FAQ

 

The Life Cycle of  ValueForm Ltd products is shown clearly in our life cycle diagram below.

 

The diagram says it all, ValueForm Ltd products start with natural plant fibres such as maize, and using patented low energy (and therefore low carbon footprint) processes manufacture products such as food trays, padded envelopes, hanging basket liners and many others. These are then used and the designed disposal method at the end of the product life is to compost the product "Earth to Earth".

 

 

There are a range of other biodegradable containers and similar products made from PLA Polylactic acid or Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources. The sources are typically corn starch or sugarcanes. However the process of manufacture is very like that for conventional plastics in that it is a very high energy process requiring both high temperatures and high pressures during manufacture.

 

ValueForm Ltd products in comparison are typically made almost any fibrous plant material, currently we have focused on maize and banana plants. These natural products will of course biodegrade, but faster than PLA products. The big difference however is in the overall life cycle and energy cycle, the products from ValueForm Ltd have a shorter life cycle, and a very low energy cycle for manufacturing.

 

Overall ValueForm Ltd products have a lower (currently zero on our padded envelopes) Carbon Footprint and a shorter life cycle as they are proven to biodegrade quickly once the process has started.