SCA First to Offer Verified Compostable Paper Towels and Napkins

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SCA, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, a producer of away-from-home (AFH) tissue and towel products, reports that all of its paper towel and napkin products have been deemed "accepted" for commercial composting using Cedar Grove Composting (CGC) standards. SCA obtained acceptance of its paper towels and napkins from CGC, a commercial composter and pioneer of compostable testing and product review, to ensure the product lifecycle from development, production, use, and disposal remains environmentally responsible.

SCA notes that this documentation continues to strengthen its position in compostable AFH products following the certification of its Tork Universal and Advanced napkins by the Biodegradable Products Institute in August 2011.

"Verifying that our paper towels are compostable is the latest step in SCA’s ongoing commitment to sustainability," said Mike Kapalko, sustainability marketing manager, SCA AFH Professional Hygiene. "As our customers across North America continue to incorporate sustainability into their operations, we want to ensure our products anticipate their needs and give them the ability to safely compost our paper towels and napkins in large scale facilities, ultimately helping to lessen landfill waste."

Cedar Grove reviews the materials to ensure they will properly break down in their commercial composting process. Its review verifies that all Tork paper towels and napkins are compostable. Tork’s paper towels and napkins also have received manufacturing related certification from EcoLogo and Green Seal. These certifications in conjunction with compostable capabilities provide even greater focus on the transparency of the products’ lifecycle.