Italy-based Novamont and Ecor, in collaboration with Filogea, have launched Mater-Bi, the new and innovative eco-tray for IV range salad GMOs free.
The idea behind the experimental project was to find packaging for the IV range of products which, besides being suitable to preserve fresh produce and give it a longer shelf-life, is also sustainable.
Thus the convergence between Ecor, Novamont and biodynamic agricultural company Filogea means that a market sector in constant growth such as that of pre-washed packaged salads can now offer consumers a 100% compostable pack, the non-GMO components of which (coated cardboard and film) are fully compostable.
Mater-Bi, the bioplastic developed by Novamont, is naturally biodegradable and compostable in accordance with Italian standard UNI EN 13432 and can guarantee the same strength and performance as traditional plastics, but is made of renewable resources of agricultural origin. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of energy and non-renewable resources, thus completing a virtuous circle: the raw materials of agricultural origin return to the earth through processes of biodegradation and composting, without releasing pollutants.
Novamont CEO Catia Bastioli said that the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging can be a tool to maximise the recovery of material through composting and recycling, with enormous benefits in terms of environmental sustainability, especially when, as in this case, the product has such a short shelf life.
“The aim of this project in collaboration with Ecor is to help people choose more conscientious and enlightened lifestyles without forgoing quality”, Bastioli added.