From May 7th to 13th, 2026, BASF will showcase several grades of its ecovio series of biodegradable and compostable biopolymers at Interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany, targeting the flexible packaging sector and demonstrating relevant practical applications.
The German chemical giant's ecovio products are formulated from ecoflex biodegradable polyester PBAT, renewable raw material PLA (polylactic acid), and functional additives. Depending on the grade, ecovio can have a bio-based content of up to 80%, and quality-balanced certified specifications are also available.
The newly launched product focuses on ultra-thin biaxially oriented film extrusion applications, suitable for food contact applications, and applicable to both home and industrial composting systems. BASF states that the material possesses excellent mechanical and optical properties, with outstanding transparency.
BASF added that the new ecovio portfolio allows flexible packaging manufacturers and brands to flexibly adjust barrier properties and waste disposal methods according to application performance requirements, processing conditions, and regulatory standards.
These solutions are suitable for a variety of packaging technologies. They feature adjustable barrier properties, effectively blocking fats, oils, resins, and various liquids, while also preventing the intrusion of oxygen and moisture. Furthermore, these materials also have adhesive properties. These solutions can be used on existing production equipment, including those used for extrusion coating, thermoforming, or bonding processes. They can be applied in single-layer or multi-layer structures.
ecovio can also be used for paper coating, with packaging applications spanning mass consumer sectors such as food and beverage, personal care, health products, and pet food.
Michael Bernhard Schick, Head of BASF's Biopolymers Division, stated, "Leveraging the new ecovio product portfolio, we provide flexible packaging manufacturers with a modular material toolkit, granting them greater design freedom: barrier properties can be flexibly customized to suit specific application needs and corporate sustainability goals, adapting to processing technologies and selecting recycling pathways."
Regarding end-of-life disposal: packaging materials made from paper and cardboard can be recycled through existing paper recycling systems, achieving efficient fiber recovery; while packaging materials contaminated with food residue can be processed through organic recycling. Furthermore, flexible packaging materials made from eco-friendly plastics can be recycled through industrial or household composting, without generating persistent microplastics.
