New polyester will benefit from both bio-sourcing and closed loop reclaim
What is claimed as the world's first commercially-produced bio-derived PET fibre will go into commercial production in Japan in April 2012. Teijin Fibers is introducing the material, dubbed EcoCircle PlantFiber, as both a fibre and a textile and expects to sell 30,000 tonnes in the first year, and raise the rate to 70,000 tonnes by the third year of business. It will be the company's core biomaterial for applications ranging from apparel, car seats and interiors to personal hygiene products.
EcoCircle PlantFiber is made roughly 30 per cent from materials derived from biomass such as sugar cane. Conventional PET typically is made by polymerising ethylene glycol with dimethyl terephthalate or telephthalic acid, the EG accounting for roughly 30 per cent. The EG is replaced by the bio-derived material rather than oil-derived, in a similar way to the new Ecological Plastics materials recently unveiled by Toyota and the celebrated PlantBottle material being used by Coca-Cola.
Teijin Fibers gives its new product an extra spin by integrating it with its EcoCircle closed-loop polyester recycling system in which reclaimed polyester garments are taken back chemically to DMT which the company says is at a purity and quality comparable to material derived directly from petroleum – avoiding the quality degradation which it says has been an issue of conventional recycling based on physical processing. Compared to manufacturing raw polyester materials from oil, Teijin says it is possible to reduce both energy consumption and CO2 emission by about 80 per cent.
The EcoCircle system has now been developed into broader reclamation of polyester products – bottles and PET film have been added to the garment fabric on which the system was based – and in 2004 was extended into developmental processes for reclaiming polycarbonate and polylactic acid. The polycarbonate process is said to give a recycling rate of 96 per cent for bisphenol-A, with reductions in impurities, energy consumption and cost compared with the conventional distillation recycling process.
When applied to PLA the technology uses water alone as a reactor and requires no catalysts or other additives. Normally, PLA is produced from L-lactic acid. Teijin says that if the optical isomer, D-lactic acid – a by-product of the recycling process – is mixed in, the physical properties of the polymer deteriorate. The Teijin technology "facilitates the recovery of almost 100 per cent of the L-lactic acid and essentially prevents the production of by-product D-lactic acid." Production of recycled PLA using this technology uses over 33 per cent less energy than production using plant matter, says Teijin.
Teijin says it is also close to commercialising a system for reclaiming notoriously difficult-to-recycle carbon fibres.
EconCore winner of the Bioplastics Award 2010
This year the prestigious Bioplastics Award was given to EconCore. The Bioplastics Award is organized by two trade publications: bioplastics MAGAZINE and European Plastics News. From a total of more than 20 high class proposals our product PLA honeycomb sandwich structure was selected by the judging panel. The winner of the Bioplastics award was announced during the 5th European Bioplastics Conference on December 1st, 2010 in Düsseldorf (Germany).
The jury based its decision on the innovative approach to use intelligent design in order to increase the mechanical properties of a PLA product and explained “This innovation offers the potential to considerably reduce weight and materials needed in construction as a result of the consistently applied sandwich. The products of EconCore would contribute decisively to more sustainable construction.”
A leaflet on our bio-renewable honeycomb panels can be downloaded here.
Source: www.econcore.com/
150,000-ton PLA plant planned for North China
A bioplastics manufacturer in North China has started building a PLA production base that claims planned annual capacity of 150,000 metric tons. More interestingly, the same company announced a same scale project three years ago, only with a different partner.
This time, Hebei Huadan Complete Biodegradable Plastic Co. Ltd. of Shijiangzhuang, Hebei province, is working with Taiwan's Wei Mon Industry Co. Ltd. to invest 400 million yuan (US$ 60 million) on the large-scale facility that will be making PLA packaging materials and consumer products.
Officials from the Hebei province attended the ground-breaking ceremony on Nov. 19.
Back in 2007, Huadan hosted an equally high-profile signing ceremony for a 150,000-ton PLA project at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The amount of investment was the same, the product line was no different, and the site was in same development zone. But the partner was a little-known investment firm - Hong Kong Tianhao Development Ltd.
It's my speculation that the 2007 project may have fallen through at some point. Huadan reported annual capacity of 50,000 tons last year, compared to 6,000 tons in 2006.
The new partner, Wei Mon Industry, is a reputable company that serves as a distributor for NatureWorks in Taiwan.
Huadan's corporate Web site is under development, but the only information there points to its, yet another, "partner" - MJ Group.
In the database of China's Ministry of Land and Resources, I found a recent record of Huadan purchasing the 50-year use rights of a 13-acre industrial-use land at the reported site with 52.5 million yuan ($7.9 million). The contract was signed on Aug. 27, and the construction of the project was expected to start on Feb. 19, 2001 and finish on Feb.19, 2013.
Hopefully, the ambitious project will complete smoothly this time.
Source: http://www.biodegradableplastics.org
PHA and bio-derived PE to Drive Bioplastic Packaging Market to 2020
Global bioplastic packaging demand is forecast to reach 884,000 tonnes by 2020. A 24.9% CAGR is expected from 2010-15 slowing to 18.3% in the five years to 2020. According to a major new study by Pira International, a new breed of bioplastics will be major drivers as packaging market demand gradually shifts from biodegradable and compostable polymers towards biopackaging based on renewable and sustainable materials.
Based on primary research and expert analysis, The Future of Bioplastics for Packaging to 2020: Global Market Forecasts analyses the key opportunities and future trends shaping the industry, providing raw material suppliers, processors and equipment suppliers with ten year forecasts. The report identifies about 50 suppliers of biopolymers for packaging, and presents technology and market forecasts to 2020 for bioplastic packaging by product type, end-use sector, pack type and geographic region.
Bioplastic materials are defined in the report as materials that are either biodegradable and compostable and derived from both renewable and non-renewable sources, or materials that are non-biodegradable and derived from renewable resources.
From 2010 bioplastic technology is expected to change with the commercialisation of bioplastics produced directly by natural/genetically modified (GM) organisms and the introduction of non-biodegradable, bio-derived polyethylene (PE). Pira expects these materials will account for a quarter of total bioplastic packaging market demand by 2020. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are forecast to achieve a CAGR of 41% and bio-derived PE a staggering 83% over the period.
Traditional bioplastic packaging technologies based on starch, cellulose and polyester are each forecast to show a decline in market share to 2020.
Bioplastic packaging is a highly concentrated market with the top five suppliers currently accounting for over 50% of bioplastic packaging market demand. Pira predicts major changes among the leading ranks of bioplastic packaging suppliers over the next five to ten years. Large petrochemical companies including Braskem, Dow Chemicals and Solvay are scheduled to commence bio-derived PE production by 2012 at industrial-scale facilities in Brazil. These companies are expected to be propelled into the top rank of bioplastic producers over the next five years. Telles, the joint venture PHA producer, is also expected to become a major world player. Several Chinese companies are known to be investing in significant capacity expansion programmes that should propel them into leading market positions.
According to the study, major new technologies will emerge over the next ten years. US bioplastics producer Cereplast, for example, is planning to launch a range of all-natural algae-based resins by the end of 2010. Also, several companies are exploring the development of bioplastics using carbon dioxide as a raw material. The potential for a process that converts waste carbon dioxide into a useful product is huge, but whether the material produced using this technique will prove commercially viable will ultimately depend on whether these new polymers are cost effective to produce. A new sugar-based bioplastic that can be sourced from non-food crops and produced via a low energy process is also tipped to reach the market within the next five years.
