Israel-based TIPA says it is developing a biodegradable packaging material for foods, beverages that breaks down into an organic residue within six months; material can make rigid, flexible packaging on existing machinery

Lorena Madrigal

LOS ANGELES , February 10, 2012 (Industry Intelligence) –

Biodegradable plastic foods and beverage packaging that ‘perishes’ in compost within six months is under development by Israel-based TIPA, reported Food Production Daily on Feb. 8.

The resin blend, which is a mix of biodegradable polymers that break down into an organic residue, has been used to produce rigid and flexible packaging, the company said.

Compared with standard plastic packaging, the material has the same chemical, mechanical and visual properties, including oxygen and vapor barriers and migration attributes, according to TIPA.

The migration properties have been approved by the European Organization for Packaging and the Environment and Israel, the company said, Food Production Daily reported.

The material works on existing packaging and production lines and can be used in “several applications, including blow molded bottles and rigid packaging,” said TIPA co-founder Daphna Nissenbaum. However, the resin is best when used to make flexible packaging, she said.

“The idea was to develop an orange-peel-like resin, where the product inside could be consumed and the outside be thrown away,” said Nissenbaum, reported Food Production Daily.

Only 5% of flexible packaging is now recycled. TIPA believes its new resin will provide a green alternative for the industry. “This is a unique solution,” said company co-founder Tal Neuman.

The properties “can combine all needs in one blend,” she said, noting that all of the products developed by TIPA so far work with injection molding, printing, film production and blow molding lines that currently exist.

The products are expected to be ready for the market by the end of this year, Food Production Daily reported.

The primary source of this article is Food Production Daily, Montpellier, France, on Feb. 8, 2012.

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