An innovative natural and biodegradable resin has been launched by Symphony Environmental, the leader in environmental packaging technology. The new product, branded NbR, is made with natural minerals to reduce the amount of fossil-derived polyethylene or polypropylene used, and has also been formulated to biodegrade safely in nature if it escapes recycling and ends up as litter in the open environment.
NbR comprises 20% non-fossil natural compounds and is suitable for making a wide variety of packaging, carrier bags, garbage bags, certain types of bottles, and agricultural films.
“This is a major innovation as it will make a dramatic environmental difference by reducing the fossil-derived content of plastic products by 20%, cutting CO2 emissions, and reducing microplastics.”
Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony Environmental
“Like ordinary plastic products, a product made with NbR can be recycled and made with recyclate, but it will biodegrade within months if exposed in the open environment instead of fragmenting into microplastics and lying or floating around for decades. Further, NbR offers improved post-mould shrinkage and barrier properties.”
“This technology was first developed by Symphony in 2011, but due to increased focus on reducing fossil resources in plastics, our early formulations have been upgraded during 2024 and NbR is the result. Trade marks are being applied for, but in line with our strategy, no patent applications will be made in order to protect the confidentiality of our formulations.”
The rapid growth in packaging for pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, consumer goods, and e-commerce has created strong demand in the polymer resin market. At the same time, consumer requirements, legislative changes, and sustainability trends have increased demand for innovative products such as NbR.
NbR has been developed by Symphony Environmental to address this requirement. The global resin market size for which NbR is suitable was valued at $556.00 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to $859.27 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.0%.
NbR technology is consistent with EU and FDA-USA Packaging Food Contact Regulations, and products are tested for biodegradability and non-toxicity according to international Standards.
Symphony Environmental Technologies plc
Symphony has a diverse and growing customer base and has established itself as an international business with over 70 distributors around the world. Products made with Symphony’s plastic technologies are now available in nearly 100 countries and in many different product applications. Symphony itself is accredited to ISO9001 and ISO14001.
Symphony is a founder-member of The BPA (www.biodeg.org) and participates in the Committee work of the British Standards Institute (BSI), the American Standards organisation (ASTM), the European Standards organisation (CEN), and the International Standards Organisation (ISO).
Further information on the Group can be found at
Benefits of NbR
Contains 80% non-fossil based natural materials
- Naturally biodegrades within months if exposed in the open environment
- Can be recycled and made with recyclate
- Offers improved post-mould shrinkage and barrier properties
Designed to make an environmental difference by reducing:
- Fossil-based plastic by >20%
- CO2 emissions
- Environmental impact
Food Contact
The finished products incorporating NbR are consistent compliant with EU and FDA-USA Packaging Food Contact Regulations.
Standards
Finished products incorporating NbR at 25% are biodegradable and non-toxic in compliance with the following standards:
ASTM D6954
BS 8472
UAE No: 5009/2009
Saudi Standard: SSO 2879/2016
French AFNOR Accord T51-808
Mexican Standard: NMXE-E-288-NYCE
Manufacturing Information
- Suitable for all types of conventional plastic processing, with no needs for new equipment or
retraining the workforce. - NbR provides improved wear and corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and dispersal and flow.
- Product Addition Rate: 25%
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