The next generation of biodegradable plastic
NbR is the only solution that combines 84% natural content, full biodegradability, zero microplastics, enhanced barrier performance, and EU/FDA food-contact certification — all in a single drop-in masterbatch technology that requires no changes to your manufacturing process.
What is NbR?
Biodegradability meets natural content — in one masterbatch technology
NbR (Natural Biodegradable Resin) represents the next evolution in sustainable plastics. It goes far beyond conventional biodegradable masterbatch technologies by combining full end-of-life biodegradability with 84% non-fossil, naturally derived content.
Developed by Symphony Environmental, NbR integrates d2w technology to ensure controlled, complete biodegradation at end of life, while its high natural content delivers a 21% CO₂ reduction and measurable cost savings vs. virgin polymer.
Unlike compostable or bio-based alternatives, NbR requires no changes to existing manufacturing equipment and is fully certified for food contact — making it the most commercially practical route to sustainable plastic in the market today.
Why NbR
No other product offers this combination
NbR is the only masterbatch technology in the market that delivers biodegradability, natural content, CO₂ reduction, cost savings, barrier performance, and food-contact certification — simultaneously.
84% Natural Content
Formulated from 84% non-fossil, naturally derived materials — dramatically reducing dependence on virgin petroleum-based polymer and lowering your product's environmental footprint.
21% CO₂ Reduction
Verified life-cycle assessment shows a 21% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional plastic production — a measurable, communicable sustainability credential for your brand.
Zero Microplastics
Certified to ISO 24187:2023 — NbR produces no microplastic particles at end-of-life, ensuring compliance with the most stringent environmental standards in the EU and globally.
Enhanced Barrier Properties
Delivers improved moisture and oxygen barrier performance compared to standard PE/PP films — protecting packaged goods more effectively and extending the shelf life of food products.
Food Contact Certified
Fully compliant with EU Regulation 1935/2004/EC and 10/2011/EC, and FDA CFR 21 — approved for direct food contact applications with no restrictions on packaging of fresh or processed foods.
No Process Changes Required
NbR is a drop-in masterbatch technology. It processes on standard extrusion and blown-film equipment without any modification to machinery, tooling, or production parameters.
Cost Savings
By replacing a portion of expensive virgin polymer with NbR's high natural-content formulation, manufacturers can achieve meaningful raw material cost reductions without compromising output quality.
Full Biodegradability
Contains d2w technology to ensure controlled, complete biodegradation at end-of-life. Converts to water, CO₂, and biomass — leaving no persistent plastic fragments in the environment.
Technical data
Product specifications
Where it's used
Applications
NbR is optimised for flexible film applications. For rigid items and mouldings, d2w remains the recommended technology.
Flexible Packaging Films
Retail and food packaging films with improved barrier and reduced carbon footprint.
Agricultural Films
Mulch films, irrigation films, and crop-cover sheeting with full end-of-life biodegradability.
Refuse & Waste Sacks
Bin liners and refuse sacks that biodegrade after use — ideal for regulated markets.
Carrier & Shopping Bags
Compliant with single-use plastic mandates in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and GCC markets.
Food-Contact Packaging
Wrap, pouches, and trays with certified safety for direct contact with food products.
Industrial Wrapping Films
Stretch and shrink wrap for pallets and industrial goods requiring sustainable credentials.
Product documentation
Download the NbR brochure
Full technical data, certifications, application guidance, and regulatory compliance documentation — in English and Arabic.
Competitive edge
Why NbR outperforms PLA, PBAT, and starch-based alternatives
Compostable and bio-based resins require industrial composting facilities, carry significant cost premiums, and often compromise performance. NbR biodegrades in the open environment, costs less, performs better, and needs no new infrastructure.
vs. PLA / PBAT
- ✓No industrial composting facility required
- ✓Lower cost — no expensive bio-based resin premium
- ✓Biodegrades in open environment, not just controlled conditions
vs. Starch-based resins
- ✓Superior moisture and oxygen barrier properties
- ✓Greater mechanical strength and film stability
- ✓Longer shelf life — no humidity-sensitivity issues
vs. Recycled polymers
- ✓Suitable for food-contact applications rPET cannot serve
- ✓Drop-in on standard equipment — no sorting infrastructure needed
- ✓Addresses single-use mandates that recycling cannot resolve
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