Packaging at interpack 2005.

Industry body the IBAW regards the causes for the strong increase in interest as being high prices for crude oil and conventional plastics, coupled with the growing awareness that innovations such as bioplastics open up enormous opportunities for business and the environment. Price competitiveness of products has also improved considerably in recent times.

The IBAW, an international association of producers, converters and end-users of bioplastics surveyed exhibitors and visitors to find out their opinion. There were 23 exhibitors, including polymer producers such as NatureWorks, Novamont and Procter & Gamble, flexible film manufacturers such as Cedap, Innovia, Treofan and Wentus, as well as producers of rigid packaging such as Autobar, Huhtamaki, Plantic and Sirap Gema.

Bioplastics are largely based on renewable resources rather than crude oil. After more than 15 years of development, several applications are now ready for the market. At interpack, numerous biodegradable food packaging applications were on display. Some were even brought directly from supermarkets such as A Heijn (Netherlands). Other examples of applications on display included CDs, horticultural products and promotional material, as well as textiles.

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