Peter Barry joined Gaia’s board of directors earlier this year following his investment in the company. But what brings an Irishman from the tea industry to a Swedish company working to phase out the world’s use of plastics? GAIA startpage This is us: Part 1 – Peter Barry This is us: Part 1 – Peter Barry Peter Barry joined Gaia’s board of directors earlier this year following his investment in the company. But what brings an Irishman from the tea industry to a Swedish company working to phase out the world’s use of plastics? Peter Barry was born into tea. His family founded and runs Ireland’s leading tea brand – Barry’s Tea – and Peter was involved in various small jobs at the company from a young age. After finishing school, Peter left Ireland for the UK in 1989 to start working for Typhoo Tea, where he stayed for 16 years before becoming a director at the contract tea-packaging company Infusion GB. “We package about 1 billion tea bags annually, and that’s just one company in one industry,” says Peter Barry. “The packaging industry has an enormous impact on the environment, and it’s our duty to make ourselves part of the solution since we are part of the problem.” It was through another company that Peter first came into contact with Gaia Biomaterials, and the concept immediately fascinated him. “The fact that there is a material that can replace plastic, is compostable, has a very low CO2 footprint, and is made from one of the most common minerals on the planet is incredible. It seemed almost too good to be true, and I was a little hesitant at first.” After doing his research, he realized that Gaia’s material, Biodolomer, is very much “the real deal.” During the latest investment round, Peter became an investor in the company and joined its board of directors. “Biodolomer is being used in everything from grocery bags to beer cups and pots for plants. The potential is huge. We’ve already tried using Biodolomer in envelopes for tea bags at Infusion GB, and the results are very promising. The engineers say it’s the best material they’ve come across in 40 years – and it uses 50% less energy.” Peter now works to keep brands and packaging companies in other sectors interested and informed on how compostability can solve many problems. “I come from within the industry, so I bring a certain credibility to the table. There’s a lot of conservatism and a mindset of ‘we can’t do that.’ “It’s like in Ireland when smoking was banned in bars and restaurants – we were the first in Europe to do that. Before it came into force, there was a lot of disgruntlement, but once implemented, it wasn’t a big deal. Now, it just seems strange that people used to smoke in pubs… It’s the same for plastic packaging. Once people understand that there’s a realistic alternative, they’ll realize it was much ado about nothing.” Published date 13 dec. 2024 Category

Jonatan Hofslagare is the new applications engineer for Gaia Biomaterials. Before studying polymer technology at university, he worked as a machine operator in a plastic packaging industry. – I know what it’s like actually to work with the materials, and I think that will help me better understand our customers' needs. GAIA startpage ”I know what it’s like to use our products for real.” ”I know what it’s like to use our products for real.” Jonatan Hofslagare is the new applications engineer for Gaia Biomaterials. Before studying polymer technology at university, he worked as a machine operator in a plastic packaging industry. – I know what it’s like actually to work with the materials, and I think that will help me better understand our customers' needs. Jonatan comes from Gällivare in the far north of Sweden. He started his work life in sales. – It’s a perfect start to any career, Jonatan says. – You realize everybody lives by selling something, as sales is solving the customers’ problems. After relocating, Jonatan found himself working as a machine operator at a company making plastic products. – I was intrigued by the possibilities and how different materials have different characteristics. As an operator, it was interesting to learn about the process and the materials used. Jonatan decided to study polymer engineering at Jönköping University, going deeper into the field. After graduation, he was hired to help set up the pilot lines for an R&D facility and innovation center for a major packaging company. – It was very interesting to see everything from the inside and to understand how a change in one place affects the entire value chain and customer experience from an end-user perspective. It was in this role that he first came in touch with Biodolomer. – I immediately felt that this was the future. It was a material with all the strengths of traditional fossil plastic but none of the environmental drawbacks. It was a completely compostable material that worked seamlessly in most traditional production methods, from thermoforming to film blowing and profile extrusion. In August, Jonatan took the logical step and became the new application engineer for Gaia Biomaterials. – I really look forward to sitting at this end of the table. I know what it is like on the production side and on the factory floor – and I can speak to the operators and technicians about issues that other engineers might not see the full impact of. I like to see myself as an interpreter between the lab results and the production personnel. I think it’s when all parties understand each other’s realities and limitations that truly great things will start to happen. Published date 12 sep. 2024 Category

