GAIA Biomaterials limestone-based bioplastic material Biodolomer has just been certified for compostability by BPI in the USA. Since before Biodolomer had a similar European certification by TÜV Austria. — Now we can show brands and customers that Biodolomer is certified by the two most respected authorities in the world, says CEO Peter Stenström GAIA startpage GAIA Biomaterials receives US compostability certificate for limestone based bioplastic GAIA Biomaterials receives US compostability certificate for limestone based bioplastic GAIA Biomaterials limestone-based bioplastic material Biodolomer has just been certified for compostability by BPI in the USA. Since before Biodolomer had a similar European certification by TÜV Austria. — Now we can show brands and customers that Biodolomer is certified by the two most respected authorities in the world, says CEO Peter Stenström Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) has been the leading authority on compostable products and packaging in North America for over twenty years. BPI provides third-party verification of whether an item meets ASTM’s compostability standards. It is also a method for ensuring that all claims of compostability are supported by scientific evidence, as requested by the FTC. The current BPI Certification mark covers Biodolomer for film applications. More certification processes are underway. "We have been producing Biodolomer for nine years", says CEO Peter Stenström. "Unlike many other bioplastics, it does not use materials grown on farmland. It is based on limestone, one of the most common materials on the planet." "Biodolomer does not result in any microplastics and reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80 % compared to fossil plastics if burned." Biodolomer is used for a variety of film-based applications, such as grocery bags, aprons, and various farming uses. Biodolomer granules can also be used in thermoforming, blow molding, tube extrusion, extrusion coating and 3D printing. Making it possible to use it for a large number of single-use products, from drinking straws to beer cups, bottles, and food containers. It can be used in the same production lines as traditional plastic with minimal adjustments. It is becoming increasingly clear that recycling alone can’t solve the world's plastic waste problem. Compostable materials are an important part of the solution – especially regarding food packaging – and they do not need new infrastructure. "One main concern in recycling is packaging materials that end up in food waste and contaminate it so that it can’t be composted. With BPI-certified materials such as Biodolomer, this is not a concern." Gaia Biomaterials is based in Helsingborg, Sweden, and among the owners are the investment company Latour and Swedish state-owned investment fund Almi Invest Greentech. Published date 19 apr. 2024 Category News

Replacing plastics with compostable Biodolomer biomaterial for fruit and vegetable bags will drastically reduce waste and CO2 emissions without compromising function or quality. They also biodegrade without leaving any microplastics if they are accidentally disposed of in nature. GAIA startpage Fruit and vegetable Bags Fruit and vegetable Bags Putting food in materials that are not friendly to nature is not really a good thing. That is why most food companies look for alternatives to plastic. For example, fruit and vegetable bags. One such alternative is compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial which drastically reduces waste and CO2 emissions. While it still has the same function as the plastic alternative. And, if it accidentally finds itself in nature, it will soon biodegrade and just disappear, leaving no microplastics. Contact us

Last month, we received the first US Compostability certificate for our “nonplastic” material, Biodolomer. Biodolomer is a limestone-based bioplastic that can replace fossil plastic in almost any application. GAIA startpage Gaia Biomaterials goes west! Gaia Biomaterials goes west! Last month, we received the first US Compostability certificate for our “nonplastic” material, Biodolomer. Biodolomer is a limestone-based bioplastic that can replace fossil plastic in almost any application. Now things are really happening! The first sea containers are on their way across the Atlantic to converters in the USA as we speak. We even have converters who had asked for test batches to be flown over by air cargo. So, before you know it, you might find limestone-based, compostable bags, cups, drinking straws, aprons, etc., near you. If your brand is curious about how you can replace plastic with a non-plastic, reach out. Published date 3 maj 2024 Category News

Disposable plastic bedsheets are used in large volumes in the healthcare sector. They result in large amounts of waste. Aprons made from compostable Biodolomer biomaterial reduce waste and CO2 emissions. They don't compromise on function and biodegrade without leaving any microplastics. GAIA startpage Bedsheets Bedsheets Disposable bedsheets are used in large volumes in the healthcare sector. And they result in large amounts of waste. By having disposable bedsheets made out of compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial you reduce both waste and CO2 emissions. While still having exactly the same function. And if they accidentally find themselves in nature, they will soon decompose, leaving no microplastics. Contact us

