Danimer, PSI to co-develop bio-based, compostable kitchen films

Danimer Scientific and Plastic Suppliers (PSI) will partner to develop home-compostable films made from Danimer's proprietary biopolymer, Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate. PSI will manufacture films that degrade without leaving microplastic traces, for use in various consumer packaging applications and industrial sectors.

PSI will use material supplied by Danimer Scientific to produce packaging films that will reliably degrade without leaving behind harmful microplastics.

These films will contain Danimer Scientific's proprietary biopolymer, Nodax polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). Tested by University of Georgia (UGA) researchers and the UGA New Materials Institute, PHA is a proven biodegradable alternative to petrochemical plastics made from sustainable materials such as canola oil.

Danimer Scientific will work with PSI to create customized resins that will offer additional end-of-life options to PSI's already existing line of compostable films. New PHA-containing films will include home, soil and marine compostable options.

"We have developed a strong working relationship with PSI over the last decade creating bio-based packaging materials, and we are excited to expand our partnership by introducing one of the industry's most promising sustainable materials to their products,"​ said Stephen Croskrey, CEO of Danimer Scientific.

"PHA has already proven to be a reliable eco-friendly alternative for consumer packaged goods, and this expansion into flexible packaging will help further reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste."​

The new films will be designed for applications across food, beverage, grocery retailer, quick service restaurant, stadium foodservice, and many other consumer packaged goods (CPG) and industrial segments.

"The evolution of our films' compostability in various natural environments underscores our commitment to bio-based packaging films,"​ said George Thomas, CEO of PSI.

"We are dedicated to bioplastic film innovation and passionate about advancing sustainability for a healthier planet. We look forward to continuing our work with Danimer Scientific and incorporating PHA into new environmentally responsible films."​

Danimer Scientific's Nodax PHA possesses seven TÜV AUSTRIA certifications and statements of industrial and home compostability, is biodegradable in anaerobic conditions, soil, freshwater and marine environments and is 100% bio based. All of Danimer Scientific's biopolymers, including its Nodax PHA, are FDA approved for food contact.