Symphony reveals world's first metalised degradable film
Simeon Goldstein, packagingnews.co.uk, 15 May 2009
Symphony Environmental is claiming a world first after developing a degradable aluminium-coated plastic film.
Mexican snack food firm Barcel has adopted the film, which is based on Symphony’s d2w oxy-biodegradable additive, for its Takis potato crisps that are distributed across Latin America.
Aluminium-coated film is used to maintain freshness and extend product life, but Symphony said that complete degradation was previously impossible.
The film combines three separate layers of d2w-treated plastic, being two exterior layers of polypropylene and a polyethylene inside layer that acts as a bond. The fine aluminium coating will break down alongside the plastic and join the existing aluminium in the environment, Symphony said.
Barcel is a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries which appointed Symphony as its supplier of oxy-biodegradable additive supplier last year.
Symphony chief executive Michael Laurier described the aluminium-coated film as a major achievement for the firm. "Bimbo’s decision to use d2w when they announced their switch to oxy-biodegradable plastic last year was only made after extensive trials into its effectiveness."
D2w plastics will degrade completely in litter and can be landfilled as it does not emit methane.
