE™-enabled material will decompose in a composting environment. However, ECLIPSE™ enabled materials are not ASTM D6400 compliant due to the nature of the bio-assimilation process. With ECLIPSE, the vast majority of carbon in bio-assimilated material is sequestered as biomass whereas ASTM D6400 requires the majority of carbon within the material to be turned into CO2.

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How do we prove the efficacy of ECLIPSE™ in commercial products?

Supported by the results of our world’s first C-13 bio-assimilation test, we conduct a multiple tests on third-party products. The ‘Standard Test’ measures the CO2 and biomass within a closed environment containing a colony of microorganisms, and the ‘Expedited Test’ detects carbonyl groups to prove that the molecules have reached sub-5000 daltons. The combination of these tests unequivocally proves the efficacy of ECLIPSE.

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How long can I use an ECLIPSE™ enabled product before it starts to bio-assimilate?

Each ECLIPSE™ enabled product has a tailor-made functional life span. For instance, SPTek ECLIPSE™ Stretch Film has a guaranteed functional life span of 2-years. It is only once the stabilizers run out at the end of this programmed period that the bio-assimilation process begins.

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What standards is ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation in compliance with?
  • EU Directive 2019/904: EU Directive to prevent and reduce the impact on the environment of certain plastic products and to promote a transition to a circular economy.
  • Bio-Assimilation by Living Organisms: Evaluation of bio-assimilation by Rhodococcus via titration of CO2 evolution and increase of colony size resulting from exclusive source of carbon from degraded polyolefin.
  • ASTM D5511 Compliant: Standard test method for determining anaerobic diodegradation of plastic materials under high-solids anaerobic-digestion conditions.
  • ASTM 6954 Tier 1 Equivalent: Standard guide for exposing and testing plastics that degrade in the environment by a combination of oxidation and biodegradation.
  • EU 10/2011 via BS EN 1186: Migration test to demonstrate direct food contact safety.
  • FDA Direct Food Contact Approval
  • California Prop 65: California’s Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act which places restrictions on “known carcinogens and reproductive toxicants.”
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Does ECLIPSE™ contain any toxic ingredients?

ECLIPSE™ is organic and is comprised of non-toxic raw materials which are independently approved for direct contact with food.

FAQ

Proof

We don't just talk the talk, at Smart Plastic we prove everything we say with credible third-party testing. Below you will find the corresponding tests that apply to all our claims.

ECLIPSE™-enabled products will bio-assimilate in marine environments
TESTS:
C-13 Bio-Assimilation
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Comprehensive degradation test, utilizing C-13 carbon labeling

Status:
Complete
Intermediate Characteristics
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Showcases short chain length intermediates and bio-degradable molecular structures formed

Status:
Complete
Marine Degradation
ASTM D6691-17, ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Proves that ECLIPSE will perform in marine environments

Status:
Planned
ECLIPSE™-enabled products will bio-assimilate in terrestrial environments
TESTS:
C-13 Bio-Assimilation
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Comprehensive degradation test, utilizing C-13 carbon labeling

Status:
Complete
Intermediate Characteristics
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Showcases short chain length intermediates and bio-degradable molecular structures formed

Status:
Complete
Carbonyl Group Formation
ASTM D6954 Tier 1 Equivalent, ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Degradation test, showcasing that the molecular structure of the material is capable of reaching sub 5000 daltons

Status:
Complete
ECLIPSE™-enabled products will bio-assimilate in anaerobic landfill environments
TESTS:
Anaerobic Landfill Degradation
ISO 15985 / ASTM D5511 Equivalent, ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Test showcasing anaerobic performance

Status:
Complete
The ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation process results in CO2, water and bio-mass
TESTS:
C-13 Bio-Assimilation
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Comprehensive degradation test, utilizing C-13 carbon labeling

Status:
Complete
ECLIPSE™ provides a crucial safety net, resulting in zero nanoplastics
TESTS:
C-13 Bio-Assimilation
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Comprehensive degradation test, utilizing C-13 carbon labeling

Status:
Complete
Intermediate Characteristics
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Showcases short chain length intermediates and bio-degradable molecular structures formed

Status:
Complete
ECLIPSE™ bio-assimilation process occurs over a 6–42 month period, depending on environmental conditions
TESTS:
Carbonyl Group Formation
ASTM D6954 Tier 1 Equivalent, ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Degradation test, showcasing that the molecular structure of the material is capable of reaching sub 5000 daltons

Status:
Complete
ECLIPSE Bio-assimilation transforms the molecular structure of polyolefins
TESTS:
C-13 Bio-Assimilation
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Comprehensive degradation test, utilizing C-13 carbon labeling

Status:
Complete
Intermediate Characteristics
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Showcases short chain length intermediates and bio-degradable molecular structures formed

Status:
Complete
ECLIPSE™ does not impact the recyclability of the product
TESTS:
Recyclability
ISO 14020 / Peer Review

Showcases that ECLIPSE has no impact on the recyclability of the material

Status:
Complete

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