Flexible packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart has expanded its operations to Australia, unveiling a new product that aims to enhance the disposal of home compostable flexible packaging materials. This initiative is aligned with the company’s commitment to providing sustainable, viable, and cost-effective solutions in the food and drink packaging industry.
As a sixth-generation, family-owned and managed company, Roberts Mart has made substantial investments in the development of Biyo, a home compostable packaging mono material. This eco-friendly material is ABA certified and adheres to the EN13432 European Standard, as well as the AS5810-2010 Australian Standard, which includes a worm test. Biyo provides excellent heat sealability, making it easily run on conventional packing lines.
Compostable packaging, made from biodegradable materials like vegetable starch, is the sustainable alternative to traditional, oil-based packaging. It undergoes natural decomposition into nutrient-rich compost, facilitated by fungi, bacteria, and enzymes. To obtain the OK Home Compostable accreditation, the packaging must disintegrate after 12 weeks and biodegrade completely within six months, while remaining toxin-free for worms.
Roberts Mart’s Biyo film, developed and produced in the United Kingdom, demonstrates exceptional performance on various flow wrap and form, fill, and seal lines. This printed film material boasts operator and machine friendliness and requires minimal line adjustments. Its transparency allows clear visibility of the packed product, making it ideal for foods with short shelf life.
“At Roberts Mart, our focus has always been on innovation and providing our customers with sustainable, viable, and cost-effective solutions. We are thrilled to introduce our new Biyo film to the Australian market through our first overseas office in Northern Rivers NSW,” said Ben Roberts, Marketing Director at Roberts Mart.
Peter Cumberlege, an experienced sales professional in the packaging industry, will lead the Australia office. Cumberlege has an extensive background and career history, particularly in the Home Compostable flexible market, ensuring the successful introduction of Biyo into Australia in the coming months.
A growing consumer awareness of home composting in Australia has led to increased interest in compostable packaging. The ABA Home Compostable Certification plays a vital role in confirming that the product breaks down correctly, offering a better organic breakdown than standard plastics that end up in landfills.
The packaging industry has also recognized the significance of compostable packaging in meeting the 2025 National Packaging targets for reducing waste. Access to organics collection services is limited in many areas across Australia, making the use of packaging products that can be composted at home crucial in reducing packaging waste.
Biyo, specifically designed to decompose at home and transform into soil within 26 weeks, benefits from remaining completely worm-friendly while enriching the soil with essential nutrients.
With over 220 staff, Roberts Mart supplies packaging solutions to brands across the UK and Europe, primarily in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Well-known companies such as Highland Spring and John Cotton Group rely on Roberts Mart’s exceptional services and products.
