Bird & Wild produce certified Bird Friendly coffees. This means they have been grown in a way that protects important migratory bird habitats in equatorial coffee growing regions. Having the best possible environmental credentials is important to the brand and the company, so Bird & Wild chose Econic packaging developed by New Zealand converter, Convex Plastics. The pack is a triplex laminate of reverse printed clear NatureFlex / High-Barrier Metallised NatureFlex and a starch-based biopolymer. This structure ensures that the delicate flavour and freshness of Bird & Wild’s coffees are locked in.
Emma Broomhead and Ben Roberts who run the company said, “Econic packaging is an ideal fit with our brand and the packaging is helping us expand our UK distribution into health food stores, delicatessens and farm stores whose owners and customers are increasingly demanding more eco-friendly options. Planet Organic is one such supermarket that has chosen to stock our coffee. Using compostable packaging is important for us as it fits the ethos of our brand.”
To be clear about NatureFlex compostable plastic, it is plastic that “undergoes degradation by biological processes during composting to yield carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds and biomass, at a rate consistent with other known compostable materials (e.g. cellulose), and leaves no visible, distinguishable or toxic residue” (ASTM D6400). Biodegradable plastics, on the other hand, will break down under the action of naturally occurring micro-organisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi or algae), but have no specific time frame and no requirement for not leaving a ‘toxic residue’.
NatureFlex films are certified to meet the American ASTM D6400, European EN13432 and Australian AS4736 standards for compostable packaging. All NatureFlex films have a minimum bio-based carbon content of 90%. They begin life as a natural product, wood which is sourced from managed plantations operating on good forestry principals. They also offer a host of advantages for packing and converting such as high seal strength and integrity, excellent gas, aroma & UV light barrier, grease and chemical resistance, dead fold and anti-static properties, enhanced printing and conversion.
The wood pulp used in the production of NatureFlex films is dissolving wood pulp, typically sourced from hard wood species such as eucalyptus. The wood pulp originates from certified forests in line with Innovia’s Wood Pulp Sourcing Policy, that upholds the principles and standards laid down by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). Innovia holds both FSC and PEFC Chain of custody certifications.
Convex Plastics managing director, Owen Embling, said, “NatureFlex films have allowed us to develop high barrier compostable packaging that provides the same level of functionality as traditional fossil fuel-based films. Econic packaging is ideal for a wide range of dry foods, including coffee, cereals and snack bars."
Neil Banerjee, Innovia Films’ market manager for coffee added, “Our NatureFlex films are increasingly being used in bio-laminate packaging constructions such as these to provide the necessary barrier.”
