Organic marketer EOSTA is introducing the use of degradable packaging for a large number of its fruit and vegetables.

The Netherlands-based company is joining other fresh produce manufacturers in the hunt for a practicable solution to the negative environmental effects of plastic packaging.

The new degradable material is made from bio-plastic, which is derived from Poly Lactic Acid - a milk acid compound consisting of maize and sugar beet. EOSTA is also using bio-plastic foil and punnets made from sugar cane fibre.

All the packaging is renewable and can be composted to produce soil-enhancing material.

Although bio-plastic is more expensive than standard packaging, the Netherland’s government supports its import due to the major social advantages such as less expensive waste processing and a reduction in carbon monoxide emissions.