American sustainable serviceware producer Evanesce is just about to start producing the first 7.5 million drinking straws made from Biodolomer, a compostable material based on limestone. Biodolomer is developed and manufactured in Sweden by Gaia Biomaterials. “The US market is 500 million straws – per day, and we offer a material that gives the feeling that customers want. The potential is enormous”, says Gaia Biomaterials CEO Peter Stenström. GAIA startpage First 7,5 million drinking straws in the US to be made of compostable material from Gaia Biomaterials First 7,5 million drinking straws in the US to be made of compostable material from Gaia Biomaterials American sustainable serviceware producer Evanesce is just about to start producing the first 7.5 million drinking straws made from Biodolomer, a compostable material based on limestone. Biodolomer is developed and manufactured in Sweden by Gaia Biomaterials. “The US market is 500 million straws – per day, and we offer a material that gives the feeling that customers want. The potential is enormous”, says Gaia Biomaterials CEO Peter Stenström. “We offer a compostable material that gives the customer the experience and feeling they want from a drinking straw. And no taste of paper!” says Peter Stenström. The straws will be produced by Evanesce – a leading force in the American transition away from disposable plastic service ware, focusing on compostable alternatives. At the company’s South Carolina production facility, extensive trials have been conducted with the Swedish limestone-based Biodolomer material. Now, production of the first batch of some 7.5 million straws is about to start. “There is a strong demand from consumers and brands for affordable, sustainable solutions, says Douglas Horne, CEO of Evanesce.“Out of the materials we have tested, Biodolomer is the only one that has lived up to our quality expectations while also being a competitively priced premium product.”Biodolomer is developed and manufactured by Gai Bioomaterials in Sweden. It is certified for industrial composting by both BPI in the US and DinCertco in Europe and has received FDA authorization for the safe use of food-contact substances. It leaves no micro plastics during composting process. ”We are convinced that the new straws will make even more companies choose a solution that allows their customers to enjoy their favourite beverages without being left with a bad aftertaste in their mouth; both literally and figuratively”, concludes Peter Stenström. Published date 7 okt. 2024 Category News

We can make it OK to use straws in your drink again. The hotel, restaurant and catering businesses have taken a bad beating lately. Fast food containers and disposable soft drink cups littering the landscape have become a symbol of what’s bad with our times. And – we don’t get drinking straws anymore. This is where Biodolomer® from GAIA Biomaterials enter the scene. By switching the material used in manufacturing from plastic to Biodolomer®, a large part of these disposable products can become biodegradable. Even compostable. (Yup – put it in a hole in the ground and wait a few months and see what has happened). Cups, lids, straws, trays and containers, cutlery, aprons, and waste bags. Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. GAIA startpage Hotel, restaurant & Catering Biodolomer® F 900480 Biodolomer® F offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, waste bags, etc. See grade Biodolomer® F 900515 Biodolomer® F offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, waste bags, etc. See grade Biodolomer® T 900494 Biodolomer® T 900442 is a thermoforming material developed to withstand high temperatures. See grade Biodolomer® I 900236 Biodolomer® I 900236 is a biodegradable biomaterial developed for the injection molding process. See grade Load more All hotel, restaurant & catering Featured hotel, restaurant & catering grades We can make it OK to use straws in your drink again. The hotel, restaurant, and catering businesses have taken a bad beating lately. Fast food containers and disposable soft drink cups littering the landscape have become a symbol of what’s bad with our times. And – we don’t get drinking straws anymore. This is where Biodolomer ® from GAIA Biomaterials enter the scene. By switching the material used in manufacturing from plastic to Biodolomer ® , a large part of these disposable products can become biodegradable. Even compostable. (Yup – put it in a hole in the ground and wait a few months and see what has happened). Cups, lids, straws, trays and containers, cutlery, aprons, and waste bags. Biodolomer ® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to the earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. Biodolomer ® can be used in various production techniques, including film blowing, bottle blowing, thermoforming, injection, and extrusion coating. Here are some hotel, restaurant, and catering products that can be produced using Bidolomer ® : Cutlery See product Beverage cups See product Caps and capsules See product Aprons See product Coffee cups & lids See product Disposable plates See product Bottles and jars See product Drinking straws See product Load more Hotel, restaurant & Catering

An interview with Ken Hu, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Mitsubishi International Corporation GAIA startpage An interview with Ken Hu, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager Mitsubishi International Corporation An interview with Ken Hu, Mitsubishi International Corporation The US market has been identified as GAIAs main priority for the international expansion, and as such, GAIA works closely together with Mitsubishi International Corporation in the US. GAIA had the opportunity and privilege to sit down with Mr. Ken Hu, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager with Mitsubishi international corporation, to ask him about the US market, the cooperation between the two companies, and the customer response to Biodolomer. GBM: What are your views on the US market for compostable bioplastics? KH: The whole market for biodegradable and compostable bioplastics really took off with the introduction of PLA, which was produced locally in the US and marketed as compostable and biodegradable. Back then, the introduction of compostable bioplastics was largely driven by brand owners, as they wanted to have something sustainable within their offering. There was also an understanding that since these new materials were expensive, the first products were marketed as a niche offering. Since then, the market has developed considerably, with more materials being introduced, and with that a greater public attention and interest in compostable bioplastics. As people started to take an interest, three distinct sustainable plastic solutions started to appear: - Compostable - Biobased - Recycled (post-consumer-recycled (PCR) plastics) Each of these categories have their pro’s and cons, and based upon them they will find their own preferred market categories where they offer the most value for money. GBM: Have you experienced a shift in the way customers view compostable bioplastics over time? Ken Hu, Mitsubishi International Corporation (Photo: Private) KH: Yes, definitely. As I mentioned, PLA was the starting point for compostable plastics in the US but, as you know, PLA has its limitations. As these limitations became more commonly known, people began to take an interest in other materials, that could offer new properties and, not the least, that didn’t require industrial composting. There was an interest in the market to upgrade from industrial composting to home composting, or backyard composting, as it is sometimes referred to in the US. Biodolomer was introduced to the American market just in time to benefit from this increased interest in home composting. Since COVID, there has been a distinct shift in the market, with price starting to play a much bigger role, as the interest for sustainable solutions have outgrown its original market niches. This has favoured the post-consumer-recycled plastics in the short term. That being said, all three solutions are growing in the market, as the difficulty to recycle some plastics has encouraged the market to opt for biobased and/or compostable bioplastics. GBM: Speaking of the US market, Has the US government introduced any mandate on biodegradable plastics? KH: The United States does not have a federal mandate specifically requiring the use of biodegradable plastics. However, there are several initiatives and regulations at both the federal and state levels aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable alternatives. For example, The Biden-Harris Administration has set ambitious goals to reduce plastic pollution, including a draft “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This strategy aims to eliminate the release of plastic waste into the environment by 2040. There have also been efforts to phase out single-use plastics in federal agencies by 2035, through the “Mobilizing federal action on plastic pollution: progress, principles, and priorities.” interagency initiative. Some states have implemented their own regulations. For example, California’s AB 1201 requires compostable products to be certified by third-party organizations and prohibits the use of misleading terms like “biodegradable” on plastic products. These measures reflect a growing commitment to addressing plastic pollution and promoting more sustainable materials. GBM: What have been the customer reactions to Biodolomer bioplastics? KH: The strategy for the US market was to start with the film blowing customers, as both we and GAIA believed that there were some very interesting prospects already using compostable bioplastics in their production that could be enticed to try out Biodolomer® bioplastics, which was introduced as an alternative and/or second material to what they are already using. So far, the market response have been surprisingly positive; customers are very impressed with how easy it is to use the Biodolomer® F bioplastics in the machines, as compared with their incumbent compostable material. Another thing that has greatly impressed customers is the level of customization and support that GAIA offers. With competing grades, the customization options are limited and customers will have to make do with the material in the best way they can, whilst with GAIA’s grades, the fine-tuning opportunities means that the production and end product properties can be optimized at a whole different level. To summarize, the quality of the material, and the technical support and customization offered has had the customers pleasantly surprised. GBM: Describe, in your own words, how you think the cooperation with GAIA is working so far: KH: I think that we (Mitsubishi) and the team from GAIA have established a very good relationship, based on mutual respect for each other’s experience and expertise, and a willingness to work for the common good of the cooperation. What have made the biggest impression on me is the innovative technology that GAIA has managed to develop, and the market-oriented approach where adjustments to customer feedback and requirements are dealt with quickly and efficiently. The commitment to the US market and the customers have been excellent, and it’s something that customers feels and appreciates. GBM: Thank you, Ken for taking time out of your busy schedule to speak with us, and to share your insights into the US market. For those interested in learning more about the US market for plastics, the below links can help with a better understanding of the ambitions laid out by the current administration: Sustainable Management of Plastics | US EPA Mobilizing-Federal-Action-on-Plastic-Pollution-Progress-Principles-and-Priorities-July-2024.pdf ( whitehouse.gov ) Published date 2 okt. 2024 Category Newsletter

