Formerra And AFC Ecoplastics Unite To Advance Compostable Packaging Solutions

In a significant move towards sustainability, Formerra, a prominent distributor of performance materials, has announced its partnership with AFC Ecoplastics to distribute compostable products throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This collaboration is set to provide eco-friendly alternatives for consumer and medical packaging applications, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable solutions.

Under this partnership, Formerra will distribute a variety of AFC’s compostable resins, compounds, and colorants. Notably, this includes PBAT (polybutylene co-adipate co-terephthalate) and PBS (polybutylene succinate) resins. These materials are designed for consumer packaged goods (CPG) applications in both rigid and film formats, as well as for medical packaging and labware. They are recognized for meeting stringent environmental standards, having secured Health Canada and FDA approvals.

Ha Le, CEO of AFC Ecoplastics, highlighted the partnership as a strategic move to broaden their impact and reach in the market. Formerra’s extensive distribution network and technical support are expected to provide an ideal platform for AFC’s compostable solutions. This collaboration comes at a time when the demand for compostable packaging is on the rise, driven by regulatory changes and consumer preferences.

Mike Balasko, Director of Sustainability and Business Development at Formerra, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in advancing their sustainability initiatives. The introduction of these compostable materials is anticipated to help customers adapt to evolving regulatory requirements while catering to environmentally conscious consumers.

The materials provided by AFC are BPI certified and have also received TÜV OK Compost industrial certification (EN 13432), ensuring their biodegradability in industrial composting facilities. This certification underscores the environmental credentials of these materials.

Formerra is set to showcase these innovative solutions at NPE 2024 in Orlando, Florida, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability. The company’s role as a leading distributor of engineered materials is reinforced by its technical and commercial expertise. Formerra’s portfolio spans across healthcare, consumer, industrial, and mobility markets, offering depth, supply chain strength, industry knowledge, and leading e-commerce capabilities.

This partnership between Formerra and AFC Ecoplastics marks a pivotal step towards providing sustainable packaging solutions that meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations. As regulations like California’s SB154 push for recyclable or compostable single-use plastics, Formerra and AFC are well-positioned to lead the market in eco-friendly alternatives.