Biodegradable packaging materials and machinery

Lately, there have been various global issues doing the rounds even in the packaging industry. Experts recommend packaging companies to offer options for biodegradable packaging. The materials normally used may not be recyclable or environment friendly. Several packing companies are working towards creating biodegradable packaging solutions for clients.

Materials used for Packaging

Biodegradable plastics: special polymer substances and plastics based on eco-friendly raw materials are used. They can be mad made or obtained from micro organisms even. Synthetic polymers can be transformed efficiently into biodegradable substances for packing. Based on polypropylene or polyethylene, they are not totally biodegradable, though. Natural sources like protein and starch are also utilized. Hydrophilic synthetic polymer molecules are blended in with these natural products to give environment friendly plastics.

Plant sources:  corn and other plant products are increasingly used to produce eco-friendly packaging material. A combination of acetic acid and hard castor oil is also used to produce biodegradable substances for packing. Cornstarch packing peanuts have been in the market for many years. Fiber packaging materials are also gaining popularity. Such substances are mostly thermo formable and compostable. Packing companies also resort to foams based on wheat flour.

Eco-pack: made from agricultural residues, this material is incredibly non toxic, lightweight, compact, economical, convenient packaging substance made from natural cellulose fibers. It needs 60 days for decomposing if landfill method is used. It can be embossed, sealed and handled easily. This is appropriate to store edible food items whether they are fatty, moist or dry foodstuffs. It can also be used as protective packing material for VCDs. Ideal for storing fluids and is microwaveable as well.

Machineries and Technologies Employed

Environment friendly substances are a major point of interest for packaging companies that want to attract clients. There are several machines and methodologies implemented by various packaging suppliers for biodegradable packaging.

Molding technology – specialized equipments are designed for the purpose of molding the biodegradable material into the desired shape after pre heating process.

Extrusion machinery – these are employed to obtain various environment-friendly substances from plant products or synthetic polymers. Lactide polymers are subjected to extrusion processing to produce thermally processed packaging items.

Biodegradable plasticizers – used to produce biodegradable plastics either from synthetic polymers or from natural sources. Partially crystalline polymers are difficult to process and require vegetable-oil based plasticizers as processing agents. Nanofillers are used to improve barrier properties.

Biodegradable packaging materials and machinery