Biodegradable packaging gives bags of kudos to Multi X

One of the world’s 10 largest salmon farmers, Multi X, is to replace all the bags it uses to package its fresh fillet product with bags made from 100% biodegradable material. This material breaks down in a period of six to 20 months without the need for composting and is consumed by fungi and microorganisms.

More than 18 million bags per year will be produced for Multi X by Bioelements, a Chilean start-up based on biotechnology and the circular economy that began the challenge of generating sustainable bioplastics in 2016.

Fernando Pérez, commercial and marketing manager of Multi X, said the Chilean salmon farmer exports 42,000 tonnes (whole fish equivalent) of fresh fillet annually, which represents 35% of its total production.

“That is why the incorporation of these new packaging materials will have a very positive impact on our production and on the environment, becoming a relevant milestone on our path towards carbon neutrality,” added Pérez.

Two years' work

Daniel Santa Cruz, supply manager at Multi X, said: “This agreement is the result of more than two years of work with Bioelements, during which different tests were carried out to ensure the performance and optimal characteristics of this new packaging throughout the product’s useful life.”

Developed over seven, Bioelements’ packaging is based on a material that will biodegrade under different conditions, such as industrial composting, landfill disposal, biodegradation in the environment and marine biodegradation.

The company’s chief executive Ignacio Parada said: “It is a biodegradable alternative that will generate a positive impact on the environment. Bioelements’ single-band bags maintain the same mechanical, barrier, and functional characteristics as conventional materials, with the added benefit of biodegrading in six to 20 months under different conditions.

“This alternative will allow Multi X to offer its customers biodegradable bags that serve as food for fungi and microorganisms in their final disposal, thus helping to curb pollution caused by waste accumulation. People are increasingly demanding that companies take charge of environmental challenges, and this project will undoubtedly add value to the brand within the industry and open the doors to continue developing joint projects.”