Replacing plastics with compostable Biodolomer biomaterial for fruit stickers 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 stickers Fruit stickers It’s odd that we put plastic fruit stickers on fruits - and vegetables, for that matter. When the peels are composted, the stickers are not. Or they are just thrown away when the fruit is eaten. If you make the fruit stickers out of compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial they will decompose along with the peels. And if they are thrown away, they will biodegrade and disappear. Leaving no microplastics. Contact us

Oceanic microplastics remain one of the main environmental challenges ahead. The preliminary results reported by this year’s edition of The Ocean Race added further food for thought, as microplastics were found even in the remote waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean – a route seldom traveled. GAIA startpage WORRYING LEVELS OF OCEANIC MICROPLASTICS FOUND DURING THE OCEAN RACE WORRYING LEVELS OF OCEANIC MICROPLASTICS FOUND DURING THE OCEAN RACE Oceanic microplastics remain one of the main environmental challenges ahead. The preliminary results reported by this year’s edition of The Ocean Race added further food for thought, as microplastics were found even in the remote waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean – a route seldom traveled. Photo: Pixabay Oceanic microplastics remain one of the main environmental challenges ahead. The preliminary results reported by this year’s edition of The Ocean Race added further food for thought, as microplastics – in levels up to 1884 particles per cubic meter sea water – were reported in each of the 40 samples analyzed so far. Even during the challenging third leg through the remote waters of the southern Atlantic Ocean – a route seldom traveled – microplastic levels of up to 1492 particles per cubic meter were reported. For the first time, this year’s edition of The Ocean Race also examined the chemical structure of the plastic particles collected to better understand the causes and origins of oceanic microplastics. The initial analysis point towards polyethylene (PE) as the main contributor; meaning fishing nets, flexible packaging, plastic bags, and containers, to name some of the most common. The Ocean Race, apart from being a round-the-world sailing race (formerly known as Volvo Ocean Race), also runs a sustainability program that, among other topics, monitors the levels of microplastics in the ocean. Racing through some of the most inhospitable waters in the world, participants in The Ocean Race are uniquely well-positioned to monitor the microplastic levels in the oceans. Given the worrying results put forward by The Ocean Race, GAIA is further strengthened in its belief that Biodolomer® will solve many of these problems, as it can replace up to 80% of the world’s volume plastics while being both biodegradable and compostable. It also has a density higher than seawater, meaning that it will sink to the bottom of the ocean, where the bacteria found in the bottom sediments will completely biodegrade it. For those interested in learning more about The Ocean Race and their work with microplastics, you can find it here 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

Carrier bags made from compostable Biodolomer biomaterial will biodegrade without leaving any microplastics if accidentally left in nature. Bags made from Biodolomer offer the same functionality as plastic carrier bags but will drastically reduce waste and CO2 emissions. GAIA startpage Carrier bags Carrier bags Plastic carrier bags from shops and stores are generally considered one of the biggest sources of plastic waste in nature. Still – it’s a really usable product. By making the bags out of compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial you reduce both waste and CO2 emissions drastically. While they still have exactly the same function. And if they accidentally find themselves in nature, they will soon biodegrade, leaving no microplastics. Contact us

A recently published Greenpeace report claims that recycling increases the toxicity of recycled plastic. According to the report, which draws its conclusions from several different reports and research articles, most plastics contain toxic chemicals from the start, to begin with, but by recycling them, further toxic chemicals can be added due to contamination in the plastic waste stream and the recycling process itself. GAIA startpage GREENPEACE: RECYCLING MAKES PLASTICS MORE TOXIC GREENPEACE: RECYCLING MAKES PLASTICS MORE TOXIC A recently published Greenpeace report claims that recycling increases the toxicity of the recycled plastic. According to the report, that draws its conclusions from several different reports and research articles, most plastics contain toxic chemicals from the start to begin with, but by recycling them, further toxic chemicals can be added due to contamination in the plastic waste stream and the recycle process itself. Picture: Pixabay Toxic substances leach into the plastic waste: Studies have shown that contaminants can be absorbed directly into the plastics from direct contact, as well as through the absorption of volatile compounds, thus adding to the toxic substances already present in the material. Examples given of such contamination include containers for pesticides and cleaning solvents. Toxic substances are created through the recycling process: When heated in the recycling process, plastics can generate new toxic chemicals that further increase the toxic content in the recycled plastics. One such example is that plastics containing brominated flame retardants create brominated dioxins. Another is that stabilizers used in plastic recycling can degrade to highly toxic substances. The report also highlights a number of action points that they urge governments and organisations to implement: Immediate, significant reductions in plastic production; ending virgin plastic production Promote a shift to refill- and reuse-based economies Support a just transition for workers across the plastics supply chain Promote non-combustion technologies for plastic stockpiles and waste disposal. Institute the “polluter pays” principle for plastic waste management Improve regulation, oversight, safety and worker protections for recycling facilities. Require transparency about chemicals in plastics and eliminate all toxic additives Whilst we at GAIA don’t necessarily agree with the individual solutions put forward by Greenpeace in the report, we still believe that the report encourages the continued discussion concerning which role plastic recycling should play in a sustainable world. For those interested in learning more about the Greenpeace report, you can find it here . 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

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

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 4 Data sheet 4 cray