Natupharma: Fast degrading plastic pots

Accelerating the degradability of plastics

By Natupharma

We recently caught up with Mads BødtcherHansen, CEO and founder of Natupharma A/S, in Denmark, to discuss his new Eco Packaging project which appears to solve several packaging industry concerns.

ads, can you give us a brief introduction to Eco Packaging and tell us what made you decide to focus your company’s efforts on this particular project? Being in vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 oils, Natupharma uses a lot of plastic pots. I was looking for an eco-alternative but couldn’t find one that was fully biodegradable. Now, working with a manufacturer in Denmark, we have created our own solution and that is what we are offering today.

What is the difference between degradable and biodegradable plastic? Degradation is the process that deteriorates plastic material. Biodegradation is degradation that occurs using microorganisms and transforms the material into CO2, H2O and biomass or CO2, CH4 and biomass.

What is the difference between an oxo-biodegradable product and yours? An oxo-biodegradable product needs oxygen to help break it down. These have been linked to communicable disease in humans, plants, and animals. Our Eco Solution uses a completely different process using microorganisms. Phytotoxicity tests have been conducted and show that polymers containing our biodegradable compound are environmentally safe, with no microplastic remnants from the degradation process.

That is good to hear, but what about the resultant biodegraded product – could that be harmful? Methane, carbon dioxide and water occur naturally in the environment, so no.

Which resins will work with your Eco Packaging solution? Our technology is compatible with traditional plastic resins such as PE, PP and PS.

Does your process affect shelf life? There is no material change to the pots’ properties until they enter conditions such as aerobic, anaerobic, waste and marine water.

Are your products recyclable? Our products are fully recyclable and can be placed in the normal plastic waste collection bin.

Are your products suitable for food preparation and packaging? All our products are Food Safe and in full compliance with all relevant EC regulations for food contact materials.

Is it suitable for pharmaceutical products? We have had no problems up to date, but it is the responsibility of individual companies to carry out any testing on their own products in line with industry standards.

Why can’t we just use recycled plastics? Currently less than 10% of the world’s plastic is recycled – this is not a solution to the mounting problem until all countries are able to recycle better.

But could your additive be added to recycled plastic? Yes, the additive works in the same way with recycled plastics.

You also use Braskem’s “I’m Green” polymer on some of your pots, please tell us more. Braskem’s “I’m Green” polymer is made from sugar cane from Brazil, and it has been proved to be CO2 neutral and sustainable. Many companies are now using I’m Green, but we are the only one to add an additive that uses microorganisms to break down the polymer – this is the basis of our patent.

Ah yes, I understand that you have a patent pending. How likely is it to be approved? We have been down this road for some time now and are pleased to say that we have only received positive statements from the patent authorities. Therefore, we have applied for a global patent including all major regions.

What guarantees can you offer that the products will degrade as stated? We offer a guarantee that if the additive is added at the required 2% by weight, any product manufactured with PP, PE or PS resin will degrade within 10 years. This is substantially less than the estimated 450 years+ of standard plastic without our additive.

Your Eco Packing sounds a novel technology; do you think the packaging industry is ready? Absolutely, yes! When it comes to plastics and sustainability, packaging professionals are aware there is an attitude or perception problem – 69% of respondents in the 2018 Sustainable Packaging Study felt a high level of environmental concern around plastic packaging. Much of that concern focuses on the visible and visceral problem of pollution in our oceans and waterways.

It sounds expensive We believe it will only add between 1% to 5% to your overall packaging costs. This in turn should have little or no impact on the retail price of the finished product. We have found that in the majority of cases, it attracts a greater demand for the products with the eco credentials.

Do you think consumers really care about packaging? A recent international study by Unilever revealed that one third of consumers are now choosing to buy from brands they believe are doing social or environmental good. This equates to an estimated £832 billion opportunity for brands to make their sustainability credentials clear.

Can brands use their current pot manufacturers, and if so, do pot manufacturers have to change their equipment to manufacture your pots? No, they run like any normal product with the additive added at 2% by weight, just like colour pellets. We can give them full guidance and put them in touch with other manufacturers who currently run our materials. This process is transferable to most machines;

with your permission we can talk to your packaging manufacturer.

Do the pots come with your logo? No, the pots lend themselves to have either a company name or logo on the bottom.

Who is currently using your technology? We work on strict NDAs, but I can tell you that Wasdell Packaging are happy to say that they work with us on this.

What are the next steps for companies interested in this technology? Just get in touch with us directly.

Contact Martin Greaves Sales Director Tel +44 07951 414616 sales@natupharma.uk.com