GAIA startpage Detta är inte en plastkasse. Nu slipper den äntligen beskattas som om den var det. Detta är inte en plastkasse. Nu slipper den äntligen beskattas som om den var det. Kassen på bilden är gjord av Biodolomer – ett material som vi på Gaia Biomaterials har utvecklat. Från och med den 1 november slipper den straffskatt. Biodolomer är komposterbart i hemkompost och ersätter plast. Basen är kalksten (närmare bestämt krita) och det är perfekt för starka bärkassar. När ”plastpåseskatten” kom blev vi först glada. Äntligen skulle fossil plast få bära sina kostnader. Mängden eviga plastpåsar i hav och natur skulle minska. Alla skulle inse att det finns moderna bärkassar som inte avger mikroplaster och som bryts ner och inte använder jordbruksmark för produktion. Men oj. Vilken lång näsa vi fick … Det visade sig att ”plastpåseskatten” inte alls var en skatt på plastpåsar. Den var ”skatten-på-bärkassar-som-inte-är-av-papper”. Våra svenska komposterbara kassar av krita fick samma skatt som om de var gjorda av fossil plast. Men importerade plastpåsar på rulle var fortsatt skattefria. Liksom de där plastpåsarna som alla kläder ligger i när de kommer till affären. Vårt problem var tydligen att vårt material känns som plast och fungerar som plast. Att det inte ÄR plast var oväsentligt. Över en natt dog marknaden. I Sverige. I andra länder var man lite klurigare. Trots att man har samma mål. Till och med i länder där man helt förbjudit engångsprodukter av plast säger man att ”Det där ni hittat på är ju faktiskt supersmart. Det ger samma funktion som en plastkasse – men utan problemen.” Under åren som gått har vårt material använts över hela världen för sugrör, påsar, odlingsfilmer, ölmuggar, bestick, förkläden, planteringskrukor, matförpackningar, flaskor och till och med fiskenät. Allt komposterbart. Utan att avge mikroplaster. Och upp till 80 % lägre CO2 utsläpp än fossila plaster vid förbränning. Nu den 1 november försvinner skatten tack och lov. I Helsingborg rullar maskinerna och vi anställer mer personal. Tyvärr försvinner skatten inte bara på kloka bärkassar utan även på de som inte är nedbrytningsbara. Nu gäller det att veta skillnaden. Både som kund i butiken och som inköpare. På våra kassar står det Gaia BioMaterials. Kontakta Louise Knutsson om du vil ha prover och mer info! +46 (0)704 355 330 Louise.knutsson@gaiabiomaterials.com Published date 28 okt. 2024 Category News

It’s ironic that an industry that is so dependent on the environment uses so many plastic products that are bad for it.
Plastic materials are used for everything from covering growing plants to labeling fruit.
 And it is virtually impossible to be 100 % sure that none of it finds its way into the soil or water where it stays for (more or less) ever. GAIA startpage Agriculture, Horticulture & Aquaculture 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® F 900310 Biodolomer® F 900310 offers a great down gauging potential needed for thin film applications like ties for plants, 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 Load more All agriculture, horticulture & aquaculture Featured agriculture, horticulture & aquaculture grades Don't kill nature when you live off what it produces. It’s ironic that an industry that is so dependent on the environment uses so many plastic products that are bad for it. Plastic materials are used for everything from covering growing plants to labeling fruit. And it is virtually impossible to be 100 % sure that none of it finds its way into the soil or water where it stays for (more or less) ever. Biodolomer® is a fantastic solution. It is a fully compostable material that can be used for many agricultural applications. Deleting the risk of contamination by plastics.We can even set “chemical timers” for them so they won’t decompose prematurely. Imagine pots that can be left on the plants when you plant them. Or fishing nets that will disappear by themselves if they are lost at sea. Biodolomer® is a fully compostable material that contains calcium carbonate. Not only does it not create plastic waste that stays 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 agriculture products that can be produced using Bidolomer®: Clips & ties for plants See product Planting pots and trays See product Banana tree bags See product Cover film See product Fishing nets See product Mulch film See product Nonwowen See product Load more Agriculture, Horticulture & Aquaculture

test desct GAIA startpage News & media Articles Test Article Here is the on page content. Here comes. paragrag Published date 22 sep. 2023 Test Article

