Today, there are a lot of choices when it comes to food storage many of which are at least partially eco-friendly. Bioform is made from sugar cane, is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, helping to make the planet greener.
Throughout history, people have been using glass and other reusable items for food storage. Then, plastic was created and it seemed to fit modern living. It became a necessity in every home, as it is easy to use, available everywhere and cheap. Then, we learned about the harmful effects of single use plastics on our oceans.
Pavinee Waewseangsang, Sales and Marketing Director of Bioform (Thailand), reflects on why she created Bioform, from her interest in the environment.
“Achieving food security is another way to help the world,” she says. “The family is the most important. In taking care of yourself and your family by using toxic-free products, you are also doing your part in saving the world.”
Bioform was started four years ago from the desire to create a business that was compatible with preserving the environment.
“As we have a strong interest in the environment, we learned that even 0.5mm thin plastic bags take nearly 500 years to decompose. What about plastic containers? How long will they take? So we started the research for our business from that standpoint,” says Waewseangsang.
Bioform placed great emphasis on research and development (R&D), to achieve international quality standards.
“We put a lot of our effort on R&D, especially on the measurement of degradation and toxicity in materials,” she says. “Now, we have gained many global qualifications that guarantee our products are safe for your health and the environment. For example, ISO17088 standard is certified for no harmful chemicals, and OECD208 is the global standard for health and environmental guarantee and the certification that the biological degradation of BIOFORM has no effect or toxicity on aquatic ecosystems.”
Bioform’s products are classified as “Food Grade” with 100% bio-materials based from sugar cane with natural colours from pandan and turmeric which are biodegradable. It can also be used as a general food container, which can withstand heat up to 130 degrees Celsius, or used in a freezer, microwave or dishwasher and be boiled for sterilization.
“Now our business proportion is 50-50 domestic and international markets. For abroad, we have exported to the US, China, Vietnam and Laos, and we plan to penetrate more in the coming years,” she adds.
Bioform has received positive feedback from joining DITP’s trade fair such as STYLE. “The way the government sector supports entrepreneurs by organising international trade events is good. It helps us meet business partners more easily,” says Waewseangsang. “THAIFEX is another great opportunity for Thai food producers and related businesses to meet potential buyers worldwide.”
THAIFEX-World of Food Asia 2019 will be held from May 28 to June 1, 2019 at IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok.
For more information, please visit www.bioformthailand.com, www.thaifexworldoffoodasia.com
Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi
