Kuraray Co. (Tokyo, Japan; www.kuraray.co.jp/en) announces an expansion into bio-based barrier materials through the acquisition of Plantic, an Australia-based global leader in bio-based barrier materials.
The acquisition of Plantic enables Kuraray to provide barrier materials that meet the increasing global demand of bio-based food packaging materials. Plantic film is used in a broad range of products in the barrier packaging sector and is supplying major supermarkets and brand owners on three continents (Australia, North America and Europe) in applications such as fresh case ready beef, pork, lamb and veal, smoked and processed meats, chicken, and fresh seafood and pasta applications. Kuraray expects that its global sales network will assist to develop the bio-based barrier business in Europe, USA and Asia.
In addition, there are significant synergies between Kuraray’s existing barrier business and Plantic’s bio-based barrier technology, which will drive new applications. Further, Kuraray’s market leading technology and global sales network is expected to accelerate the development and expansion of a barrier material business including Plantic’s technology.