GAIA startpage Home Property Unit Test method Grade 900470 Typical Basic Material properties of grade 900470 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 2

Sports should be about caring. Not tearing.Sports and recreation are vital to our health and well-being. Unfortunately, it also produces waste that does the very opposite. One example is artificial grass, especially the granules that provide the infill on sports field surfaces that need to be constantly refilled.  GAIA startpage Sports and Recreation Biodolomer® I 900362 Biodolomer® I 900362 is an injection molding grade for for soft, flexible applications. See grade Materials Under Development GAIA is currently developing several different materials for various applications. See grade Biodolomer® I 900236 Biodolomer® I 900236 is a biodegradable biomaterial developed for the injection molding process. See grade Load more All sports and recreation Featured sports and recreation grades Sports should be about caring. Not tearing. Sports and recreation are vital to our health and well-being. Unfortunately, it also produces waste that does the very opposite. One example is artificial turf, especially the granules that provide the infill on sports field surfaces that need to be constantly refilled. By shifting from granules made from rubber from recycled tires to granules made out of Biodolomer ® the environmental footprint can be drastically reduced. And granules are just one example. 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 sports and recreation products that can be produced using Bidolomer ® : Shotgun wads See product Golf tees See product Drinking bottles See product Infill for artificial turf See product Toys See product Load more Sports and Recreation

As a leading developer of biodegradable and compostable biomaterials, GAIA has monitored the challenges associated with the mulch film market for a long time. Knowing fully well that the development of a challenging new product is a marathon, rather than a sprint, GAIA has worked methodically to bridge the hurdles associated with mulch film materials before entering the final development phase. GAIA startpage GAIA BIOMATERIALS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON THE MULCH FILM MARKET GAIA BIOMATERIALS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON THE MULCH FILM MARKET Mulch films are a crucial part of modern agricultural practices, with an estimated market value of USD3,5 Bn in 2020. But new findings suggest that mulch films contribute to the very problems they are meant to tackle, with microplastic pollution, resulting in diminishing returns from the agricultural areals available. As a leading developer of biodegradable and compostable biomaterials, GAIA has monitored the challenges associated with the mulch film market for a long time. Knowing fully well that the development of a challenging new product is a marathon, rather than a sprint, GAIA has worked methodically to bridge the hurdles associated with mulch film materials before entering the final development phase. Photo: Pixabay Mulch films and microplastics – the flip side of the coin It has been long established that microplastics are harmful to people and animals. According to findings presented by Scientists at ETH Zürich, microplastics can harm the soil and vegetation as well, which spells problems for the mulch film industry. In their study, the Scientists observed how high concentrations of microplastics in the soil caused it to repel water, thus creating disturbances in how the water flowed through the soil, resulting in areas with high concentrations of microplastics receiving considerably less water. When using mulch film, high concentrations of microplastics can amass in partial areas, leading to an insufficient water supply to the plants' root systems. In the worst-case scenario, this leads to dry zones where soil cultivation becomes difficult. Building a solid ground by solving the microplastics issue Given the enormous implications associated with microplastics for humans, animals, and plants alike, GAIA had already identified this as one of the most urgent issues for several applications, including mulch films, and had this marked down as a top priority. “Traditionally, compostable biomaterials have included PLA to a larger or smaller extent," explains GAIA BioMaterials’ R&D Manager Konrad Rosén. “PLA is in many ways a fantastic material, which brings stability and strength to end applications, but it also has its drawbacks: The slow biodegradation rate in low temperatures being among the biggest ones. Through a focused R&D effort that spans several different applications, utilizing the competencies and experiences of a cross-discipline team, we found a way to omit PLA from our film grades without compromising on the material properties. The result was a material certified for home composting in thicknesses previously unimaginable.” It also proved to be a breakthrough when it came to solving the problems with microplastics: A study conducted by Scientists at ETH Zürich had previously concluded that materials with the same material composition as Biodolomer® don’t generate any microplastics when dispersed in soil, but are completely biodegraded. The future of mulch film With a growing world population and the demand for increased agricultural returns, the mulch film market is expected to continue to grow, from USD3,5 Bn in 2020 to USD5,1 Bn in 2027. Currently, biodegradable mulch films only constitute a fraction of this, with PLA-free mulch films making up even less. This, however, is projected to change. Given the disturbing findings concerning the effects of microplastics in the soil, fewer and fewer countries and landowners will be willing to risk their future agricultural returns by continuing to use mulch films that will result in microplastic pollution. To retain their current returns, they will have no other option but to use biodegradable mulch film instead that does not generate microplastics. “The potential is huge,” says Peter Stenström, CEO of GAIA BioMaterials. “We’re still at the early stages of development, but given that we have the most important feature of not creating microplastics in place from the get-go, we are confident that we will succeed.” For those interested in learning more, please refer to the following articles: Soil Science of America: A LASTING IMPACT: MICROPLASTICS SETTLING INTO SOIL Vadose Zone Journal: Microplastic induces soil water repellency and limits capillary flow Science Advances: Biodegradation of synthetic polymers in soils: Tracking carbon into CO2 and microbial biomass If you are interested in cooperating with GAIA BioMaterials concerning mulch film, please contact Peter Stenström . 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 900470 Typical Basic Material properties of grade 900470 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

