01 | 2008
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Foam<br />
The thermoformed punnet has very high protective<br />
properties (cushioning effect) and good resilience. It is<br />
approved for contact with foodstuffs, resistant to oils<br />
and water, and of course compostable in accordance<br />
with EN 13432.<br />
The specific use for packaging of fresh produce is<br />
driven by different factors:<br />
The protection and integrity of the skin is of utmost<br />
importance for the shelf life of the goods, especially<br />
when the produce is at its optimum maturity. Studies<br />
have demonstrated that in the USA almost 35% of the<br />
packaged produce deteriorates due to damaged skin<br />
(source: AIPE)<br />
Last year different trials were carried out in the UK<br />
in order to compare the cushioning effect of different<br />
punnets (XPS, rigid, EPP, board, paper pulp etc). Different<br />
aspects were evaluated, such as the side impact,<br />
base impact, rubbing and cracking , which can<br />
dramatically influence the shelf life of a product. The<br />
results clearly showed that Mater Bi / Ekofoam punnets<br />
meet the highest standard requirements for such<br />
applications. The produce is better protected from<br />
damage, which dramatically increases the final quality.<br />
Furthermore, no negative influence was registered<br />
even at high humidity levels.<br />
These new materials are perfectly suitable for use<br />
in sustainable and compostable produce packaging.<br />
They fully meet the technical requirements offered by<br />
standard commercial materials, but in addition offer<br />
the possibility of composting, either at the end of their<br />
planned life, or in cases where goods have passed<br />
their expiry date and need to be organically treated.<br />
www.novamont.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/08] Vol. 3
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