Natural Plastics

Altuglas International, a subsidiary of Arkema group, with its Plexiglas® and Altuglas® acrylic resins (Americas and Rest of World, respectively) and NatureWorks, a leader in the bio-plastics market with its Ingeo™ biopolymers derived from plants, have signed a global co-marketing agreement. The agreement is designed to deliver a range of newly formulated bio-based, high performance alloys based on polymethylmethacrylate and Ingeo.

The new materials will be marketed by Altuglas International as Plexiglas®/Altuglas® Rnew biopolymer alloys. Primary co-marketing efforts for these materials will be for durable goods applications, where the Plexiglas®/Altuglas® brand is synonymous with high performance, durability and clarity.

The agreement grew out of the overwhelming response the two companies experienced during the National Plastics Exposition (NPE) last April, during which they jointly displayed examples of molded and thermoformed products made with their collaborative technologies for the durable goods market.

This unique range of resins affords customizable formulating latitude providing exceptional impact- and chemical-resistance properties. In addition, the resins offer a significantly reduced carbon footprint due to the Ingeo biopolymer content. These biopolymer alloys also feature lower processing temperatures and greater melt flow properties without compromising the optics, scratch resistance, color acceptance or surface aesthetics for which the Plexiglas® and Altuglas® brands are known.

The collaboration offers a compelling combination of properties designed to open new doors in the market, including significant opportunities for durable applications such as signage, lighting, consumer products, transportation, cosmetic packaging and large and small appliances.

"What makes this agreement so exciting is that two renowned, pioneering organizations are joining forces to combine some of the best in technology and market knowledge to foster new, high performing, yet sustainable, bio-based products," said Christophe Villain, Altuglas International president. "The agreement between these two leading companies will provide transparent, sustainable materials that meet durable application performance requirements. Altuglas International will compound and sell the Rnew portfolio, incorporating Ingeo, directly into the market."

Marc Verbruggen, NatureWorks president and chief executive officer said, “By combining our respective reputations and strengths in biopolymers and acrylics, NatureWorks and Altuglas International will co-market clear materials that offer a complete package of innovative product performance. This is exactly what Ingeo was designed to offer.”

Through the collaboration, Altuglas International and NatureWorks will pool resources to accelerate the introduction of these new high performance biopolymer alloys into the market.

Source:  http://www.natureworksllc.com

$1.2 million per annum contract to supply Cardia’s Biohybrid™ renewable kitchen waste bags to Shanghai Pudong City District • Contract represents 20% of Pudong’s households with potential to expand rollout • Opens up significant opportunity to secure additional City Councils in China • Continues momentum of growth and expansion of Cardia’s product base .

Cardia Bioplastics Limited has announced an exclusive annual supply contract with the Shanghai Pudong City District in China. The agreement is to supply an estimated $1.2 million per annum of Cardia’s Biohybrid™ renewable kitchen waste bags to approximately 20% of householders in this region. Cardia's renewable Biohybrid™ kitchen bags are made with Cardia's proprietary Biohybrid™ technology that uses less oil and a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional plastics. This contract win follows the successful six-month trial of Cardia’s products in this region earlier this year. Pudong is one of four City Councils in China that has conducted waste management trials using Cardia products. The other three Councils in trial phase are Nanjing, Hangzhou and Yuhang and Cardia is looking to expand into other provinces of China.

Penetrating into this crucial market opens up significant opportunities for Cardia to grow and expand its global distribution of organic waste management products. Shanghai Pudong is one of China’s highest profile development areas and represents a key financial and commercial hub for the entire country.

There has been a strong focus towards environmental initiatives in the city of Shanghai in recent years. Following the World Expo in 2010, Shanghai implemented an organic waste separation process which targets waste separation at source. In particular, separating plant material and food scraps at the household level, which form a large part of the domestic waste stream in China. Earlier this year, as part of the six-month trial period, Cardia successfully supplied its Biohybrid™ kitchen bags to approximately 5% of Pudong’s households. This supply will now be expanded to 20% of Pudong’s households.

This is a critical step towards efficient management of domestic waste. More importantly, Shanghai Pudong City District has selected Cardia Bioplastics to supply Biohybrid™ renewable kitchen waste bags to households, which are tailored specifically for collection of food waste.

