Understanding Soilon: What is This Material?

Soilon is a brand name for a mesh material widely used in the packaging industry, particularly for premium tea bags, coffee pods, and other food items. This material is primarily made from Polylactic Acid (PLA). PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable, plant-based resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or tapioca root. Unlike traditional plastics made from petroleum, PLA originates from fermented plant sugars.

Food Contact Safety of Soilon (PLA)

The safety of materials used in contact with food is a critical concern. Soilon, being made of PLA, is generally recognized as safe for food contact applications.

• Regulatory Approval: Polylactic Acid (PLA) has received approval from major regulatory bodies for use in food packaging. This includes organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These approvals indicate that under intended use conditions, migration of substances from the material into food is minimal and below established safety limits.
• Intended Use: Soilon is specifically designed for short-term contact with food and beverages, such as holding tea leaves during steeping or packaging single-serve coffee.

Soilon and Heat Exposure (Steeping in Hot Water)

A common application for Soilon is in tea bags, which are steeped in hot or boiling water. The safety under heat is important to consider.

• Melting Point: PLA has a relatively high melting point, typically ranging from 150°C to 170°C. Standard tea steeping temperatures usually range from 70°C to 100°C (boiling). The material remains stable at these temperatures, well below its melting point.
• Substance Migration: Studies on PLA and its use in hot liquid contact have generally found that migration of chemical compounds from the material into the liquid is very low and typically below detection limits or regulatory thresholds for safety. Reputable manufacturers of materials like Soilon ensure their products meet strict standards for food contact under relevant temperature conditions.

Environmental Safety and Biodegradability

Soilon and other PLA materials are often marketed as environmentally friendly due to their plant origin and potential for biodegradability.

• Biodegradable/Compostable Nature: PLA is biodegradable and compostable, meaning it can break down into natural components (water, carbon dioxide, biomass) under specific conditions.
• Composting Requirements: While biodegradable, PLA materials like Soilon typically require industrial composting facilities to break down effectively and within a reasonable timeframe. These facilities provide the necessary conditions of high heat, specific moisture levels, and active microbial environments. Home composting bins usually do not reach the required temperatures or maintain the specific conditions needed for efficient PLA breakdown.
• Environmental Benefit: Using plant-based materials like Soilon reduces reliance on fossil fuels. However, realizing the full environmental benefit of their biodegradability depends heavily on the availability and use of proper waste management infrastructure (industrial composting).

Key Considerations for Material Safety

Understanding the material used in packaging and how to dispose of it properly is important.

• Look for Certifications: Products using materials like Soilon may carry certifications (e.g., BPI certification in North America, or Tüv Austria's OK Compost Industrial) that verify their compostability according to industry standards.
• Follow Disposal Instructions: Check product packaging for guidance on disposal. If industrial composting is indicated, confirm if local facilities accept such materials. If industrial composting is not available, these materials are often disposed of in landfills, where their breakdown is significantly slower due to the lack of necessary conditions.
• Manufacturer Transparency: Reputable brands using materials like Soilon typically provide information about the material's properties and recommended disposal methods on their packaging or website.