Weekly Roundup: Researchers discover plastic-eating bacterium, Novamont introduces bioplastic for extrusion coating to paper

03 Apr 2020 --- In packaging news this week, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology discovered a bacterium that feeds on plastic waste. The bacterium was first found in a plastic dump and shown to break down polyurethane, a commonly used but unrecycled polymer. Also, Novamont unveiled a new grade of MATER-BI compostable bioplastic for extrusion coating and extrusion lamination on paper, board and other substrates. While Japanese paper distribution giant Kokusai Pulp and Paper (KPP) agreed to acquire Antalis for more than €100 million according to reports.

In brief: Environmental sustainability action
A German research team has discovered a bacterium that not only feeds on plastic but also produces energy from it to fuel the process. Polyurethane – which releases toxic chemicals that kill most bacteria – is attacked and broken down by the newly-discovered bacterium. The researchers indicate that the new strain needs to be developed further before it can be applied to a large volume of plastic waste. However, one of the researchers, Hermann Heipieper of Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ in Leipzig, Germany, describes the discovery as an “important step in being able to reuse hard-to-recycle polyurethane products.”

Novamont introduced a new grade to its MATER-BI bioplastic material offering. The latest addition is designed for extrusion coating and extrusion lamination on paper, board and other substrates. It can be composted in standard industrial plants and is now ready for the market. In terms of environmental performance, objects manufactured using the new grade – cups, dishes for catering, thin board for food use – are GMO-free, biodegradable, compostable in accordance with Standard UNI EN 13432 and recyclable with waste paper.

Princes announced a strategy to transfer all of its tuna plastic wrap multipacks to FSC-certified cardboard sleeves over the next 18-24 months. The transition is estimated to remove 96 tons of plastic for the tuna products, with the first cardboard sleeve packaging hitting retailer’s shelves by May.

Zero Waste Scotland published a new report into microplastics and called for greater collaboration between stakeholders.Zero Waste Scotland published a report targeting plastic pellet pollution and ways to reduce its impact on the coast and waterways. Commissioned by the Scottish Government’s Plastic Pellet Loss Steering Group, the research into nurdles, the common name for plastic pellets, calls for industry, governments and other stakeholders to work together to protect the environment. The report, Preventing plastic pollution from pellet loss, sets out a system where supply chains are handling pellets responsibly and effectively to prevent pollution caused by their loss to the environment.

BOBST became a member of CEFLEX (A Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging), the collaborative initiative of a European consortium of companies and associations representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging. The CEFLEX mission is to further enhance the performance of flexible packaging in the circular economy by designing and advancing better system solutions identified through the collaboration of companies representing the entire value chain.

In brief: Business news
KPP agreed to acquire Antalis after French parent group Sequana went into compulsory liquidation. The Japanese paper distribution giant is reported to be acquiring Antalis for upwards of €100 million. Antalis is one of the largest paper distributors in Europe, distributing paper and paper-related products in 41 countries, mainly in Europe but also South America and the Asia Pacific. Antalis’ strength – as identified by KPP – is its packaging business, high growth business post graphic, paper and previous investment in e-commerce business. KPP expects to “strengthen competitiveness with expansion” in Europe through the Antalis acquisition.

International Paper agreed to sell its Brazilian corrugated packaging business to Klabin for R$330 million (US$62 million), with R$280 million (US$53 million) to be paid at closing and R$50 million (US$9 million) one year thereafter, subject to certain adjustments. This business includes three containerboard mills and four box plants. This agreement follows International Paper's previously announced strategic review of the Brazil packaging business.

Japanese paper distribution giant KPP agreed to acquire Antalis.Huhtamaki completed the acquisition of full ownership of its joint venture company Laminor in Brazil. Laminor is specialized in high-quality tube laminates, particularly for oral care applications, and was set up in 2002 as a 50/50 joint venture together with Bemis, which is now part of Amcor.

Graphic Packaging, a provider of packaging solutions to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer products companies, through its primary US operating company, Graphic Packaging International, closed its previously announced acquisition of the Consumer Packaging Group Business from Greif.

AR Packaging unveiled plans to fully integrate Polish BSC Drukarnia Opakowań after a successful tender offer. AR Packaging will in the tender offer purchase more than 37 percent of the share capital of BSC Drukarnia Opakowań. With a stake of 98,17 percent in the Polish cartonboard packaging producer, AR Packaging aims to fully integrate the company and thereby further strengthen its strategic position in Central and Eastern Europe.

By Joshua Poole