Natural packaging used for US supplements
NatureWorks is making its debut in dietary supplement packaging,
and may build on natural and healthy attributes of its contents,
making the whole product more appealing to consumers.
Highland Laboratories has announced that it is phasing in use of NatureWorks PLA (polylactic acid) in place of PET bottles (polyethylene terephthalate), and will be used for its complete range of 250 products within the next two years.
It claims to be the first US supplement manufacturer to make the switch.
The Cargill unit is understood to have invested around $800m in developing the technology behind PLA, which involves fermentation of sugars from corn and other plant crops. It makes PLA by fermenting dextrose from corn and other plant crops, a process that uses 68 per cent less fossil fuel than PET.
Marketing of the plastic to the food industry has hinged on convincing retailers and processors that it gives them the means to further diferentiate their products from other organic or natural products on the shelf.
Candy Scott, CEO of Highland Laboratories, said: "It makes sense for those of us providing organic and wholesome nutrition - including dietary supplements - to complete the cycle with Earth-friendly packaging."
Since its launch in 2000, NatureWorks PLA is said to have captured the imagination of food companies in Europe.
"Heightened environmental awareness in European countries, including Italy, France, Germany, Belgium and the UK have been key for bringing nature-based plastics into the mainstream," said NatureWorks CEO Kathleen Bader earlier this year.
Indeed, the company has previously said that, on the grounds of pricing, retail uptake and innovative packaging deals, the biodegradable natural polymer is ready to challenge the market dominance of PET.
It has already been used by some food companies in the US, including organics company Naturally Iowa. This means is said to be a perfect fit for such companies since the 'natural' packaging delivers a message to the consumer consistent with the food product itself.
However, while the recycling technology is in place to process PLA separately from PET, NatureWorks executives admit that not enough volume is entering the system to develop a unique waste stream for the product.
In Belgium efforts are underway to convince the government to create a composting stream for PLA, which would make it more attractive still to environmentally conscious consumers.