Rigid packaging has a projected share of 52.0% of the bioplastic packaging market in 2010 according to Pira, with flexible packaging accounting for the remaining 48.0%. Retail and foodservice trays and containers are the largest single pack type for bioplastic packaging, followed by flexible film. Pira expects flexible packaging to take a growing share of the bioplastic packaging market over the next five to ten years. Adam Page, Head of Information at Pira, explains: "Demand will be driven by the commercialisation of bio-derived PE and PHA, and the wider availability and improved properties for biaxially oriented PLA (BOPLA) film."
Europe is the largest regional market for bioplastic packaging with over half of world tonnage in 2010. It benefits from favourable consumer and retail attitudes to sustainable packaging, supportive government policies towards packaging waste recycling and a well-developed composting infrastructure. Whilst North America currently trails Europe in terms of bioplastic packaging consumption, government and consumer attitudes are changing. Pira expects North America and Asia to show higher growth rates than Europe for bioplastic packaging over the forecast period. Japan accounts for the lion's share of Asian bioplastic packaging, mostly as a result of favourable government initiatives supporting bioplastic market development.
The Future of Bioplastics for Packaging to 2020: Global Market Forecasts is available now. For more information, please contact Stephen Hill at +44 (0) 1372 802025, or via e-mail Stephen
Press contact: For editorial queries, details of the study or an expanded article please contact: Rebecca Leigh +44(0)1372 802207
Pira International
Pira International - the worldwide authority on packaging, paper and print industry supply chains
Established in 1930, Pira provides strategic and technical consulting, testing, intelligence and events to help clients gain market insights, identify opportunities, evaluate product performance and manage compliance.
Source: www.pira-international.com
CULTIVATE NEW BUSINESS – WITH THE RAFBIO RANGE
Secure a share of today’s greener business by introducing biodegradable components to your portfolio. We’ve just increased the PLA label face options available in our range of industrially compostable films, and we also have a biodegradable adhesive. Cultivate the shoots of new business – with the RafBio range.
The two films in the RafBio range are fully compliant with EN13432, the European standard for compostable packaging.
The cellulose RafBio films in Clear, White and Silver are made from renewable wood-pulp sourced from managed plantations. Resistant to grease, oil and fats, they provide good gloss and transparency.
Our RafBio PLA films in Clear and White are derived from corn starch. PLA film has good printing properties, excellent scratch resistance and high transparency and gloss. These faces have good resistance to fat, oils and alcohol and are suitable for direct food contact.
Introducing the RP 55 Bio adhesive – also available with papers
The RP 55 Bio adhesive has been carefully formulated to include a high content of renewable (non-fossil derived) materials, and like our bio films is certified to the European compostable packaging standard EN13432.
RP 55 Bio is available with our RafBio and RafBio PLA films as well as two papers:Raflacoat Plus and Thermal ECO 300. Most papers can be classed as chemically unmodified materials of natural origin, so can be accepted as biodegradable without testing.
We also offer RP 37 with the RafBio films. This adhesive isn’t biodegradable, but if the adhesive constitutes less than 1% of the packaging it’s considered negligible under EN 13432. RP 37 provides the added advantages of excellent clarity and water resistance.
See our full Bio range for the food, beverage and personal care segments here:
Source: http://www.upmraflatac.com/
Cardia Bioplastics appoints Eco Ventures as Exclusive Distributor for Brazil
Cardia Bioplastics has appointed Brazil's leading sustainable packaging company as its exclusive distributor for Brazil.
Eco Ventures Do Brasil (Eco Ventures), will distribute Cardia's portfolio of BiohybridTM and compostable resins derived from sustainable resources, in Brazil.
The exclusive distribution agreement enables Eco Ventures, a subsidiary of World Eco Ventures, to offer customers the comprehensive range of Cardia Bioplastics sustainable resins to the Brazilian packaging and plastic products industries.
Eco Ventures Chief Operating Officer Joao Paulo Mignot said the Cardia Bioplastics range would provide sustainable polymer choices for customers.
"As the ‘green space' grows, we have looked for a leading bioplastics supplier with a full portfolio of sustainable options. The Cardia Bioplastics range of products allows our customers a choice," he said.
"Depending on their specific product and sustainability needs, customers can choose from Cardia BiohybridTM or Cardia certified compostable resins."
"These materials can be converted with standard processing equipment to a broad range of packaging and plastics products," said Joao Paulo.
Cardia Bioplastics Managing Director Dr Frank Glatz said the Eco Ventures agreement further extended the company's global distributor roll out.
"We are delighted to have this partnership with Eco Ventures do Brasil Ltd, the leading sustainable packaging and plastics products distributor in the Brazilian market."
"This is all part of our global expansion strategy."
"Growth for the sustainable resins market is driven by changing public attitudes and corresponding regulatory requirements. Another driver for sustainable packaging is the growing certainty that reduction in use of fossil fuels; is coming closer."
"Packaging and plastics businesses know that eventually higher petroleum prices will erode their competitiveness and their profit margins, and they want packaging and bioplastics products solutions based on sustainable resources," Dr Glatz said.
Cardia Bioplastics and Eco Ventures do Brasil are benefiting from the trend towards sustainable packaging with products used in a broad range of packaging applications, including flexible film, injection moulding, blow moulding, foam, extrusion and coating applications.
Customers will have the choice of using sustainable Cardia BiohybridTM technology or Cardia's Compostable technology for their packaging or plastic products applications.
Cardia BiohybridTM proprietary technology combines renewable thermoplastics with polyolefin material to reduce dependence on finite oil resources and to reduce carbon footprint. Cardia Compostable resins are high performance packaging materials certified to international compostable packaging standards like USA ASTM 6400 and Europe's EN13432:2000.
About Cardia Bioplastics
Cardia Bioplastics Limited (ASX CODE: CNN), through its 100% owned subsidiary Cardia Bioplastics Australia Pty Ltd, develops, manufactures and markets sustainable resins and finished products derived from renewable resources for the global packaging and plastic products industries. The company holds a strong patent portfolio and its growth is fuelled by the global trend towards sustainable packaging. Established in Australia in 2002 as Biograde, the company Headquarters and Global Applications Development Centre is in Melbourne, Australia. The Product Development Centre and manufacturing plant is in Nanjing, China. There are Cardia Bioplastics offices in the Americas, Europe and China, and a network of leading distributors across Australia, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Visit www.cardiabioplastics.com
About Eco Ventures do Brasil
Eco Ventures do Brasil is Brazil's leading distributor of sustainable packaging products. Eco Ventures focuses on distributing BiohybridTM and certified compostable products packaging products made with less oil and a better carbon footprint. Eco Ventures has a high reputation, strong technical expertise and sales resources in the Brazilian market place. Visit www.ecoventuresbrasil.com
DuPont debuts new modifier for PLA products
DuPont announced the expansion of its DuPontTM Biomax® packaging offerings to include renewably sourced Biomax® Thermal 300 heat-stabilizing modifier that allows polylactic acid (PLA) thermoformed packaging to withstand elevated temperatures during transport, storage and use. Its introduction extends the use of PLA -- a bio-based alternative to petrochemical-derived products -- to applications beyond chilled foods and beverages.
"Sustainability matters to packaged goods companies and consumers," said Carolann Haznedar, global business director -- DuPont Packaging, at the Sustainable Packaging Forum here. "As a leader in providing sustainable solutions, DuPont is committed to supporting the journey toward sustainable packaging. High performance is critical to the successful adoption of bio-based products. By offering Biomax® Thermal 300 for PLA, DuPont is helping to deliver performance plus supporting extension of sustainable packaging applications."
