Compostable / Bio-degradable
Crunch-time for crisps
An innovative packaging company in Poland has recorded a first when it comes to the packaging and content of organic crisps. We take a closer look at the 100% natural, compostable and biodegradable product that appears to beat all others!
Silbo is a dynamic Polish packaging company that was recently given the assignment to devlop new bio-degradable packaging for a eco-friendly range of organic crisps. Flax is a new bio-snack, and its main ingredient is linseed! Its composition is simple, natural and, most importantly, healthy. This ‘healthier diet’ product had to be packed in an environmentally friendly way that was both compostable and biodegradable.. Martyna Smolenska, the commercial director of the crisp manufacturer: ”The Good Stuff” told SPN, ”When we started this project, we were concerned about the ecological values of the packaging, we were looking for a biodegradable material that would meet our high organic and aesthetic expectations. We wanted something original that would be different from what could already be found on the market”. The answer to this challenge was met by Silbo a leading food packaging company that developed special biodegradable packaging entirely from compostable materials. These decompose in appropriate industrial conditions and change into valuable organic matter in a neutral, harmless way for the planet. After use, such packaging can be discarded into a Bio container. The laminate made by Silbo (a multilayer compostable material) is not only about environmentally friendly raw materials, but also about high-quality printing with water-based inks. These do not release harmful substances into the soil and do not emit poisonous compounds into the atmosphere (as is currently the case with solvent-based printing). Silbo has been using this type of water-based printing for six years now and was the first in Europe to produce fully compostable flexible packaging. We have been told that there is still a general belief that compostable materials in packaging do not provide adequate barrier properties. According to Silbo this is a myth. They say that such bio-barrier materials are already available and combinations of renewable raw materials have been developed that meet all specific barrier requirements. In addition, they have excellent resistance to moisture, which as a result, offers secure barriers to gases and aromas.
48 SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NEWS
Interestingly, they are also resistant to oils. Thanks to this, the chips can remain pleasantly crunchy and tasty, whist the packaging remains hygienic and functional. Silbo tells SPN that similar bio-packaging solutions are not only ideal for all kinds of snacks, but also for coffee, convenience dishes, instant products and even dietary supplements. Smolenska of ‘Good Stuff’ foods commented, ”We like the approach that Silbo has developed towards its customers. We got to know the owner,and the company’s portfolio is impressive. We also appreciate the knowledge that was passed on to us during our on-going discussions. We are not aware of any other food packaging manufacturer that offers such solutions with such pro-ecological properties” Altogether this sounds like a recipe for environmental success. We endorse the innovative approach to the production of compostable and biodegradable packaging and anticipate that Silbo will be kept very busy by eco-aware food packaging companies throughout Europe!
