S-OneLP Sustainability Resource Guide

Your Guide to Earth-Friendly Packaging 

S-One Labels & Packaging is committed to helping the industry develop more energy-efficient materials and processes for labeling and packaging manufacturers to improve sustainability across the supply chain. 

We've launched this guide as a way to educate our customers on environmental requirements, how and where to responsibly dispose of different kinds of packaging, and how to incorporate sustainable features at the early stages of packaging design.

ReEarth films earn USDA BioPreferred Certification

Five of our groundbreaking ReEarth compostable films have earned BioPreferred certification from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and can display the USDA Certified Biobased Product label.

Additionally, a fully formed ReEarth pouch has met ASTM D6400 testing for municipal or industrial composting.

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ReEarth films earn USDA BioPreferred Certification

"Composting Facilities in the United States" map and data provided by GreenBlue and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition

ReEarth Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a ReEarth stand-up pouch a breakthrough?

S-OneLP went above and beyond to have a real-world example of a flexible packaging stand-up pouch tested by ATSM for industrial compostability. The pouch passed with flying colors.

While it’s not unusual to have material components certified for compostability, S-OneLP went further to have the entire pouch construction approved and certified. This helps our customers and brands achieve their sustainability goals, and it gives consumers peace of mind knowing that their packaging can be industrially composted.

The stand-up pouch construction that passed the rigorous ASTM D6400 testing was a laminated duplex structure of bio-based films and adhesive, with an ink primer and overprint varnish formed into a pouch.

Are ReEarth films compostable?

All ReEarth laminated films are made from commercially compostable components, but to call a laminated structure as compostable, it must be tested and pass all aspects of ASTM D6400.

Our 3.4 mil silver stand-up pouch film (REE34MSUP) passed ASTM D6400 testing, so we can call that structure compostable. Further, thinner versions of this film are also considered compostable since they use the same components, only fewer of them. According to ASTM, thinner ReEarth films should be equivalent in meeting the ASTM standards.

What is the difference between ASTM testing and third-party certification?

Independent laboratories test packaging to ASTM standards for compostability. If a package passes the tests, it can be called compostable; however, ASTM is not the same as third-party certification.

Organizations such as TUV take the ASTM test data, validate the results, and provide independent third-party certification of those products.

What materials are used to make ReEarth films?

All ReEarth films have some percentage of bio-based content. The components used in manufacturing ReEarth prelaminated films are either BPI certified or have passed ASTM testing as commercially compostable materials.

S-OneLP has five ReEarth film constructions that are certified by the USDA for their bio-based content. These films were tested for the percentage of plant-based biocarbon that is typically made from renewable materials, such as cellulose, corn, or other bio-based materials. This ranges from 48 percent bio-based content to 92 percent.

Are the materials used to make ReEarth pouches responsibly sourced?

S-OneLP has chosen suppliers with Good Manufacturing Process certifications for food safety and films that meet FDA standards. The raw materials that make the ReEarth pouch construction is BPI certified for industrial composting and were selected because they allow for the quickest industrial compostability.

Further, S-OneLP sources raw materials in quantities that maximize yield and minimize waste. The films we choose are the thinnest available in order to minimize natural resource consumption and optimize compostability without sacrificing performance.

What is the shelf-life of ReEarth packages?

Although the films we provide to converting partners are warranted for six months, actual shelf life with contents inside the package varies depending on factors that include package contents and package environments, like temperature and humidity. Other factors that impact shelf life are transportation and storage.

S-OneLP always recommends that brands perform shelf stability testing on their packaged products in the conditions the product is anticipated to be subject to, before going to market.

Can I put liquids in ReEarth packages?

S-OneLP cannot definitively recommend or disqualify contents that go into ReEarth packages, but it is safe to say that dry contents are more likely to pass shelf stability testing than moist contents or liquids will. These films are meant to decompose under industrial conditions, and to do so requires conditions that include air, elevated temperature, moisture, and microbes.

How long does it take for ReEarth pouches to compost and in what conditions?

ReEarth pouches will compost in a maximum of 84 days in industrial conditions, such as high heat and controlled moisture and oxygen.

What is the best way to dispose of packages made with ReEarth?

The US currently has over 100 facilities that accept packaging bioplastics, like ReEarth. The interactive map above, provided by GreenBlue and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, shows the industrial composting facilities in the US so you can find the one closest to you.

Can I home compost ReEarth pouches?

Home composting is not recommended for ReEarth products as it will take too long for these films to break down into usable compost. Home or backyard compost bins don’t have the elevated temperatures and microbial conditions that are needed for ReEarth structures to break down in a timely manner, whereas commercial, industrial, or municipal compost facilities use elevated temperatures to speed up the composting process.

Can I dispose of ReEarth pouches in my recycling bin?

