The two French companies aim to reach a new milestone in the production of sustainable packaging solutions! By directly integrating a proprietary enzyme into polylactic acid (PLA) films, Sleever and Carbios plan to develop Home Compost biodegradable heat-shrinkable solutions for labelling, wrapping and securing packaging for food, cosmetic or perfume products.
PLA is a thermoplastic polyester that is typically made from fermented plant starch such as from corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp. It is a widely used agro-sourced alternative to oil-based polyethylene (PET). However, as such, PLA is difficult to compost within a reasonable time scale at home.
Encapsulated enzyme
To overcome this hurdle, Sleever wants to integrate the Carbios Active enzymatic solution into the manufacturing process of its shrink-sleeve labels.
Developed by Carbiolice, a Carbios group company, Carbios Active is an encapsulated enzyme that makes PLA 100% compostable, even at room temperature, whatever the soil conditions. The enzyme thus facilitates the degradation of PLA at the end of its life, whether through industrial or domestic composting or methanization. The encapsulated enzyme remains inactive throughout the product’s useful life, without altering its mechanical properties. It only becomes active when collected with biowaste and under composting conditions (temperature, humidity, pH…), allowing the packaging to disintegrate completely and biodegrade for a compost free from microplastic-residue.
Supply agreement
In order to enable Sleever to market the first home compostable sleeves, the partnership agreement includes a framework contract for the supply of encapsulated enzymes.
A production line is already up and running at Carbios headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The facility is capable of producing 2,500 tons per year of Carbios Active, thus allowing the production of the equivalent of 50,000 tons per year of enzymed PLA.
According to Éric Fresnel, President of Sleever International Group, “four years of development” were necessary to perfect these biodegradable sleeve labels.
Carbios and Sleever aim to bring compostable sleeves to premium and prestige brands, particularly in the wine and spirits sector where Sleever is a leader. The two companies will be exhibiting at the next Luxe Pack trade fair, from September 30 to October 2, 2024 in Monaco.
“This innovation completes our offer to markets keen to strengthen their impact in terms of the circular economy, and opens up real prospects on international markets,” adds Éric Fresnel.
A leader in shrinksleeve label technology, Sleever is a French family-owned company with a 50-year history and a strong international footprint with 14 industrial sites on five continents. With over 500 patents and multi-disciplinary R&D, the group masters the entire value chain: from film formulation, printing, manufacturing and provision of services.
