The article reports the company's founders had initially been trying to develop a snack food from grain sorghum; it didn't sell, so now the product is a packing material that's ready to do battle with expanded polystyrene foam peanuts. The article also points out that Biofoam has yet to make a profit, has been sued for patent infringement, and has had little success in placing its production equipment inside its customers' plants (one way Biofoam says it can make the product cost-competitive with EPS). As well, the article identifies some Biofoam customers and helps position the total loose-fill or protective packaging business, estimated at from $150 million up to $1.4 billion.
Biofoam: Snacks to loose fill
A major feature article in Inc. magazine could jump-start a small Phoenix, AZ, packaging supplier. The October issue of Inc. included a story on Biofoam, the company and product name for starch-based loose-fill.
Nov 30, 1996
Machinery Basics
Retail multipack suppliers, all in one place
25+ vetted systems for cups, tubs, and bottles — shrink, paperboard, banding, clip, and more. Free download.
Read More
Co-packers: the competitive gap is widening
Brands want more than low bids. See what automation, services, and sustainability mean for CM/CPs in 2026.
Read More
Products