Dr Frank Glatz, Managing Director of Cardia Bioplastics said:

“This marks another important milestone for Cardia. The success of winning this contract is a result of our superior product technology and effective supply capability through our manufacturing plant in Nanjing, China. Through our successful pilot programs, which are already in place in other key districts in China (Nanjing, Hangzhou and Yuhang) we are confident in our corporate strategy of securing additional long term contracts in China.

Importantly, this contract follows the recent announcements of $500,000 per annum sales contracts to both an American hygiene products company and a global consumer products company.  These three contracts combined equate to over $2.2 million of secured revenues contributing to the current financial year. This is significant for the Company and equates to over one half of last financial year’s total reported revenues.

Mr. Jackie Chen, Cardia Director and Head of China Operations said:

“We are delighted with this outcome and we will continue to develop and maintain strong Government relationships to work with China City Councils towards managing household waste sustainability and reducing their environmental footprint.”

In addition, Cardia has a certified compostable offering for its organic waste management business, where trials are underway in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, USA, Brazil and the UK.

About Shanghai Pudong

The city district of Shanghai Pudong is one of China’s high profile development areas and has a population of five million people (2010). Pudong has been developed as a New Open Economic Development Zone since 1990 and has emerged as China's financial and commercial hub. Pudong is home to the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and a skyline that includes the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Building, the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Shanghai Tower (under construction), reflective of Shanghai and China's rapid economic development.

Source: http://www.cardiabioplastics.com/

The Dutch government is investing in creating a bio-based economy and hopes to be known as 'the land of green chemistry' by 2050. A variety of industry leaders met in the Dutch town of Wageningen earlier this year to discuss innovations in bioplastics.

Bioplastics leaders from across Europe gathered in Wageningen for a symposium organised by the Biobased Performance Materials (BPM) programme, where government and industry outlined plans to make the Netherlands one of the largest bio-based economies in the world.

In the opening speech, chairman Jan Noordegraaf from Synbra outlined the Dutch government's plans for sustainable development, which involve biomass production, the implementation of biomass import chains, and production of green chemicals and materials.

By 2050, the Netherlands wants to be one of the top three producers of smart materials in the world, he said.

"The Netherlands are on the threshold of a new golden age," said Noordegraaf, adding that the country has the ideal conditions to build a bio-based economy. The Netherlands has excellent knowledge bases in its universities and chemical companies, as well as various R&D programmes, including BPM itself and BE-Basic, he said. BE-Basic is an international public-private partnership, funded by the Dutch Government.

The Netherlands has ample farming land and is a major grower of sugar beat which, according to Noordegraaf, is "almost unbeatable" in terms of bioplastic feedstock.

The industry will also benefit from a variety of funding he added.

By 2015, €445m will be available for joint research. Industry has already pledged to contribute more than €100m, with 30% coming from SMEs.

The BPM itself, which kicked off in March 2010, will also contribute a large amount of funding to help the Netherlands become a top producer of bio materials. BPM has €4m from industry in its investment fund, as well as another €4m from the ministry of economic affairs.

Karin Weustink from the ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, said during her speech at the conference that the Dutch government also wants to push this initiative forward by reducing bureaucracy.

"We will make finance easier, for example by replacing subsidies with credit agreements and getting direct foreign investments," she said. "It is also important to support SMEs so there will be loan guarantees, for example."

At the symposium several industry leaders highlighted different bio material projects  that are taking place in the country.

For example, Royal Cosun, a consortium of Dutch sugar beet growers, announced plans to commercialise a composite based on carrot waste.

Curran, a cellulose material extracted from carrot waste and developed by Scottish science company Cellucomp, can be combined with a variety of resins to create biocomposite materials.

"Although we are still doing research into the material's properties, advantages we have seen so far include stiffness, strength, toughness and light weight," said Royal Cosun spokesperson Bart van Ingen. At the conference Van Ingen showed two successful applications; a fishing rod and a longboard.

Another speaker, Ed de Jong, spoke about Avantium's work in PEF materials, which it makes using YXY technology, a catalytic chemical process that converts carbohydrates into bio-based polymers, including an alternative to terephthalic acid.

According to de Jong, the YXY technology creates a material that delievers superior functional properties to conventional PET in terms of lightweighting potential and barrier and thermal properties. Avantium quotes a study done by the Copernicus Institute at Utrecht University, which shows that PEF has a 50-60% lower carbon footprint than oil-based PET.

