Bio-packaging a biogradable alternative to traditional plastic

Plastic made from sugar and vegetable oil is no longer a dream, but a growing part of the chemicals industry. Bio-packing is a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic and is quickly becoming the latest eco-trend in waste management. It is made from natural materials sourced from renewable raw materials such as corn or sugar cane. So, why is bio-packaging so useful for Our Future Planet and where is bio-packaging used?

There is a great need for new packaging materials as plastic is harmful to people and the environment. Plastic leaches out chemicals called phthalates into the food, food products and water in plastic bottles. Phthalates, are oestrogen mimics and they increase the levels of oestrogen in humans and food chains and there is evidence that they cause cancer including breast cancers and lead to low fertility in men. So, replacing plastic would be good for people’s health. Bio-packaging is made from natural raw materials such as corn starch and sugar cane, both of which are consumed by humans and are not harmful to people’s health.  Another great thing about bio-packaging is that it takes less energy to produce, has less carbon emissions and therefore helps reduce climate change.

Bio-packing is also entirely compostable in industrial facilities and is therefore less harmful than the incineration of plastic waste which releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere. Furthermore, plastics take a long time to degrade and fill up landfill sites so biodegradable biopackaging is better for the environment and sustainable living. Many companies are switching to bio-packing for their products. For instance, Delhaize, in Belgium, now uses PLA and other bio-packaging including trays made from sugar cane in their meat department to pack a selection of cold and raw meats including lamb, pork and beef. Delhaize uses bio-packaging instead of plastics to increase the environmental effectiveness of their packaging.   ‘We are already using biodegradable trays made from NatureWorks® PLA  to package food such as salads in the delicatessen department and this has been a great success,’ says Philippe-Henri Heymans of Delhaize.

NatureWorks PLA, is a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic. Traditional plastic is obtained from petroleum, where as NatureWorks PLA (Polyactide) is obtained from corn. Thus it is made from a 100% natural material sourced from renewable raw materials. Natureworks biopolymer shows a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. NatureWorks PLA production requires 20 to 50% less fossil energy than traditional plastic production. PLA trays are entirely compostable.   ‘We use eco-friendly packs for other products from the delicatessen department- our sandwiches are packed in PLA bags made by AllFlex,’ says Philippe Gendebien, the European Buying Coordinator of the Delhaize Group. ‘The benefits of this packaging are that it is made from renewable resources, it reduces the use of fossil fuels and carbon emissions and it gives an environmental image to our company’, explains Gendebien.

Other companies are also actively using bio-packing. For instance, Sainsbury’s in the UK is using bio-packaging for raw and cooked meat as part of their recycling commitment. Marks and Spencer’s are using biopackaging for food and other products as one of their strategies to achieve their aim of protecting the environment and the world's natural resources. In addition to the vitamin and water bottles, PLA bottles are being reviewed by many leading nutritional supplement and personal care companies throughout the world, mostly for oil-based products or tablets. Some household chemical manufacturers have also indicated interest in using bio-packaging. One manufacturing company, Alpha Packaging makes and distributes bio-packaging with the aim of helping to protect the environment. They make bottles and other containers for companies who desire to project an Earth-friendly image such as water bottles for Biota Water and Belu Water in the U.K. Another bio-packing company, Bunzl plc, the international distribution and outsourcing Group, is distributing a whole range of new bio-degradable packaging, mainly for the catering market.  ‘We are finding new sources of bio-packaging which we then sell on to vast range of markets including catering and healthcare markets.,’ explains Kevin Clarke, The Purchasing Manager for Bunzl plc. ‘We provide disposable bio-packaging to restaurants, hotels, fast food outlets and healthcare establishments throughout the world. ‘One of the products we use, PLA, is so effective that you cannot tell the difference between PLA products and plastics so the presentation to the public is the same and there are environmental benefits, he says. ‘We are also exploring future bio-packaging materials from companies making similar products to NatureWorks PLA.’

Both the developed and developing world are becoming involved in producing bio-degradable products. According to Aseem Das, Executive Director of World Centric, in the USA,  ‘We have just begun to develop a new resin for making bio-degradable products made from coconut fiber and starch in collaboration with two other partners – one from Germany and the other from India’. ‘Our aim is to reduce the environmental impact during the manufacture of the products and to reduce the amount of waste and pollution generated compared to packaging from petroleum based products’ Aseem Das explains.

The success of biopackaging and bioplastics can be seen in its increase in production. In 1995 20 000 tonnes of biodegradable polymers were manufactured on a global scale and in 2008, 600 000 tonnes were manufactured. It is taking off at a global level. Biopackaging has numerous uses for packaging food, water, cosmetics and medicines and is being used in many different countries around the world. It is better for people’s health, the environment and Our Future Planet. Bio-plastic technology is an important step on the road to a more sustainable society. What are your views?  Add your comment below. We welcome your thoughts and proposals. Not a Planetary Citizen? Sign up

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