Biome Bioplastics Ltd. and film maker Futamura Group have added more bio-based packaging with the development of a range of bio-based and compostable multilayer films.
The films combine Southhampton, England-based Biome's biodegradable sealant resins with Futamura's compostable NatureFlex cellulose films to generate a range of laminated flexible structures.
The materials are compliant with the European industrial composting standard EN13432, meaning that they disintegrate by 90 percent within 12 weeks and biodegrade by 90 percent to water, CO2 and biomass within 180 days.
They have also been tested and proved to be nontoxic to both soil and plant life.
For demonstration, the two companies have created a dry food pouch, which offers “excellent oxygen barrier and good moisture barrier properties, as well as efficient sealability.”
The pouches match existing pouches on the market in terms of puncture resistance and can also be easily printed using both conventional and digital print processes.
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 makes them unsuitable for recycling.
The new film has been developed in line with the UK Plastics Pact which requires 70 percent of plastic packaging to be effectively recycled or composted by 2025.
“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,” said Lucy Cowton, product & sustainability manager at Futamura's United Kingdom operations.
