Green-tech start-up Melodea, Ltd., has announced plans to expand its eco-friendly solution to the U.S. market. The move is set to support increased production capacity of its novel, plastic-free, plant-based barrier coatings to serve the burgeoning US and South American markets.
The company developed a unique formula derived from cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) that can withstand high humidity and protects packed products from oxygen, water, oil, and grease. This sturdy but lightweight plant material offers an alternative to plastic and aluminum for maintaining the quality and integrity of packaged foods. As a forestry by-product, it also is biodegradable, fully recyclable, and non-toxic to people or the environment. The award-winning material currently is being used for the manufacture of paper-based pouches, lids, molded pulp trays, and more.
In line with increasing demand from the US market, Melodea will operate a toll manufacturing plant in the US which will allow for the cost-effective production, shipping and easier logistics of its two leading products: MelOx, which protects packaged products from oxygen and oil and grease transmission; and VBcoat, which counteracts the transmission of water, oil, and grease. All of Melodea’s barrier coatings are in compliance with FDA regulations for food packaging
Says Shaul Lapidot, CEO and co-founder, Melodea: “CNC from naturally abundant and renewable cellulose is emerging as one of the most promising green solutions to help replace environmentally harmful materials. The new plant, combined with our newly established ties in the US, can potentially triple our manufacturing capacity to meet amplified demands. It also will shorten the travel and subsequent carbon footprint by bringing production closer to our main markets in South America and the US.”
Melodea recently forged a new commercial deal with a major manufacturer of plant-based fibre solutions in its mission to eliminate single-use plastics. The company will produce and market various packaging products infused with Melodea’s VBcoat moisture barrier. The first product to be rolled out is an eco-friendly, high-performing molded pulp tray for leafy greens designed to replace existing plastic-based formats.
The company estimates it will be ready to start shipping locally from the US site within the next 3 to 6 months as it initiates production of its novel barrier coatings with a local US partner. The new pipeline will serve its current North American clients (including leading food and consumer goods companies) and further expand its client network. For more visit Booth #27075 at PackExpo, Chicago. October 23-26th or melodea.eu
