Teysha Technologies, a UK bioplastic producer, has entered into a new packaging partnership with the Kind Planet Company to produce natural waste-derived biodegradable lids for the Kind Planet Company’s exclusive skincare product line.
The lids will be designed to completely break down after use without leaving behind any pollutants or micro materials.
Teysha has developed a biobased polycarbonate platform derived from agricultural waste that enables the creation of a wide range of renewably-sourced polymers with tunable properties through scalable synthesis processes.
The focus has been on waste high in starch content, such as cassava peels. As the company describes it, it is a ‘plug and play technology that requires no industrial retrofitting to produce in high volumes’. The materials are designed to meet the standards for biodegradability set forth by the European Union, including rapid degradation in marine and freshwater environments.
Teysha is seeking certification for each application and has now recommenced preliminary testing (OECD 310) - this had delayed due to lab closure and concerns around COVID contaminated sludge. The material has not yet been food-contact approved as the initial focus is cosmetics additives and packaging, but the requirements to meet these standards are being taken into consideration with continued product design.
The Kind Planet Company produces a range of 100% organic skincare products. The fruits used in their products are exclusively picked, processed and packaged by women in Ghana, West Africa, helping them to grow a profitable business and providing a regular income to help their families.
People today are increasingly making decisions about the brands and products they buy based on ethical and sustainability credentials, according to Matthew Stone, managing director of Teysha Technologies.
“We take responsibility not just for the sustainable materials we use in our ground-breaking packaging technology, but additionally for the products within.”
The company's raw materials supply chain and manufacturing facilities are in place and available as required.
Teysha will begin to develop a prototype for a range of biodegradable lids for the Kind Planet Company’s exclusive skincare ranges, with product testing commencing shortly and plans to move to full-scale production in the new year.