A Worldwide First - Cascades Launches Bioxo Oxo-Degradable Polystyrene Foam Containers

A distinctive label appears on all Bioxo products to inform consumers that they are using a container that contributes to environmental protection.

24/03/07 Cascades (CAS-TSX) officially launches Bioxo, the first product line of containers made from totally oxo-degradable polystyrene foam. Manufactured by Cascades, Bioxo containers are specifically designed to degrade within three years, unlike traditional polystyrene foam containers which require several hundred years to degrade. Bioxo containers will take up considerably less space in landfill sites.

"We are extremely proud to introduce this major innovation in response to wishes expressed so often by consumers and the agri-food industry," stated Mario Plourde, President and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group (SPG). "Bioxo is the culmination of extensive research, a lengthy development process and exhaustive testing to confirm the product’s performance."

Every year, Cascades produces several hundred million food containers, making it one of the leaders in the industry. Cascades soon hopes to announce the conclusion of Bioxo sales to important firms operating in the agri-food and restaurant industries.

How does Bioxo work?

Bioxo is the result of the addition of TDPA (Totally Degradable Plastic Additives), developed by the Canadian firm EPI, of Vancouver. Mixed with the base resin, the TDPA additive gives the polystyrene foam special degradation properties without compromising the performance of the packaging products. After use, when the product is discarded in a landfill site, it begins to undergo oxidative degradation much faster than traditional plastic products. Oxygen, together with heat, UV radiation or mechanical stress transforms the polystyrene foam with its TDPA additive into a fine powder, which bacteria and other micro-organisms can digest.

The line of Bioxo products poses no hazard for human health or the environment. Cascades has received a letter of non-objection from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States for Bioxo to be used in direct contact with food. A distinctive label appears on all Bioxo products to inform consumers that they are using a container that contributes to environmental protection. Cascades has obtained exclusive Canadian and US rights for many years to use the TDPA process developed by EPI. Bioxo products are safe and effective, so they respond well to public environmental protection concerns.

"Bioxo confirms Cascades’ role as a leader in environmental protection," adds Mario Plourde. "We were the first to commercialize CFC free polystyrene foam in 1988. Sustainable development has been one of our guiding principles throughout 40 years of developing and manufacturing products."