Cascades formally launched the first container line, Bioxo, which can be processed with fully oxygen degraded polystyrene foam. The Bioxo containers processed by Cascades are clearly designed to degrade within three years. Unlike conventional polystyrene foam containers, it takes hundreds of years to degrade. Bioxo containers also take up less space in landfills.

Mario Plourde, president and chief operating officer of Cascades Specialty Products Group (SPG), stated: “We are proud to introduce this important innovation in response to the often expressed wishes of consumers and the agri-food industry. Bioxo is an in-depth research study. The culmination of a long-term development process, after detailed testing, and determine the performance of the product."

Cascades produces hundreds of millions of food containers every year, making it the leader in the industry. Cascades hopes to increase sales of Bioxo and soon become an important company in the field of plastic packaging for the agri-food and restaurant industries.

Bioxo 's mechanism of action

Bioxo's success lies in the use of the unique additive TDPA (a fully degradable plastics additive) developed by EPI, Vancouver, Canada. The blending of the TDPA additive with the base resin gives the polystyrene foam a special degradation performance without affecting the properties of the packaged product. After use, once the product is disposed of in landfills, it begins to undergo faster oxidative degradation than conventional plastic products. Oxygen and heat, ultraviolet radiation, or mechanical stress causes the polystyrene foam material, along with its TDPA additives, to change into fine powder that bacteria and other microbial organisms can digest.

Bioxo assembly line will not cause harm to the human body or the environment. Cascades has received a non-objection certificate from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Bioxo's direct use in food contact. There is a special label on all Bioxo products that inform consumers that they are using a container that is environmentally friendly. Cascades has acquired exclusive rights to the TDPA process for Canadian and U.S. EPI companies. Bioxo products are safe and effective, so it is well in line with the public environmental protection voice.

Mario Plourde said: "Bioxo consolidates Cascades' position as a leader in the field of environmental protection. In 1988, we introduced CFC-free polystyrene foam to the market for the first time. Throughout the 40 years of development and manufacturing processes Among them, sustainable development has always been one of our guiding principles."

Reproduced from: specialchem