Mater-Bi and paper: the ideal combination for recyclable food packaging

When combined with paper, Mater-Bi bioplastic offers an innovative solution for the development of more sustainable food packaging.

This technology is designed to help reduce the environmental impact of packaging that is traditionally difficult to recycle due to its small size, multilayer composition, or contamination with food residues.

Thanks to the properties of Mater-Bi, it is possible to create packaging solutions that combine high technical performance, functionality, and efficient end-of-life management. Packaging developed using Mater-Bi and paper is designed to be compatible with both industrial composting and paper recycling streams, supporting the recovery and valorization of different waste management systems.

Key applications for paper and Mater-Bi solutions include:

– Trays and containers for ready meals and short shelf-life foods, produced through extrusion coating or thermal lamination technologies using Mater-Bi films on pulp or cardboard

– Food wrapping paper, flexible packaging for foodservice and fast food, as well as single-dose sugar and salt sachets made with lightweight paper combined with Mater-Bi

– Single-use foodservice applications with high oxygen and moisture barrier properties, including cups for vending and foodservice suitable for both hot and cold liquids

Some products made with Mater-Bi laminates are also certified “Home Compostable by TÜV”, confirming their compostability in a domestic environment according to internationally recognized standards.

In its report “Paper-based Flexible Packaging”, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights the strategic role of paper-based packaging in addressing pollution caused by small-format flexible packaging, emphasizing the importance of designing solutions that comply with recognized compostability and biodegradability standards.