In the United Kingdom, biotech firm Toraphene has developed a biodegradable plastic packaging incorporating graphene that it says will boost food safety and shelf-life. The material, also called Toraphene, is stronger, thinner, and has better permeability characteristics than current bioplastics.
“Amidst a climate crisis, plastic waste is known to be a huge global problem and many plastic alternatives now exist, so why don’t we see them everywhere?” Gaute Juliussen, CEO and Founder of Toraphene, tells European Plastic Product Manufacturer. “It’s because they need specific man-made conditions to biodegrade, and many degrade into microplastics, which contaminate our oceans and food chain for centuries.”
The company is working with brands, retailers, and food packaging suppliers.