NatureWorks Polymers

In terms of packaging materials, another major trend embodied by the International Packaging Show is the market growth of biodegradable plastics. Due to rising oil prices and increasing government support for renewable resource materials, the biodegradable polymer market has a bright future. In Europe, most of this type of packaging is dedicated to fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables.

As a natural biodegradable polymer that has been put on the market, NatureWorks polymer is made from common plant sugar (corn dextrose) through the patented technology of Cargill Dow. This process extracts the carbon contained in vegetable sugar. Used to make polylactic acid (PLA). The material is similar to conventional thermoplastics in that the price factor has been one of the biggest obstacles to market promotion. However, due to the continuous rise in oil prices, the spread has also narrowed, making NatureWorks polylactic acid a more competitive alternative product.

Innovia Films recently introduced a new metallized NatureFlex film with barrier properties exceeding any of the biodegradable polymers on the market today. The new NatureFlex E947 film has a moisture barrier of less than 10 g/m 2 /day and an oxygen barrier of less than 3 cm 3 /m 2 /day. NatureFlex biodegradable and compostable film series are made from renewable materials that are no less than 90%.

Food processors hope to increase production line speed and automation while improving product safety and convenience of consumption. For this reason, they have to turn to packaging equipment suppliers and manufacturers.