Issue 02/2019

News
New study assesses the environmental impact of
innovative biobased products
The European Union has published a new study entitled “Environmental impact assessments of innovative biobased products”
which aims to provide science-based facts and evidence on the environmental impacts of innovative biobased products and
mostly plastic products compared to petrochemical counterparts.
Seven cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) case studies were carried out covering three major commercialised
biobased polymers:
• biobased polyethylene terephthalate (PET; “beverage bottles”);
• polylactide acid (PLA; “single-use cups”, “single-use Cutlery”, “packaging films”) and
• starch plastics (“clips”, “mulch films” and “carrier bags”).
Primary data were gathered from the industry based on the real supply chain. This also included the biomass currently used
by the industry. The study is accessible vie the link below. MT
tinyurl.com/EU-report-19-02
Biome Bioplastics and Futamura partner on
development of compostable multilayer packaging
Biome Bioplastics (Southampton, UK) and Futamura
(Wigton, Cumbria, UK) have partnered on the development
of a range of bio-based and compostable multilayer films.
The materials offer competitive performance, while tackling
the negative environmental impact of traditional oil-based,
non-recyclable multilayer packaging.
Sustainable alternatives to challenging packaging formats
such as multilayer pouches will be key to meeting the
UK Plastics Pact target that 70% of plastic packaging is
effectively recycled or composted by 2025.
Multilayer films can be used in
packaging both fresh products and
dry foods to extend shelf life in a
cost-effective manner. However, their
multilayer construction means that this
type of packaging cannot be recycled and
lacks a viable disposal route.
The compostable multilayer films are
manufactured by combining Biome’s
range of biodegradable sealant resins
with Futamura’s compostable NatureFlex cellulose films
to generate a range of laminated flexible structures. The
films are compliant to the European industrial composting
standard EN13432
The materials have a biobased content of between 50-
70 %. The performance of the compostable materials is
comparable to non-recyclable multilayer packaging for
decoration, oxygen and moisture barrier and heat-sealing
properties.
The companies have demonstrated how a viable
compostable solution can be achieved by creating a dry
food pouch, which offers excellent oxygen barrier and
good moisture barrier properties, as well as efficient
sealability. The pouches can also be easily printed using
both conventional and digital print processes, allowing
manufacturers to create highly decorated branding to ensure
their sustainable pack stands out on shelves. Additionally,
the puncture resistance of the pouch is similar to products
currently available on the market.
Myriam Moeyersons, Sales Manager at Biome Bioplastics,
commented:
“This range of multilayer films allows
brand owners to move away from nonrecyclable
packaging and show that
they are at the forefront of the drive to
create a circular economy for plastics.
There is no time to lose if we are to bear
down on packaging waste and achieve
the aims of the UK Plastics Pact. We
must immediately start implementing
changes to existing packaging.”
Dr Lucy Cowton, Product & Sustainability Manager at
Futamura, added:
“Futamura chose to partner with Biome as our companies
are aligned in their passion to produce technically strong,
sustainable and compostable alternatives to conventional
packaging films. Biome’s sealant resins are an excellent
pairing because they complement the heat resistance
and barrier properties of our NatureFlex range with their
puncture resistance and strong sealability.” MT
www.biomebioplastics.com
| www.futamuragroup.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/19] Vol. 14 7