BASF has developed a compostable, multilayer snack packaging that it says plugs a gap in the push for zero-waste.
The global firm has teamed up with US baseball team The Mariners to trial prototypes of the product for peanuts at its grounds. The prototype was developed in July following a year of R&D.
BASF’s chemical business arm developed the eco-friendly packaging using its advanced biopolymer technology.
“Current multilayer structures cannot be composted nor recycled and have to go to the landfill,” Susan Jackson, communications manager for Engineering Foams, Plastics and Speciality Plastics at BASF told BakeryandSnacks.com.
However, this new product can be diverted from the landfill as it is 100% compostable, Jackson added.
The flexible packaging is suitable for snacks, dry foods and coffee and can be size-adapted. Its heat seal is also made using its ecovio biodegradable polymer.
Eco-friendly with cost appeal
Costs have been kept low with this product, Jackson said, as it can be processed on existing converter equipment and typical layer numbers (11) have been slashed to just six.
Kimberley Schiltz, market development manager for consumer packaging at BASF, said that the product “delivers needed shelf-life at a competitive price point, with a more sustainable ‘end-of-life’ solution than with conventional packaging materials”.
Essentially on trial, the product is yet to launch to wider industry but Jackson said the plan was to do so. This packaging will give snack manufacturers a multilayer, biodegradable option that can be offered to venues targeting zero waste, she said.
