At Rema, we are always looking to develop a series of new and innovative packaging solutions, and understand that the consumer market is demanding a more environmentally focused packaging solution from the plastic everyday shopping bag to the take away coffee cup. There is a growing trend to address the issue of sustainability and recyclability, however most innovations in dealing with environmentally “friendly” packaging have failed to address the whole of life aspect in relation to disposable packaging within in viable timeframe and aerobic and anaerobic environment.

After an exhaustive search Rema identified that it needed to deal with the real consumer environmental concerns, which is the development of single use packaging solutions that specifically addressed the issue both with disposal of packaging after its use and the minimising of its impact on the environment. In addition the packaging solution needed to meet the expectations of the market that the product would need to breakdown in a managed landfill environment.

What it does
biorene™ is polymer material that contains a small amount of an organic additive, which when combined with commonly used resins including PS, PP, PET and PE alters the molecular structure of the plastic and allows it in an anaerobic environment to attract microbial activity. This ultimately produces an organic biomass and a biogas that can be harvested for energy production.

Outcomes
“biorene™” by RIS
As a first step, Rema has developed a series of products that contain an additive to create biorene™. Unlike existing “bio-compostable” products, the Rema biorene™ range of products do not compromise in regards to their form and function nor does it affect the taste when utilised in relation to food.

Whilst our initial testing in the US has delivered positive results in relation to the globally recognised standard ASTM D5511-02, these results prove that in a managed active landfill environment the biorene™ products broke down at an exponential rate, we are not resting on our laurels.

Rema is committed to developing a Biodegradable Range of Products that addresses the issue of waste disposal and as such has developed a detailed plan to market that will help position Rema as a leader in the Australian market. Standards in relation to “biodegradable packaging in a biologically active landfill environment” are yet to be clearly defined for Australia and New Zealand, however we are pressing forward to ensure that the biorene™ range is compliant with the recognised global standards. 

Currently we are undertaking the following initiatives to prepare biorene™ for market launch:

• Working with Victoria University to:

• Independently review and validate the initial US Testing Results;
• Undertake “whole of life” testing based on ASTM D5511-02
• Implement a reporting program that ensures transparency in relation to laboratory accreditation (NATA and CSIRO endorsed) and stage reports throughout the testing period.

• Engage with the Environmental Waste Industry to discuss the application of biodegradable plastics in a managed landfill.

• Engage with relevant Environmental Industry Groups to establish an Australian Standard in relation to biodegradable plastics in a biologically active landfill environment.

We believe that biorene™ is a vital part of our company’s future and look forward to bring an everyday range of products to market that will assist in addressing the environmental issues of both today and tomorrow.