The market for compostable products is expanding, due in part to a growing composting infrastructure. Part I [...]
Northern Technologies, which manufactures Natur-Tec compostable bags, has expanded its product line to include items such as cutlery, films and foam for packaging. “We have been doing a lot of product development over the past two years, taking a base technology and targeting new segments,” says Vineet Dalal, Vice-President & Director of Global Market Development, Northern Technologies International Corporation. “We have been looking to continually increase the biocontent in our products, and are working with some large consumer goods companies to incorporate our film into their packaging, such as for chocolates and candies. However, these applications require a lot of R&D to meet specific properties for shelf life, etc., and take a while to commercialize.”
Biosciences company Metabolix said Wednesday that U.S. regulators approved its corn sugar technology for use in items such as plastic utensils, lids and caps.
The company's Mirel bioplastics are currently used in items like gift cards, designed to be biodegradable in soil, or in home or industrial composting facilities.
The Food and Drug Administration approved the Mirel F1005 and F1006 products, which are made and marketed by Telles, a joint venture between Metabolix and Archer-Daniels-Midland.
The clearance allows for use of the technology in temperatures from freezing to boiling, but not for alcohol.
Shares of Metabolix Inc. stock surged 18 percent on the news to $15.11. Earlier they reached a two-year high of $15.14.
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