Packaging processor seals exclusive deal for oxo-biodegradable additives

The d2w-brand additives will be supplied by Symphony through APS, and the agreement allows Superfos to use the d2w trademark on all of the packaging molded with the material. Superfos injection molds food packaging such as salad tubs and non-food packaging such as paint pots.

Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony Environmental Technologies, said Superfos would be the first major European processor to launch and develop a range of products made with the d2wadditives. The additives function by breaking down the carbon-carbon bonds in the plastic, which lowers molecular weight and eventually weakens material strength and other properties, causing it to biodegrade. Stabilizers are employed so that end products last long enough to be useful. The supplier claims this method of degradability trumps standard biodegradable plastics because Symphony’s approach does not require that the plastic be in an industrial composting facility to degrade.

In answer to questions from MPW, Symphony would not specify how many tonnes of the additive it is obligated or expects to supply to Superfos, only saying the amount is “significant.” The supplier also would not name the predicted value of this agreement.

Symphony is already involved in supplying the additives to processors engaged in film extrusion and some thermoforming.

Superfos has 10 processing facilities in Europe and employs more than 1300. Its last reported turnover was €315.46 million. Recently the company agreed to sell its North American business unit, Superfos Packaging Inc., to Berry Plastics Corp.

In mid-2008 Symphony announced an agreement to supply Fujairah Plastics Group (Sharjah, U.A.E.) with 500 tons/month of oxo-biodegradable plastics, compounded with Symphony’s d2w additives, until the processor could compound the material itself under license from Symphony. The second (production) phase of d2w has not yet begun, according to Symphony officials contacted for this article, though they say, “Symphony did supply the 500 tons and continues to actively supply d2w on a regular basis.”

Fujairah is using the material to extrude and convert carrier bags that degrade in six months, offering an answer to growing concerns over plastic waste. The contract covers the U.A.E., Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Jordan. —Matt Defosse