Sustainability is not a buzzword at Orfit — it’s a commitment. As part of that commitment, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most talked-about (and misunderstood) sustainability concepts: biodegradability. And more importantly, we want to explain what it means in the context of our radiation therapy thermoplastics, Efficast and Nanor.
At its core, a biodegradable material is one that can break down over time into carbon dioxide, water, and biomass, with the help of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Sounds simple — but in reality, it’s not.
Biodegradation only happens under specific environmental conditions. For example:
Without these conditions — like in a landfill or natural environment — even biodegradable materials may not break down as intended.
Let’s clarify two of the most common misunderstandings:
1. Biodegradable ≠ Environmentally safe (in all settings)
Just because a material is biodegradable doesn’t mean it will break down effectively everywhere. For example, it won’t necessarily degrade properly if it ends up in a landfill or the ocean.
2. Biodegradable ≠ Compostable
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same:
We are proud to say that Efficast and Nanor, two of our thermoplastics used in radiation therapy, have been independently tested and certified as:
✅ Biodegradable
✅ Industrially compostable
These certifications are based on internationally recognized standards:
To meet the criteria, the material must achieve 90% biodegradation within 180 days under controlled industrial composting conditions.
Even though Efficast and Nanor are certified as industrially compostable, this doesn’t automatically mean they can be composted through your local facility. In reality, most industrial composters are not yet equipped or authorized to accept medical-grade thermoplastic waste — even when it meets compostability standards.
In many regions, medical waste is excluded from standard recycling or composting streams, regardless of its material properties. This is due to strict health regulations and limited infrastructure.
We recognize this is a complex challenge with no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we’re actively exploring ways to support responsible end-of-life treatment for our materials — and why we advocate for clear, science-based guidelines in waste handling practices.
We know this is a complex issue. But there are still actions you can take:
Even small actions, when consistently applied, can reduce environmental impact. And by staying informed, you're helping to push the conversation forward — toward better infrastructure and more sustainable solutions.
At Orfit, we believe sustainability claims must be accurate, certified, and clearly communicated. We steer clear of vague language or misleading icons. You won’t see us using unverified claims or jumping on marketing trends. Instead, we back up our product claims with certified lab testing and transparent reporting.
We invite you to explore our full approach to corporate sustainability in our CSR report.
If you’re a radiation therapy professional looking for high-quality immobilization materials with a proven environmental profile, Efficast and Nanor are a reliable choice.
Got questions? We’re always happy to talk.
