When an innovation enters the market, it naturally generates curiosity and interest. Airgel g-grade is no exception.

It is an airlaid material certified OK Compost Industrial for industrial composting, developed for applications requiring high absorption and retention capacity.

In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions and provide a clear overview of the characteristics and potential applications of this airlaid material.

AIRGEL G-GRADE FAQ: GENERAL INFORMATION AND CHARACTERISTICS

What is Airgel g-grade?

Airgel g-grade is an airlaid material certified OK Compost Industrial for industrial composting in the configurations covered by the relevant certificate. Designed to provide high levels of absorption, it contains no thermoplastic fibres or chemical finishes, while maintaining excellent performance. It reflects Magic’s ongoing research and development work in absorbent materials. 

How was Airgel g-grade developed?

This innovative airlaid material is the result of several years of research and development at Magic. A key milestone came in 2015 with the launch of Spongel, a superabsorbent powder certified for industrial composting and free from chemical additives.

Building on this development, and following the installation of a dedicated production line, Magic created Airgel, a new type of airlaid material. This later led to the development of Airgel g-grade and subsequently G-pad, an absorbent pad for food packaging.

Unlike conventional absorbent materials, which use thermoplastic fibres and chemical finishes, Airgel g-grade uses cellulose fibres and contains no thermoplastic fibres.

How does Airgel g-grade differ from competing products?

Airgel g-grade is an airlaid material certified OK Compost Industrial for industrial composting in the configurations covered by the relevant certificate.

The certification confirms its compostability under the conditions required for industrial composting. Disposal of the finished product must be assessed according to its composition and the instructions provided by the local waste collection system.

How does Airgel g-grade represent an innovation in the sector?

Airgel g-grade represents a significant step in the development of new absorbent solutions. Its ability to deliver high performance without the use of thermoplastic fibres or chemical finishes makes it a distinctive material within the sector.

In addition, OK Compost Industrial certification provides a specific end-of-life option for configurations that meet the requirements defined by the certificate.

AIRGEL G-GRADE FAQ: PRODUCTION AND USE

How is Airgel g-grade produced?

Airgel g-grade is produced by Magic at its continuous-process plant in Oleggio, in the province of Novara, northern Piedmont. The plant opened in 2020, extending the company’s activities beyond converting to include raw material production.

Which sectors can Airgel g-grade be used in?

Airgel g-grade is highly versatile and can be used in several sectors.  In food packaging, it can be used in absorbent structures designed to manage liquids released by packaged food products. In personal care, it can be used as an absorbent core for managing body fluids in products such as diapers and adult incontinence products.

Is Airgel g-grade suitable for use in hygiene products?

Yes. Airgel g-grade is suitable for use in absorbent personal care products such as diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence products. Its high absorption capacity and structure free from thermoplastic fibres and chemical finishes allow it to be used in configurations intended for these applications. Suitability must be verified on the finished product configuration and against the applicable requirements.

Can Airgel g-grade be customised to meet specific requirements?

Of course. We can work with you to develop customised solutions in terms of format and absorption capacity to meet specific requirements. Contact us to discuss your company’s needs and find out how we can support you.

AIRGEL G-GRADE FAQ: ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SAFETY

Which environmental characteristics of Airgel g-grade are certified? 

Airgel g-grade is certified OK Compost Industrial by TÜV Austria. The certification confirms the compostability of the material under the conditions required for industrial composting and for the configurations covered by the relevant certificate. Disposal of the finished product must be assessed according to its composition and the instructions provided by the local waste collection system.

Which environmental certifications does Airgel g-grade have?

Airgel g-grade is certified OK Compost Industrial by TÜV Austria. Its structure uses cellulose fibres and contains no thermoplastic fibres or chemical finishes. The certification applies to compostability under the conditions required for industrial composting and within the scope defined by the relevant certificate.

What is the difference between biodegradability and compostability?

Biodegradability refers to the ability of a material to be broken down by microorganisms under specific environmental conditions and within a given period of time.

Compostability is a specific form of biodegradability. A material is considered compostable when it meets defined requirements relating to its degradation and disintegration under controlled composting conditions.

Industrial composting takes place in facilities where temperature, humidity and other process parameters are managed under controlled conditions.

Being biodegradable therefore does not automatically mean that a material is compostable, while compostability is assessed against specific conditions and requirements. It is also important to distinguish between industrial composting and home composting, which take place under different conditions.

Is Airgel g-grade safe for use in products intended for newborns and children?

Airgel g-grade can be used in structures intended for hygiene applications, including products for infants and children. Suitability for use must be verified on the finished product configuration and against the regulatory and technical requirements applicable to the specific intended use.

Airgel g-grade was developed from Spongel technology and Magic’s research into absorbent materials. Its OK Compost Industrial certification, material structure and absorbent performance define its technical characteristics and its potential use across a range of applications.