No. It is not recommended to mix compostable materials with curbside recycling. If the waste stream is mixed, the recyclable materials could be considered contaminated, and some, or all of it, would end up in landfill. The waste bin is preferred as the last resort as these materials will break down quicker than comparable single-use plastics.

What happens if I put ReEarth pouches in the waste bin? Will they compost over time?

The ReEarth pouches are made from Earth-digestible materials, so it will eventually compost over time in non-commercial conditions. However, it’s hard to say how long it would take to break down fully. In elevated temperatures and aerobic conditions of industrial composting facilities, it takes a maximum of 84 days.

ReTreve Frequently Asked Questions

What makes ReTreve materials cutting edge?

ReTreve is the recyclable family of films made up of all polyethylene (PE) monoweb coextruded materials. These flexible packaging films meet the Sustainable Packaging Coalition guidelines for store drop-off recycling through the How2Recycle program. The base films are also Trex certified*, meaning at the end of its life, ReTreve packaging can be turned into composite decking and rails.

This breakthrough material makes it easy for consumers to dispose of flexible packages and prevents the packaging from ending up in landfill.

ReTreve recyclable films deliver high clarity or opacity, excellent heat seal strength, and high-performance moisture and oxygen barriers. These films come in 4 mil and 4.5 mil clear and white pouch films, 3.5 mil LLDPE sealant films, and 90-gauge clear MDO reverse print films, all of which are certified for store drop-off.

*Any final pouch constructions still need to be approved from Trex, which does so at no cost.

Are ReTreve materials recyclable?

Yes, ReTreve films are certified for store drop-off recycling through Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s How2Recycle and Trex NexTrex programs. Consumers can simply take their ReTreve recyclable flexible packages to a local participating retail location to recycle along with any plastic shopping bags. Most major grocery chains have drop-off collection bins at the front of the store for these PE films.

The materials collected through store drop-off are recycled and given new life in a variety of applications, the most common being plastic shopping bags and wood-alternative lumber. 

How can I find store drop-off locations?
Use the FAQ section of your site to answer those routine questions that always come up and need to be answered. This is a great way to tell us more about what you can offer, fill in some details that might intrigue us, and show us how knowledgeable and helpful you can be.
What is the difference between ReTreve, ReEarth, and Classic films?

ReTreve film constructions are made primarily from a single recyclable plastic, or a monolayer, whereas Classic films typically are made from two or more different plastics, making them difficult to recycle. ReEarth is our line of compostable films.

Can I dispose of ReTreve pouches in my recycling bin?

No. It is best not to put pouches or flexible packaging in your blue bin as it may get sorted out and put in a landfill, even though it's recyclable! The best option for disposing of ReTreve pouches is to use the store drop-off program.

What applications are best suited for ReTreve recyclable films?

Flexible packaging converters have found success with the ReTreve line in applications including bar wrap and flow wrap, snack webs, pouches, and stand-up pouches. Some applications include powders, granolas, confections, and other dried goods. It is recommended to avoid liquids and oils in ReTreve packages.

S-OneLP cannot definitively recommend or disqualify contents that go into ReTreve packages. Fitness for use must be determined by the end user.

What is the How2Recycle program and how do I get involved?

How2Recyle is a program from the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, of which S-OneLP are members. How2Recycle is a standardized labeling system that clearly communicates recycling instructions to the public.

To carry the logo, materials and constructions must be certified from the How2Recycle program for eligibility. S-OneLP’s ReTreve family of materials is approved for this designation.

Materials collected through store drop-off are recycled and given new life in a variety of applications, the most common being plastic shopping bags and wood-alternative lumber.

What is the NexTrex program?

Trex is a company that takes much of the material dropped off at stores and turns it into decking and railings. Trex has its own recycling program, called NexTrex.

Much like How2Recyle, to qualify for the certified NexTrex designation, product packaging must first be tested to ensure that it meets the criteria for use in the Trex manufacturing process. Trex does not require memberships or charge fees.

Once packaging is validated by Trex, a Certification of Acceptance will be issued to the brand owner and the brand will be authorized to use the NexTrex Recycled Packaging Label.

ReTreve now Accepted for Store Drop-Off Recycling


ReTreve now Accepted for
Store Drop-Off Recycling

Consumers can take packages made with ReTreve to their local participating retail location to recycle along with any plastic shopping bags.

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Major Brands Target Bio-Based Solutions like ReEarth


Major Brands Target Bio-Based Solutions like ReEarth

Now is the time for the label and packaging industry to meet the demand from major brands and emerging players alike as they achieve their environmental goals.

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Studies Show Consumers will Pay More for Sustainability


Studies Show Consumers will
Pay More for Sustainability

Packaging producers have a large role to play, and sharing the environmental benefits of flexible packaging is one part of an all-hands-on-deck approach

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