Israel-based company to start production of compostable packaging in U.S.

TIPA Corp. will supply two U.S. packaging companies, one of which has produce customers.
TIPA Corp. will supply two U.S. packaging companies, one of which has produce customers.
(Photo: Courtesy of TIPA Corp.)

Clean tech company TIPA Corp. has partnered with two U.S. packaging manufacturers to locally produce compostable packaging products for their respective customers — some of which are fresh produce companies.

Headquartered in Hod HaSharon, Israel, TIPA has eliminated millions of traditional plastic packages around the world with zero-waste raw materials and products that disintegrate into soil that can be used for agriculture within months when composted after use, according to a news release.

The company calls it a “fully sustainable substitute for traditional ‘flexible plastic’ packaging.”

The partnership within the U.S. also reduces global carbon emissions by cutting shipping lengths, the release said.

New York-based Clearview Packaging will use TIPA’s compostable films to produce packaging applications such as open bags, wicketed bags, resealable bags, zipper bags and mailers for fresh produce, as well as baked goods, frozen food, fashion garments and accessories.

“Partnering with TIPA to produce compostable packaging solutions will not only provide an alternative to conventional plastic but will also ensure the entire supply chain is supported by local partners to enhance sustainable business practices,” Trent Romer, Clearview Packaging sustainability operating partner,  said in the release. “Our decision to add TIPA’s compostable materials to our offerings for custom packaging comes from our mission to meet growing demand for sustainable packaging combined with TIPA’s plug-and-play technology that makes the transition seamless.”

Clearview Packaging specializes in producing clear packaging for better visibility of contents, geared towrad retail, food service and other industries that require clear packaging.

TIPA expansion

TIPA expanded its European activity earlier in 2023 by acquiring compostable packaging company Bio4Pack. The company entered the Australian market in 2021. After these two U.S. partnerships, in next few months, TIPA expects to partner with additional manufacturers in the U.S.

Less than 1% of flexible packaging in the U.S. that’s predominantly used for food and fashion is recycled, according to the release. With more than 300 million metric tons of flexible packaging produced every year, TIPA aims to replace this packaging with compostable alternatives that mimic the positive properties of conventional plastic packaging, such as durability, printability and transparency but with a fully sustainable end-of-use; when placed in a home or industrial composter, the packaging turns into nutrient-rich soil within a few months, according to the release.

Learn more: The Packer's sustainability and packaging news pages.

With main U.S. facilities in Illinois and Utah, the other company is PPC Flexible Packaging, which will add TIPA’s compostable laminates to produce pouches for baked goods, dry food, supplements and vitamins.

“Our partnerships with PPC and Clearview represent an important milestone in the fight against plastic pollution, and we admire the commitment of both companies to sustainable manufacturing processes,” TIPA co-founder and CEO Daphna Nissenbaum said in the release.

 

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