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

Making drinking cups with compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial instead of plastics will drastically reduce waste and CO2 emissions. The function remains the same, but if a product accidentally finds itself in nature, it will biodegrade and disappear without leaving any microplastics. GAIA startpage Drinking cups Drinking cups Drinking cups are a convenient option when real glasses are deemed too cumbersome. But drinking cups are a big source of pollution. They create a lot of waste and use many resources. And if they find themselves in the wrong place, they will stay in nature for a long time. Using compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial instead of plastic drastically reduces waste and CO2 emissions. While still achieving precisely the same function. And anything that accidentally finds itself in nature will biodegrade and disappear. Leaving no microplastics. Contact us

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 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.” Contact us

Disposable plastic automotive covers create a lot of waste. If blown off, they stay in nature for a very long time. Automotive covers made from compostable Biodolomer biomaterial reduce waste and CO2 emissions drastically. They have the same function and biodegrade without leaving any microplastics. GAIA startpage Automotive covers Automotive covers Covering cars with disposable plastic automotive covers creates a lot of waste. And if blown off, they fly away and stay in nature for a very long time. By making automotive covers out of compostable Biodolomer® biomaterial you reduce both waste and CO2 emissions drastically. While still having exactly the same function. And if they accidentally find themselves in nature, they will soon biodegrade, leaving no microplastics. Contact us

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