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I’m really glad to hear about brands trying to figure out new ways of producing environmentally friendly solutions to when it comes to home improvement and decorating. IKEA for one has been always good at this but feels like other small and big companies are also joining in the good fight. We might be the lucky generation that not only the last one who can do something about climate change and fight for a better and greener future, but the one that also succeeds.
I already wrote about some promising new interior solutions on the blog, like this post about Eco-friendly Wooden Flooring Solutions for Your House So now, I’d like to introduce you to the idea of fully compostable, eco-friendly wallpapers.
Traditional wall papers are normally non-recyclable and not biodegradable but since the Renaissance, they have been very popular. Modern wall papers are diverse, and what is described as wallpaper may no longer actually be made from paper. This is because they contain synthetic components which means, you can’t do anything but send them to landfill when they reach the end of their lifespan.
What is compostable wallpaper made of?
Eco wallpaper like Veruso Lino on the other hand, is made of plant-based raw materials. But what are they? This particular wallpaper has only two components: flax (65%) and viscose (35%). Flax (linen) is a very Earth-friendly material, humanity has been using it for thousands of years. Growing flax is very economical, because of its water efficiency. Flax fibres taken from the stem of the plant are two to three times as strong as cotton fibres. Additionally, flax fibres are naturally smooth and straight. It has bactericidal properties, almost completely antistatic, and dirt-repellent. Viscose, is a type of rayon fibre that is made from natural sources such as wood and agricultural products that are regenerated as cellulose fibre. For some reason, people often associate it with plastic production because it’s man made but it’s a completely natural material. But another addition to this, that the wood that has been used to make the wood pulp has to be FSC certified, which ensures that the wood is produced sustainably.
How can you compost it?
Composting – as we lately have learnt the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials – is a human-controlled process of bio-degradation, ensuring optimal conditions for the microbes in order to reach results faster. Meaning, not all biodegradable things are actually compostable. Certified industrially compostable products have to biodegrade into CO2 within 6 months and no more than 1% additives which must be harmless.
Being home compostable – it’s yet another story, you see. So the Veruso Lino will de-compost in your compost heap in your garden after 6 to 12 months (depending on weather and season), all you need to do is simply cut them up into smaller pieces and mix into your compost heap.
Other advantages of compostable wallpaper
It’s totally organic, no harmful ingredients
So it’s the best choice for your home and your health. It also bears the international Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX certification. OEKO-TEX is the global standardised quality assurance system for textiles based in Zurich. Oeko-Tex labels and certificates confirm the human-ecological safety of textile products during all stages of production: from raw materials all the way to the end products.
Sound proofing and insulation
All wall papers can help with noise reduction and heat insulation. However, the compostable wallpaper has special natural heat insulation properties: air is naturally trapped between the natural fibres. It also works as a natural barrier between the room and the bare wall, the heat cannot escape so easily, instead it has to find its way out through the fibres.
Long lasting
They are not only durable, but because of the timeless, classic design you will not have to change it every other year, so it can serve you longer than the fashionable but not eco-friendly ones. Also, it can be easily removed, recycled or indeed composted.
