INSIGHT-November 5, 2004-Jobwerx News-Plasticiser-free stretch film based on polystyrene, a biodegradable alternative, is being marketed as an environmentally friendly and recyclable food wrapping alternative to current PVC based film packaging.

There is an ever-increasing demand for environmentally friendly and healthier packaging in the U.S.A., Canada, Mexico and Europe. In North American alone the stretch film market is about $700 million.

Plasticiser-free stretch films based on polystyrene are an environmentally friendly and recyclable food wrapping alternative to current PVC based film packaging.

Plastic stretch films are familiar to most consumers. Stretch films are used in supermarkets and grocery stores, usually in conjunction with a plastic or fibre tray, for meat packaging, poultry, fish and other perishable food products.

Stretch films must be tough, able to withstand low temperatures, and have good clarity and gloss. A low moisture vapour transmission rate is required to retain moisture in the packaged product plus an anti-fogging additive to prevent condensation on the inside of the film.

Biodegradable Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from lactic acid that is processed from annually renewable resources, such as corn. Less fossil fuel resources are required to process compared to petroleum-based plastics. New biodegradable materials such as PLA offer food packagers an economically-viable alternative to polystyrene-based packaging materials.

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