New in this year: compostable cups from the Finland-based packaging specialist Huhtamaki

The cold drink cups are made from a corn based resin called NatureWorks® PLA. The material is fully natural, made from annually renewable resources and certificated for compostability. The technology to produce NatureWorks PLA breaks down the plant starches into natural sugars. The carbon and other elements are used to make polylactide (PLA) in a simple fermentation and separation process. Products made of this material are perfectly clear and sturdy, well suited for serving all cold drinks including water, beer, soft drinks and shakes. PLA cups are part of the completely new BioWare range. Next to these cold drink cups it consists of compostable paper plates, wooden cutleries and clear containers with hinged lid. “BioWare is a commitment to the future and offers uncompromised performance with a lower environmental impact”, says Ute Bremm, Marketing Manager from Foodservice Central Europe in Huhtamaki. “With this range Huhtamaki wants to help the foodservice operators to enhance their environmental image as well as offer an interesting option also from the waste handling point of view.” BioWare disposables are available across Europe to beverage companies, breweries and foodservice operators such as catering and quick service restaurants. “No compromises are made on the quality of the products; the beer and water cups are of high clarity and the plates sturdy and durable. All products can be customized to suit various events and perators”, Bremm assures. Use of the compostable products enables the event caterers or for example quick service restaurants to eventually combine the waste streams of food and packaging. When disposed of in industrial composting conditions, products made with NatureWorks PLA compost into water, carbon dioxide and organic material. Already today, this can work well on mass events. For example Alken Maes, the second largest Belgian brewery, successfully used the BioWare beer cups in the summer festivals in 2004 after which the cups were composted. “Interest for environmentally sound tableware has already been visible in the market, and now we have a solid supply of suitable raw materials available. We take the opportunity and build up a complete range,” says Bremm. Huhtamaki is the first to manufacture and commercialize such a complete range of compostable foodservice packaging. Designed to fulfill the needs of various foodservice operators, these products work in uses ranging from outdoor festivals and mass events to catering and daily food and beverage service. After use, all products in the BioWare line can be returned to the earth through composting. Log on to www.huhtamaki.com or contact info.hq@fi.huhtamaki.com for more information. For NatureWorks PLA,