A supplier of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, Bio-Fed (Cologne / Germany; www.bio-fed.com), a unit of Akro-Plastic (Niederzissen / Germany; www.akro-plastic.com) – which is itself part of K.D. Feddersen (Hamburg / Germany; www.kdfeddersen.com) – said it is researching a product within its “M-Vera” film range that will have a bio-based carbon content of more than 60%. In addition to the composition and easy processing of the granulate, the films must also meet the mechanical requirements of the application, Bio-Fed said.

The M-Vera portfolio offers products with a bio-content of 40% to more than 50% and serves various end-of-life scenarios, be it for industrial or domestic composting. They are either biodegradable or suitable for long-term use and are completely or partially made from renewable raw materials. Bio-Fed noted that its M-Vera B5033 grade has significantly improved tensile strength and tear resistance for use in fruit and vegetable bags.

The company said legislation for film packaging is currently becoming increasingly stringent in various European countries. For example, Italy requires a bio-based carbon content of 60% or more and the “OK compost Industrial” certificate for the fruit and vegetable bags from January 2021. In France, this carbon content does not have to be reached until the end of 2024. In this case, however, the specifications according to “OK compost Home” must also be fulfilled for the fruit and vegetable bags, as has been the case up to now.