This innovative solution allows companies to streamline decision-making in the development of compostable materials.

The plastics industry is moving towards a more sustainable model, driven by circular economy principles and innovation in biodegradable and compostable materials. However, conventional biodegradation tests, as required by current regulations, are time-consuming and costly, limiting companies’ ability to explore new formulations from the early stages of development.

The first compostable sachets, which boast 12 months’ shelf life and are home or industrially compostable, will soon be in the market.

In recent years, small sachet formats have come under scrutiny for the environmental challenges they pose. Commonly used to dispense condiments, sauces, personal care creams, and other liquid products, these single-use plastic envelopes offer convenience to consumers — yet present significant end-of-life issues, rendering them unrecyclable.

Two global packaging leaders have developed a fully recyclable wet wipe package that meets forthcoming European Union environmental regulations.

Amcor and Fedrigoni announced their partnership has produced a recyclable flexible packaging solution combining Amcor's AmPrima Plus flow wrap with Fedrigoni's semi-rigid label. The entire package can be recycled in polyethylene (PE) streams across Europe, according to the companies.

Diamond Edge Ventures, Inc., the corporate venture arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation, has invested in Freshr Sustainable Technologies, Inc., a Canadian startup pioneering sustainable active food packaging to extend shelf life and reduce food waste. DEV participated in the oversubscribed Seed round, led by Invest Nova Scotia, with participation from the BDC’s Climate Tech Fund, Nadarra Ventures, and Blue Tide Capital Ventures.