BioPak says it’s first to market with a PHA innovation for compostable packaging in Australia.
The company’s new product is promoted as a “game-changing innovation that is set to revolutionise the home-compostable cup industry”.
PHA (short for polyhydroxyalkanoate) is an innovative material that’s a biopolymer, meaning it’s produced from living organisms. The material is produced through a fermentation process, using renewable resources, like plant sugars and vegetable oils; similar to brewing beer.
BioPak says the cup “truly aligns” with the circular economy. It’s made entirely from bio-based renewable resources, such as FSCTM responsibly sourced paper and PHA lining, meaning the cup doesn’t contain any fossil-based materials. They are home compostable at the end of their life.
As the first company to bring PHA to the Australian market, BioPak CEO Gary Smith comments on the significance of this innovation and its capabilities for the future of compostable packaging solutions.
“We are incredibly proud and excited to be the first to bring this ground-breaking product to Australia,” he says.
“PHA has been a long time in the making, with our dedicated team working tirelessly to bring this product to market. As a B Corp, we are always striving to do better and be at the forefront of innovation and R&D, and today marks a historic moment for our industry as we take one step closer to circularity and reducing our impact on the planet.”
A notable factor of the innovation is that the PHA resin is certified marine biodegradable, meaning that it will break down “significantly faster” (it needs to biodegrade in marine settings in less than 180 days) than conventional plastic if it ends up in the ocean.
“This is a breakthrough in bioplastics. However, our products are not designed to be disposed of in the marine environment, so we won’t be advertising it on the cup,” says Mr Smith.
“Its ability to biodegrade quickly is not a license to litter, but an opportunity to have an end-of-life solution for people with access to a home compost.”
Expected to launch later this year, the BioPak PHA lined BioCups will be available in 8oz, 12oz and 16oz single wall cups.