Developed and marketed by Australia’s Plantic Technologies, Ltd., Plantic is made from starch, primarily corn starch. It’s compostable and biodegradable. In this Nestlé application, the material is used for the thermoformed tray that holds the chocolates. The tray goes in a paperboard carton.
According to Nestlé, Plantic is certified by the German Authority Din Certco, which allows Plantic trays to carry the International Biodegradable Association Working-group (IBAW) compostable logo. Plantic says its trays will disintegrate within three months and biodegrade within six months in compost. Nestlé Dairy Box sells for $5.48 for a 210-g box and $10.62 for the 420-g size.
“Nestlé product technology teams are always looking for new ways to bring environmentally sound innovations to market,” says Nestlé Dairy Box brand manager Nick Mallett. “This solution will satisfy our consumers’ expectations and may have a significant positive impact on the environment.” —Pat Reynolds
