Formerra and AFC Ecoplastics Forge New Path in Compostable Materials

Certified compostable materials will help packaging meet growing eco-demands.

ROMEOVILLE, IL / ACCESSWIRE / May 2, 2024 / Formerra, a leader in performance materials distribution, announces a partnership with AFC Ecoplastics to distribute its compostable products across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This collaboration aims to equip consumer and medical packaging applications with eco-friendly alternatives that meet stringent environmental standards and that consumers prefer.

AFC Ecoplastics compostable polymers
AFC Ecoplastics compostable polymers
Formerra, a leader in performance materials distribution, announces a partnership with AFC Ecoplastics to distribute its compostable products across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Formerra will distribute a range of AFC’s compostable resins, compounds, and colorants, including PBAT (polybutylene co-adipate co-terephthalate) and PBS (polybutylene succinate) resins. These materials are particularly suited for consumer packaged goods (CPG) applications, both rigid and film, as well as medical packaging and labware, responding to the demand for sustainable alternatives in these sectors. They have also received Health Canada and FDA approvals.

"AFC has always been at the forefront of sustainable material innovation," said Ha Le, CEO of AFC Ecoplastics. "Partnering with Formerra was a natural step in our journey to expand our reach and impact. Their robust distribution network, extensive technical support, and stellar reputation among packaging customers provide the ultimate platform for our compostable solutions."

Demand for compostable packaging is growing. Regulations such as California’s SB154 are in the works in several states in the U.S. and will require single-use plastics to be either recyclable or compostable within the next several years. Produce bags and bin liners are already under regulation for compostability in California. Formerra and AFC Ecoplastics are poised to lead the market in providing viable, sustainable solutions that address regulatory and societal needs.

Mike Balasko, Director of Sustainability and Business Development at Formerra, said, "Our collaboration with AFC is a significant step forward in our sustainability initiative. These compostable materials will help our customers navigate the shifting regulatory landscape and enhance their product offerings for environmentally conscious consumers. We are committed to aiding brands in achieving both compliance and their own sustainability goals."

AFC materials are BPI certified and have also received the TÜV OK Compost industrial certification (EN 13432). Materials featuring this label are guaranteed to be biodegradable in an industrial composting plant.

Formerra will exhibit at NPE 2024 in Orlando, Florida, next week in booth S39025.

About Formerra

Formerra is a preeminent distributor of engineered materials, connecting the world’s leading polymer producers with thousands of OEMs and brand owners across healthcare, consumer, industrial, and mobility markets. Powered by technical and commercial expertise, it brings a distinctive combination of portfolio depth, supply chain strength, industry knowledge, service, leading e-commerce capabilities, and ingenuity. The experienced Formerra team helps customers across multiple industries to design, select, process, and develop products in new and better ways – driving improved performance, productivity, reliability, and sustainability. To learn more, visit www.formerra.com.

Contact Information

Jackie Morris
Marketing Communications Manager, Formerra
jackie.morris@formerra.com
+1 630-972-3144

SOURCE: Formerra

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View the original press release on newswire.com.

Environment Minister Reaffirms Cambodia’s Active Participation in Tackling Climate Change Issue


Cambodia has shown an ambitious commitment to actively participate in the international community’s efforts to address global challenges related to climate change.

Minister of Environment H.E. Dr. Eang Sophalleth made the highlight at a seminar on “Impact of Climate Change and Response Policy” at the Office of the Council of Ministers on April 30.

The minister mentioned some of Cambodia’s commitment to contribute to the efforts of the international community and domestic measures to tackle climate change issue, including the cancellation of 700 MW coal-fired power plant, and the increase of clean and renewable energy consumption such as solar power, hydropower and wind power to 70 percent by 2030, doubling the ASEAN standard set for 2025.

Besides, the Royal Government stops authorising the construction of hydropower dams along the Mekong River, and carry out the Clean Cambodia strategy by gradually reducing the use of plastic bags and arrange solid and liquid waste properly.

Moreover, the Green Cambodia s
trategy will promote the planting of at least 1 million trees per year with the goal of expanding forest cover to 60 percent by 2050.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

AirAsia Cambodia Debuts, Heralding New Chapter for Cambodia Travel and ASEAN Integration


AirAsia Aviation Group announced the commencement of its fifth airline, AirAsia Cambodia (flight code KT), marking a significant step forward not just in the country’s aviation landscape but strengthening ASEAN as a vibrant aviation hub.

