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Plastic-free packaging in the Netherlands

Notpla produces algae-based packaging. The material has now become the first to be recognised as plastic-free by the Dutch government.

The company Notpla produces algae-based packaging. The material has now been recognised by the Dutch government as the first to be plastic-free in accordance with European guidelines. The material had previously undergone rigorous testing.

As part of the EU directive on single-use plastics, the EU has defined plastic as a material that consists of polymers that have either been chemically modified and/or synthetically polymerised. In order to combat these harmful materials enact national laws that ban certain single-use plastic items and require labelling or taxation.

The Netherlands has applied the regulations most strictly. The government has taken matters into its own hands to investigate which solutions really fulfil the plastic-free requirements. So far, the ILT - the government's environmental agency - named thousands of other tested materials that are categorised as plastics. were used. This also includes technologies that are often advertised as „plastic-free“, such as aqueous dispersion coatings that contain microplastics.

Convincing packaging

The unique, natural packaging of Emergency plan from marine algae, however, is the the first and currently only material to be recognised as truly plastic-free after a nine-month evaluation process in which evidence, results and materials were shared for the study. has been recognised. The positive confirmation was also independently analysed by Eunomia Research & Consulting, a global sustainability consultancy.

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Through the use of natural extracts of marine algae without chemical modification, Notpla is able to utilise these natural polymers to increase the grease and moisture resistance of the that food containers need to fulfil their function. While conventional containers and bioplastic alternatives contain petrol-based coatings that last forever or release harmful toxins, the company's solution recycled with the existing paper streams or composted at home and disappears without a trace - just like a bowl of fruit.

„We are thrilled that our algae-based coating has been recognised as fully compliant with the EU SUPD and the first to pass the most stringent tests in Europe through ILT analysis. This sets Notpla apart and fits perfectly with our mission to reduce society's dependence on plastic. We look forward to helping Dutch restaurant owners achieve their plastic reduction goals.“

Pierre-Yves Paslier, co-founder of Notpla

Notpla and Conpax begin their strategic partnership with the Distribution of plastic-free food packaging throughout the Benelux market. This collaboration, which aims to replace at least 15 million pieces of single-use plastic thrown away every day in the Netherlands, combines Conpax's respected position in the market as a leading manufacturer and distributor of large volumes with Notpla's highly credible sustainable solution, supported by the Earthshot Prize.

From January 2024, food service providers and the entire industry will be able to purchase Notpla's food packaging. This will give them the opportunity to demonstrate their sustainability priorities to their consumers and play their part in restoring the health of our planet.

„We are very pleased with the collaboration between Notpla and Conpax, as it ensures the availability of unique seaweed-coated folding cardboard products in the Benelux. From our own facilities in the Netherlands, we will design, manufacture and supply new sustainable single-use products made from Notpla coated cardboard and distribute them to the Benelux market, which is demanding exactly this solution.“

Roy Suiskens, Director of Conpax

Source: Emergency plan

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