Seiyu Introduces Biodegradable PLA Containers

Copyright The Seiyu Co.

Seiyu Ltd., a major Japanese supermarket chain, announced on March 13, 2009, plans to introduce eco-friendly vegetable-based PLA(polylactic) containers for fresh-cut vegetables and fruits, and to expand that practice throughout Japan. Since the launch of PLA containers at outlets in the Kanto area, Seiyu had gradually expanded the practice, and all of its 385 stores nationwide started to use the containers from March 16, 2009.

Seiyu previously used petroleum-based plastic containers for these foods. Replacing these with corn-based biodegradable containers can reduce the use of petroleum. A design change helped the containers increase their durability, while reducing weight by 30 percent.

At present, the PLA containers are only used for fresh-cut vegetables and fruits, but by 2010, Seiyu plans to replace 30% of containers for vegetables and fruits with the new containers.

Seiyu shares a long-term target toward a sustainable society with its parent company, Wal-Mart Stores Inc., a major American supermarket chain. Seiyu aims to cut the weight of packaging materials by 5 percent by 2013 and to increase the sales share of eco-friendly products to 5 percent by 2012.

Vegetable-Based Polymer Approved for Food Packaging in Japan (Related JFS article)
http://www.japanfs.org/en/pages/025743.html

Posted: 2009/06/19 06:00:15 AM