Fraunhofer testet Beutelfolie von Clesana
A test report from the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV) confirms the superiority of Clesana’s bagging films over those used by competitors in terms of oxygen and water vapor permeability. The results clearly indicate that, regarding odor and liquid barriers, the film used by Clesana is the clear winner.
Technical precision versus Chinese mass production.
A study commissioned by Clesana and conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute compared Clesana’s high-barrier films with the bag films used by LooSeal and CLEANFLEX, which are manufactured by the Chinese company Huiyuandong. The requirements for the suitability of bag films for use in sealing toilets are high, particularly in terms of safety and durability. A high barrier is not only crucial for the hygienic protection of users but also for everyone involved in the waste disposal infrastructure.
Permeability in Focus
The films were tested by Fraunhofer IVV for oxygen and water vapor permeability. These factors are crucial in answering the following questions: How quickly does odor nuisance occur after the sealing process? How effective is the protection against liquid leakage? How long can the bags be stored in a vehicle when operating independently without infrastructure? In short: How long can they be stored without emitting odors or leaking?
The results are clear. Only Clesana’s high-barrier film achieves the values typically required for a high barrier, ranging between 0 and 10 cm³/(m² d bar) for oxygen permeability and between 0 and 5 g/(m² d) for water vapor permeability. In contrast, the bag films from Chinese production tested by Fraunhofer IVV significantly exceed these values.
Science speaks for itselfh
Scientific definitions classify films as high-barrier if they achieve oxygen permeability values between 0 and 10 cm³/(m² d bar) and water vapor permeability between 0 and 5 g/(m² d). Among the tested films, only Clesana’s barrier films remain below these permeability values and therefore fall into the high-barrier category.
Test Results from Fraunhofer IVV – Comparison of Oxygen Permeability
tab.1 Oxygen Permeability(in cm³/(m²d bar)):
| Sample Designation | Sample 1 | Sample 2 |
| Clesana (CH) | 1,62 | 1,52 |
| Huiyuandong (CN) | 1.377,00 | 1.272,00 |
Data Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, 2024
Test Results from Fraunhofer IVV – Comparison of Water Vapor Permeability
tab.2 **Water Vapor Permeability (Electrolysis Method, in g/(m²d)):
| Sample Designation | Sample 1 | Sample 2 |
| Clesana (CH) | 1,61 | 1,60 |
Data Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, 2024
tab.2 Water Vapor Permeability (Gravimetric Method, in g/(m²d)):
| Sample Designation | Sample 1 | Sample 2 | Sample 3 | Sample 4 | Average Value +/-s |
| Huiyuandong (CN) | 119,00 | 123,00 | 128,00 | 124,00 | 124,00 +/- 3,70 |
Data Source: Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, 2024
With values of 1.51 cm³/(m² d bar) for oxygen permeability and 1.60 g/(m² d) for water vapor permeability, Clesana reinforces its high standards for the films used and significantly surpasses the guidelines for high-barrier classification. In contrast, the bag films from Huiyuandong (used by LooSeal and CLEANFLEX, among others) offer less protection. With values reaching up to 1377 cm³/(m² d bar) for oxygen permeability and up to 128 g/(m² d) in the gravimetric method for water vapor permeability, the Chinese bag films cannot be classified as high-barrier films.
In simple terms: The Clesana high-barrier film has over 800 times better oxygen permeability and over 70 times better water vapor permeability compared to the Chinese bag films used by LooSeal and CLEANFLEX.
For context: The values of a standard bio-waste bag average around **2500 cm³/(m² d bar)** for oxygen permeability and **150 g/(m² d)** for water vapor permeability.*
* The permeability of bio-waste bags compared to the films used by LooSeal and CLEANFLEX from the Chinese manufacturer Huiyuandong was not tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV). Instead, literature values for a standard bio-waste bag made of polylactide (PLA) with a **50 μm film thickness** (equivalent to Clesana’s film thickness) are used as a reference.
**Source:** Auras, R., Harte, B., & Selke, S. (2004). An overview of polylactides as packaging materials. Macromolecular Bioscience, 4(9), S.835-864
Regarding the Test Report from Fraunhofer IVV (in german language)
A Practical Example
For campers with high demands for self-sufficiency and hygiene, this means: Caution! High permeability values inevitably lead to issues in usage and the associated inconveniences. Moreover, the barrier becomes even more crucial as ambient temperatures rise. High temperatures accelerate reactions and odor development significantly when the barrier is weak. Once the bags are placed in a trash bin exposed to the sun, the real test begins. Here, Clesana’s high-barrier film continues to provide protection against odor and liquid leakage for days and even weeks.
Conclusion: The better choice is clear – Clesana.
The results of the Fraunhofer test speak for themselves: Clesana delivers a reliable product with its barrier films, providing protection not only against odors and liquids but also meeting the highest standards of quality and safety. Clesana’s bag films are not only the better choice for caravanning and camping but also for any application where hygiene standards matter.
Regarding the Test Report from Fraunhofer IVV (in german language)
Press contact Clesana AG:
Tino V. Göbel / presse@clesana.com