As anti-plastic campaign in UAE gathers momentum, these biodegradable and compostable paperboard products offer businesses a sustainable alternative to packaging waste

Dubai, UAE, July 23, 2018:   Today, the Business Intelligence Group named Asia Pulp & Paper’s (APP) Foopak Bio Natura suite of food packaging products “Sustainability Product of the Year” in the 2018 Sustainability Awards program. The Sustainability Awards honor those people, teams and organizations who have made sustainability an integral part of their business practice or overall mission. 

In response to the demands of consumers and the brands that serve them, APP’s Foopak Bio Natura is replacing plastic, foam and PE-coated food packaging with a fully compostable, sustainable paperboard alternative. Especially designed for converting both hot and cold beverage cups and other food packaging, the cup stock can sustain heat up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit/220 degrees Celsius.

Foopak Bio Natura cup stock is FDA-certified and meets the standards with the FTC’s Green Guides for biodegradability and compostability. Testing by the Isega Institute shows scientific evidence the stock can completely break down and return to nature by decomposing in a matter of 12 weeks. Additionally, Bio Natura can be safely composted in a facility or home compost pile.

“Achieving this award affirms our commitment to sustainability in all areas of our operation,” said Elim Sritaba, Director of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement, APP. “Beyond product development, we’re committed to providing businesses with the solutions they need to do the same.”

“Foopak Bio Natura provides the food and restaurant industries with a comprehensive suite of sustainable packaging solutions, bringing this compostable option to an underserved part of the market,” said Felix Koh, Senior Vice President and Global Business Unit Head, APP. “We’re pleased to offer an alternative solution to packaging waste.”

“As the plastic-free movement gains momentum in the UAE, demand is increasing for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging alternatives. Many international brands have made commitments to stop using single-use plastic straws and plastic bags, while others are going beyond this to eliminate plastic cups and water bottles. With the UAE government introducing new legislation and guidelines on the consumption and disposal of plastic waste, we see great opportunity for a fully biodegradable food packaging range like Foopak Bio Natura,” said Arvind Gupta, Director Middle East, APP. 

“We are proud to reward and recognize Asia Pulp & Paper for its sustainability efforts,” said Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer, Business Intelligence Group. “It was clear to our judges that APP’s vision and strategy will continue to deliver results toward a cleaner, more sustainable world. Congratulations!”

APP joins the ranks of other Sustainability Awards winners including P&G, Danone North America, Hilton Software, Seed Phytonutrients and Dow Chemical.