Scientists develop compostable heat-resistant packaging
could replace petroleum-based resins in foodservice packaging,
developers say.
Manufacturers are continuing to look for new ways to address customer interest in eco-friendly foodservice products, and to ease their reliance on increasingly volatile petroleum markets.
The resin, designed by Cereplast, is manufactured using renewable resources that include starch and other degradable components, including poly lactic acid. The result is a coating that has a heat resistance of 220° (F) and is fully compostable in commercial and municipal composting facilities.
Cereplast has signed agreements with MeadWestvaco paper-product company and Solo cup company to mass produce laminated paper and coated paperboard for commercial beverage applications.
Products making use of the coating will be the first of their kind to bear the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) logo. The BPI labeling program is based on testing in independent laboratories to assure a product will biodegrade quickly, completely and safely, without leaving any plastic residue.
Many products labeled biodegradable, merely disintegrate, breaking down over time but leaving hazardous residues. Researchers are continuing to invest in starch-based products derived from maize or tapioca because of they can break down entirely into compost.
"The whole composting process requires a commitment from distributors to make sure these products make it to industrial and municipal composting facilities for proper treatment," said Solo spokesperson Angie Chaplin in an interview withFoodProductionDaily-usa.com.
Solo statements indicate that they will target the product at cafeterias and foodservice operations that already divert their organic wastes to composting facilities, but would not divulge which specific companies are currently interested in the product.
