Bioplastics maker Novamont creates North American unit

In a move designed to expand its North American presence, Italian bioplastics manufacturer Novamont S.p.A has opened a new company, Novamont North America, Inc. headquartered in Danbury, Conn.

According to a news release, the new company will market Novamont’s Mater-Bi-brand compostable and biodegradable bioplastics.

“The North American composting market has grown significantly in the past decade, and is now ready to make a big step forward due to higher environmental sensitivity, and increased attention on the economics of waste diversion,” said Tony Gioffre, president of Novamont North America. Gioffre is the former President of the Biodegradable Products Institute, and will remain active as a BPI board member.

The news release also noted that Novamont’s objective is to build an integrated system of agriculture, industry and environment in North America, “involving as a prospective a biorefinery integrated in the North American territory”.