EarthShell and DuPont to Design Environmentally Safe Foodservice Packaging

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and WILMINGTON, Del. - EarthShell Corporation and DuPont announced today that they have expanded their relationship from the joint development agreement formed in April 2001 to a strategic alliance. Initially, the companies will focus on the $1 billion global food service wraps market.

The alliance combines EarthShell patented composite material technology with DuPont expertise in materials, development, manufacturing and marketing - offering environmentally preferred packaging and systems to the food service industry such as restaurants, fast food, and convenience stores. EarthShell and DuPont intend to collaborate closely to identify opportunities that combine EarthShell Packaging with DuPont Biomax hydro/biodegradable polyester coatings/films and technology.

Biomax offers a combination of biodegradability and barrier properties for better performance over a wider range of applications than is possible with other coatings or films, according to DuPont. It is used in disposable packaging such as bowls, plates, cups and sandwich wraps.

EarthShell Packaging is manufactured using composite technology that combines inorganics such as abundantly available limestone with organics such as renewable starch. The products, which biodegrade in composting environments, combine excellent performance with environmental benefits, according to EarthShell.

As part of the strategic alliance, the companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent to license EarthShell flexible food service wrap technology exclusively to DuPont. The letter also allows for future expansion to other EarthShell technologies and products. Under the alliance, DuPont assumes leadership of the development, production, marketing and distribution of the food service wraps and takes a more active role in the promotion of other EarthShell Packaging products. For all products DuPont sells that use the EarthShell technology, EarthShell will receive a royalty.
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