Haznedar said DuPont will continue to focus its global, independently judged DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation on recognizing breakthroughs that improve packaging sustainability across the industry.
"Last year, DuPont turned the focus of our industry award toward sustainability and recognized innovations such as packaging weight reduction that improves transport efficiency," she said. "In continuing this focus for the 2009 program, we hope to help define sustainability in our industry, bring visibility to the achievements that are being made and broaden understanding across the value chain."
Biomax® Thermal is the second modifier for PLA to be introduced by DuPont. Biomax® Strong toughening modifier, launched in 2007, improves PLA by enhancing its processibility, durability, impact strength and flexibility. It is petrochemically based. Biomax® Thermal contains 50 percent renewably sourced content by weight. The market introduction of Biomax® Thermal begins in the United States, with rollout to Europe and Asia Pacific early in 2009.
According to research, consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable solutions in packaged foods. DuPont continues to respond with packaging innovations in materials and technology, including science-based solutions for improved sustainability. The company offers a wide range of packaging solutions to meet these needs, including renewably sourced materials such as Biomax® PTT resins and Biomax® TPS resins, weight-reducing DuPontTM Surlyn® resins, and solvent-free Cyrel® FAST flexographic printing plates.
DuPont - one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental goals 18 years ago - has broadened its sustainability commitments beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven targets for both revenue and research and development investment. The goals are tied directly to business growth, specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved new products for key global markets.
Source: Packaging Digest (www.packagingdigest.com)
Cereplast to Launch Nationwide Competition for New Bioplastics Symbol
Winner to Receive $25,000. Creator of the Recycling Symbol, Gary Anderson to Judge Contest.
Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERP), a leading manufacturer of proprietary bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastics, announced today that it will launch a nationwide design competition for a symbol that represents "bioplastics" on January 3, 2011. The symbol will indicate that a product is made from "green," bio-based material, not petroleum-based material.
"Cereplast's competition represents our commitment to educating and helping consumers make smarter purchasing decisions that help preserve and protect our environment," said Frederic Scheer, Chairman and CEO of Cereplast. "Companies are increasingly looking at bio-based plastics made from renewable resources like corn, wheat, and algae as an alternative to petroleum-sourced plastics in order to meet soaring consumer demand for economically and ecologically sound, 'green' products. The bioplastics symbol will enable consumers to easily identify products made from bioplastics, similar to the globally recognized recycling symbol we see on thousands of plastic products."
The contest is open to legal residents of the United States. Entrants are required to submit a symbol design that, when stamped on a product, will clearly serve as an indication that the product is made from bioplastics. This new symbol will serve in a similar fashion to how the recycling symbol is used to identify products that are made from recycled materials and/or are recyclable.
It is mandatory for the design to have the ability to be "single-color" or colorless and it must be easily identifiable. Design submissions need to include three variations to identify the end of life options for the product—whether to compost or recycle it. The three variations include: a general bioplastics symbol; a version identifying compostability; and a version indicating recyclability. Official rules will be posted at www.iizuu.com/cereplast on the day of the contest launch.
The deadline for design entries is March 4, 2011. The top 50 entries will be determined based on a public voting system available at www.iizuu.com/cereplast. The judges will select the top three designs and the winner will be announced on Earth Day Eve, April 21, 2011, at a gala event in Los Angeles, California, in honor of the internationally celebrated Earth Day. The designer of the winning bioplastics symbol will receive $25,000.
Forty-one years ago, Gary Anderson won the competition that produced the globally recognized recycling symbol we see on recyclable products today. Mr. Anderson and industrial designer Karim Rashid are among the panel of renowned judges.
Cereplast produces bio-based, compostable and sustainable plastic substitutes that serve as an environmentally safer alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Cereplast creates a wide range of bioplastic resins to meet surging consumer and industrial demand for economically and ecologically sound, "green" products. Made from renewable resources, — corn, wheat, tapioca, potatoes and algae — Cereplast bioplastics replace traditional petroleum-based plastics in the manufacturing of products and packaging.
About Cereplast, Inc.
Cereplast, Inc. (NASDAQ: CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary bio-based, sustainable plastics which are used as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with petroleum-based plastics. On the cutting-edge of bio-based plastic material development, Cereplast now offers resins to meet a variety of customer demands. Cereplast Compostables® Resins are ideally suited for single use applications where high bio-based content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainables™ Resins combine high bio-based content with the durability and endurance of traditional plastic, making them ideal for applications in industries such as automotive, consumer electronics and packaging. Learn more at www.cereplast.com. You may also visit our social networking pages at Facebook.com/Cereplast, Twitter.com/Cereplast and Youtube.com/Cereplastinc.
Source: www.cereplast.com
Ingeo Cold-Drink Cups Have Lower Carbon and Energy Footprint From Sourcing to Disposal in Landfills than PP or PET
A new lifecycle assessment conducted by PE Americas, a leading environmental sustainability consultancy, found that Ingeo bioplastic cold cups have a lower carbon footprint from sourcing through end of life in landfills than comparable cups made with either polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Ingeo™ is the market-leading plastic, among a new generation of plastics, made from renewable plant material, not oil.
The authors of "Comparative Life Cycle Assessment: Ingeo Biopolymer, PET, and PP Drinking Cups" determined that the manufacture and transportation of Ingeo cold cups and lids consume 30 to 50 percent less energy from cradle to grave than PP and PET respectively, and emit 24 to 55 percent less greenhouse gas than PP and PET respectively.
"Our long-term goal is to provide economically attractive routes that will divert products made from Ingeo from being disposed of in landfills," said Doug Kunnemann, business director, Ingeo Food Service Ware and Food Packaging, NatureWorks. "Since most food service ware today ends up in landfills, it is necessary to first establish a baseline measurement as to how the various plastics commonly used in the food service industry compare environmentally."
PE Americas carried out the cold cup lifecycle assessment under ISO 1440/44 guidelines for compiling and evaluating environmental impacts of a product throughout its life. The study considered the overall environmental impact of one billion cold drink cups, and included the production of PET, PP, and Ingeo granulate, transportation to cup manufacturing, production of cups and lids, transportation through the distribution channel to retail locations, and landfill as the end-of-life option. The study included a sensitivity study that assessed the effect of varying cup weights and cup manufacturing techniques.
Prior to publication and in accordance with ISO guidelines, the study was reviewed from a technical point of view by an independent panel of experts: Dr. Joyce Cooper of the University of Washington; Dr. Rob Anex of Iowa State University; and Bryan Lemke, an executive committee member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and an expert in sustainability at PepsiCo. Following that, the study was peer reviewed by Martha Stevenson, Project Manager at GreenBlu, and Eric Brody, Principal, Shift Advantage.
Carbon footprint data on plastic products in the food service and packaging industries is featured in the following lifecycle assessments:
- Comparative Life Cycle Assessment: Ingeo biopolymer, PET, and PP Drinking Cups
- Life Cycle Assessment of food packaging made of Ingeo biopolymer and (r)PET
- The eco-profile for current Ingeo polylactide production
NatureWorks’ Ingeo Food Service Supplier Guide features a comprehensive 68-page catalog of low-carbon-footprint Ingeo cups, plates, utensils, trays, and packaging available to food service organizations from some of the world’s leading suppliers.
