Hong Kong-based Biopack Environmental Solutions manufactures 100% biodegradable consumer packaging products from locally available sugar cane waste called bagasse. The company’s products are manufactured in China and distributed under the “Roots Biopack” trademark. Biopack’s unique line of compostable packaging is currently sold in 12 European countries plus the United States and Canada.

The company announced today that, as part of its ongoing expansion efforts, it has entered into its first distribution agreement in Canada with Sonray Sales Ltd. Founded more than 30 years ago, Sonray provides a long-term, loyal commitment to the product lines it represents. Since its inception, Sonray has developed a strong client roster of wholesalers, retailers, supermarket-chains, and food service providers throughout Canada and abroad.

The agreement fits well with the strategies of both companies. Sonray is looking to fill the growing demand from Canadian consumers for “green” packaging solutions, and Biopack can help them meet the growing demand.

ETF Securities made a big splash with its new silver fund, SIVR. Next up on its wish list are funds focusing on gold, platinum and palladium.

William Rhind is head of sales and marketing at ETFS Marketing LLC, the U.S. arm of London-based ETF Securities. The U.S. unit opened operations in July with the launch of its first exchange-traded fund, the ETFS Silver Trust (NYSEArca: SIVR).

The former iShares executive for Barclays Global Investors’ European operations recently discussed with IndexUniverse.com’s Murray Coleman plans by ETFS to expand in the U.S. marketplace.

IU: Has a move into the U.S. been something that ETFS has been considering for awhile?

Rhind: Our chairman, Graham Tuckwell, invented the gold ETF in 2003 and launched the first gold ETF in Australia. The first ETF in the