Reduce emissions with biobased packaging
Marc Martens
CurTec manufactures drums and jars made of bio plastic*. Bio or plant-based plastics are made of renewable biological resources and are a sustainable alternative to fossil-based plastics. Biobased packaging is a great alternative for companies whose core values include environmental sustainability and who wish to appeal to eco-conscious customers.
Like so many companies, CurTec has incorporated sustainability and CSR into its business model. One of our sustainability goals is to reduce emissions in our value chain to net zero. Creating bio-based packaging (also called plant-based packaging) is a first step to replace the influx of plastic from fossil fuels with more sustainable alternatives such as bio-plastic.
Packaging from a renewable resource
CurTec uses biobased HDPE made of sugarcane ethanol which represents a less impactful use of natural resources and helps to reduce CO2 emissions.
The great thing about biobased/ bio plastic is that it can be used on conventional plastic converting machines, offers the same performance levels and can be recycled just like regular polyethylene. Drums and jars from a renewable resource are also on par with the quality of versions made from fossil fuels and perfectly interchangeable.
Carbon reduction with biobased/ plant-based plastics
The big advantage of plant-based plastics is that they do not introduce additional carbon to our atmosphere. Sugarcane absorbs CO2 as it grows and, in case of incineration at end-of-life, only releases carbon that was already in the system**.
That doesn’t mean Biobased packagings should be littered as they still need to be processed properly when they reach their end-of-life. Ideally they should be recycled so that the material in the products is being used again and again. However, stretching their life cycle by reusing them is still the most responsible and sustainable choice.
Biobased drums and jars
CurTec offers two complete product lines in bio-plastic: Wide Neck Drums and Packo Jars. Wide Neck Drums, just like the fossil versions, are leak- and water vapor-tight, UN-certified and food safe. The drums are equipped with a bio-green screw lid with rubber seal.
Just like their fossil counterpart, Packo jars are available with two closures: a bio-green lid with integrated gasket and a lid without gasket but with a separate inner lid. These pots also offer protection against moisture vapor and are UN certified and food safe. This makes both product lines safe for the packaging of pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs.
Are you looking for packaging that helps you achieve your carbon reduction or supply chain sustainability goals?
*The amount of bio-HDPE in a drum or jar is verified according to the ASTM D6866 standard and ranges between 76-89%.
** There are different ways to model biogenic carbon. Interested in knowing CurTec’s approach to biogenic CO₂? Contact us!