GAIA startpage Home Property Unit Test method Grade 900480 Typical Basic Material properties of grade 900480 Certification of Compostability and Biodegrade Food Regulatory Status Form supplied and Storage Applications Note Datasheet updated 2023-06-28 10:0 (supersedes all previous editions) Download as PDF Testing Data sheet 1

GAIA Earns BPI Certification for Biodolomer® T GAIA startpage GAIA Earns BPI Certification for Biodolomer® T GAIA Earns BPI Certification for Biodolomer® T Following up the company’s impressive BPI certification for its Biodolomer® F film grades, in thicknesses up to 126 microns, GAIA continues its quest to conquer the hearts and minds of US consumers and companies by adding another BPI certification. This time for Biodolomer® T grades for thermoforming. (Photo: Genberg & Co) “With the BPI certification for Biodolomer® F, things were new for us, says GAIA R&D Manager Konrad Rosén. “It was the first time we certified a material with BPI, and although we were confident that the material would pass the certification, due to our previous experiences with TÜV Austria and DinCertco, there are always minor differences in the way the processes are structured, and the way results are viewed between the different certification bodies. This time around there were no uncertainties whatsoever.” The BPI certification is for 1000 microns and is based on the US ASTM D6400 standard, which is very similar to the European EN 13432 standard. With the new BPI certification, GAIA is rapidly building a reputation as a company that is serious about entering the US market. The company now holds BPI certifications for both thermoforming-, as well as film blowing materials, and has received FDA Authorisation for its materials for use with foods. Please find the certification document in the certificates section of our website here . Published date 2 okt. 2024 Category Newsletter

Just like plastic packaging. But not at all.Being in the packaging industry today means being in the focus. Customers, authorities, and the general public – they all keep an eye on us and our actions.This has led to really interesting new ideas and products, such as Biodolomer® from GAIA Biomaterials. Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. GAIA startpage Packaging Biodolomer® F 900470 Biodolomer® F 900470 offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, breathable films, etc. See grade Biodolomer® F 900480 Biodolomer® F offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, waste bags, etc. See grade Biodolomer® F 900465 Biodolomer® F 900465 offers a great down gauging potential needed for thin film applications like fruit & greens pouches, etc. See grade Biodolomer® F 900515 Biodolomer® F offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, waste bags, etc. See grade Load more All packaging Featured packaging grades Just like plastic packaging. But not at all. Being in the packaging industry today means being in the focus. Customers, authorities, and the general public – they all keep an eye on us and our actions. This has led to really interesting new ideas and products, such as Biodolomer® from GAIA Biomaterials. Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. Biodolomer® can be used in various production techniques for the packaging industry. It can replace plastic completely in many applications. And it can be used for lining paper-based packaging material so that they become water resistant. All the pros of plastic. But without the cons. Biodolomer® can be used in various production techniques, including film blowing, bottle blowing, thermoforming, injection, and extrusion coating. Here are some packaging solutions that can be produced using Biodolomer®: Home compostable Clam Shell packaging See product Carrier bags See product Caps and capsules See product Trays and packaging See product Medical packaging and trays See product Bottles and jars See product Bubble wrap See product Cartons and boxes See product Load more Packaging

