Eastman's Compostable Plastic Meets Food Packaging Requirements

Eastman Chemical Company has announced the commercialization of a compostable plastic-Eastar Bio copolyester. Markets include lawn and garden bags, food-packaging, and horticultural applications.

Eastar Bio copolyester 14766 is a patented product produced from conventional diacids and glycols that combines strength and moisture-resistance with biodegradability. The polymer can be blended with materials from renewable resources (starch, wood flour) or can be used as a paperboard coating. Eastar Bio copolyester, which can also be used without additives, meets compositional requirements for a variety of food-contact applications.

Paper and board stock coated with Eastar Bio copolyester resin is moisture resistant, imparts no odor or taste to food or beverages, and is suitable for short-term storage and serving of hot foods.

A spokesperson from Eastman told FoodOnline that in terms of food packaging the company's targeted applications include meat wrap, salad wrap, bread bags, cheese wrap, and fruit and vegetable carrying bags. They are also looking into disposable containers for items such as yogurt, coffee and tea. The company will be looking first to the European market where composting is most feasible.

"Composting is an acknowledged form of recycling in Europe," said Joost Berting, product launch manager, biodegradable products. "Selected European countries have a well-developed composting infrastructure and are considering legislation to allow suitable products to be recycled in this manner."

"When Eastar Bio copolyester is composted, the product breaks down to carbon dioxide, water and biomass at a rate comparable to newspaper," Berting said. Tests have shown that there are no toxic effects on the environment.

Properties of Eastar Bio are similar to low density polyethylene. It can be processed in conventional theromplastic equipment. The translucent/transparent material can be converted on blown or cast (including oriented film) equipment, and can be extrusion coated.

For more information contact: Eastman Chemical Company, 100 North Eastman Rd., P.O. Box 511, Kingsport, TN 37662. Tel: 423-229-2000.