Able to withstand surface wear from prolonged rubbing, scratching, friction, and scuffing.

Resistant to fungal growth and activity.

Resistant to the growth and activity of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and mould. Anti-microbial materials are also anti-fungal and mould resistant.

Allows air to pass through, naturally regulating body temperature and enabling body moisture to evaporate. 

Capable of naturally breaking down into a nutrient-rich compost that can be used as a soil enhancer or plant fertiliser. Compostable materials are certified by TÜV Austria and can either be composted at home (OK compost HOME) or in an industrial facility at temperatures between 55 to 60 degreees celsius (OK compost INDUSTRIAL).   

A product that has not been tested on animals. Brands are approved cruelty free by a number of global certification programmes, such as the Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny and PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies.

A solid material that disappears when mixed with a liquid.

A material or substance that is safe and suitable to be eaten.

A material's ability to regain its original shape and size after being stretched or compressed.

Designed to withstand heat, prevent the spread of fire, and self-extinguish once the fire source is removed. If an open flame persists, a fire resistant material will burn slowly. Fire resistant is interchangeable with fireproof.

Can be bent, stretched, or shaped when an external force is applied without breaking.

Suitable for direct contact with food, indicating that it is free from toxins and other dangerous substances that could cause contamination, and is safe to use within a recommended temperature range.

Suitable and safe for freezer storage, and will not crack or become brittle at low temperatures.

Can withstand exposure to high temperatures and heat flow without burning or melting.

Contains relatively fewer allergens and is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction upon use, particularly for those with skin sensitivities and allergies.

Refers to a material's stability, with no risk of chemical migration from the container to its contents.

An impermeable material that can hold a liquid without it seeping through.

A material that has a relatively lower density or weight. 'Lightweighting' refers to the process of designing lighter iterations of products by reducing material use without compromising on strength and functionality.

A material with a relatively lower carbon footprint that minimises GHGs throughout its entire life cycle.

Allows microwaves to pass through, making it safe for use in a microwave oven. Microwave-safe materials will not break or shatter during use. 

Prevents moisture from travelling through, retaining and protecting the material's contents.

Inhibits the growth and spread of mould and fungi.

Eliminates bacterial growth before it combines with sweat to prevent body odour. Odour resistant materials are typically breathable, moisture-wicking, and anti-microbial. 

Impermeable to oil and grease.

Can be placed directly in a conventional oven and withstand high temperatures without melting.

Offers shelf stability and prevents spoilage caused by oxidation and aerobic microbial growth by keeping oxygen out of the package interior, preserving food and pharmaceutical products.

Capable of being processed and reused once it reaches the end of its useful life, either by being disposed of in an existing waste stream, or through a take-back programme.

Indicates whether a material has been made with recycled content.

A material that yields positive outcomes for the environment. It can apply to a number of context-dependent practices involved in the sourcing and processing of materials. Examples include raw materials and ingredients grown using regenerative farming methods, products made from agricultural waste, and materials that can be converted into soil nutrients after disposal.

An inflexible material that can't be bent or forced out of shape without breaking.

Can be fully closed to hold its contents securely and prevent substances and contaminants from travelling into the package interior.

Resists heavy impacts, pressure, and wear without breaking or becoming permanently deformed.

Allows light to pass through completely so that the package contents can be seen.

Indicates whether a material is made from used items, by-products, or waste materials of lower value.

Withstands exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight, without degradation or damage.

A material or food item that does not use any ingredients or by-products derived from animals, or involve the use or exploitation of animals throughout the manufacturing process and testing phase. To qualify as vegan, products must be certified by a recognised third-party body, such as the Vegan Trademark.

Not easily penetrated by water; rather than being absorbed, the water beads on the surface of the material. The technical term for water repellency is hydrophobicity. To achieve water repellency, a material is typically finished with a surface treatment or coating.

A material or substance that can be dissolved in water.

A material that does not allow water to pass through.