Bioplastics News: Potatoes Shelf Life, Renewable Resources and Biomaterial

Using bioplastics lengthens shelf life of potatoes by 50%

The company Flevostar from Dronten, Holland announced that the shelf life of potatoes can be extended by at least 50% by using bioplastic packaging. Spokesman Jaap Kodde says that according to their research it takes considerably longer before potatoes turn green when using the recycled bioplastic because the packaging filters specific wavelengths of light.

"We have as a company started with the application of bioplastics because we want to stand out for our quality and are very keen to conserve the environment. After we solved the initial problems, it was surprising to find that the potatoes had a much longer shelf life with no adverse effect on the quality," said Jaap Kodde, director and owner of Flevostar. "We also found that by using bioplastic no condensation formed inside the packaging because the packaging 'breathes'. Droplets of water which come into contact with a fresh product such as potatoes lead to faster rotting and reduction in quality."

German ‘action plan’ will promote bioplastics

A new action plan intended to encourage the use of renewable raw materials in industrial applications in Germany could help boost the country’s bioplastics business, according to Berlin-based trade association European Bioplastics.

European Bioplastics secretary general, Harald Kaeb, said that although the German government has not yet announced firm details behind the plans, bioplastics companies in the country may benefit from a greater level of government aid and there may be incentives for those willing to invest in this area.

“The high-added value of bioplastics is important for the country’s competitiveness,” he told European Plastics News. “We should also remember that even though other countries such as the UK and France have talked about this area, Germany is one of the first countries to draw up an action plan of this nature.”

Global Biomaterial Market (2009-2014)

Biomaterials products had a market size of $25.5 billion in 2008, and the biomaterial device market size was $115.4 billion in the same year, and is expected to reach $252.7 billion in 2014. This massive revenue potential highlights the immense opportunity in the market. In the next five years, the biomaterials market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15%.

Improvement in fabrication technology and new product development at competitive prices will be the key to future market growth. The U.S. and Europe hold a major share of the global biomaterials market; while emerging economies such as China, India, Japan, Brazil, Russia, and Romania represent a high growth rate.
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