Biodegradable Cellulosic Bio-Ploymer to replace Plastics for Military Food Packaging and Food Service

Biomass Energy Systems Inc. (BESI) located in University Park, IL has developed a unique technology for producing biodegradable packaging material, called Cellulosic Bio-Polymer (CBP) Packaging, using naturally occurring cellulose fibers.  This packaging does not require a plastic coating which is typically applied on other plant-derived packaging, which then becomes a barrier to its degradation in bio-energy or composting disposal systems. After use, the CBP is completely biodegradable when landfilled or is alternatively useful in generating renewable energy.  This packaging withstands low and high temperatures without impacting the quality of its contents.   Even in the absence of the typical plastic coating, it has very low permeability of air and as a result it provides similar and, in some cases, improved shelf life for the packaged items.  DLA’s adoption of the use of this packaging will undoubtedly enable the military and the nonmilitary communities to drastically reduce the environmental footprint of single use plastics in landfills across the globe. The military will find this CBP based biodegradable material useful in all their food operations in CONUS and OCONUS expeditionary, FOB and typical base installations.