Bioplastic film technology and manufacturing company Sidaplax, a Ghent, Belgium-based producer of bio-based EarthFirst thin gauge, compostable, sealant and barrier sealant film for food and other applications, said it has now successfully completed the first commercial run of its new polyhydroxyalkanoate home compostable packaging film.
The new film is based on the proprietary Nodax PHA produced by Danimer Scientific. Sidaplax and Danimer Scientific announced in October 2020 that they were partnering on the development of bio-based, home compostable films. PHA is a proven biodegradable alternative to petrochemical plastics. Nodax is produced by feeding canola oil to bacteria, who convert the carbon in the vegetable oil into PHA, which is stored as an energy source. This PHA can be harvested and processed into a PHA resin.
“This is the first in a lineup of new advanced solutions in home compostable films we’ll launch in the next 12-18 months,” said George Thomas, CEO of EarthFirst Films by Sidaplax.
The PHA film is designed for a wide range of applications across food, beverage, grocery retail, quick service restaurant, stadium foodservice, and many other consumer packaged goods and industrial segments.
Although the PHA materials have been certified, the film will go through biodegradation and home compostability screening prior to full certification.