Nestlé UK has become the first European user of a corn starch-based biodegradable polymer from Australian company Plantic Technologies in a move it says strongly accords with its “global commitment to the environment”.
Several box sizes of Nestlé’s Dairy Box chocolates sold in the UK now incorporate a thermoformed inner tray made from Plantic, a GMO-free, biodegradable material produced from Australian maize converted into a thermoplastic starch at Plantic Technologies’ Melbourne plant.
Nestlé claims the trays consume around 50% less energy throughout their lifecycle than its previous PVC trays, while Plantic says they will “disintegrate in seconds” in contact with water.
“They will disintegrate, and subsequently biodegrade, within three months in home composting facilities, to which over 30% of UK households now have access,” explains general manager, Europe, Frank Glatz. “Alternatively, they can be disposed of with normal kitchen waste.”
Sheets of Plantic are exported to the company’s extensive thermoformer network worldwide. For the Dairy Box containers, conversion is currently undertaken by Cork-based Avencourt Packaging.
Glatz says companies including Cadbury Schweppes and Lindt in Australasia have successfully used Plantic for the last two years, mainly for chocolate packaging. Plantic Technologies hopes to announce other food sector contracts “shortly”.