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\nImage source:\u00a0https:\/\/www.flexpackmag.com<\/figure>\n
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These bio-based plastics, or bioplastics, are plant-based materials used to replace the traditional plastics derived from petroleum. They are composed of polymers from renewable resources, partially or totally, such as corn, cellulose, plant oils, animal fats and oils, among others.<\/p>\n
Bemis\u2019 Encore Recyclable Film<\/h4>\n
Bemis Company, Inc. has launched Encore ultra-clear recyclable film, a technology that combines readily recyclable material with shelf-appealing transparency, designed to help CPGs attract today\u2019s consumers while achieving the sustainability goals of their businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cCPGs can feel confident with Encore ultra-clear recyclable film \u2014 it can provide the clarity and transparency shoppers demand, and still run on most standard existing manufacturing equipment,\u201d explains John Wilson, market manager.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Compared to prior offerings, this new Bemis technology provides the advantages of a standard standup pouch, with the added benefit of improved recyclability. It can also incorporate convenience features, such as press-to-close zippers.<\/p>\n Encore ultra-clear recyclable film is made of polyethylene, and is designed to be recycled through existing How2Recycle store drop-offs. This technology offers benefits of low haze, good stiffness and high gloss. The film is currently available across multiple markets, including dish detergent pods, pet food and treats, confection items and more.<\/p>\n BioLogiQ has recently launched three new grades of its plant-based NuPlastiQ biopolymer resin family. These new grades include NuPlastiQ XP High Performance BioPolymers for packaging applications; NuPlastiQ XD High Durability BioPolymers for durable goods applications; and NuPlastiQ BC Biodegradable\/Compostable BioPolymers for foodservice and other packaging applications.<\/p>\n Using a proprietary process, BioLogiQ produces NuPlastiQ GP BioPolymers (GP) from natural, renewable resources \u2014 plants. GP resins contain 100% USDA Certified Biobased Content, and are ASTM D6400 and EN 13432 certified for compostability. When combined with traditional plastics to produce the new XP, XD, and BC grades, the resulting resins are stronger and more durable; reduce fossil fuel-based plastic usage and greenhouse gas generation; and maintain the recyclability, compostability, or biodegradability of that traditional polymer.<\/p>\n \u201cWe make polymers from plants by turning polysaccharides, or plant starch, into plastic,\u201d says Brad LaPray, president of BioLogiQ. \u201cThis polymer actually forms an alloy with its partner polymers to produce new compounds that are stronger than the partner plastic would be by itself. It\u2019s like combining copper and zinc to make brass, an alloy that\u2019s more durable than either of its ingredients are by themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n In 2017, Henkel says that more than 1.2 billion products it had a hand in making contained recycled material, an initiative that the company will continue to build on moving forward.<\/p>\n \u201cWe follow three principles for sustainable packaging,\u201d says Prof. Dr. Thomas M\u00fcller-Kirschbaum, head of global research and development in Henkel\u2019s Laundry & Home Care business unit. \u201cFirst, we want to reduce the amount of packaging we use. Second, we\u2019re adapting our packaging to contain more recycled material and make it easier to recycle. This will build momentum toward the \u2018circular economy\u2019 \u2014 where materials are gathered after use and can be reintegrated into new production processes over and over again.\u201d<\/p>\n Last March, Henkel announced a new partnership with Waste Free Oceans to remove plastic waste from oceans and rivers. This collaboration builds on Henkel\u2019s existing activities related to sustainable packaging and recycling, such as its partnership with the social enterprise Plastic Bank, which aims to stop ocean plastic and provide opportunities for people in poverty.<\/p>\n Product packaging fulfills important functions such as ensuring hygiene and providing space for information about safe and sustainable product use. However, one challenge is that recycled plastic is not available in sufficient quantity and quality. It can, for example, carry undesirable odors that affect the product. Henkel\u2019s experts are engaged in several cross-industry initiatives to drive progress toward solutions for these challenges. One example is the New Plastics Economy, a three-year initiative led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation that brings key stakeholders together to redesign the future of plastics. Henkel is also participating in CEFLEX, a consortium of around 50 European companies and organizations aiming to make flexible packaging easier to recycle.<\/p>\n \u201cProgress toward sustainability in packaging will only be possible if organizations from all stages in the packaging value chain work together,\u201d says M\u00fcller-Kirschbaum. \u201cBy sharing our knowledge, we can develop innovative technologies and identify improvements to infrastructure that make packaging easier to recycle around the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Duo UK has produced GreenPE mailing bags, which are comprised of thermoplastic sustainable resins made from sugarcane. What\u2019s unique about GreenPE is that its environmental credentials extend all the way down the production chain. For instance, sugarcane is a water-efficient crop that also captures carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is planted and grown in accordance to strict ethical guidelines. Further CO2 is sequestered from the atmosphere by the ethanol used to make GreenPE. Duo UK says each kilogram of green plastic produced saves 2.78kg of CO2, when compared to the production of conventional oil-based polythene.\u00a0SportPursuit, a London-based e-commerce company, began using the GreenPE mailing bags in April.<\/p>\n![\"Bemis](\"https:\/\/www.flexpackmag.com\/ext\/resources\/Issues\/2018\/08-August\/20-bemis-encore-high-res.jpg\")
\nImage source:\u00a0https:\/\/www.flexpackmag.com<\/figure>\nBioLogiQ\u2019s New Biopolymers<\/h4>\n
Henkel Ups the Ante on Recycled Materials<\/h4>\n
Sugarcane Plastic Mailing Bags<\/h4>\n
![\"GreenPE](\"https:\/\/www.flexpackmag.com\/ext\/resources\/Issues\/2018\/08-August\/20-SportPursuit1.jpg\")
\nImage source:\u00a0https:\/\/www.flexpackmag.com<\/figure>\n