The food packaging sector is facing increasingly pressing environmental challenges. Among the alternatives based on conventional plastics, food packaging made from polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) stands out for its ecological characteristics. These biodegradable and compostable materials represent a significant step towards a more environmentally-friendly circular economy.

PHA, a biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics

Traditional plastics, particularly single-use plastics, have a devastating impact on the environment. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), around 25 million tonnes of plastic are produced in Europe every year. Of course, much of this ends up in oceans and landfill sites. These plastics take centuries to decompose, contributing to the accumulation of waste and marine pollution.

PHA food packaging represents an innovative response to this problem. PHA is a family of polymers produced by microorganisms, mainly from renewable raw materials. It is entirely biodegradable and can be composted without harming the environment. In short, an ideal solution for food packaging.

The environmental benefits of PHA

• rapid degradation, reducing the environmental impact of packaging
• produced from renewable resources
• reduces dependence on fossil fuels
• helps limit greenhouse gas emissions
• decomposes without releasing toxic substances
• compatible with composting and waste management systems

PHA : a solution tailored to the food industry

Responding to the packaging market with PHA

It’s a fact that the food packaging market is constantly evolving. As a result, companies are looking for more sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions. PHA offers a viable alternative to traditional plastics. It can replace films, boxes and pouches, whether for one-off or long-term use. These materials are as strong and flexible as traditional plastic packaging. So what are we waiting for?

PHA packaging effectively protects food products from moisture, air and light. Solid and biocompatible, they guarantee food safety and freshness! PHA packaging is ideal for fresh, frozen and dry products. They are also adapted to the needs of the fast food industry.

Biodegradable packaging: the many applications of PHA

PHA stands out for its versatility in biodegradable packaging. This biocompatible material, which is non-toxic to humans, offers safety guarantees for a wide range of applications, from food to cosmetics and medical technology. Used in fields as varied as agriculture, consumer goods, the automotive industry, fashion and electronics, PHA can be used to manufacture a wide range of products, including :

• Bags, boxes, bottles
• Food films
• Disposable cups
• Trays
• Rigid containers
• PHA straw

The challenges of adopting PHA food packaging

The limits of PHA (for now)

Let’s face it, the adoption of this material presents a number of challenges.

Firstly, the production cost of PHA remains higher than that of traditional plastics. However, this cost should fall as PHA production increases. Supply and demand, always. The production price of these types of bioplastics is still largely dependent on the availability of the raw materials used.

What’s more, the production of PHAs from agricultural raw materials raises questions about their environmental impact. It is essential to ensure that this production does not compete with the global food supply. Research is underway to find alternatives to the agricultural raw materials used to manufacture PHA.

The legislative framework and government commitments

There is no shortage of regulations aimed at reducing the use of plastic.

These measures encourage companies to adopt sustainable alternatives, such as PHA. The European Green Deal, for example, supports the transition to environmentally-friendly packaging solutions. Governments are also paying increasing attention to the impact of plastics on biodiversity. International agreements, such as the Basel Convention, promote sustainable materials.

In short, companies need to comply with these new regulations if they are to remain competitive: bio-based packaging and the like…

The future of PHA food packaging

As production technologies become more sophisticated, PHA will become a more accessible and less expensive solution. Companies are already being encouraged to adopt these environmentally-friendly solutions to meet growing consumer demand. The food industry will be able to reduce its ecological footprint while guaranteeing product quality. Two birds with one stone.

Why choose PHA Sourcing for your ecological transition?

Joining forces with PHA Sourcing enables manufacturers to benefit from cutting-edge expertise in the field of biodegradable materials. PHA Sourcing offers tailor-made support for integrating PHA into production processes.

Thanks to solid partnerships with key players, PHA Sourcing ensures sustainable production that complies with environmental standards. By working with our team, manufacturers can reduce their ecological footprint while optimising their long-term costs.

Let’s discuss your project and start your industrial transition: the future is green.