HAMPSHIRE’S green credentials have been given a further boost after Marchwood-based Biome Bioplastics was shortlisted for a national award.

The developer of natural polymers has been shortlisted for the BusinessGreen Leaders Awards 2014 in the innovation of the year category.

It recognises the company’s work to develop a biodegradable coffee pod, offering one of the first sustainable packaging alternatives in the single-serve market.

The firm has developed a portfolio of compostable materials for pods based on renewable and natural resources, including plant starches and three by-products.

It comes as an estimated 9.1 billion coffee and other drinks cartridges end up in US landfills every year – amounting to 19 million cubic feet of waste.

Paul Mines, chief executive of Biome Bioplastics, said: “Bioplastics are a vital component in the move towards a renewable resource future. Our coffee pod suite of products represent a significant step forward in plant-based polymer applications, tackling a major environmental challenge for a rapidly growing industry. We are proud to have them recognised in the shortlisting of these prestigious awards.”