“We need investments in sustainable technologies” Dated: 1 June 2008
An innovative feature at the Interpack show, InnovationParc is a hall dedicated to packaging innovations and bioplastic developments, which address environmental concerns pertaining to packaging. Bioplastics fall under two concepts. The first is a compostable function, where the materials used are biodegradable polymers and compostable plastic products. The second refers to bio-based polymers, which are plastic products created from renewable resources.
A relatively new product at the threshold of mainstream market uptake, bioplastics use in Europe is estimated at 75,000-100,000 tonnes in 2007, according to the Berlin-based European Bioplastics Association. In contrast, the total European plastics market was 48 million tonnes for that year.
Bounding nevertheless with energy and hope for the future of bioplastics, chairman of the association Harald Kaeb shares with AFJ what he sees as a new product deserving of both public and private sector interest. “Functionality is the main driver of innovation. How we differ from the packaging sector is that we study the ways in which properties of the material hold promise for renewable usage. For example, supermarkets can simply throw fresh food wrapped in compostable packaging that cannot be sold anymore. Since the entire food and package is biodegradable, it saves labor from having to separate the packaging materials for recycling. We should look not just at the cost of producing biodegradable materials, but also the labor and disposal costs associated with non-biodegradable packaging.
“We have a global network of exchange with bioplastics associations in Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and China in Asia. We are looking also at organic recycling and the production of biogas and bioenergy.
We can’t afford land fills anymore in Europe and we have to use resources in a more efficient way.
There is currently no EU-wide framework for action to support the use of renewable raw materials in materials production. Appropriate political measures are necessary in the market introduction phase to remove the legal hurdles which often exist. With our high costs here, it’s clear that countries in Europe need to find technology-driven innovations or we can’t compete with others.”
Chains such as Safeway, Whole Foods Markets and Wal-Mart, are pushing solar panel installation projects to gain a 30% tax credit. Kathy Loftus from Whole Foods Market, commented: "We're hoping that our purchases along with some other retailers will help bring the technology costs."
After X5 announced that all new hypermarkets will be opened under the Karusel brand, Russia's largest food retailer, gained 3.2% in London trading. The retailer aims to add as much as 160,000 sq m of space this year as economic growth in Russia enables more people to buy higher-priced foods and shop in stores rather than at open markets.
Wal-Mart has announced plans to invest around USD 1 billion in Brazil and open 80 to 90 new stores, in all its formats, in 2009. It will be the largest investment the retailer has made in Brazil since it opened its first operation in Sao Paulo in 1995.
Although sales are up by 17% for Fresh & Wild Ltd, the UK unit of Whole Foods Market, the company has reported ₤7 million loss for the year to September 30, 2007. Some analysts feel that there is too much working against Whole Foods for it to really get off the ground.
Carrefour has been keeping its entry into Iran low-key, as both the retailer and Tehran's government suspect that the foreign presence may cause some excitement. It is not clear yet how feasible it will be for Carrefour to maintain supply in the face of financial restrictions on trade with Iran as a result of US sanctions.
The sale of 107 Somerfield stores, purchased last month by the Co-operative Group, is being handled by Credit Suisse which has requested that potential bidders offer up proposals before 22 August.
An innovative feature at the Interpack show, InnovationParc is a hall dedicated to packaging innovations and bioplastic developments, which address environmental concerns pertaining to packaging. Bioplastics fall under two concepts. The first is a compostable function, where the materials used are biodegradable polymers and compostable plastic products. The second refers to bio-based polymers, which are plastic products created from renewable resources.
