North Kingstown, Rhode Island - Toray Plastics (America), Inc., the only United States manufacturer of precision-performance polyester and polypropylene films, presents new Ecodear advanced compostable bio-based films made with renewable resources. Manufactured with polylactic acid (PLA) resin, the new, thin bi-axially-oriented Ecodear films include a metallized heat-sealable film that delivers good moisture and oxygen barrier protection and a clear film for use as an inner seal layer or a printweb. New Ecodear films meet ASTM D6400 standard specifications for compostable plastics. Food packaging applications include frozen foods, snacks, cookies, cereal and nutrition bars, and confectionery items. Packaging for nonfood items includes personal care items, fashion accessories, promotional items, toys, office supplies, and other retail goods. Toray has been researching and developing bio-based films since 2007 and will present examples of the new Ecodear films in its booth, #2935, at Pack Expo in Chicago, October 31 through November 3, 2010.

"Interest in compostable films made from renewable resources continues to grow," says Franco Chicarella, Product Development Manager, Torayfan Polypropylene Film Division, Toray Plastics (America), Inc. "Toray is well-known for its traditional high-performance thin barrier films that support product development, product enhancement, and sustainability goals, such as source reduction and light weighting. Now, with the addition of our new Ecodear bio-based films, customers have even more innovative options available to help them with their sustainability programs," he explains. Chicarella adds that Toray is committed to creating a portfolio of bio-based films and continues to research and develop other renewable resources.