Precision Color Graphics, Franklin, WI, a prepress, printing and packaging company, received patent #8,387,797 in March 2013 for biopolymer-lined multilayer bags and pouches for the company's line of Ecoterah packaging. The patent states that Ecoterah packaging is comprised of at least one paper layer, the paper layer(s) being biodegradable, and a sheet of leak-proof, biodegradable film adherent to one of the layers.
"We're reinventing the print packaging industry through our commitment to sustainability," notes John Goeden, president, Precision Color Graphics. "Our clients, whether they're packaging pet food or potato chips, want to provide their customers with a 100 percent compostable product upon the end of its life cycle. We use sustainable elements for all packaging components--the layers, varnish, inks and adhesives."
This revolutionary line of earth-friendly packaging, made from U.S.-based renewable plant resources, also earned Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) certification. This certification assures the packaging meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D6868 and D6400 standards. PCG's Ecoterah products are the first multilayer retail packaging to earn this certification in all of the U.S., Canada, Europe and Japan.
In 2010, Tuffy's Pet Foods, Inc., a MN-based company that has manufactured dog and cat foods for 45 years, was PCG's first customer to use Ecoterah packaging. Tuffy's chose Ecoterah packaging for its line of Natural Planet Organics dog foods (see photo above). For more on Tuffy's application, click here.
Ecoterah packaging contains EarthFirst polylactic acid film made with Ingeo brand PLA from NatureWorks LLC, which offers several advantages over petroleum-based plastics.
More products in trials
"The Ecoterah packaging is FDA human-grade compliant and has been fully implemented and is currently used for pet food, pet treats and potato chips," notes Dan Brulz, vp of Precision Color Graphics. "Pouches holding nuts, granola, coffee, powdered drinks and hops are in trials now."
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is recognizing Precision's commitment and ongoing efforts to employ sustainable business practices by inviting them to become a Green Tier Program Member.
"Wisconsin's Green Tier Program is a very unique and prestigious program seeking out business with superior environmental performance," says Gregory Breese, development specialist for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "Precision's dedication and resilience to develop and market the Ecoterah product as well as their relentless innovation made them a perfect fit for the program."
The Governor of Wisconsin is expected to honor PCG next month at the company's facilities.
