The Swedish so-called “plastic bag tax” was introduced in 2020 to reduce the use of plastic bags, However - the 3 SEK (Eur 0,30) tex per bag was also imposed on biodegradable bags and more or less instantly killed the entire market for them. The tax will be removed this autumn, but Filip Cronberg, who runs the ICA Kvantum supermarket in the south Swedish town of Klippan, is reintroducing compostable bags already now. – Both the customers and we have missed them, and now we are bringing them back. Even though there will be a few months where they are still taxed… GAIA startpage Merchant Leads the Way in Sweden: Starts with Compostable Grocery Bags Before Tax is Removed Filip Cronberg runs ICA Kvantum in Klippan. Despite the so-called “plastic bag tax” not disappearing until November, he has already started selling compostable grocery bags from Gaia Biomaterials. – We completely stopped using regular plastic bags several years ago and switched to compostable bags from Gaia, says Filip Cronberg. But when the plastic bag tax was introduced, the authorities decided that it would also apply to compostable bags. This was totally insane, but it made us completely switch to paper bags. It has now been decided that the tax will be removed starting November 1. Already today, ICA Kvantum in Klippan has reintroduced compostable carrier bags. – Both the customers and we have missed them, and now we are bringing them back. Even though there will be a few months where they are still taxed, – They are much better than the paper bags. They take up less space, hold much better for heavy goods, and are not moisture-sensitive. You can reuse them at least 10 times. And – they are compostable. The bags are made from Gaia Biomaterials’ material Biodolomer, which is based on limestone. Biodolomer is used for a variety of products as a replacement for plastic and paper and is certified compostable both in the EU and the USA. It does not produce microplastics and, if incinerated, emits up to 80% less CO2 than regular plastic bags. – Our bags removed at least 20 million plastic bags per year from the Swedish market and we completely replaced plastic at many retailers, says Peter Stenström, CEO of Gaia Biomaterials. – But when the plastic bag tax came, we pretty much shut down all production. It’s nice that lawmakers have now come to their senses. And even more fun that Filip and ICA Kvantum in Klippan are leading the way! Published date 10 juni 2024 Category Press release

Disposable hair covers are compulsory in many parts of the food industry and the health sector. And as all disposable plastic products they result in waste and micro plastics. GAIA startpage Hair covers Hair covers Disposable hair covers are compulsory in many parts of the food industry and the health sector. And as all disposable plastic products they result in waste and micro plastics. If they are made by compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial you reduce both waste and CO2 emissions. While they will still have exactly the same function. And if they accidentally find themselves in nature, they will soon biodegrade, leaving no microplastics Contact us

FMCG is an industry that produces lots of waste. Not just in the form of packaging but also all those little “must-haves” we use in our lives. From hair combs to coat hangers.

And even if there are many recycling schemes around, we all see plastic bottles, jars, bags, and various containers in places where they shouldn’t be. And where they will stay for many, many years. Contaminating soil or water with microplastics as they slowly disintegrate. GAIA startpage FMCG 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 Biodolomer® E 900328 Biodolomer® E 900328 is a biomaterial developed for the extrusion of thin tube, pipe and straws. See grade Load more All fmcg Featured fmcg grades Fast-moving consumer goods in a smarter way. FMCG is an industry that produces lots of waste. Not just in the form of packaging but also all those little “must-haves” we use in our lives. From hair combs to coat hangers. And even if there are many recycling schemes around, we all see plastic bottles, jars, bags, and various containers in places where they shouldn’t be. And where they will stay for many, many years. Contaminating soil or water with microplastics as they slowly disintegrate. It’s a shame, and it makes the whole industry a scapegoat. But instead of relying on changing people's behavior, you can change the material you use to Biodolomer ® . Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that can replace plastic in almost all production methods. From film blowing to injection molding. You can take a shampoo bottle, a grocery bag, a salad tray, a comb, or a coat hanger and put it in a hole in the ground. A few months later, it will have vanished. Decomposed. Not only does Biodolomer® 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. Here are some FMCG products that can be produced using Biodolomer®: Cutlery See product Coffee cups & lids See product Feminine hygiene See product Disposable plates See product Bottles and jars See product Drinking straws See product Coat hangers See product Combs See product Load more FMCG

