From the latest market data to the most recent patent activity, Nerac analysts examine what’s new in biodegradable food packaging in a just-released complimentary report titled, “Biodegradable Food Packaging: An Environmental Imperative.”

The future of biodegradable food packaging is also the subject of Nerac’s latest podcast, featuring Nerac analysts, Mary Jo Leber and Jeff Casavant; the author of an academic report on bioplastics, Lillian Liu; and the product development manager at Gilbreth Packaging, Theresa Sykes.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Demand for biodegradable packaging is growing as consumers’ environmental concerns increase, and as large retailers pressure food manufacturers to encase goods in Earth-friendly materials. Still, biodegradable packaging remains a niche market.
• Europe is far ahead of the United States, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the market for biodegradable packaging.
• The run-up in crude oil prices has narrowed the price differential between petroleum-based plastics and those produced from biodegradable materials.
• The economic viability of biodegradable plastics made from renewable sources is increasing, as production ramps up and unit costs decrease.
• A range of renewable plant materials studied is widening, and several show great promise.
• Patents for biodegradable food packaging continue to be filed worldwide, indicating continuing interest.
• Despite the potential of biodegradable packaging materials, significant barriers to growth remain.

About Nerac
Nerac Inc., based in Tolland, Conn., is a research and advisory firm for companies developing innovative products and technologies. Our analysts deliver custom assessments of product and technology development opportunities, competitor intelligence, Intellectual Property strategies, and compliance requirements. Our proven blended approach to custom analysis — review of technical knowledge, investigation of intellectual property, and appraisal of business impacts — allows companies to apply expertise from outside their niches to discover new applications that may not be apparent otherwise. Nerac serves as a catalyst for new thinking in organizations and helps them creatively approach business problems or identify the best strategic growth opportunities. To find out more about Nerac, please visit www.nerac.com.

Contact:
Richard Urban
Business/Marketing Editor
Nerac, Inc.
One Technology Drive
Tolland, CT 06084
860-872-7000, ext. 1061
rurban@nerac.com