Danimer Scientific, PepsiCo to collaborate on biodegradable resins
Biotechnology leader Danimer Scientific and global food and beverage company PepsiCo have announced an agreement that includes development of Danimer Scientifics’ biodegradable film resins to meet the sustainable flexible packaging requirements of PepsiCo’s global food and beverage business.
Biotechnology leader Danimer Scientific and global food and beverage company PepsiCo have announced an agreement that includes development of Danimer Scientifics’ biodegradable film resins to meet the sustainable flexible packaging requirements of PepsiCo’s global food and beverage business. The agreement builds on a long-standing relationship that has included the development of bio-based compostable packaging for PepsiCo’s snack brands and will facilitate the expansion of Danimer Scientifics’ Nodax PHA plant.
In October 2016, PepsiCo announced its 2025 sustainability agenda, which includes the intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain and design 100% of its packaging to be recoverable or recyclable. This collaboration is also expected to help expedite PepsiCo’s transition to packaging that is completely biodegradable for their snack food portfolio by incorporating Nodax PHA bioplastic into certain of its next-generation snacks packaging.
“From the start PepsiCo has taken a holistic approach to our sustainability work,” said Mehmood Khan, PepsiCo vice chairman and chief scientific officer. “Our first objective is achieving long-term profitability and that requires sustainable solutions to grow our business while minimizing our environmental impact. Our plan to scale Danimer Scientifics’ technology is a step toward achieving both our greenhouse gas emission reduction and our recoverable and recyclable packaging goals.”
Nodax PHA is a naturally-occurring biopolymer produced by microbial bacteria as they ferment organically-sourced oils. Produced using renewable biomass, Nodax PHA is both sustainably sourced and proven to be capable of replacing many short-term use petroleum-based plastics, for both performance and price. In addition, Nodax PHA has received the first ever OK Marine Biodegradable certification from Vinçotte International, validating that the biopolymer safely biodegrades in salt water environments, leaving no toxins behind. Nodax PHA possesses seven Vinçotte certifications and statements of industrial and home compostability, biodegradability in anaerobic, soil, fresh water, and marine environments, and is bio-based. All of Danimer Scientifics’ biopolymers, including Nodax PHA, are FDA approved for food contact.