Polylactide Fresh Food Packaging Materials Developed Successfully

Italian Ilip Company uses the natural polylactide (PLA) produced by Cargill Dow LLC of the US to design and manufacture fresh produce packaging materials. This new packaging will be used in retail stores throughout Europe. Natural PLA is a bio-based polymer that is fermented by bacteria that are 100% corn starch. Ilip is Europe's largest producer of agricultural packaging materials, producing a variety of plates and fruit chucks. In addition to PLA, Ilip also uses PET and polypropylene as its packaging materials. PLA not only provides strength and transparency, but also gives retailers the opportunity to package natural products using natural-based packaging materials.