Page 51 - Plastic News Issue August 2025
P. 51
FEATURE NEWS
in the market of the biodegradable plastic film 3. Closed-Loop Systems: As the definition of
is that it has impediments. Its cost of production sustainable packaging continues to take on
through film manufacturing with bio-based ma- the implications of a circular economy, the
terials remains high as compared to petrochemi- introduction of further take-back systems,
cals and thus, limiting its large scale production. compostable packaging consortiums and
The practical performance of the biodegradable on-site waste recovery will be ever more
films is further hindered by a blockage of the subsidized.
universal composting infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Call to (Sustainable) Action
In addition, the consumer skepticism is at hand.
The unproven statement of being biodegrad- A critical transition is taking place throughout the
able and the greenwashing have led buyers to world with bio-degradable plastic films no long-
be more circumspect and they are demanding er resolving environmental concerns but also
certification, such as TUV Austria, BPI, and EN transforming our attitude towards packaging
13432, that verify the commitment of bio friendly materials and life span of products. The combi-
films. nation of environmentally-friendly film products,
technological development and market demand
The Future: Where do the trends of plastic is making the case strong enough to have every
films? industry member to ride this green wave.
A threefold concern appears to be the govern- Are you a brand in need of experimentation, a
ing factor of the future direction in trends of manufacturer in need of transformation, or a
plastic film: consumer in need of sustainable lifestyle? The
markets with biodegradable plastic film are
1. Material Science: Nano tech research and where you need to represent your interest.
bio-polymer capability will result in the most Since the packaging of the future does not only
recent plastic film production made thinner, involve contents of the packaging, but what it
stronger and more capable.
leaves behind.
2. Smart Films: Future versions of biodegrad-
able plastic films, with possibly built-in sen-
sors, or time due dates, can be developed
as a hybrid of being ecologically friendly and
smart.
August 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 51