Just prior to the conference Avantium signed an agreement to use its technology to produce its PEF bottles for Danone.

Other innovations discussed at the event included Forbo Flooring, which is looking at expanding the use of biobased materials in its linoleum product range, and Audi, which talked about the Scirocco Bioconcept. The car uses as many sustainable processes and materials as possible, including flax-fibre composites in the doors.

Source: http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com

The compostable packaging film from Innovia Films, known as NatureFlex^TM, has been chosen by the Alce Nero Italian consortium of organic farmers and producers in order to wrap a range of Fair Trade chocolate.

The Alce Nero consortium is a section of Alce Nero Mielizia SpA and has a collective membership of individuals which share an interest in produce innovation, regionally and environmentalism. Founded in 1978, the organisation has organically farmed right from its beginnings.

Currently, Alce Nero is responsible for representing members which specialise in farming, beekeeping and Fair Trade production. Organic food from around the globe is represented by the company, not just Italian produce.

Compostable Chocolate Packaging

Nicoletta Maffini, the companies Marketing Manager, has stated that "we decided to move from standard plastic to a biodegradable and compostable alternative to wrap our chocolate bars". She explained that the metallised NatureFlex^TM was ideal for their purposes as it had environmentally friendly attributes as well as reliable barrier properties which are important to ensure the chocolate remains in excellent condition.

The chocolate bars themselves are manufactured using cocoa plants which have been grown within the heart of Central America and are owned by a network of small Fair Trade producers known as COOP Sin Fronteras. Once ready, the cocoa pods are expertly harvested for the beans to be roasted and are then passed to Chocolate Stella of Chocolate Bernrain Group, a Swiss maison chocolatier, which creates the final, delicious product.

By choosing NatureFlex^TM compostable packaging, the chocolate will be packaged in a film which is certified to American ASTM D6400, European EN13432 as well as Australian AS4736 standards.

The NatureFlex^TM compostable packaging film has also provided Alce Nero with certain benefits which include inherent deadfold and anti-static properties along with a resistance to grease and oil, a high gloss finish and barrier capabilities against gas, aromas and mineral oils.

Beginning life as a natural product, namely wood, NatureFlex^TM was an obvious solution for the the organic producers, especially knowing that the pack will compost within weeks at the end of its life-cycle.

Giorgio Berton, Innovia Films TS&D Specialist, expressed that "our metallised NatureFlex^TM film is used to good effect here by Alce Nero as it fits in with their brand image, protects the product and is compostable."

Source: http://www.packaging-int.com

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has developed a technique to significantly improve the quality of bio-based plastic packaging. The new generation of bio-based plastic packaging is not only eco-friendly but also has several superior qualities compared to traditional plastic packaging. The plastic packaging industry is moving towards completely bio-based products. The volume of oil used every year in the production of plastics equates to approximately five per cent of the world's total oil consumption. Approximately 40 per cent of all plastics are used in packaging, which puts special pressure on the packaging industry to reduce dependence on oil.

The use of renewable natural resources in industrial applications reduces dependence on oil and the carbon footprint attributable to consumption. A transition to bio-based economy nevertheless requires products that are not only ecologically sustainable but also competitive in terms of quality.

VTT has developed a technique that enables the production of the PGA monomer glycolic acid from bio-based materials more efficiently than before.

"Bio-based plastics are a tangible step closer to a bio-based economy. This new generation of plastic packaging not only reduces our dependence on oil but also offers superior quality compared to traditional plastic packaging," explains Research Professor Ali Harlin from VTT.

Bio-based PGA plastic has excellent barrier properties. Adding PGA into the structure of traditional plastic packaging significantly improves its quality. In addition to strength and heat resistance, plastic packaging also needs to be airtight, vapour-proof and grease-resistant. Bio-based PGA plastic is between 20 and 30 per cent stronger than PLA -- the most popular biodegradable plastic on the market -- and able to withstand temperatures 20 degrees Celsius higher. It also breaks down more quickly than PLA, but its biodegradability can be regulated if necessary.

Growing market

Bio-based plastic opens up new business opportunities for the forest industry: The estimated total volume of the global packaging market is approximately EUR 500 billion. The Chinese and Indian markets, for example, are growing rapidly. Ethical consumption principles and legislative changes are steering the packaging industry towards sustainable development. At the moment, bio-based plastic accounts for approximately one per cent of global plastic production.

