Thermoforming / Rigid
Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging Fresh salads have a new compostable ally The new range of certified compostable salad bowls from Sirap is called MQ Bio. This product is part of the new Earth’s ® range, with which the company proposes to respond to the ever-increasing demand for biobased and compostable packaging, in line with the Group’s newly formulated strategic approach. This approach has led Sirap to actively invest in sustainable solutions across the line: in cutting-edge production products and processes, in the optimization of the supply chain, and in its choice of reliable and sustainable partners. This was also how the partnership with Novamont, an Italian company for whom sustainable development is a priority, started. Novamont is now a crucial Sirap partner for the development of bio packaging. The new line of bio containers is targeted at the market of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat salads, one of the fastest growing segments in recent years. A 2018 Nielsen Trade study in Italy revealed that sales of packaged fruit and vegetables in “ready to use” portions increased by 4.6 % in 2018, confirming the growth trend of the last period. This trend is further evidenced by recent innovations seen in retail throughout Europe, where the space dedicated to the display of fruit and vegetables has expanded, favouring the inclusion of longer and better lit display counters and display cases. A marked amount of attention is devoted to creating beautiful fruit and vegetable displays, designed to tempt today’s critical consumers who are showing themselves to be increasingly sensitive to the aesthetic and functional aspects of the products. The registered design of the new organic MQ packaging, ensures maximum practicality, allowing multiple level exposures thanks to its stackability. The bases of the salad bowl are also made of Mater-Bi ® , a family of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics created by Novamont that are compliant to the EN 13432 standard. One aspect to which Sirap has given special attention to is that of colour. The salad bowels are available in the standard colours of white and green, because of the association with cleanliness and nature, but thanks to a complete range of certified compostable masterbatches they can be produced in customized colours on request. Mater-bi has an unprecedented surface finish, which gives the salad bowl a pleasant smoothness and a matte effect that is reminiscent of a natural surface. The Mater-Bi grade used for this range of products has very good gas barrier properties (O 2 , CO 2 ), which opens the door for new developments in the area of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP applications). The lids, on the other hand, are made of PLA, also a biodegradable bioplastic produced from renewable sources. PLA has very good mechanical properties, making it possible to reduce the thickness and, therefore, material consumption as well. The crystal-clear transparency allows consumers to see the contents and assess the freshness of the product . Practical tabs on the corners of bases and lids make the salad bowl easy to open. The versions with Mater-Bi bases and PLA lids, or the completely transparent PLA version are available in the range. Achieving the right balance between the technical characteristics of the product, the ability to protect the food and the compostability of the packaging has only been possible thanks to an important multidisciplinary effort in ecodesign that involved the design, extrusion and thermoforming phases. Indeed, the most challenging element for compostable materials is aligning product performance with the requirements for compostability certification, as stated by the EN13432 European Regulation. The whole salad bowl, available in 500 ml, 1000 ml and 1500 ml sizes, has obtained the CIC (Consorzio Italiano Compostatori / Consortium of Italian Composters) compostability certification. The images show the progress of the product disintegration test performed in a real industrial composting plant according to the criteria of the EN13432 standard. 16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/19] Vol. 14
By: Fabrizio Scribano Marketing Manager Sirap Verolanuova, Italy Once used, the salad bowl can be disposed of in the separate organic waste bin, collected and treated at an industrial composting facility , where it is subsequently transformed into compost. To help the consumer dispose of the product correctly, the word “Compostable” has been embossed on the bases and on the lids, as well as the logo, the certification marks and indication of the material type. The new MQ Bio range, in the previously listed sizes, follows the convenience trend and is optimized to guarantee good versatility. Born as a container for ready salads, this packaging meets the requirements regarding the conservation, exposure and consumption of fresh fruit, rice or pasta salads and, more generally, for cold gastronomy. The product is particularly suitable for retailers who are interested in the bio / organic food market, which has also grown significantly over the last five years. The consumer is increasingly alert and sensitive to issues related to environmental sustainability. Packaging is an important discriminator for consumers when choosing a product. The bio packaging of Sirap is aimed at consumers seeking a light lunch break or a healthy and organic snack. One of the most indicated channels is, therefore, that of food service and delivery. Thanks to the properties of the materials and its aesthetic features, the product is particularly suitable for organic and vegan takeaway restaurants or shops, for whom the biodegradability and compostability features will serve to underline their marketing message. Closed circuits, such as theme parks, school canteens, hospitals or airports, also offer potential, as they have the organization to guarantee the sale, consumption and recovery of bio-waste on site, thus simplifying management of the end of life of the packaging. www.sirapgroup.com Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging Think Sustainable M·VERA ® Bioplastics With our M·VERA® range of biobased and biodegradable plastics (certified to EN 13432), we provide you with customised solutions for your application: • Film Such as shopping bags, fruit and vegetable bags or agricultural films • Injection Moulding Such as packaging, coffee capsules, cutlery and others • Color, Carbon Black and Additive Masterbatches Our team of highly experienced plastic specialists is pleased to help you – contact us! Phase 1: Test initialization Phase 2: Intermediate Day 13 BIO-FED Branch of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH Phase 3: Intermediate Day 29 Phase 4: Final check BioCampus Cologne · Nattermannallee 1 50829 Cologne · Germany Phone: +49 221 88 8894-00 Fax: +49 221 88 88 94-99 info@bio-fed.com www.bio-fed.com bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/19] Vol. 14 17
