The amount of plastic waste produced worldwide every year is still at an alarming number, reaching about 300 million metric tons. What’s even more alarming is that 9% is recycled, and 79% ending up at landfills and dumpsites, greatly contributing to soil pollution. As a result, organisations all over the world are launching campaigns to help curb pollution and environmental damage caused by plastics.
The European Commission released a new directive on single-use plastics, while the U.S. has the Plastic Waste Reduction and Recycling Act. The Indonesian government, on the other hand, introduced the Sustainable Roadmap 2030, with an overall goal of decreasing plastic waste by 70% by 2025, and becoming net-zero by 2040.
One company that’s supporting Indonesia’s vision is Foopak Bio Natura, whose products have been certified as plastic-free by Flustix. This certification means that there are no plastic polymers found in their offerings, which are made from natural wood sources. One of these is a more sustainable alternative to the plastic lining that ‘s seen in food and beverage containers.
“Many consumers are unaware of the common practice of using plastic linings in food packaging, even in paper-based containers, which raises significant environmental and recycling concerns – especially as many recycling centers are not equipped with the technology to separate plastic from paper waste,” said Christopher Wong, Senior Vice President and Global Business Unit Head Industrial Paper of Foopak Bio Natura.
“This certification helps us further reduce the environmental footprint of the F&B industry. Foopak Bio Natura firmly believes in creating a sustainable green supply chain without harmful effects on both consumers and the environment. Together with our partners, we look towards attaining sustainable and environment-friendly goals,” Christopher Wong added.
Foopak Bio Natura is an Indonesian-based brand from Asia Pulp & Paper, with facilities in Indonesia and China. Their goal is replace single-use plastics in food packaging, and ensuring their product portfolio is recyclable and compostable in industrial facilities and individual homes.