The company says the new range is in response to increasing packaging legislation from governments across Europe.
PLA containers not only help to avoid existing and proposed taxes on packaging and packaging waste but can also in some instances qualify for subsidies. The material is being increasingly used as a cost-effective green alternative to conventional plastics.
PLA is a unique biodegradable material that is processed from annually renewable resources, such as corn, meaning it uses less fossil resources compared to petroleum-based plastics. It offers excellent clarity and has an equivalent oxygen barrier to polypropylene.
"The PLA containers add another dimension to our range," said Rolf Sterken, RPC Bebo Nederland's international account manager, convenience food packaging.
"In particular, they provide an ideal packaging solution where environmental considerations are paramount, or if customers want to create a USP for their product or brand."
Many analysts believe that biodegradable packaging has a bright future. Growing environmental awareness and consumer power coupled with the inexorable rise in pre-packaged disposable meals means that food manufacturers and packagers are increasingly being targeted to improve their environmental performances.
Datamonitor statistics show that more than one-third of European consumers live alone and are spending €140 billion a year on food, drinks and personal care products. Single people spend 50 per cent more per person on consumer-packaged goods than a two adult household. Such trends underline why the environmental impact of food packaging has never been greater.
For sealed packs, RPC Bebo Nederland can also supply a heat-sealable, compostable lidding film, which is manufactured from biodegradable Cellulose derived from wood pulp.