Press Release

Eastman, Sealed Air partner to develop certified compostable protein trays as a replacement to polystyrene trays

Collaboration between industry leaders showcases value of a new sustainable innovation.

By Eastman | Published 6 months ago | About a 1 minute read

Eastman (NYSE: EMN) and Sealed Air (NYSE: SEE) are pleased to announce the launch of a compostable,¹ lightweight tray designed as a drop-in replacement for traditional polystyrene foam trays in protein packaging that can work on existing, industrial food packaging equipment. The tray is already successfully performing in several market applications. Sealed Air introduced its CRYOVAC® brand compostable overwrap tray to the market in January.

The new tray is made from Eastman Aventa™ Renew compostable materials, which are produced from sustainably sourced wood pulp² and acetyl sourced from a portfolio of recycled material.³ The tray can be composted in home and industrial environments. Predominately containing cellulose acetate that is derived from wood pulp, these new trays are compostable by naturally occurring microbes. Aventa Renew material does not remain as microplastics in the environment.

“One of the most exciting features of these trays is that they perform like traditional plastic in a challenging atmosphere and yet provide an end-of-life solution through composting — a “win-win” for the environment,” said Jeff Carbeck, Ph.D., Eastman vice president of corporate innovation.

Read full story here.