UK-based packaging company enters Australian market

UK flexible packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart has entered the Australian packaging market with the launch of Biyo, a home compostable packaging mono material that can be run on conventional packing lines.

The company has developed the mono material for the Australian packaging market. Designed to provide a sustainable product with good heat sealability, the material has passed both the EN13432 European Standard and the Australian AS5810-2010 Standard — which includes a worm test, making it fully ABA certified as Home Compostable. The Australian Standard requires the compostable film to be toxin-free for worms, disintegrate after 12 weeks and completely biodegrade after six months.

Compostable packaging is made from biodegradable materials such as vegetable starch, replacing traditional oil-based materials. This breaks down naturally and decomposes into nutrient rich compost, aided by fungi, bacteria and enzymes.

Developed and produced in the UK, this printed film material is operator- and machine-friendly, suitable for a range of flow wrap and form, fill and seal lines. Designed for foods with short shelf life, the film has good transparency so that the product packed inside is clearly visible.

Ben Roberts, Roberts Mart Marketing Director, said the company is excited to be launching the Biyo film in its first overseas office based in Northern Rivers NSW. The new Australian office will be headed up by Peter Cumberlege.

“Having now received both accreditations the product will be launched into the Australian market over the next few months,” Roberts said.

Biyo is designed to be composted at home and turn into soil in 26 weeks, adding nutrients, while remaining worm-friendly.

Roberts Mart supplies packaging solutions for brands across the UK and Europe, operating predominantly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector for companies such as Highland Spring and Froneri.

Top image caption: William and Ben Roberts.