A Conversation with James Sandy, Sr. Director Sales for Conwed at Mativ
As the world moves toward sustainable materials, innovation is key.
We sat down with James, to talk about the development of Naconet™ – the company’s new compostable netting solution that’s already making waves across industries.
James, what inspired the development of Naconet™?
The idea came directly from our customers. Farmers, home gardeners, landscapers, and contractors, who have been voicing concerns about plastic netting for years – especially its environmental impact. Traditional polypropylene nets don’t break down and often become long-term pollutants. We saw a clear need for a solution that performs just as well but doesn’t leave a legacy of waste. That’s how Naconet™ was born.
How did you ensure Naconet™ would meet global compostability standards?
From the start, we designed Naconet™ to meet the ASTM D6400 standard. We partnered with certified labs and went through the full BPI certification process – testing for disintegration, biodegradation, heavy metals, and plant safety. It’s a rigorous process, but it was important to us – and to our customers – that we could back up our claims with third-party validation. We’re proud to share that Naconet™ has now officially achieved BPI certification and is currently in the process of receiving DIN CERTCO certification.
What’s next for Naconet™ and the future of sustainable netting?
We’re just getting started. We’re expanding into new applications – from packaging to agriculture to green infrastructure. We’re also exploring regional adaptations to meet specific climate and composting conditions. Our goal is to make compostable netting the new standard, not the exception. Sustainability is no longer optional – and we’re here to help industries make that transition without losing performance.
What were the biggest technical challenges in creating a compostable netting?
The main challenge was balancing performance with compostability. We needed a material that could match the tensile strength and flexibility of plastic – but also break down completely under industrial composting conditions. That’s not easy. We worked closely with biopolymer experts to fine-tune the formulation and structure. It took several iterations to get it right, but we’re proud of the result.
What makes Naconet™ different from other alternatives on the market?
A few things.
First, it’s truly compostable – not just “eco-friendly” or “degradable.”
Second, it’s engineered for performance. Many alternatives require customers to change their equipment or accept lower durability.
With Naconet™, there’s no compromise. It runs on standard machines, performs like plastic, and disappears after use. That’s a powerful combination.