The automotive industry has taken giant leaps in the transition process. Electric drive, recycled materials, car sharing systems…. But when it comes to disposable plastic materials there has been very little change. Bodies and interiors are still protected by old-school plastic materials that end up in the bin and leave their trace of microplastics when they get caught by the wind and fly out over the sea or fields.

But these products can become biodegradable – just by switching the material used in the manufacturing process from plastic to Biodolomer®. 

Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. GAIA startpage Automotive Biodolomer® F 900515 Biodolomer® F offers a great down gauging potential for thin film applications like carrier bags, waste bags, etc. See grade Load more All automotive Featured automotive grades When talking about greener cars – don’t forget the disposables. The automotive industry has taken giant leaps in the transition process. Electric drive, recycled materials, car sharing systems…. But when it comes to disposable plastic materials there has been very little change. Bodies and interiors are still protected by old-school plastic materials that end up in the bin and leave their trace of microplastics when they get caught by the wind and fly out over the sea or fields. But these products can become biodegradable – just by switching the material used in the manufacturing process from plastic to Biodolomer®. Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that lives forever. It contributes to earth’s natural fertility. Leaving no microplastics and resulting in some 80 % lower CO2 emissions. Biodolomer® can be used in various production techniques, including film blowing, bottle blowing, thermoforming, injection, and extrusion coating. Here are some automotive products that can be produced using Biodolomer®: Wheel washer granules See product Automotive covers See product Load more Automotive

The market for biomaterials continues to show strong growth, despite a global downturn in the demand for plastics during the pandemic and the introduction of disappointing European legislation for single-use plastics, according to a market study by the nova-institute. GAIA startpage CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH GLOBALLY FOR BIOMATERIALS CONTINUED STRONG GROWTH GLOBALLY FOR BIOMATERIALS The market for biomaterials continues to show strong growth, despite a global downturn in the demand for plastics during the pandemic and the introduction of disappointing European legislation for single-use plastics, according to a market study by the nova-institute. Picture: Pixabay The result of the study was presented during the 17th annual European Bioplastics Conference, held in Berlin on December 6th and 7th, and corresponds well with what GAIA BioMaterials have experienced in the market, with increasing interest for Biodolomer among potential customers. According to the study, the global production capacity for biomaterials reached 2,2 million tons in 2022 and is set to increase to 6,3 million tons in 2027. Packaging remains the largest industry, using around 48% of all materials produced. The study also confirms the ongoing trend of Asia becoming the leading region for biomaterials production with a 40% share, projected to surpass 60% by 2027. Europe still accounts for a quarter of all production, but political decisions – recent and proposed future – risk demoting Europe to a peripheral role. By contrast, legislators in countries like India and China have favoured biodegradable biomaterials over non-biodegradable alternatives. As recently as July 2022, India banned several single-use plastics products but exempted those made from biodegradable and compostable biomaterials. European policymakers pride themselves on leading the way in transitioning into the circular economy. When it comes to biodegradable and compostable biomaterials, the route they have chosen so far risks leading them down a dead end. Gaia BioMaterials is a Swedish company that develops and produces biodegradable biomaterials. With our patented material, Biodolomer®, we are revolutionizing the plastics industry and contributing to a cleaner and healthier planet. Biodolomer® is inspired by a half-a-billion-year-old packaging design from Mother Earth – the egg. Read more . Copyright © 2023 Gaia Biomaterials AB, All rights reserved. Bunkagårdsgatan 13, Helsingborg, Sverige Published date 12 juli 2023 Category News