Pelypes scales up compostable barrier films for the Latin American food service sector

Meeting the HORECA Channel's Operational Demands

The packaging supply chain for the food service sector is undergoing a massive structural shift. As the industry faces mounting regulatory pressure regarding single-use plastics, the transition toward high-performance sustainable materials has become an operational necessity rather than a mere marketing tool. In this tightening landscape, Bogotá-based Películas y Papeles Especiales S.A.S. (Pelypes) has significantly intensified its push into the Latin American HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and catering) channel throughout July 2026. The company is actively scaling the distribution of its biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions to meet the soaring regional demand for materials that lower environmental impact without sacrificing food safety.

Engineered for Performance and Circularity

At the core of the Colombian manufacturer's strategy is a portfolio built strictly on advanced material science. For decades, the sector struggled with traditional waxed papers that contained harmful chemicals and resisted biodegradation. Pelypes circumvented this by engineering solutions that balance environmental compliance with the rigorous physical demands of food preservation. The company's flagship product, a specialized Greaseproof Film, provides a highly effective barrier against oil and grease migration for bakeries, quick-service restaurants, and artisanal food producers. Crucially, it achieves this moisture and fat resistance without compromising the structural integrity or the aesthetic presentation of the wrap, a non-negotiable factor for the hospitality industry.

Beyond paper-based barriers, Pelypes is accelerating the adoption of bioplastics through its PLA (polylactic acid) film division. Manufactured from renewable resources such as corn, cassava, and sugarcane, this transparent film bridges the gap between conventional plastic functionality and organic degradation. When subjected to standard industrial composting conditions—specifically temperatures between 58°C and 60°C—this PLA material completely breaks down into biomass, water, and carbon dioxide within a three to six-month window. For a food service industry heavily scrutinized for microplastic pollution, this technical capability offers a viable exit strategy from fossil-based polymers. To round out its industrial offering, the firm also produces EVA films targeted at the rubber and plastics sectors, ensuring a diversified revenue stream beyond commercial food service.

Certifications Driving Market Access

The technical credibility of Pelypes in this highly competitive segment has been decades in the making. The company firmly established its international reputation back in 2014 when it became the sole Latin American recipient of the prestigious DuPont Award for Innovation in Plastic Packaging, specifically for its greaseproof barrier developments. Fast forward to 2026, and the rules of engagement in the packaging sector have evolved. Today, corporate buyers require more than just innovative prototypes; they demand verified environmental accountability. Consequently, Pelypes has anchored its market expansion on its BPI Compostable certification, alongside a comprehensive management framework backed by ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards. In the current procurement climate, these certifications function as mandatory prerequisites for supplier homologation across major international hotel and restaurant chains operating in Latin America.

The strategic roadmap executed by Pelypes demonstrates that specialized regional manufacturers can successfully deliver packaging solutions that align high-barrier functionality with rigorous circular economy standards. Yet, as the volume of compostable packaging grows across the HORECA channel, we must ask: will municipal waste management and industrial composting infrastructure in Latin America scale up fast enough to actually process these advanced materials? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai