NatureWorks wins food-contact approval in Japan

NatureWorks™ PLA, a plastic resin made from corn, has won approval for use in food-contact applications from the Japanese Hygienic Olefin & Styrene Plastics Assn., that country’s equivalent to the Food & Drug Administration in the United States.

NatureWorks PLA was developed by Cargill Dow LLC. That company’s Japanese operations worked closely with Mitsui Chemicals to achieve food-contact approval.

According to market research, 56% of Japanese consumers ranked the concept of purchasing fresh food in nature-based see-through packaging as “very desirable.” Of those consumers, more than 57% said they are willing to pay at least five yen more for products packaged in containers made of NatureWorks PLA.

“A majority of Japanese consumers want to be environmentally responsible and many are even willing to pay more for products to make it happen,” says Masayoshi Oku, general manager of Cargill Dow’s Japanese operations. “With NatureWorks PLA, retailers can simply switch out petroleum-based food packaging with corn-based packaging. And shoppers get all the benefits they expect from see-through plastic—such as freshness, safety and convenience—without the environmental compromise.”

NatureWorks PLA had been used as a flexible packaging material in Japan, for products like music discs and golf balls.

Simplify robotics projects
Take control of your automation journey. Learn how to reduce risks and drive success in packaging robotics.
Read More
Simplify robotics projects
Pharmaceutical Innovations Report
Discover the latest breakthrough packaging technologies shaping the pharmaceutical sector. This report dives into cutting-edge innovations, from smart containers that enhance patient safety to eco-friendly materials poised to transform the industry’s sustainability practices. All from PACK EXPO. Learn how forward-thinking strategies are driving efficiency and redefining what’s possible in pharma packaging.
Learn More
Pharmaceutical Innovations Report