A few words with GAIAs new Application Engineer Jonatan Hofslagare GAIA startpage A few words with GAIAs new Application Engineer Jonatan Hofslagare A few words with… Jonatan Hofslagare, new Application Engineer at GAIA BioMaterials. GAIA BioMaterials (GB): You only started working for GAIA a couple of months ago, so understandably you still need to process your impressions, but how do you rate your experience so far? Jonatan Hofslagare (JH): I’m still in the honeymoon phase, so things might still change, but so far things have been everything I hoped for. And then some. I really look forward to getting into the nitty gritty of GAIA’s materials, and how I can help the customers utilizing them in the best way possible. GB: You have an extensive background within thermoplastics and packaging manufacturing, and it would it be fair to say that you are hitting the ground running at GAIA, so which previous experiences do you believe will benefit you the most in your new role? And for those not familiar with the work of an Application Engineer, what is your role? Jonatan Hofslagare, Application Engineer (Photo: Gaia BioMaterials) JH: I am very fortunate to have been working for two of the largest plastics manufacturing companies in Sweden before coming to GAIA, so I would like to think that I can contribute with the know-how necessary to move projects and processes forward. Now, I am not trying to suggest that the way I have done things previously is better than how things are currently done at GAIA, but I firmly believe that progress comes from being open to new ideas and impressions, and to value each others experiences and opinions. As the Application Engineer I will act as a Liaison Officer, working with the different people involved, inside and outside of the organisation, insofar that all information will pass through me. As such I am responsible for holding together and progressing the project from an operational point of view. GB: What made you want to work for GAIA? HA: I came across Biodolomer® while working for one of my previous employers during a few different projects, and I was impressed by the material. Now, I have worked with a substantial amount of bioplastics up until now, and most of them promise much more than their performance eventually deliver on, while Biodolomer actually worked as promised; both at the conversion and for the end use applications. I knew that if the opportunity ever arose, I would like to contribute to the ongoing development of the company and the materials. GB: Finally, what do you look forward to the most working for GAIA? JH: Getting to know more about Biodolomer® ranks high among my priorities, obviously, but I am also really looking forward to working with our customers. By better understanding their priorities and needs; why they are interested in compostable alternatives for their products and applications, and what they expect from Biodolomer®, I am convinced that I can help the process move forward towards a successful implementation. Published date 2 okt. 2024 Category Newsletter

As part of the Catchgreen project, GAIA is proud to announce the launch of the project's website. GAIA startpage THE CATCHGREEN PROJECT'S WEBSITE IS LAUNCHED GAIA is proud to announce the launch of the Catchgreen project's website [2023-05-26] As part of the Catchgreen project, GAIA is proud to announce the launch of the project's new website. As part of the Catchgreen project, GAIA is proud to announce the launch of the project's website. Catchgreen is a multinational cross-sector collaborative research project covering the entire fishing gear production chain, aiming to eliminate ghost fishing and microplastics resulting from today's fishing nets. Read more about the Catchgreen project - why replacing the current fishing nets made of non-biodegradable plastics is so essential - and the project partners on the website. Catchgreen is under a funding contract with the FCDO and UKaid through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution program. Click here to visit the project's website. 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 Testing Data sheet 3

Beverage cups at events are a big source of pollution and CO2, and in a time where sustainability is a key issue. GAIA startpage Beverage cups Beverage cups Beverage cups at events are a big source of pollution and CO2, and in a time where sustainability is a key issue for major events this is an area where we can help. Beverage cups from Biodolomer are not only environmentally clever: They are sturdy (you know how annoying it can be trying to hold several full cups that keep changing form), and they van be re-used over and over again. They are also perfect for printing and branding! And even if you sit on them they just wrinkle and can be put back to original shape. Biodolomer beverage cups are compostable, CO2 neutral and does not result in any plastic waste or microplastics. Contact us

The UK’s new Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, recently delivered a major policy speech addressing the climate crisis. In his speech, he highlighted biodegradable fishing nets as an example of initiatives made possible through British investments. These nets, developed in South Africa using Swedish material, have the potential to completely eliminate the problem of ghost nets in the oceans over time. GAIA startpage UK Foreign Secretary highlights biodegradable fishing nets made from Swedish material in policy speech UK Foreign Secretary highlights biodegradable fishing nets made from Swedish material in policy speech The UK’s new Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, recently delivered a major policy speech addressing the climate crisis. In his speech, he highlighted biodegradable fishing nets as an example of initiatives made possible through British investments. These nets, developed in South Africa using Swedish material, have the potential to completely eliminate the problem of ghost nets in the oceans over time. Photo: Konrad Rosén – R&D Manager at Gaia Biomaterials, with the biodegradable fishing net. The Swedish company Gaia Biomaterials, based in Helsingborg, developed the bioplastic material – Biodolomer – which is used to produce the nets. The material is compostable and does not release microplastics. Biodolomer is used fpr a variety of applications, including grocery bags, disposable aprons, and drinking straws. For several years, the company has been working with South African company Catchgreen, supported by the UK Foreign Office, to develop a version of the material for the fishing industry: Biodolomer Ocean. “Fishing nets that end up in the oceans becom ghost nets and pose an enormous problem,” says Konrad Rosén, Head of Development at Gaia Biomaterials. “They can float around for hundreds of years, becoming deadly traps for marine animals while also releasing microplastics.” Gaia Biomaterials’ new material has been tested in Africa for several years, and has been used in inland fishing, seaweed, and coral farming in Kenya, a country with strict regulations on plastic use. Recently, the first complete net made from this material was finished and showcased at an international fishing exhibition in Iceland. Published date 2 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