1Data represent the total US lifecycle of the cups (cradle-to-grave) using landfill as end of life. Results and cup weights represent an average of all scenarios studied: PET: 15.5 g cup / 2.5 g lid; PP: 13.0 g cup / 2.1 g lid (average of two scenarios), and Ingeo: 14.0 g cup / 2.3 g lid (average of four scenarios).
About NatureWorks LLC
NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available, low-carbon footprint Ingeo biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. For more information, visit www.natureworksllc.com.
Source: www.natureworksllc.com
Blends of Starch and Recycled Polypropylene Enable Processors to Offer Products with up to 95% 'Green' Content
New blends of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polypropylene (PP) developed by Teknor Apex Company enable processors to incorporate high levels of both bio-based and recycled content into their products while obtaining physical properties comparable to those of virgin PP, it was announced today by the Bioplastics Division.
The new blends are available in the Terraloy® BP-13020 series of ready-to-process compounds, each with a combined 95% content consisting of TPS and recycled PP; and as Terraloy® MB-13020 masterbatches, which can be let down at a 1:1 ratio in virgin PP for a combined 47% bio-based and recyclate content.
Teknor Apex manufactures the blends using a patented process that incorporates high levels of starch without the usual substantial falloff in the physical properties of the host polymer, noted Edwin Tam, manager of strategic initiatives. “Many processors are looking for ways to help customers meet sustainability goals by incorporating ‘green’ content but are discouraged by the property tradeoffs often involved,” Tam said. “Our Terraloy products can help them meet sustainability goals while still obtaining performance comparable to those of standard polypropylene.”
Teknor Apex recommends the new blends for use in injection molded consumer products, extruded sheet, profiles, and tubing, and blow molded jars and bottles.
Terraloy® BP-13020 ready-to-process compounds are blends of 25 to 30% TPS and 70 to 75% PP, of which 70 to 75% is recyclate. Terraloy® MB-13020 masterbatches have 35 to 50% TPS content and up to 50% recyclate. Customers can use the masterbatches in a 1:1 letdown with either virgin or recycled PP.
Data in the accompanying table show how two Terraloy compounds, based on homopolymer and copolymer PP, respectively, compare with virgin PP in terms of physical properties. Teknor Apex can custom formulate compounds to maximize specific properties such as impact strength or flexural modulus.
Source: www.teknorapex.com
A radically new natural and sustainable material that will change the world of home and garden products forever
Environmentally conscious consumers can now replace or recycle their existing home and garden plastic products and replace them with all new PROGANIC products.
The unique biopolymer PROGANIC provides the ecological, aesthetic and yet sophisticated alternative to conventional plastic. This contemporary fabric is exceptional robust, 100% natural and full biodegradable. It adds more sense and dynamics to everyday life by combining a residue free material with smart designs and energetic colors. The launch includes watering cans and flower pots, with many more items to be added in the near future.
PROGANIC consists of 100% natural and renewable ingredients (such as glucose, palm wax) and minerals - even the striking colour tones are achieved naturally. This visionary biopolymer makes an enormous contribution to protecting the earth’s dwindling natural resources. In terms of product performance it is comparable to conventional plastic. BUT: contrary to ordinary plastic the highly resilient PROGANIC is completely broken down and absorbed back into Earths natural cycle once it is placed in active compost.
PROGANIC is a registered trademark of PROPPER, Germany.
It has been tested and approved by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended for use in the food industry. In addition it also conforms to European norm 71, Articles 3 and 9 (toys). In short PROGANIC is THE sustainable material of the future. It is easily recognisable by its seal of quality.
Source: www.propper.de/
More than 170 companies at 5th European Bioplastics Conference in Düsseldorf
This year, European Bioplastics organised its industry conference already for the fifth time. On 1 and 2 December, over 360 experts from all around the globe came together in Düsseldorf to exchange information and insights about new bioplastic materials and products. Hence, European Bioplastics was able to tie in with the success of last year’s record-breaking event.
“Despite the temporal proximity to other important plastics events, the European Bioplastics Conference has definitively established itself as the leading business forum for the bioplastics industry”, said Andy Sweetman, Chairman of European Bioplastics. This year, more than 70 percent of the participants came from Europe, almost 20 percent from Asia, and the better part of the remaining 10 percent from North and South America.
Besides numerous speeches focusing on new products and applications for bioplastic materials, 28 exhibitors showcased a variety of their samples at the conference. Many products introduced in the presentations could be seen and examined at the exhibition.
Another highlight of this year’s event was the Bioplastics Award 2010, which was conferred for the first time during the European Bioplastics Conference. Presented by the Bioplastics Magazine, the 2010 award went to EconCore, a company offering core technologies with regard to cost efficient honeycomb panels and components. The jury based its decision on the potential to considerably reduce weight and materials needed in construction as a result of the consistently applied sandwich structure with its cost effective core. The products of EconCore would contribute decisively to more sustainable construction.
European Bioplastics’ Managing Director, Hasso von Pogrell, was very satisfied with the course of the conference: “The demand for exchanging information, creating networks and forming cooperations obviously increases with the opportunities offered.
Our association and the annual conference provide an optimal platform to do so,” he concluded.
Speakers:
Bas Krins, API Institute; Dr. Stéphane Girois, Arkema; Dirk den Ouden, Avantium; Dr. Lars Börger, BASF; Fredric Petit, DSM; Richard Janssen, DSM; Dr. Karlheinz Hausmann, DuPont; Dr. Harald Häger, Evonik; Dipl. Ing. (FH) Christoph Lohr, FKuR; Steve Dejonghe, Galactic; Thomas Stintzing, Gehr; Fabio Marzorati, Goglio Cofibox; Peter Rushe, Henkel; Andy Sweetman, Innovia Films; Johann Axel Zimmermann, NaKu; Dipl. Ing. Uwe Bonten, NGR; Dr. John Williams, NNFCC; Stefano Facco, Novamont; Bruno de Wilde, OWS; David Webber, PA European Consulting; Marco Polenghi, Polenghi; Prof. Dr. Marina Franke, Procter&Gamble; Oliver Schmid, Propper; Sicco de Vos, Purac; Daniel Ganz, Sukano; Dr. Stanislaw Haftka, Telles (Mirel); Dr. Rainer Hagen, Uhde Inventa Fischer
Exhibitors:
API, BASF, Beta Analytic, Limagrain, BioSphere, BKG, Cereplast, DIN CERTCO, FNR, Fachhochschule Hannover, FKuR, Huhtamaki, Innovia Films, Messe Düsseldorf, Kaneka, Kingfa, Mirel, NatureWorks, Novamont, OWS, PolyOne, Proganic, Purac, Sukano, Synprodo, Taghleef Industries, Vincotte, Xinfu Pharm
European Bioplastics is the European association representing the interests of the industry along the complete bioplastics‘ value chain. Its members produce, refine and distribute bioplastics i.e. plastics that are either bio-based, compostable, or both. More information is available at www.european-bioplastics.org
Source: www.european-bioplastics.org
Milwaukee-area Company Introduces Packaging that is Safe for Food and the Planet
As more people become committed to green initiatives, recycling no longer seems environmentally responsible enough. Today’s most conscientious consumers want packaging that is derived from renewable sources.
To meet this demand, Precision Color Graphics (PCG), located in Franklin, Wisconsin is the first in the nation to introduce a line of pet-food packaging that does not use petrochemicals. These bags have a paper exterior and biopolymer film lining made from corn.
