UK packaging specialist Parkside Packaging has expanded its sustainable packaging range to include the use of NatureFlex packaging film as part of a newly developed, compostable packaging for biscuits.

NatureFlex is a range of biobased speciality packaging films made by Futamura. The films are based on renewable resources and are certified to the European (EN13432) and American (ASTM D6400) norms for Industrially compostable packaging.

Parkside developed the new share bag for the launch of ethical food brand Rhythm 108’s Ooh-la-la tea biscuits. The brief was clear: to develop a pack made from sustainable sources.  As Paul Lenihan, New Business Development Manager at Parkside explained: “Rhythm 108 wanted packaging that addressed the needs of consumers and that fitted with its natural organic ethos.”

The Ooh-la- la tea biscuits pack includes a triple-layer structure comprised of paper, metalised NatureFlex and biopolymer sealant web. The NatureFlex film is produced by Futamura from wood-pulp from sustainably sourced eucalyptus plantations in Brazil. For every tree used, another is planted in its place. The design provides an excellent moisture and oxygen barrier that extends product shelf life to help both retailers and consumers minimise food waste.

“Sustainability remains a hot topic of conversation within the packaging world,” said Lenihan. “Consumers are demanding more environmentally friendly processes and retailers are responding by asking their supply chains to come up with innovative ways to save carbon and avoid end-of-life incineration and landfill.”

He added: “From a sustainability perspective, we have utilised sustainable materials to develop the pack instead of oil based polymers. In addition, the pack is fully compostable.”

Parkside spent four years on researching, development and testing before making a breakthrough in compostable multi-layer film barrier laminates. This new packaging is not merely industrially compostable: it has also attained Vincotte’s OK Compost Home and Seeding certification.

As Siddhi Mehta, founder of Rhythm 108 said: “The packaging is not only convenient and suited to today’s on-the-go lifestyle, it is environmentally friendly as it’s made from bio-based materials and can then be thrown in the compost bin at home.”