The volume of oil used every year in the production of plastics equates to approximately five per cent of the world's total oil consumption. Approximately 40 per cent of all plastics are used in packaging, which puts special pressure on the packaging industry to reduce dependence on oil. According to lifecycle analyses, carbon dioxide emissions from bio-based plastics can be as much as 70 per cent lower than from oil-based plastics.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com

Piedmont Chemical (Piedmont) announced today a new offering of renewable, sustainable polyester polyols – building-block chemical intermediates used in the production of urethane foams, coatings, adhesives and sealants. Piedmont combines Susterra® propanediol from DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products (DTL) with Bio-Succinic Acid from Myriant Corporation (Myriant) to produce high-purity, 100 percent bio-based polyols that are functionally equal and cost-competitive with petroleum-derived polyols without requiring green-price premiums. The novel polyol formulations, which are made from renewable resources, ultimately enable the production of eco-friendly, sustainable products. The technical specification and polyol samples will be available by year-end for urethane producers looking to utilize "green polyols" for their end-market applications.

The novel polyol formulations combining DTL's Susterra® and Myriant's Bio-Succinic will specifically address the growing global demand for renewable urethanes in industrial applications. According to a 2012 report by Global Industry Analysts, Inc, entitled, "Polyols: A Global Strategic Business Report," the world market for polyols is forecast to reach 4.33 billion pounds by 2017. Renewable polyols, made from various sustainable resources, are witnessing increasing demand as product manufacturers respond to consumers seeking to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve natural resources and live more sustainably. Industrial applications, including paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, and microcellular elastomers, represent the single largest end-use sector for polyols.

DTL commercially produces Susterra® in Loudon, Tenn., with a capacity of 140 million lbs. per year. The plant has been operational since November 2006. Myriant will begin commercial production of Bio-Succinic Acid in first quarter 2013 in Lake Providence, La., with a capacity of 30 million lbs. per year.

Under a strategic collaboration between Piedmont, DTL and Myriant, the three companies have agreed to an "open innovation" concept by which the polyol formulations will be made available to polyol producers and the urethane industry at large. This means that polyol customers will be able to purchase polyols produced from DTL's Susterra® propanediol and Myriant's Bio-Succinic Acid from Piedmont as well as from other polyol producers. Piedmont will manufacture the initial polyol product samples and will offer commercial supply of the polyol products to the market.

"We have worked with Myriant's and DTL's products for some time now. In deciding on suppliers and collaboration partners it was critical for us to be certain that these renewable chemical building blocks would be available at commercial quantities with the right specification. In the last year, we have become confident that both Myriant and DTL meet these requirements," said Emil Delgado, chief operating officer for Piedmont.

"DTL and Myriant enjoy shared objectives of bringing renewable chemicals to market that offer high performance and cost competitiveness compared to their petroleum-based chemical counterparts," said Steve Hurff, vice president of Marketing and Sales from DTL. "We're looking forward to Piedmont's success in meeting the needs of urethanes producers who are seeking renewable chemical building blocks."

"This is Myriant's second collaboration with DTL and we're proud to team with them again on this opportunity to expand the tool box of renewable building blocks available to polyol producers," said Alif Saleh, vice president, Sales and Marketing for Myriant Corporation. "Myriant is committed to becoming a reliable supplier of Bio Succinic Acid to the polyol producers. By providing open access to the formulations and technical specifications, polyol producers are encouraged to integrate our renewable chemicals for the production of green, cost-competitive polyols."

Myriant utilizes its proprietary technology platform to develop innovative, performance-based, renewable chemicals utilizing low-cost sugars. In December 2010, Myriant broke ground on its flagship 30 million pound commercial bio-succinic acid facility in Lake Providence, La., and anticipates beginning commercial production in early 2013. The company's D(-) lactic acid started production at commercial scale in June 2008 for use in polylactic acid. Myriant has agreements with ThyssenKrupp Uhde GmbH for engineering, Davy Process Technology for the integration of Myriant's bio-succinic acid process with the Davy butanediol process for the production of bio-based butanediol, and PTT Chemical for the commercialization of Myriant's technology in Southeast Asia. Myriant is headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts. Details are available at www.myriant.com.

