The advantages of compostable bioplastics for the circular economy
TotalEnergies Corbion published a report on PLA compostability entitled “The advantages of compostable bioplastics for the circular economy”. The report advises on product design for compostable packaging when it contributes to the diversion of biowaste from landfill or incineration, the reduction of the biowaste stream contamination, increasing efficacy of biowaste collection, and when the packaging is hardly separable from its organic waste content. Building a sustainable economy and reaching the climate neutrality targets, requires innovative materials and improvement in waste management. PLA, a bio-based, recyclable, and versatile material, offers an additional, sustainable, and efficient end-of-life option: composting.
Tetra Pak expands production of plant-based coatings for aseptic cartons to North America
As demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, Tetra Pak has expanded its production of aseptic cartons made with sugarcane-based polyethylene (PE) coatings to their Denton, Texas converting plant. The cartons incorporating plant-based PE will come with a plant-based cap, also derived from sugarcane. The plant-based PE coating offers the same recyclability, functionality, and food protection as traditional polymers but is made from renewable materials with a lower climate impact. “This is another step forward for our customers dedicated to bringing more sustainable options to their North American consumers,” said Jason Pelz, vice president of sustainability, Tetra Pak Americas. “As we work towards creating a fully renewable shelf-stable package, plant-based PE gives us one more way to drive innovation and sustainability for our customers today.”
Avantium and Carlsberg with agreement to scale recyclable wood fiber-based beer bottles
Avantium and Carlsberg are advancing the commercialization of the Fibre Bottle, a 100% plant-based, fully recyclable beer bottle with a wood fiber outer shell and PEF lining. Carlsberg will sample 8,000 bottles across Western Europe to test performance and determine consumer satisfaction. A spokesperson said that “the Fibre Bottle will be an additional alternative for consumers, not a replacement. Given the recyclability of cans, the reusability of refillable glass bottles, and the large-scale recycling infrastructures that are in place for these, the Fibre Bottle will complement these as an additional option for consumers to choose from.” Additionally, since the PEF used in the Fibre Bottle has a higher mechanical strength than conventional plastics, a thinner layer is needed for this barrier: thereby creating a decrease in material needed.