Mitsubishi Plastics, Inc. (head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President Hiroshi Yoshida) starts shipment of “DIAWRAPTM ECOPITA! TM” using a plant-based plastic cutting edge made mainly from polylactic acid (PLA)1 (“eco-friendly edge”). “DIAWRAPTM ECOPITA! TM” is a polyolefin-based food wrap film for food packaging for commercial use such as restaurants and hotels, which has been supplied in a carton box with a metal edge. Starting from early February, the eco-friendly edge will be used in place of the conventional edge.

　

　Mitsubishi Plastics is a leading manufacturer of commercial wrap films for food packaging, including stretch films for packaging fresh food at supermarkets as well as wrap films for restaurants and hotels. While maintaining its leading position, the Company has also devoted itself to consistently developing environmentally friendly products.
　The use of the eco-friendly edge is part of such efforts. Mitsubishi Plastics applies the eco-friendly edge that contains more than 90% PLA to a carton box of commercial wrap films for food packaging, for the first time for this kind. The eco-friendly edge is as sharp as the metal one, and easy to remove from the carton when separating different types of waste. Commercial wrap cartons are often handled roughly: they may be bumped or dropped, or get wet. Therefore, to prevent detachment, the adhesion strength between the edge and the carton is reinforced. In addition, the size of the carton side is changed from 50mm square to 45mm square, making it compact and easy for women to hold.

　Mitsubishi Plastics strives to realize the vision of “KAITEKI2”advocated by Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings, by proactively developing and commercializing innovative eco-friendly packaging materials that can meet its customers’ needs.

1  PLA: Biomass polymer made synthetically from L-lactic acid, which is produced from vegetable starch (e.g. corn starch). Since PLA is a bio-based bioplastic, it can contribute to saving fossil resources and reducing CO2 emissions.

2  KAITEKI: A challenge to attain the state of sustainability, materializing comfort for people, comfort for society and comfort for the Earth.

 

[Photos]

　

DIAWRAPTM ECOPITA! TM  Eco-friendly edge attached on the film box

 

1. Product name: DIAWRAPTM ECOPITA! TM
2. Size: 22cm x 100m; 30cm x 100m
3. Composition: polyethylene and nylon (multilayered film)
* Superior gas barrier and adhesion properties to polyolefin-based single layer films
4. Operating temperature limit: upper limit 160oC, lower limit -60 oC
* Suitable for use in freezers, refrigerators and even microwave ovens
5. Sales price: open

The product is designed to offer domestic customers in principle: there will be a need for various procedures for confirmation in the case of export.

 

Inquiries by media regarding this material should be directed to the
Public Relations Section, General Administration Dept., Mitsubishi Plastics Inc.
TEL: +81-3-3279-3800