Piedmont Chemical Industries I, LLC is a subsidiary of Piedmont Chemical Industries Inc., a privately owned chemical manufacturer headquartered in High Point, N.C. Founded in 1938 to support the local textile industry, the corporation has since evolved into 5 different production sites in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee with additional satellite facilities in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia. For more information, visit www.piedmontchemical.com.

DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products is a joint venture between DuPont, a global science company, and Tate & Lyle, a world-leading renewable food and industrial ingredients company. DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products provides natural and renewably sourced ingredients that do not compromise product performance. For more information on the company's products, visit www.duponttateandlyle.com.

Susterra® and the circle logo are registered trademarks of DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio Products Company LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners

source: http://www.myriant.com

Novozymes, the world leader in bioinnovation, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Natural Industries Inc. based in Houston, U.S. Natural Industries Inc. has annual revenues of $5 million and is a bioagricultural company.

“I am excited to have the people and technologies of Natural Industries Inc. join our growing BioAg business. Natural Industries Inc. expands Novozymes’ position in the important biocontrol segment and improves our capabilities to grow our business in key U.S. markets on high-value crops like fruits and vegetables,” said Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President of Novozymes and head of BioBusiness.

Natural Industries Inc. and Novozymes have agreed not to disclose the financial terms of the agreement. The acquisition does not impact Novozymes’ financial guidance for 2012.

Stronger position in fast-growing $1 billion market

Biological technologies are natural solutions with multiple modes of action. They are used to improve plant health and growth or combat diseases across various broad-acre crops such as corn and soy and high-value crops such as salads, strawberries and nuts.

The biological solutions complement the use of traditional chemicals and pesticides, which have a world market worth $150 billion. By contrast, the emerging bioagriculture market is estimated to be worth about $1 billion with an annual growth rate of 10-15%.

The bioagriculture market is driven by farmers wanting to utilize potent biological solutions to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the environmental impact of their operations, explained Videbæk:

“By applying the right cocktail of biological technologies you can add 4-5% to crop yields. This makes it a cost-effective solution for farmers to safeguard high investments in seeds and agricultural chemicals. Also, due to increasing consumer awareness, regulations and environmental impact from traditional chemicals, there is growing interest in utilizing biological solutions as an integral part of agricultural practices.”

New innovation for high-value crop market
“Founded in 1992 and with 24 talented employees, Natural Industries Inc. brings a wealth of knowledge in the biocontrol area. The company has a proven portfolio of products, new pipeline opportunities and good market coverage for high-value crops in key regions of the U.S. The acquisition is a good example of how we can grow and utilize our platform and leading position in this area as well as accelerate innovation,” said Videbæk.

“Novozymes has long-term ambitions to be a key player in this market. With our platform today, our expertise within bioinnovation and R&D, we expect to continue to play a leading role in growing the bioagriculture market,” he added.

Source: http://www.novozymes.com

More on Natural Industries Inc. can be found here.

Purac - a leading company in lactic acid based bioplastics - has sponsored the Perpetual Plastic Project to highlight how easily Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) bioplastic can be recycled. PLA drinking cups were provided by Purac; intended for use at events where people can immediately recycle them into new products after use. The project is designed to educate people on the recyclability of bioplastic, in order to close the loop and promote a circular, biobased economy for future generations.

The Perpetual Plastic Project has successfully created a 'do-it-yourself', interactive 'Machine', which provides users with a small-scale demonstration of how easily PLA can be recycled: following the steps of cleaning, drying, shredding, melting and extrusion, before finally being remade into a new article. In this case, a 3D printer was used to create jewelry and small toys from the used PLA cups. The Machine is currently touring the Netherlands at numerous events, including the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven, the Science Center NEMO in Amsterdam and the National Sustainability Congress in Nieuwegein.

The Perpetual Plastic Project is an initiative created by former TU Delft students.  Purac, together with GroenBeker, provided the PLA bioplastic drinking cups which accompanied the Machine. François de Bie, Marketing Director Purac Bioplastics, is pleased with the project: "This initiative demonstrates in a tangible, understandable way just how easily PLA can be recycled. Although PLA is still a relatively new material to the plastics industry, it promises to become widely implemented throughout a broad range of applications. It is therefore vital that we already start to think about how best to recycle these valuable materials. Thanks to the Perpetual Plastics Project, we can show people at events and festivals what can ultimately be achieved on a much larger scale'.

Purac has created a short video to highlight the project and the recyclability of PLA.  See purac.com/recycle to view the film.

Source: www.purac.com