The UK firm will use a corn-based polymer from Cargill Dow

The UK firm will use a corn-based polymer from Cargill Dow

Europackaging launched a range of packaging products manufactured from a corn-derived material this week. The UK-based packaging manufacturer and distributor’s new product range is made from Cargill Dow’s NatureWorks Polylactide (PLA). It will make products including carrier bags and thermoformed cutlery and plates.

Director Adam Dickinson said Europackaging was in discussion with several companies about the new technology and “within the next couple of months we expect to see some store trials in place”. He said surveys within the UK, US and Europe had shown “consumers are very positive about sustainable technologies and they will pay a premium [for them]”.

NatureWorks PLA is the first commercially viable material derived from an annually renewable source, according to Cargill Dow. The material is compostable in 47 days in a municipal composting system.

It said Europackaging was the first company in the UK to offer a complete line of nature-based packaging products and the first in Europe to offer blown film bags made from PLA. Birmingham-based Europackaging has a turnover of $300m (E240m) and supplies bags to eight of the top ten UK supermarkets.