One of the world’s top ten largest salmon farmers, Multi X, is set to revolutionize its packaging by replacing all the bags used for its fresh fillet products with those made from 100% biodegradable material. This innovative material is designed to break down within a period of six to 20 months without requiring composting. Instead, it is consumed by fungi and microorganisms, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Annually, Bioelements, a pioneering Chilean start-up specializing in biotechnology and the circular economy, will produce over 18 million biodegradable bags for Multi X. Bioelements began its mission to create sustainable bioplastics back in 2016, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly packaging.

Fernando Pérez, the commercial and marketing manager at Multi X, stated that the company exports approximately 42,000 tonnes of fresh fillet annually, which constitutes 35% of its total production. Pérez emphasized, “The integration of these new packaging materials will greatly benefit both our production processes and the environment, marking a crucial step towards achieving carbon neutrality.”

Daniel Santa Cruz, the supply manager at Multi X, noted that this agreement is the culmination of over two years of collaborative work with Bioelements. During this period, extensive tests were conducted to verify the performance and optimal characteristics of the new packaging throughout its useful life.

Bioelements’ packaging, developed over seven years, utilizes a material that biodegrades under various conditions, including industrial composting, landfill disposal, environmental biodegradation, and marine biodegradation. The company's chief executive, Ignacio Parada, commented, “Our biodegradable bags offer a positive environmental impact while maintaining the same mechanical, barrier, and functional properties as conventional materials. They decompose in six to 20 months under different conditions, serving as food for fungi and microorganisms, thus helping to reduce waste accumulation.”

Parada further highlighted that this packaging alternative will enhance Multi X's commitment to environmental responsibility, adding value to the brand and paving the way for future collaborative projects aimed at addressing environmental challenges.