Growing environmental awareness coupled with the rise in pre-packaged disposable meals have put pressure on food manufacturers and packagers to reduce their products' impact on the environment. In the current scenario of high oil prices, a combination of pricing and retail uptake has led an increasing number of processors to opt for biodegradable natural polymer products as an alternative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Amcor and Plantic Technologies have joined hands to develop a biodegradable, flexible plastic packaging for confectionary - and will spend almost two years in developing the new biodegradable material. Plantic will provide its patented material, a plastic created from plants that dissolves rapidly on contact with water. Amcor will use the Plantic material to undertake trials of the resin in a commercial packaging film operation.
To date, Plantic materials have been used as a rigid plastic in confectionery and biscuit trays. Plantic's collaboration with Amcor aims to develop a thin and durable plastic for the flexible packaging of food and confectionery, such as chocolate bar wrappers and over wrap.
18-Jan-06 
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