‘eco Plastic’ packages extend shelf-life

Plantic, a firm set up to commercialise research into thermoplastic starches (TPS) conducted by Australian universities, is bringing 'eco Plastic' to UK manufacturers.

The firm is in discussions with retailers and branded processors to use the new eco Plastic.

The material extends shelf-life by locking out carbon dioxide and water vapour unlike other biodegradable plastics, according to James Steele, Plantic sales director for Europe.

Steele says eco Plastic extended the shelf-life of raw chicken by 40% and ground beef (which naturally has a longer shelf-life) by 15%, compared with an identical modified atmosphere package made with regular plastic.

But it is also made from 75% renewable material and needs 50% less energy than plastic films made from petro-chemicals to produce, Stark said. It is thermoformable on standard industry machinery meaning no need to re-tool production lines, he added.

"Brand owners are going to be more sold by the barrier properties, as an extra couple of days of shelf-life is like gold to them. But the barrier properties plus sustainability make an excellent package,"​ he said.

Plantic hopes to widen usage beyond Australia, where firms such as Cadbury, Arla and Lindt have all adopted it, said Steele.

Plantic's original TPS had problems with water migration and brittleness. It could not be used with any product outside the 30 to 70% mobile water range.

Plantic got round this by adding a thin layer of polyethylene to the top and bottom of the TPS core. It meant the product was no longer home compostable or 100% biodegradable, but it expanded the potential range of uses.

Marks & Spencer has already adopted the original 100% TPS material for some of its chocolates, as well other products such as mince pies in the UK.