Cardia Bioplastics Compostable "Bio-film" wins Global Hygiene Products Contract

Cardia Bioplastics will supply major Chinese manufacturer Ben's Land Baby Articles Corp Ltd with a new compostable moisture barrier film ("Bio-Film") for the manufacture of a range of baby diaper/nappy and feminine hygiene products. The Australian sustainable resins and finished products supplier, Cardia Bioplastics was approached by Ben's Land to collaborate in the development of this specialist film product following demand from United States and European customers for more environmentally friendly hygiene products.

Testing confirmed that, compared to conventional plastic films, Cardia Compostable "Bio-Film" provides the required high performance moisture barrier to prevent leaking, facilitates breathability to keep skin drier, and is soft for comfort. "Bio-Film" is part of the patented Cardia Compostable resins range. These resins are manufactured from renewable resources and are certified as fully compostable to international standards, including Europe's EN 13432, the USA's ASTM D 6400, Japan's GreenPla, and Australia's AS 4736.

Cardia Bioplastics Chairman Pat Volpe said this contract reflects the continuing shift away from conventional fossil fuel based plastics by global suppliers and consumers. "Parents with babies and women are concerned about the environment, as well as product performance. They want products that offer sustainable solutions to their needs," he said.

"Achieving the right film for these personal hygiene applications was challenging. We worked closely with Ben's Land to bring this application of Cardia Compostable "Bio-Film" to market. Ben's Land will supply the new product to its main customers in the USA and European markets.

"This important product development confirms Cardia's confidence that the baby nappy and feminine hygiene categories will increasingly switch to environmentally friendly and compostable products. This contract will be the first of many for us in the personal hygiene sector and will contribute AU$1.5m to our annual sales revenue," said Pat Volpe.

Through its ongoing industry collaboration activities, Cardia Bioplastics has several other products under confidential development agreements with a number of global companies, or under its own accord.