Netherlands: Plant food packaging goes green

Netherlands-based Oerlemans Plastics, a manufacturer of plastic packaging films takes sustainability seriously. The company has implemented a stringent corporate social responsibility program that extends to every facet of its business operations, which includes a critical approach to the products it produces.

It therefore comes as no surprise that the company has been one of the pioneers in the area of the development of biobased packaging film.

“In the light of our CSR policy, it is very important for us that alternatives to fossil resources be developed and that recycling and reductions in raw material use be stimulated,” said the company in a press release.

Biobased plastics are materials made from renewably sourced feedstocks, such as biomass. Biobased polymers have the advantage of reducing both the use of fossil fuel-derived feedstocks and the emission of greenhouse gases. In addition, biobased polyethylene is a drop-in material that is, like its petroleum-based counterpart, 100% recyclable in the conventional recycling streams.

Now, working in close collaboration with plant food producer Pokon, Oerlemans Plastics has developed a biobased packaging alternative for fertilizers. Specialized in the nurturing of plants and flowers, naturally Pokon was well aware that the packaging of its products should also be green – through and through. The company has therefore opted for the use of sugar cane based bio-PE from Braskem, which can be processed in exactly the same way as conventional PE.

The initial test packaging has been produced for high-performance fertilizers. Depending on the outcome, the next steps will be determined. Pokon produces plant food, fertilizers and is a leading market player in the consumer potting soil area. For Pokon, green is good business – and a way of life.

Source

Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2015-03-27.

Supplier

Braskem
Oerlemans Plastics
Pokon

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