Cardia Biohybrid, previously used only for commodity packaging, is now suitable for food packaging in Europe according to the 2002/72 EC standard.

Managing director Frank Glatz says Cardia Biohybrid is ideal for food packagers worried about their green credentials as the film is made from a combination of polyolefins and renewable resources, derived mainly from corn starch.

“The film has a renewable content of about 66 percent but this can vary according to what application the end user wants it for,” he told European Plastics News.

He says Biohybrid is especially suited for the flexible packaging market, as it provides excellent clarity, while having good mechanical and processing properties.

Interest from international brands has resulted in Cardia’s decision to expand its manufacturing facilities in Nanjing, China, says Glatz. The company is investing millions of dollars in the site, bringing its total capacity to between 10 and 15 million tons, he adds. Cardia is also opening a new product development centre in Melbourne, Australia.

The company plans to promote Cardia Biohybrid throughout Europe from its regional headquarters in Germany. It also has offices in Australia, China and the US.