Olive Young cosmetics packaging manufactured with CJ Biomaterials Phact amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in combination with polylactic acid (PLA). Amorphous PHA is relatively soft and rubbery, offering fundamentally different performance characteristics than crystalline or semi-crystalline forms of the biopolymer. It is a bio-based material that is certified for industrial and home compost, soil biodegradable and marine biodegradable. When combined with other bioplastics, such as PLA, it enhances the biodegradability and compostability of products. In the case of this cosmetics packaging, the PHA/PLA blend replaces acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Image CJ Biomaterials.

Thermoformed meat packaging tray in black polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester. Black is used to make the meat look as good as possible. However, it is the most difficult colour to identify in recycling, with some sorting centres forced to separate it for incineration rather than recycling.

Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), made up of polypropylene (PP), aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection of food products, improving shelf life, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.

Multilayer film vacuum packaging, made up of aluminium metallised polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester, and an inner layer of weldable polyethylene (PE). While this multilayer structure offers excellent protection against oxidisation and moisture, it is impossible to separate and recycle the individual materials.