Thermoformable extruded sheet with biodegradable resins for packaging

01-Nov-06

Thermoformable plastics extruded sheet using starch-based biodegradable resins will now be manufactured for alternative packaging applications and other markets in a joint venture between, Alcoa KAMA and Cereplast Inc. The extruded sheet in rollstock form will have wide applications for food service packaging. The market is facing increasing sensitivity from municipalities, food service businesses and consumers to the environmental effects of non-biodegradable plastics, and food service suppliers have been looking for alternative packaging to meet increasing consumer demand. Alcoa KAMA, a global leader in the plastics extrusion business, is the world's largest producer of light gauge material for the thermoforming industry, serving customers in agriculture, consumer, medical, foodservice, industrial, graphic arts and other markets. Alcoa KAMA produces oriented polystyrene sheet and film, PET/recycled PET/PET glycol/crystalline PET, high-impact polystyrene, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene and co-extruded structures. Cereplast's compostable, renewable plastics are an economically and ecologically sound substitute for petroleum-based products, with stable costs competitive with traditional resins. Cereplast products exhibit strength and heat resistance characteristics unique to bio-resins.