US-based Bemis said an agreement forged between the two companies earlier this month allows it to develop starch-based biopolymer flexible films, using Plantic technology.
Plantic bioplastic resin is made from high-amylose corn starch. The two companies targeted applications for the new films include flexible packaging for personal care and dry goods.
The films will be marketed as a way for companies to reduce their environmental impact, stated Henry Theisen, Bemis' president and chief operating officer.
"We also understand that while sustainability is desirable, consumers don't want to give up the convenience and safety offered by current packaging," he stated. "We feel that in working with Plantic, we will be able to build on the current environmental efficiency of flexible packaging."
This agreement will also boost existing efforts by Bemis to provide sustainable packaging throughout the entire lifecycle of materials by increasing in-plant processing speeds, reducing packaging bulk, reducing shipping weight, improving efficiency throughout the distribution system, and ensuring food safety, Bemis claimed.
Under the agreement Bemis and Plantic will collaborate in the joint development of various resins which can be blown into packaging and functional films.
