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

A project that aims to develop new ways to reduce food waste reduce food waste in in Europe through innovations. GAIA startpage Home compostable Clam Shell packaging Home compostable Clam Shell packaging Gaia Biomaterials is part of the EU-project SISTERS. A project that aims to develop new ways to reduce food waste reduce food waste in in Europe through innovations. One way of doing this is by developing new packaging materials with low environmental footprint. We have produced a new compostable thermoform material by combining Biodolomer T and the innovative CarbiosActive enzyme technology, the material will decompose faster and at ambient temperatures. We aim to get HOME compost certification in 2025. The first demonstrators have now been shipped to the projects validation partners. Read more here Published date 29 nov. 2024 Category News

The healthcare sector uses a lot of disposable products. This is good, as it reduces risks of contamination due to inadequate cleaning or washing. But it also results in an environmental impact. The amount of plastic waste from hospitals is enormous. Aprons, disposable bed sheets, masks, trays…But (Good news!) a large part of these disposable 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 Medical & healthcare 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 medical & healthcare Featured medical & healthcare grades Make the health care sector healthier. The healthcare sector uses a lot of disposable products. This is good, as it reduces risks of contamination due to inadequate cleaning or washing. But it also results in an environmental impact. The amount of plastic waste from hospitals is enormous. Aprons, disposable bed sheets, masks, trays…But (Good news!) a large part of these disposable 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 health care products that can be produced using Bidolomer®: Aprons See product Feminine hygiene See product Drinking straws See product Hair covers See product Bedsheets See product Bibs See product Shoe cover See product Diapers See product Load more Medical & healthcare

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