Biosphere Industries New Biobased Packaging Certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute

(I-Newswire) January 25, 2005 - Biosphere's new material PPM100 has properties comparable to polystyrene foam and can be used for food service applications as well as general packaging. "Our new products are among the first biodegradable materials that are ovenable, microwaveable, and provide good insulating properties, while being made mainly from natural, annually renewable raw materials," stated Dr. David A. Dellinger, Biosphere Chief Scientist. "For the first time, a cost competitive biodegradable alternative is available for food service and general packaging providers that are looking for an Earth friendly container," added Anne W. Cuthbert, Biosphere CFO.

BPI's approval of Biosphere's products continues to expand the array of "compostable" alternatives that are being marketed today. "Products such as these make sense when the waste stream can be diverted to a composting facility, rather than to a landfill or incinerator," noted Steve Mojo, BPI Executive Director. "Today, there are residential and commercial food scrap programs in place from San Francisco, CA to Prince Edward Island, Canada," Mojo added. By replacing non-degradable items with compostable materials, these communities are able to divert and compost large parts of the waste stream, while helping composters reduce processing, separation and disposal costs.

Biosphere Industries Corporation is an engineering, research and development company, creating unique packaging solutions for the food and general rigid consumer packaging markets. The company is already offering a wide array of products for food service operators, including two piece clamshells, trays, bowls, prepared meal containers, and cups. Also, blister pack and other innovative producers are looking at utilizing PPM100 as an alternative to paperboard construction. "All our product lines are formulated towards maximizing the use of regional raw materials to benefit local communities whenever possible and when combined with compostable clear films for secondary packaging, we offer a 100% biodegradable packaging solution that can be treated like a potato or tortilla chip for disposal," stated Elie Helou Jr, Biosphere CEO.

BPI is a multi-stakeholder group, involving people and organizations that produce, use or recover biodegradable plastic products. It promotes the growth of biodegradable plastics through education, use of scientifically-based standards and cooperative efforts with organizations in Europe and Asia.

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