Last weekend was the first time a major global sports event used compostable bioplastic beer cups. At the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 150,000 beer cups of compostable Biodolomer, reduced waste, microplastics and CO2 to a minimum. GAIA startpage Compostable beer cups at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Compostable beer cups at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix The beer cups, from UK-based Happy Dolphin, are the first ever to be made of compostable Biodolomer. Last weekend’s event was the first where they were used on a big scale. 150,000 cups were supplied to Ethara who are the promotors and organizers of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "It's a fantastic sign of recognition to have been chosen by such a prestigeous event", says David Hughes of Happy Dolphin. “The cups are very durable and stable and are suitable for printing. They can be collected along with food waste and put straight in an industrial compost. The result will be soil that is very high in minerals.” Biodolomer, devised by Swedish company Gaia Biomaterials, is a bioplastic primarily made from natural minerals and vegetable oils. It comes in granules and can be used in most plastic production methods. It has the same characteristics as plastic – but is compostable, very durable and does not leave any micro plastoc or plastic pollution. Biodolomer is used for everything from grocery bags to cover film for agriculture. It is 100% compostable, CO2 neutral and does not result in any microplastics. "This a fantastic opportunity for us to show the world what our material can do, And that it is possible to totally eliminate plastic waste", says Gaia Biomaterials CEO Peter Stenström. The beer cups used in Abu Dhabi were developed by Happy Dolphin in order to be suitable for major events. They are sturdy, which reduces foaming from beer taps, and can be printed on all sides. Two different measurements are embossed in the cups. “They are extremely robust”, Hughes adds.“We’ve stepped on them, hit them with cricket bats, sat on them and they just wrinkle and can be put back in shape – ready for a refill. The only thing that broke them was when we ran them over with a car." Published date 28 nov. 2023 Category News

GAIA receives US market order for full container of drinking straw materials GAIA startpage GAIA receives US market order for full container of drinking straw materials GAIA receives US market order for full container of drinking straw materials GAIA continues its expansion into the US market and is proud to announce the first full container order for its Biodolomer® compostable bioplastics for drinking straws to sustainable serviceware producer Evanesce. The order is the result of extensive trials and tests at Evanesce and is for 15 tons of Biodolomer® E granules, equivalent to around 7,500.000 drinking straws. The material is certified for industrial composting in thicknesses of up to 1 mm by both BPI in the US and DinCertco in Europe and has received an FDA authorization of safe use of food contact substances. Spearheaded by foresighted companies like Evanesce, the US market for bioplastics is expected to grow rapidly during the coming years, but this growth will not come from out of nothing: "There is a pent-up demand from both consumers and brands for affordable sustainable solutions." Douglas Horne, CEO Evanesce “Environmental regulations and increased consumer awareness will provide the foundation for this new and exciting development, but what will ultimately drive the market is the existence of alternatives that are as good, or better, than what is available today”, says Douglas Horne, CEO of Evanesce. “There is a pent-up demand from both consumers and brands for affordable sustainable solutions, and out of the materials we have tested, Biodolomer® is the only one that has lived up to our quality expectations, while also hitting a price point where we can offer our customers a competitively priced premium product.” “Consumers are starting to recognize that being environmentally conscious does not necessarily mean that you have to give up on the things that you are used to”, adds Niklas Rosenkvist, Sales Manager at GAIA. The ambition from both parties is that this initial order will be the start of a long-standing cooperation between GAIA and Evanesce: “We are excited about our cooperation with GAIA”, continues Douglas Horne. “Not only is the end result fantastic, but the way GAIA’s team has supported us throughout the process is amazing.” ”We are convinced that the combined expertise and experience of GAIA and Evanesce will sway even more companies to 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 Niklas Rosenkvist. Logotype courtesy of Evanesce. Published date 2 okt. 2024 Category Newsletter

One of GAIA’s most exciting R&D projects is the development of biodegradable fishing nets. Fishing nets rank among the most prioritized applications to find a sustainable solution for, with an estimated 640000 tons of fishing gear lost or dumped in the oceans annually, with “ghost fishing” causing tremendous harm to marine life. The ambition is to present a commercially viable offer by 2025. GAIA startpage NET VALUE; HOW GAIA IS WORKING ON SAVING THE OCEANS, ONE FISHING NET AT THE TIME NET VALUE; HOW GAIA IS WORKING ON SAVING THE OCEANS, ONE FISHING NET AT THE TIME - A short update with Konrad Rosén, R&D Manager GAIA BioMaterials One of GAIA’s most exciting R&D projects is the development of biodegradable fishing nets. Fishing nets rank among the most prioritized applications to find a sustainable solution for, with an estimated 640000 tons of fishing gear lost or dumped in the oceans annually, with “ghost fishing” causing tremendous harm to marine life. Together with its partners in the Catchgreen project, GAIA has received funding from FCDO and UK Aid through the Sustainable Manufacturing and Environmental Pollution Programme (SMEP) The ambition is to present a commercially viable offer by 2025. Konrad Rosén, R&D Manager GAIA BioMaterials (Photo: GAIA) Question (Q): What makes the development of a compostable and biodegradable fishing net for the fishing industry so challenging? Konrad Rosén (KR): I would say finding the right balance. You need to optimize the mechanical properties of the net, but you also need to ensure that it will biodegrade quickly if lost during fishing. Furthermore, it needs to be as effective as those made from PE and Nylon. If not, the numbers won’t add up for the fishermen. Q: The Catchgreen project has been running for a while now, can you tell us something about the progress you have made so far? KR: The project's first phase has been about developing a biodegradable material that offers similar mechanical properties and making sure that it can be processed in existing machines. We opted for PBS as the base material since PBS displays properties similar to PP, which is a good starting point for the application. After that, work pivoted towards the properties needed – flexibility, salt corrosion resistance, UV-light resistance, etc. It’s like playing three-dimensional chess: Each change in the recipe requires you to consider the trade-offs from several different aspects simultaneously, while constantly checking for unexpected consequences. With the successful completion of the semifinished goods extrusion test, the second phase is now underway, with net production and field tests scheduled in South Africa during the summer. After that, we will adjust the recipe, with new extrusion tests. We expect to initiate a new, larger production and field test during the fall of this year. (Photo: Pixabay) Q: And after that, you’re ready to offer the material commercially? KR: No, lots of steps still remain. The full-scale production test and field test will give us new information and insights that we need to incorporate into the final material. We don’t even know whether the nets will work as intended. We also need to ensure that the material biodegrades under the conditions they are to operate in. We recently started a long-term test for the material's biodegradability in ocean conditions. If it doesn’t biodegrade as planned, we don’t have a credible solution. There is also the development of new materials and additives. We estimate that within the next few years, new materials and additives will be available that will allow us to replicate the mechanical properties of Nylon. You’d be forgiven for thinking that we should wait until then, but the problems facing marine life are here and now, and any delay risks devastating the oceans as we know them. Given this, developing new materials to remedy the problem must be allowed to be a continuous process. For more information on the Catchgreen project, please click 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