Bags, made from the unique cellulose-based film are a central feature of a new initiative which began at CRAI’s supermarket at “Le Baite” Shopping Centre in Oulx, in the Turin province.

The EcoPoint features a mass of dispensers from which customers can select the exact required amount of dried foodstuff, including rice, pasta, cereals, confectionery and pulses. These are placed into one of the bags which may be re-used or disposed of with no environmental impact. The bags will biodegrade even if simply added to a home compost system.

As well as reducing packaging waste, savings in outer packaging are passed on to the consumer with goods within the EcoPoint costing between 10 and 20% less than traditionally packed equivalents.

CRAI, a co-operative company based in Milan, is a founding member of the Planet Life Economy Foundation (PLEF). Crai was a finalist with EcoPoint at the prestigious “Sodalitas Social Award 2005” in recognition of its social and environmental innovation. The company plans to establish 12 EcoPoints in its flagship stores throughout Italy during 2005 and the early part of 2006.

Says EcoPoint Project Manager for CRAI, Corrado Menozzi: “One of the main aims of the EcoPoint project is to show how levels of waste can be reduced. The NatureFlex certified compostability characteristics have been certainly decisive in our choice of film.

“CRAI is a dynamic, innovative and sensitive group which strongly believes in developing systems to address the needs of the environment and of society and the market.”

NatureFlex is made from wood pulp. By adding specially formulated biodegradable and compostable surface layers, Innovia Films is able to control the moisture permeability of the NatureFlex films. This means there is material suitable across a whole range of applications from high moisture content goods to more hygroscopic bakery products.

The films are stiffer and more oriented than many biopolymers currently on the market which makes them ideal for use in bag-making. Glossy and transparent, they are also static-free for easy handling.