“Our Ecoterah brand of patent-pending bags will start appearing on store shelves within the next few weeks,” says John Goeden, PCG president. “We’re very excited to be the first to introduce compostable, earth-friendly pet food packaging to the market.”
Tuffy’s® Pet Foods, Inc. is PCG’s first customer to use Ecoterah packaging. This
Minnesota-based company has been manufacturing several brands of dog and cat foods for 45 years. Tuffy’s chose Ecoterah packaging for its line of Natural Planet Organics™ dog foods.
“We felt this packaging was the right thing to do for the environment,” says Jim Farrell,
sales and marketing manager at Tuffy’s Pet Foods. “But we also expect it will help boost sales. Customers who want organically grown dog food are the same type of customer who are attracted to earth-friendly packaging.”
Environmentally friendly, politically correct
The US Department of Agriculture has encouraged manufacturers to increase their usage of annually renewable resources, such as corn, wood and other agricultural products to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. These products use photosynthesis to convert energy from the sun into carbon chains, which can then be processed into compostable plastics and paper.
To produce Ecoterah packaging, PCG uses Earth First® PLA (Polylactic acid) Film, an
earth-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based films. This clear, compostable lining is a carbon-neutral biopolymer manufactured under the resin trade name of Ingeo™. Because PLA is FDA-compliant for food contact, Ecoterah packaging offers consumer and pet food manufacturers many benefits:
• By offering a better barrier than traditional plastic liners, it keeps foods fresh
longer.
• Because it does not contain petrochemicals, it is safe for recycling, composting
and landfills.
• EarthFirst® PLA Film consumes less energy during production, resulting in less
greenhouse emissions.
• Because it is grown, processed and produced domestically, PCG has more control
over the supply chain.
A natural growth industry
Despite the downturn in the economy, studies show that consumers remain strongly
interested in sustainable products. According to a Harris Interactive Poll conducted in
April 2010, more than two thirds of American adults view themselves as buyers of green products, and 25 percent have increased their green purchasing. Furthermore, nearly half of all consumers associate green products with high quality, based on a Mintel International Group research presentation from July 2010.
“I tell my customers that they won’t have to sacrifice on their design or printing to use
environmentally friendly packaging,” Goeden adds. Ecoterah products are suitable for
various printing processes and inks, including soy-based inks.
Goeden encourages customers to showcase their dedication to the environment with their packaging and POP displays. “Consumers who are committed to green initiatives actively look for businesses that share their values. By providing this information, you help boost your reputation – and your bottom line.”
About Precision Graphics
Precision Color Graphics Ltd. is a pioneer in quality services and products for pre-press, printing and packaging needs. They help packaging customers design graphics, set copy, and assure printability by taking into account the product’s specific needs.
Ecoterah products are produced by Precision Color Graphics, 9640 S. Oakwood Park Dr. Franklin, Wisc, 53132. For additional information, please contact Dan Brulz, Vice
President of Packaging at (414) 209-0808.
EarthFirst® is a registered trademark of Plastic Suppliers, Inc. Ingeo is a trademark of
NatureWorks LLC in the USA and other countries.
Source: http://www.plasticsuppliers.com
Purac has developed a PLA compound with engineeeering plastic properties
Purac has developed a PLA compound with heat stability and impact strength comparable to ABS. This material utilizes stereo-complex technology which is based on Purac's unique L-Lactide and D-Lactide monomers for the second generation PLA. The new PLA compound performs at a comparable level to ABS in injection moulding applications.
"Purac's L-Lactide and D-Lactide monomers now create solutions for high value added applications. We are proud that we have achieved this milestone, as it will further enhance the application of PLA in semi-durables and consumer goods", says Dr. Kees Joziasse, Manager of Purac's Innovation Center for PLA.
Purac will continue to develop PLA applications for use in automotive, electronics and electrical appliances together with its technology and business partners in the bioplastics value chain. These sustainable solutions are welcomed by industrial stakeholders and consumers because of their performance and eco-profile. Purac is currently building a 75,000 tons per year Lactide plant in Thailand which will enable its partners to bring new products to the market. The plant is scheduled to start production in the fourth quarter of 2011.
Source: http://www.purac.com/
Braskem to present its green plastic at COP16
Braskem, the largest producer of thermoplastic resins in the Americas, will participate in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP-16) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from November 29 to December 10, 2010 in Cancun, Mexico. The initiative reinforces the company’s positioning of maintaining a presence in various production chains, always with a view to promoting sustainable development.
At the meeting, Braskem will raise new topics for discussion that could give the leaders in attendance an opportunity to learn about unique views as well as emphasize Brazil’s vanguard position. One of Braskem's key objectives is to reinforce the importance of renewable raw materials in production processes, presenting as an example its recently released green plastic, which is made from sugarcane. In September, Braskem inaugurated the world’s first plant producing green ethylene on an industrial scale. More recently, it also announced the conclusion of the conceptual phase of its project to build a new green propylene plant, which should begin operations in 2013. The technology for making sustainable resins will be presented at the conference as a key solution for creating a low-carbon economy on a global scale.
In addition, since it a representative of the chemicals industry at COP16, Braskem will be responsible for presenting and mediating a debate on the industry's contributions to climate change, which be given on December 7 at the Brazil Pavilion.
"Braskem believes that topics such as climate change and new technologies promoting sustainability must be adequately supported. That's why we are participating in COP16 to present our experience and give all the support needed to foster this debate," said Jorge Soto, Braskem's sustainable development officer.
Green Solutions@COP16
In parallel to COP16, Green Solutions@COP16 will also be taking place, which is organized by the Mexican government and sponsored by several companies. The meeting will be held on December 5-9 and was created to promote the exchange of ideas on climate change among leaders in the private sector, with a focus on investing in and developing new technologies.
BP CONSULTING, INC. TO DISTRIBUTE INGEO BIOPOLYMER IN JAPAN
NatureWorks LLC and BP Consulting, Inc. announced today that BP Consulting will begin distributing Ingeo biopolymer in Japan. Ingeo is an innovative plastic that is made from plants, not oil.
Since BP Consulting’s inception in 2007, it has been an innovator in bio-based packaging materials. This passion for innovation, in addition to the company’s commitment to offer sustainable solutions to the Japanese market, moved the company to focus on Ingeo applications.
"The broad distribution of Ingeo biopolymers to Japanese manufacturers and brand owners will give companies new opportunities to develop more sustainable packaging, foodservice items, health and beauty aids, durable/semi-durables, compounded resins, and nonwovens," says BP Consulting president Takeyuki Yamamatsu. "A number of these products will be for both local consumption and for export to the United States, the European Union, and Asia Pacific — major trading partners with Japan."
BP Consulting will distribute the full Ingeo product family of resins. The company’s personnel will provide technical support to converters and enable them to seamlessly transition plastics made from non-renewable petroleum to Ingeo biopolymers.
The agreement with BP Consulting, Inc. signals NatureWorks’ long-term commitment to support Japanese businesses as they move toward greater sustainability. Ingeo biopolymer, made from renewable plant material, not oil, emits 60 percent less greenhouse gas and requires 48 percent less energy to manufacture into resin as compared to such plastics as PET.
BP Consulting, Inc. and NatureWorks LLC will be present and supporting Ingeo partners at Eco-Products 2010 at Tokyo Big Sight from December 9th to 11th (booth # P-05, Bioplastic Pavilion, East Hall 2).
