Combet praises bioplastic maker for efficient energy use

18/05/2012 - A manufacturer producing bioplastic packaging from corn starch for some of Australia's biggest retailers will increase its output by 400 per cent, following the expansion of its manufacturing facility, says Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet.

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Combet opened Plantic Technologies Ltd's expanded Altona site on Thursday and congratulated the company on the extensive upgrades aimed improving efficiency and productivity.

"Plantic ticks many of the boxes for the future of clever manufacturing in Australia and demonstrates how collaboration between research and industry can pay off," he said.

"They have taken Australian research from the Cooperative Research Centre for International Food Manufacture and Packaging Science and used it to develop commercially attractive packaging products, create local jobs and export internationally."

Plantic Technologies has produced plastics from organic materials since the early 2000s. The bio-degradable products are derived from a natural, renewable crop – corn – cutting the use of emissions intensive fossil fuels.

"Bioplastic uses half the energy of normal plastic production, drastically cutting the carbon pollution associated with plastic production. Other manufacturers can access financial assistance under the Gillard government's Clean Energy Future package to follow in Plantic's footsteps," Combet said.

The $1.2 billion Clean Technology Programs offer grants to invest in energy efficient capital equipment and new low pollution technologies, processes and products.

Federal member for Gellibrand, Nicola Roxon, said Plantic's cutting-edge packaging products are manufactured locally in Altona and supplied to Coles, Haighs and international retailers Marks & Spencer.

"Plantic's expansion of their production facility demonstrates a strong commitment to local jobs of the future as they meet growing international demand for innovative and cleaner plastics," Roxon said.

Source: climatechange.gov.au

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