Some plastics packaging processors' sustainability plans are further along than others. Among the pace setters is Innovia Films, which has earned CarbonNeutral certification for its range of cellulose-based NatureFlex coated biodegradable and compostable packaging films.
The certification followed an independent assessment of the carbon dioxide emissions produced in the manufacture of coated NatureFlex products and then a reduction of this to net zero through carbon offsetting. Innovia chose carbon offset projects that support the development of anaerobic digestion facilities in the Netherlands.
The carbon offset project reduces methane emissions into the atmosphere and displaces fossil fuels used to heat local buildings.CarbonNeutral is the registered trademark of The CarbonNeutral Co. and is a global standard to certify that businesses have measured and reduced their CO2 emissions to net zero for their company, products, operations or services.
During anaerobic digestion, plant and animal material (biomass) is converted into useful products by microorganisms in the absence of air in a digester tank.
Innovia's NatureFlex range of films is processed from a transparent cellulose base manufactured from sustainable wood pulp. By adding biodegradable and compostable surface layers the processor is able to control the moisture permeability of these films to produce films suitable for a whole range of applications from high-moisture-content fresh produce to more hygroscopic bakery products.
The company is also a leading European processor of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films. Its processing facilities are in the U.S., England, Australia and Belgium. More on Innovia and other bioplastics developments can be found in our article here. —[email protected]
