In 2006, the global consumption of bioplastics was approximately 85,000 tonnes versus about 12.3 million tonnes for all flexible packaging.
In 2012, the picture was very different. "The global bioplastics market is set to hit nearly 2,000,000 tons in terms of volume in five years time, which is effectively four times the size of the market in 2007." [Ceresana Research.]
This growth rate is expected to continue to 2018 at least, as increasing concern for environmentally-friendly packaging, costs of fossil materials and demand from emerging countries gradually overcome the restrictive effect of premium pricing.
With this as their backdrop, Natureworks Packaging Australia (NPA) has chosen Cardia Bioplastics as its partner to develop bag and waste management products for the Australian and international markets.
NPA will design, market and distribute proprietary bag and waste management products manufactured by Cardia Bioplastics using Cardia Compostable and Biohybrid resin technology. $200,000 of Cardia Bioplastics bag and waste management products have been ordered and sold by Natureworks Packaging during the last 12 months.
With an extensive sales force, Natureworks is helping Cardia Bioplastics to extend its market reach and add a strong distribution channel. Both companies are looking to expand their businesses significantly in international markets for sustainable packaging and products.
Cardia Bioplastics and Natureworks Packaging are also exhibiting at the Waste 2014 conference in Coffs Harbour, Australia, 6 - 8 May to present what they offer to the Australian Council and waste management industry.