To view numerous examples of how companies around the world have incorporated Ingeo into their products, visit NatureWorks’ most recent LookBook. For more information on Ingeo, visit www.natureworksllc.com and BP Consulting, Inc. www.bpc-tyo.com.
About NatureWorks LLC
NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available, low-carbon footprint Ingeo biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. For more information, visit www.natureworksllc.com.
About BP Consulting, Inc.
BP Consulting, Inc. (BP: Bio-based Plastic and Packaging), established in 2007, develops and markets innovative biopolymer products. The company’s mission is to promote the performance products made of annually renewable resources that are required for a sustainable society. BP Consulting develops high quality products of 100% biopolymers, or such polymers with minimum use of inorganic minerals and/or food additives, to enhance bio-based product competitiveness. BP Consulting’s cutting edge technologies have accelerated commercialization of a range of unique Ingeo products. Key products include Ingeo laminated film parts, extruded sheets, crystallized injection molded parts, foam products, and shrink films. With access to leading edge processing technologies from Japanese partners, the company manufactures products in Taiwan and other Asia Pacific countries for global markets. For more information, please visit www.bpc-tyo.com.
Embrapa and Braskem launch project for research into nanotechnology and renewable resources
The partnership will conduct research on sugarcane bagasse, coconut husks, specific varieties of colored cotton, sisal and curaua fibers and agricultural waste to identify new raw material sources
Embrapa and Braskem are forming a scientific and technological cooperation agreement to identify cellulose nanofibers for industrial use from among various different vegetable sources, targeting those that offer the highest yields and best performance and are also biodegradable. The project, which will be officially launched on November 25 at the inauguration ceremony for the General Head of Embrapa Instrumentação, Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso, will receive support from the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (Fapesp) and the Foundation for Industrial Research and Advancement (Fipai).
With an execution period of three years and R$500,000 in funding, the project is part of the Program to Support Research in Partnership with Technological Innovation (PITE) of Fapesp, which will contribute R$252,000 in funds, while the remaining R$248,000 will be provided by Braskem. The program will provide financial support for cooperative research projects to be executed in partnership with both public and private university and research institutions in the state of São Paulo.
The first step was taken when Braskem and Fapesp signed an agreement for scientific and technological cooperation under the scope of the PITE Program, which means that Braskem can now select an institution to conduct research on vegetal sources. The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), through Embrapa Instrumentação, one of its units located in São Carlos, São Paulo, is the partner institution for this research and has a long history of working together with industry.
According to General Head Luiz Henrique Capparelli Mattoso, the agreement is an important opportunity to strengthen relations with industry and will pose a challenge for science to develop technologies that can effectively be adopted, based on the market's needs for new materials derived from agricultural resources.
"This integration brings important benefits for both parties, since it provides the ideal environment for the development of scientific research and applied innovation," said Edmundo Aires, Braskem’s Vice-President of Technology and Innovation.
Three researchers and five fellows from Embrapa Instrumentação will be involved in the study to develop nanofibers from bagasse, coconut husk, specific varieties of colored cotton, sisal, curaua and agricultural waste. All the materials will be classified in accordance with the various techniques adopted by Embrapa Instrumentação, which has been studying the extraction of nanofibers for years.
Braskem
Braskem is the largest petrochemical producer in the Americas and the first company in the world to produce certified green polyethylene. Its strategy is based on competitiveness and technological autonomy in line with its commitment to foster sustainable development.
At the start of the year, Braskem also entered into a partnership with Laboratório Nacional de Biociências (LNBio), a laboratory located in Campinas, São Paulo, for the installation of a laboratory to be used by the company’s research team. In addition to its own facilities, Braskem will also have access to LNBio’s state-of-the-art equipment. The objective is to conduct research in the field of biotechnology, seeking to develop products that are sustainable and competitive economically, always using raw materials derived from renewable resources.
Braskem has the largest and most modern research complex in the Latin America, the Braskem Technology and Innovation Center, which has units at the Triunfo Complex in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, as well as in the state of São Paulo and in the United States. The Center works to develop products, processes, applications and new markets in partnership with Braskem's clients, i.e., the plastic manufacturers that form the third generation of the production chain. In this way, Braskem adds value to and increases the competitiveness of the entire petrochemicals and plastics production chain. Today Braskem produces over 15 million tons of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemical products per year.
Source: www.braskem.com.br
Cardia Bioplastics to work with Nestlé on ‘green’ packaging
Cardia Bioplastics is working with Nestlé to help it reduce the environmental impact of its packaging. According to Cardia managing director, Dr Frank Glatz, the deal “presents an exciting opportunity to develop high performance packaging with lower environmental impact”.
“In addition to offering a product with beneficial environmental profile and full food-safety compliance, delivering superior packaging performance through the product life cycle is a key criterion for success,” he added.
“Our proprietary multi-layer flexible film and rigid packaging developments are important offerings in meeting demanding packaging performance requirements.”
Source: http://www.prw.com
British-Israeli team working to make bioplastics tougher
Scientists at England's Bath University and Tel Aviv University in Israel are working on a joint project designed to improve the properties of bioplastics, allowing them to be used in a wider range of automotive products.
The effort focuses on polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plastic that can be made from renewable plant sources such as corn, wheat or sugar. PLA is currently used in bottles, bags and films, and can be woven into fibres to make clothes in place of polyester.
The scientists at Bath and Tel Aviv are developing a new chemical catalyst to improve the process of making these plastics by making them stronger and more heat resistant so they can be used as a replacement for automotive plastic parts currently made from engineering plastics.
"PLA can be made up of two types of building blocks that are mirror images of each other. Using the current technology, when the plastic is made with both types present they are jumbled together within the structure of the plastic," said Prof Matthew Davidson, Whorrod Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technologies at the Bath University. "This new project will develop a selective catalyst that will build up a polymer of 'left-handed' and 'right-handed' building blocks in a structured order so that we can control the physical properties of the resulting plastic."
The project is one of 10 joint British-Israeli research projects that tackle global challenges in energy and the environment that have been selected to receive funding through the Britain-Israel Research and Academic Exchange Partnership, BIRAX.
Source: http://www.canplastics.com
Clear Lam with Apio, Inc. Wins PMA Packaging Impact Award
The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has given Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. and Apio, Inc. their industry’s highest honor, recognizing the companies as 2010 Impact Award winners for their design and production of a New Pink Platter to Benefit the Fight Against Breast Cancer. The award was announced Oct. 16 at this year’s Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL. Submissions were judged holistically, earning points for excellence in four areas: marketing, food safety, supply chain efficiency/functionality and sustainability. The combined point totals from each of these areas determined the 25 finalists and six packaging winners.
Apio donated $25,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in the month of October. “We are proud to support Apio in their efforts to deliver a new Pink Veggie Platter to highlight the important cause of Breast Cancer Research while promoting a healthy diet low in fat and sodium. It was an honor to work with Apio and receive this recognition from our industry peers and the Produce Marketing Association,” said James Sanfilippo, president and CEO of Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. “Because of the cause marketing element, this packaging needed to stand out with consumers and we’re pleased we were able to help achieve that while providing added value to retailers.”
The new packaging will be used for a variety of fresh cut vegetables and features a novel divider to separate the individual components. The platter is compartmentalized through removable dividers and the lid provides versatility in product quantity and placement. Hermetic sealing and modified atmosphere were used in the manufacturing process to extend shelf life from 16 to 18 days. In addition, a film seal prevents contamination, provides atmosphere control and offers a tamper-resistant solution to retailers. The package includes recycled plastic. Because of its design flexibility, the packaging can be used for meats, cheeses and a variety of other snacking items in addition to fresh cut vegetables and fruits.
