At Forward Plastics, we are committed to creating sustainable plastic packaging that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and supports the transition towards a circular economy. One of the most exciting innovations in this space is bio-resin HDPE, commonly called “sugar plastic”.
We proudly incorporate Braskem’s I’m Green™ Bio-Based HDPE into our packaging, offering blends ranging from partial use to 100% bio-resin content. For businesses, this represents a significant step forward in combining environmental responsibility with reliable performance.
What Is Sugar Plastic?
“Sugar plastic” is a common term for bio-based HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) made from sugarcane ethanol instead of fossil fuels. While traditional HDPE comes from petroleum, sugar plastic is created from a renewable resource – sugarcane.
The result is a drop-in replacement for conventional HDPE, meaning it can be processed, moulded and recycled (recycle code 2) in exactly the same way, but with a dramatically reduced carbon footprint.
Environmental Advantages of Sugar Plastic
1. A Lower Carbon Footprint
Using Braskem’s I’m Green™ Bio-Resin reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Every tonne of bio-based HDPE captures and stores CO₂ from the atmosphere during sugarcane growth, helping businesses actively contribute to carbon reduction targets.
2. A Renewable Resource
Unlike fossil fuel-based plastics, bio-HDPE is derived from sugarcane, a renewable and fast-growing crop. This means every product made with sugar plastic supports a shift away from non-renewable petroleum.
3. It’s Fully Recyclable
Sugar plastic has the same properties and recycling code (#2 HDPE) as traditional HDPE. It can be placed directly into existing recycling streams, supporting closed-loop recycling systems already in place in New Zealand and internationally.
4. No Compromise on Quality
Businesses don’t need to sacrifice performance for sustainability. Bio-based HDPE offers the same durability, chemical resistance and food safety compliance as fossil-based HDPE, making it suitable for industries from food and beverage to personal care, household and industrial packaging.
5. Supports Corporate Sustainability Goals
Many businesses are under pressure from customers, regulators and investors to show real action on sustainability, carbon reduction and product stewardship. Switching to sugar plastic packaging is a visible, measurable step that demonstrates corporate commitment to environmental responsibility.
Why Businesses Should Incorporate Sugar Plastic
- Meet consumer demand: Customers are actively looking for brands using eco-friendly packaging.
- Strengthen your ESG reporting: Bio-resin packaging can be factored into sustainability metrics and annual reporting.
- Differentiate your brand: Packaging made with I’m Green™ bio-HDPE is easily communicated as a unique selling point.
- Future-proof your supply chain: With increasing global regulation on fossil-based plastics, adopting sugar plastic now puts businesses ahead of the curve.
Forward Plastics and Braskem’s I’m Green™ Bio-Resin
At Forward Plastics, we supply and manufacture packaging made with Braskem’s I’m Green™ bio-based HDPE. Depending on your needs, we can provide:
- Custom blends of bio-HDPE, fossil-based HDPE and Post Consumer Recycled HDPE
- Up to 100% sugar plastic products/packaging
- Can be used in all extrusion blow moulded bottles and containers in a wide range of sizes
- Injection moulded product and caps to complement sustainable bottles
This flexibility allows businesses to transition gradually into bio-resin use, or make a full commitment to 100% sugar plastic packaging.
Why Choose Forward Plastics
As a New Zealand manufacturer of sustainable packaging, Forward Plastics partners with businesses to deliver:
- Local production, reducing shipping emissions
- Expertise in bio-HDPE, PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) HDPE, and fossil-HDPE
- Advice on design, tooling and production efficiency for eco-friendly packaging solutions
- Packaging that aligns with product stewardship, recycling and circular economy goals
Ready to Make the Switch?
Incorporating sugar plastic into your packaging is more than just a technical upgrade – it’s a statement of values. By choosing Forward Plastics and Braskem’s I’m Green™ bio-resin, your business contributes to a future where packaging is renewable, recyclable and responsible.
