PHA Packaging: A Sustainable Alternative for Professionals

Let’s explore its applications in the packaging industry and see how PHA packaging meets the needs of professionals.

Why is There no Doubt About PHA Packaging?

What is PHA?

PHA is a biopolymer produced by the fermentation of organic matter, such as agricultural waste. Unlike traditional petroleum-based plastics, PHA is 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable. In other words, it breaks down naturally, even in a marine environment, reducing the environmental impact of plastic packaging. For companies wishing to minimise their ecological footprint, the different types of PHA offer a credible, if not mandatory, alternative.

PHA: a material that complies with ecological regulations

In line with the 2021 anti-waste and circular economy law, France has introduced regulations to limit the use of single-use plastics. The aim is to drastically reduce polluting plastics, requiring companies to use recyclable, compostable or bio-sourced materials by 2040. For professionals in the packaging sector, choosing sustainable solutions like PHA therefore makes sense.

The PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation) directive adopted by the European Union sets ambitious recycling targets. Sixty per cent of packaging must be recycled by 2025, rising to 80% by 2035. Fortunately, PHA – being biodegradable in a variety of environments – helps to meet these recyclability and compostability requirements.

The 5 Advantages of PHA for Professional Packaging

With its unique characteristics, PHA offers many advantages for companies wishing to integrate it into their supply chains:

1. Biodegradability: PHA breaks down completely in nature, leaving no toxic residues. Adopting PHA solutions means a considerable reduction in plastic waste, both in landfill sites and in the ocean.
2. Compostability: unlike other bioplastics that require industrial conditions to break down, PHA can compost naturally. This simplifies the waste management process.
3. Biocompatibility: being biosourced, this biopolymer is not harmful to humans and can be in direct contact with food.
4. Technical performance: PHA offers properties comparable to traditional plastics, making it suitable for a variety of applications. Food films, rigid containers and flexible PHA packaging are just a few examples.
5. Reduced GHG emissions: produced from renewable resources, PHA has lower carbon emissions. This process helps to reduce our carbon footprint, which is essential if we are to meet the UN’s climate commitments.

Pha Applications in The Packaging Sector

PHA can be either a flexible or a rigid material, so it can be adapted to industrial uses. These applications enable companies to meet consumer expectations and legal requirements, but not only that. Wouldn’t you agree that reinforcing your brand image with your customers is an important part of being environmentally responsible?

PHA packaging can be divided into :

• PHA food films: used to wrap fresh food products, ensuring optimum protection while respecting the environment.
• Cups, PHA straws, plates and cutlery: for the catering industry, the ban on single-use plastics is forcing companies to adopt sustainable alternatives. Disposable tableware is their biggest challenge.
• Rigid PHA packaging: rigid containers for consumer products (yoghurt pots, tins, etc.) guarantee robustness and compostability.

Organic Packaging: The Financial Challenges of Adopting Pha

The financial constraints associated with PHA packaging

Let’s face it, the adoption of PHA by companies is not without obstacles. The production cost of PHA is still higher than that of traditional plastics, and this can act as a brake. SMEs are the first to be affected. However, financial aid is available to support small businesses in their transition to sustainable materials.

Nota Bene: the French Ministry for Ecological Transition is making grants available to help companies make the switch. If you want to invest in recycling technologies or acquire sustainable materials, get help!

For professionals, switching to bioplastics is a key step in the transition to a more sustainable model. PHA packaging is a start, yes, PHA has many applications… With its technical and ecological characteristics, this biopolymer has not finished making a name for itself! Thanks to PHA, companies can not only comply with regulations, but also play an active role in preserving the environment.