PLA

BIOLO offers an alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics through its use of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a renewable plastic alternative that is certified by TÜV (formerly Vinçotte) for biodegradation in soil and marine environments as well as home and industrial composts. "PHA is made from plants, turns into feedstock for microorganisms, and leaves nothing behind. Simple as that," says Will Preston, CEO of BIOLO.

During PACK EXPO, the company will showcase their two packaging technologies and its vast range of packaging products. Its booth will feature the patented Evanesce^® Molded Starch technology along with its high-quality line of PLA (Polylactic Acid) compostable products, including straws, hot and cold cups and lids, plates, bowls, cutlery, gloves, and resealable bags. Booth visitors will be able to meet the top executive team and experience their plant-based packaging solutions in person.

Paperboard applications coated with traditional, oil-based plastics had the drawback that the plastic needed to be separated from the paper before recycling can take place, otherwise the polymer can interfere with the recyclability of the paper. For this reason, many applications were not recycled but instead incinerated or landfilled as there was no other end-of-life option available.

"With plastics in the ocean playing a major role in the health of many fisheries around the world, we're taking the lead in bringing an alternative to poly bags to the market," says Grundéns CEO David Mellon. "Sustainability is a journey, and we are constantly striving to improve the environmental performance of our own products, packaging, and operations. This new compostable packaging will allow customers to drop it into their own home or municipal compost stream, confident they aren't adding plastic waste into the environment."

NatureWorks, a manufacturer of low-carbon Ingeo PLA biopolymers, and coffee handler, processor and packager, IMA Coffee, announced that they have entered into a joint strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the market for high-performing K-Cup compatible compostable single-serve coffee pods in North America.