- In November 2024, Earthfirst Films launched a new line of unprinted compostable laminations, advancing sustainable packaging solutions. These market-ready pre-laminations are designed for high barrier performance, ensuring durability while supporting eco-friendly commercialization. The first offering, Earthfirst PouchReady Metallized film, features a 4-mil multi-layer structure, optimized for pouch-making applications and zipper receptivity. This innovation addresses the growing demand from small and medium-sized brands (SMBs), enabling faster product launches with customization-friendly digital printing. Earthfirst Films continues to bridge sustainability and functionality in packaging
- In October 2024, Sway, a material innovation company, introduced compostable poly bags made from seaweed, plants, and compostable polymers. These eco-friendly bags, printed with algae-derived ink, are designed to degrade in both home and industrial compost environments. Four fashion brands—Prana, Faherty, Alex Crane, and Florence—have adopted these sustainable packaging solutions to reduce plastic waste in the industry. Sway’s initiative aligns with its mission to create regenerative, biodegradable alternatives for fashion packaging
- In April 2023, BASF SE announced the expansion of Ecovio, a certified compostable polymer, across the Asia-Pacific region. Starting mid-2023, commercial quantities of Ecovio film grades became available for applications such as compostable shopping bags, organic waste bags, soil-biodegradable agricultural mulch films, and packaging materials. This initiative supports sustainability efforts by providing biodegradable alternatives that comply with international compostability standards. BASF’s local compounding capabilities in Shanghai, China, ensure faster delivery and adaptation to evolving regulations
- In March 2023, Polymateria Limited partnered with Toppan Printing Co. Ltd. to introduce a fully biodegradable biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, revolutionizing food and cosmetic packaging. This innovative film utilizes Polymateria’s biotransformation technology, enabling accelerated biodegradation without leaving behind microplastics or toxins. Verified by the AIMPLAS Technological Institute of Plastic, the film meets ISO 17556 biodegradability standards and supports global efforts to reduce plastic pollution. The partnership aims to scale sustainable packaging solutions, offering biodegradable alternatives for industries seeking eco-friendly materials
- In June 2022, BASF SE partnered with Confoil, an Australian food packaging manufacturer, to develop DualPakECO, a certified compostable, dual oven-able paper tray for ready-to-eat meals. These trays, made from lightweight paperboard and coated with BASF’s biopolymer ecovio® PS 1606, offer excellent barrier properties against fats, liquids, and odors. They can be microwaved, oven-heated, refrigerated, or frozen, ensuring versatility for food packaging. Certified under Australian standard AS4736-2006, these trays support organic waste recycling, reducing landfill impact
