News

Marks & Spencer has adopted a biodegradable tray from Plantic Technologies for its new range of Swiss chocolates.

Helene Roberts, head of packaging at M&S, said the Plantic tray was chosen for its end-of-life properties, biodegradability, home compostability and renewable origins.

Australia-based Plantic Technologies produces the material as extruded sheet or as resin granules for conversion by material and packaging companies.

Plantic can be thermoformed, injection and blow-moulded and used for film extrusion using industry standard machinery, as well as being formulated in conjunction with conventional plastics.

It is produced from renewable and sustainable sources of non-GM corn starch and has been accredited with the AIB-VINCOTTE "OK Biodegradable Soil" conformity mark, which means it is certified safe for disposal in soil.

Plantic chief executive Grant Dow said the firm's products offered a "high-performing, cost-effective alternative" to petrochemically derived plastics.

Sainsbury's used Plantic to package its SO Organic Easter Eggs in 2007.

On 6 November, Plantic Technologies entered into its third supply and development deal of the year with flexible packaging supplier Bemis, following partnership agreements with DuPont in September and National Starch in October.