The Finland-based company said growing demand for biodegradable packaging products had seen it develop both the range of its outputs and enhanced their properties, - highlighting improvements in such attributes as barrier protection.
“We have further developed out biopolymers to promote ease of use and processability,” Juha Kiviranta, Stora Enso Sales & Marketing director told FoodProductionDaily.com. “Our patented biopolymer coating technology has enabled us to develop the barrier and other material properties so that the requirements of various end use applications can be met.”
Formability
Stora Enso said biodegradable trays made from Trayforma Performance Bio were one of its latest additions, which now had improved formability properties. The paperboard trays have been designed for packaging fresh and chilled foods that are not heated in the packing – with vegetables, salads and sandwiches cited as typical examples. The company said all it biodegradable board offerings have food contact approval.
Stora Enso said its polymer coating provide the desired barrier properties for protection against oxygen, humidity, odour, taste and light, as well as offering shelf-life extension. Its biopolymer-coated paperboard breaks down to humus and CO2 in industrial composting. In recycling schemes, biodegradable products are primarily intended for the collection of materials for industrial composting, said the company.
Kiviranta said biodegradable products were an effective way for to brand owners to build “core values and brand strategy”, while helping packaging converters to create “biodegradable product families”.
“Our company wants to be a forerunner in innovation - to improve products so they are suitable for a wide range of end uses,” he added.
Pricing and demand trends
He added that the cost of biodegradable packaging was coming down.
“These are becoming more affordable, which is a clear positive trend and we are continuing to work on that,” he said. “There is clear demand in some areas for biodegradable packaging and that is a demand we will strive to meet.”