Novamont provides London 2012 with compostable packs

Italian firm Novamont has revealed that it is supplying compostable catering packaging for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which kicks off tonight.

The firm’s Master-Bi, a range of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics, was selected by the Games’ packaging supplier London Bio Packaging. The product, according to Novamont, meets the European compostable standard EN12432.

Novamont’s packaging manufacturing site is based in Terni, Italy. The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Locog) stipulated that packaging needed to hit the EN12432 standard and use as small a range of packaging materials as possible.

Speaking to Packaging News in May about the planning process, Locog corporate sustainability manager Phil Cumming said: “Very, very few packaging companies can supply a fully certified product. They can supply component parts that are certified.”

McDonald’s, an Olympics partner, will be among the firms using Master-Bi for cutlery, straws, cups and lids.

Novamont managing director Catia Bastioli said: “I admire the far-sightedness and perspicacity Locog demonstrated in their programme to make London Olympics a truly sustainable event, and Novamont is proud to have played a part in this.”

Locog has set a target of 70% of waste at venues will be recycled, reused or composted.

Source: http://www.packagingnews.co.uk