AirAsia Cambodia is poised to commence its operations today, May 2, 2024 following the handover of its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) on May 1.

With an initial fleet of two Airbus A320s, the airline will operate from the bustling hub of Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), connecting travellers to the iconic cities of Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, and beyond through hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

The start of the new airline represents an important milestone for the AirAsia Group as it recently announced its ‘ONE Airline’ strategy, the firm said in a press release.

AirAsia Cambodia is now well-positioned to become a formidable force in low-cost air travel across the country and beyond, leveraging the group’s core strength to drive customer and operational excellenc
e for sustained growth and profitability.

H.E. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of State Secretariat of Civil Aviation said that the launch of AirAsia Cambodia marks a pivotal moment in our aviation history, symbolising a commitment to accessibility and connectivity.

‘As a bridge between people and cultures, this airline not only fosters economic growth and tourism but also embodies the spirit of ASEAN collaboration. With its focus on affordability and connectivity, AirAsia Cambodia embodies the potential for a brighter future for the country’s aviation industry,’ he said.

Mr. Tony Fernandes, Advisor and Steward of AirAsia Aviation Group said that Cambodia’s economic growth trajectory and increasing integration into the global economy position it as a key player in the region’s development landscape.

‘The wealth of opportunities presents in Cambodia, a country with huge economic potential is truly compelling given its strategic location within the ASEAN region,’ he said.

As a group, AirAsia serves a tot
al of six routes into Cambodia from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, carrying 1.3 million guests into the Kingdom historically. AirAsia Cambodia will be announcing its international destinations in the next quarter following a careful assessment of demand and market dynamics.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

Intellectual Property, a Key Tool to Promote Trade, New Businesses and FDI


Intellectual property is an essential tool for promoting trade in goods and services, new businesses and micro, small and medium enterprises, and foreign direct investment (FDI) through value added, commercialisation, creation of source of finance, innovation promotion, and research and development through technology transfer.

The remarks were made by H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce and Chair of the National Committee for Intellectual Property, while she and H.E. Hem Vanndy, Minister of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation, were presiding over the World Intellectual Property Day 2024, at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh on April 30.

The commerce minister also requested all stakeholders to work together to prevent intellectual property infringement, which is an obstacle to innovation, and strongly hoped that the Intellectual Property Day 2024 will continue to cultivate a common spirit in promoting awareness raising campaigns, which is closely linked to the people’s lives and benefits all areas o
f society.

For his part, H.E. Hem Vanndy spoke highly of the World Intellectual Property Day, saying that it serves as an important platform to raise awareness about intellectual property, technological advancement and innovation among the public, especially innovators, researchers, and students.

At the end of the celebration, H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul and H.E. Hem Vanndy presided over the launching ceremony of five intellectual property-related projects, including: 1) Inclusive Growth Project: Promoting Cambodian Entrepreneurs with Disabilities through Intellectual Property Education and Business Branding, (2) Project for Skill-based Learning and Mentoring for Design School, (3) Launch of IP Web Application, (4) Launch of Distance Learning Platform on Intellectual Property, and (5) Launch of Intellectual Property Analysis Programme for Business.

This year’s celebration of the World Intellectual Property Day 2024 was held under the theme ‘IP and SDGs: Building our common future with innovation and creativity.’

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

Emirates Airlines Reconnects Flight with Phnom Penh


Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, reconnected its flight with Cambodia’s Phnom Penh capital through Singapore on May 1.

H.E. Dr. Mao Havannall, Minister in Charge of State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, hailed the Emirates flight resumption with Phnom Penh and was optimistic of increasing arrivals of both tourists and investors from the United Arab Emirates as well as the Middle East at large.

Emirates Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management Mr. Nabil Sultan said that Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage and growing economy make the country an attractive destination for travel and business.

Emirates’ Singapore-Phnom Penh air route can also support trade and commerce as well as import and export among Singapore, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates, he added.

CEO of Cambodia Airports Mr. Cyril Girot sees the move as an opportunity for travellers into and out of Cambodia to the Middle East that will further enhance their travel experience.

Emirates launched its fi
rst flight from Dubai to Phnom Penh in 2017 and suspended its operation in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse