Demand for the compostable, microplastic-free material Biodolomer® is rapidly growing in the United States.To meet this demand, Swedish producer Gaia Biomaterials and its distributor Mitsubishi International Corporation have established a supply hub in Los Angeles, enabling fast nationwide deliveries via rail.
Microplastics have recently become a national talking point in the U.S. Public concern about potential health risks has pushed the issue into the political arena, where lawmakers are now proposing new studies, bipartisan bills, and state-level bans.
“People are realizing that all conventional plastics eventually turn into microplastics — simply through use,” says Peter Stenström, CEO of Gaia Biomaterials. “That has led to a surge in demand for true alternatives such as our limestone-based Biodolomer, which is fully compostable according to U.S. standards and does not generate microplastics.”
The material is already used in a wide range of everyday products — from drinking straws and grocery bags to beer cups.
“We’ve supplied Biodolomer to the U.S. market for several years, but interest is now booming,” Stenström continues. “By setting up this new supply hub together with Mitsubishi International Corporation, we can shorten lead times and make it easier for American customers to get access to a compostable, microplastic-free material.”
Located in Los Angeles with direct access to the national railroad network, the new hub will allow Gaia to serve customers more quickly and flexibly.
“This setup also lowers the threshold for new clients — the entire process becomes faster, simpler, and more efficient,” Stenström concludes.