Founded in 1969, Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of rigid and flexible packaging materials for thousands of food, personal health care and other consumer products. With seven manufacturing facilities (four in the U.S. and three in China), Clear Lam employs 720 people. Vertically integrated from design to manufacturing, Clear Lam has the largest thermoforming platforms in the world. Clear Lam is committed to following manufacturing procedures that meet the highest safety standards. The company is pursuing the Safe Quality Foods (SQF®) certification as part of the Global Food Safety Initiative. Clear Lam has achieved a Superior rating from AIB International® for seven consecutive years.
Clear Lam is committed to developing environmentally friendly packaging technologies and has three product lines within its Project EarthClear™ program: packaging made from Renewable Raw Materials, packaging made from Recycled Content and Lightweighting materials. Clear Lam is one of the world’s largest extruders and thermoformers of plant-based Ingeo™ PLA.
Source: http://www.clearlam.com
Braskem & INEOS Technologies enter into a strategic partnership for polyethylene (PE) technologies
Braskem and INEOS Technologies announced today at the closing of the APLA Meeting in Rio de Janeiro that they have entered into a strategic partnership for PE technologies. Under this partnership agreement Braskem can acquire licenses for Innovene S slurry and Innovene G gas phase technologies to produce high density PE and linear low density PE in Braskem’s future petrochemical projects. In addition, Braskem and INEOS Technologies will jointly conduct research and development programs for the slurry and gas-phase PE platforms.
The first petrochemical project to benefit from the partnership is the Etileno XXI project in Mexico. This project forms the basis for the newly established Braskem IDESA S.A.P.I joint venture between Braskem and GRUPO IDESA.
The two Innovene S plants that will form part of the Etileno XXI complex in Coatzacoalcos are scheduled to start-up in January 2015.
The plants will produce a full range of monomodal and bimodal high density and medium density polyethylene resins with a total name plate capacity of 750 KTA. Key product areas to be served by the new plants include pipe, blow molded containers, injection molding parts, film, and rotomolded tanks.
Dr. Peter Williams, CEO, INEOS Technologies stated : "INEOS is delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership with Braskem. Under the agreements, INEOS Technologies will offer polyethylene licenses to Braskem’s future investments, and the two companies will work together on joint developments. The aim of the joint R&D is to help ensure that the combination of INEOS’ Innovene G and Innovene S technologies remains the leading offer to the market in Latin America and beyond, responding fully to the future needs of the polymer industry. For the Etileno XXI project, the Innovene S technology will provide high quality polyethylene resins for the much diversified high density PE market in Mexico. INEOS Technologies is proud that Innovene S technology is part of this major investment in the Latin American region".
Mr.Bernardo Gradin, President of Braskem, commented :"Our agreements with INEOS give us access to state-of-the-art high density and linear low density polyethylene technologies also allowing Braskem to directly participate in joint developments of such. This will allow Braskem to use the Innovene S and Innovene G technologies in its expansion program, starting with the Etileno XXI project with our partners GRUPO IDESA in Mexico, as well as the intended projects in Peru and Bolivia. It is a very important step in the direction of assuring to Braskem clear access to existing leading polymerization technologies, allowing the company to concentrate its efforts on the internal development of bio based renewable technology, a fundamental move to fulfill its 2020 vision of being the world’s leading renewable chemistry company".
Source: http://www.braskem.com.br
PLANTS, SUN, AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY GIVE INGEO BIOPLASTIC IMPROVED ECO CREDENTIALS
The manufacture of NatureWorks’ Ingeo™ plastic, made from plants not oil, emits fewer greenhouse gasses (GHGs) than the comparable manufacture of every other common petrochemical-based plastic, according to a peer-reviewed article published in the August 2010 edition of Industrial Biotechnology.
The article, "The eco-profile for current Ingeo polylactide production," was peer reviewed and approved for publication in Industrial Biotechnology by an independent panel of experts. The article documents the energy and GHG inputs and outputs of Ingeo production, including planting, harvesting, fermenting plant sugars, and resin production.
Plants absorb CO2 as they grow and that offsets and lowers the overall GHG emissions from Ingeo production by 61 percent. The yellow bar in the “Gross GHG Emissions” chart shows the amount of CO2 absorbed by plants. The blue bars indicate the total CO2 emitted during various stages of plant growth through polymer production. The yellow bar represents the 61 percent overall offset.
The CO2 absorbed by the growing plant not only reduces GHG emissions, but also directly replaces the fossil resources that are required as the building block for today’s petro-based polymers.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Biopreferred Program and the European Union’s Lead Market Initiative are both designed to promote biobased products. The data on lowering carbon footprint presented in the article shows why these programs are important in terms of stimulating the use of biobased material over non-renewable material.
"Using renewable performance materials in lowering carbon footprints is why brand owners and retailers are becoming increasingly interested in using materials such as Ingeo biopolymer," said Marc Verbruggen, president and chief executive officer, NatureWorks. "It is one of the principal reasons Ingeo sales are climbing at a double-digit rate, and why NatureWorks is planning on building a second production facility to meet the growing demand for Ingeo."
Ingeo is the NatureWorks brand name for its portfolio of polylactide biopolymers and the study notes:
"The data provided in this report is only valid for Ingeo (polylactides produced by NatureWorks in Blair, Nebraska, USA) and not for polylactide production in general. The life cycle inventory data for polylactides that might be produced elsewhere will be different due to different raw materials (sugar or starch source) and raw material production practices, different technologies for processing these raw materials, different fermentation and polymerization technology, and different background data for electricity/fuel mixes used."
Since the NatureWorks Ingeo facility in Nebraska began production in 2002, technology improvements there have further lowered energy consumption and GHG emissions. The following charts compare the energy consumption and the GHG emissions of Ingeo and common petrochemical plastics on an equal-weight basis in the cradle-to-factory stage of their life cycle.
To view examples of how companies around the world have incorporated the Ingeo eco profile into their products, visit NatureWorks’ most recent "LookBook." Visit the NatureWorks website www.natureworksllc.com for news and product information and sign up to receive the Ingeo News newsletter.
About NatureWorks LLC
NatureWorks LLC is a company dedicated to meeting the world’s needs today without compromising the earth’s ability to meet the needs of tomorrow. NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available, low-carbon footprint Ingeo biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. For more information, visit www.natureworksllc.com.
Source: www.natureworksllc.com
ODWALLA "PLANTS" SUSTAINABLE SEED WITH NEW BOTTLE INITIATIVE
Next year is looking even greener for Odwalla. The natural health beverage company announced today its plans to transition all of the brand's single-serve bottles toPlantBottle™ packaging, HDPE made of up to 100% plant-based materials* and 100 percent recyclable, in March 2011.
The new Odwalla package will help to reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources. For example, the potential annual CO2 emission reduction from the use of plant-based material, instead of petroleum, to make Odwalla's PlantBottle™ packaging is equal to a savings of almost 400,000 gallons of gas.
"Plants do such a good job of making our juice, Odwalla hired them to help make our bottles," said Alison Lewis, President, Odwalla. "Doing good things for the community and building a business with heart are core guiding principles of Odwalla's vision. PlantBottle™ packaging is just the latest step in our continued commitment to the environment."
Combined with Odwalla's Plant A Tree Program, which has planted over 300,000 trees in the last 3 years, and Odwalla's Bloom Energy Fuel Cell technology commencing at Odwalla's plant in Dinuba, CA -- which reduces the plant's carbon footprint by 35 percent while supplying 30 percent of the plant's energy needs -- PlantBottle™ packaging is the latest step in Odwalla's efforts and innovations to reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources.
PlantBottle™ packaging consists of material derived from molasses and sugarcane juice. It has the same performance as traditional HDPE and PET bottles: no differences in shelf life, weight, composition or appearance. PlantBottle™ HDPE can be recycled again and again in today's recycling facilities. The redesigned plastic represents a significant step in our sustainability efforts and in protecting the planet.
*Minimum of 96% plant-based HDPE (high-density polyethylene)
About Odwalla
Odwalla, Inc. delivers nourishment coast to coast with the Odwalla family of juices, juice drinks, smoothies, protein drinks, and nourishing food bars. Odwalla has been making juices and innovating in the natural health beverage category for 30 years. Its nourishing beverages and food bars are available in natural food stores, select supermarkets and specialty outlets throughout the country. To learn more about Odwalla products and Odwalla's commitment to the environment, please visit www.Odwalla.com . Also follow Odwalla on Facebook and Twitter (@Odwalla).
Source: http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com
reSound™ Biopolymer Compounds from PolyOne Deliver Performance and Reduce Environmental Impact
At the K 2010 exhibition, PolyOne Corporation (NYSE: POL), a premier global provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions, is displaying reSound™ biopolymer compounds for durable applications. These innovative materials, which incorporate a minimum of 30% bio-derived content by weight, enable manufacturers in the durable consumer products sector to reduce environmental impact of their products while delivering exceptional performance equal to or better than conventional engineering resins.
“Our customers are increasingly focused on reducing their carbon footprint to meet consumers’ growing desire for greener products,” said Jean-Marc Verhaeghe, global marketing director, PolyOne Global Engineered Materials. “Until now, they had few options because biopolymers did not provide the desired performance properties. Our reSound compounds solve this dilemma by providing both a high percentage of renewable content and excellent mechanical properties. With reSound biopolymer compounds, tomorrow’s cars, mobile phones and other durable applications can stand out from the competition with a combination of sustainability and performance.”
reSound compounds combine high performance engineering thermoplastic resins with bio-derived polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) for a unique balance of temperature, impact and cost performance, making them ideal candidates for durable applications across a variety of industries.
“This is yet another example of how PolyOne is helping to make bio-based consumer goods a reality with an innovative and robust solution,” said Marcel Dartée, PolyOne’s global marketing director for biopolymers. “Our reSound compounds bring added options to a family of solutions that includes color and additive masterbatches for biopolymers, bio-based TPEs, and bioplasticizers.”
About PolyOne
PolyOne Corporation, with 2009 annual revenues of $2.1 billion, is a premier provider of specialized polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered outside of Cleveland, Ohio USA, PolyOne has operations around the world.
Source: www.polyone.com.
Boulder Canyon™ adopts NatureFlex™
Boulder Canyon™ Natural Foods, a leading North American snack food manufacturer, has introduced a renewable, fully compostable pack for its line of All Natural Kettle Cooked Potato Chips.
The innovative packaging is gaining attention because it looks, feels and sounds the same as traditional, non-compostable bags. The bag is the first of its kind on the market to be made from a structure that incorporates metallised NatureFlex™ NKM from Innovia Films.
Source: www.innoviafilms.com
KLÖCKNER PENTAPLAST INTRODUCES BIOFILM™ THERMOPLASTIC STARCH FILMS FOR PACKAGING
Klöckner Pentaplast has partnered with Plantic Technologies Limited to provide Pentafood® Biofilm™ and Pentaform® Biofilm™ rigid thermoplastic starch (TPS) films for food and retail packaging. These innovative TPS films are derived from annually
renewable high-amylose starch which provides brand owners with a packaging material of nongenetically modified origins to help them meet their sustainable packaging goals. With a high renewable-resource content of 85 to 90% by weight, Pentafood® Biofilm™ and Pentaform® Biofilm™ TPS films are compostable in professionally managed facilities and certified to ASTM D6400 and EN 13432
standards (Biodegradable Products Institute in the US, Din Certco in Europe). Additional certification by Vinçotte verifies that these films will biodegrade completely in home composting, soil burial, and water. Although available worldwide with Klöckner Pentaplast, kp is the exclusive supplier to the Americas and Europe.
Ideal for thermoformed trays, shelf-ready displays, and insert trays in secondary packaging,
Pentafood® Biofilm™ and Pentaform® Biofilm™ TPS films inherently provide excellent barrier for flavor and odor, as well as grease resistance. Pentafood® Biofilm™ and Pentaform® Biofilm™ TPS films are available in standard colors (natural, white, brown, gold, purple, and black) with a gloss/gloss surface.
Pentafood® Biofilm™ TPS films are compliant with all applicable FDA standards for direct food contact.
“Pentafood® Biofilm™ and Pentaform® Biofilm™ TPS films were developed to meet customers’ sustainable packaging goals for food and retail packaging applications,” notes Michael Ryan, Klöckner Pentaplast’s vice president of strategic marketing. “The expansion of our Biofilm™ packaging film portfolio to include these unique films, along with our existing Pentafood® and Pentaform® films,
continues to provide our customers with the broadest selection of films available in the global marketplace today.”
About the Klöckner Pentaplast Group
The Klöckner Pentaplast Group is the world’s leading producer of films for pharmaceutical,
medical device, food, electronics, and general-purpose thermoform packaging, as well as printing and
specialty applications. Founded in 1965 in Montabaur, Germany, Klöckner Pentaplast has grown from
its initial facility to 19 current production operations in 11 countries.
Source: www.kpfilms.com
PENTAFORM® SMARTCYCLE® RF-SEALABLE AND HEAT-SEALABLE FILMS AVAILABLE FROM KLÖCKNER PENTAPLAST
The Pentaform®SmartCycle® film product line has been extended to include two new Pentaform® SmartCycle® films. Pentaform®SmartCycle® TH-ES135R is designed for use in RF sealing. Pentaform®SmartCycle® TH-ES150K is heat sealable to water-based, adhesive-coated cardstock. Both rigid PET films are made from post-consumer recycled bottles.
Designed to contain a minimum of 35% or 50% post-consumer recycled content, these innovative Pentaform® SmartCycle® films are engineered to be drop-in alternatives for traditional polymers sealed by these methods while helping meet customers’ sustainable packaging goals. With over 20 years of polyester production experience, Klöckner Pentaplast is a leading global producer of rigid polyester films and is the exclusive global supplier of SmartCycle® packaging films.
Ideal for clamshells, blisters, trays, and other thermoformed applications, Pentaform®
SmartCycle® films offer exceptional processability on standard thermoforming and form/fill/seal equipment. These films are certified to meet domestic packaging regulations and exceed California and Oregon regulations for rigid plastic packaging containers.
SmartCycle® PET films provide a thermoformed plastic packaging option to consumer product companies and retailers while building long-term value by helping them move toward their sustainable packaging goals. Because the SmartCycle® logo can be included on the plastic containers using this film, consumers can make educated choices on their purchases.
The SmartCycle® process of making packaging from recycled plastic bottles saves energy, natural resources, and, ultimately, will spur collection of bottles. Consumers are now able to return their Pentaform® SmartCycle® packages to Klöckner Pentaplast for recycling; thereby forming a closed loop and adding continued life to SmartCycle® branded packages. This begins with the distinctive
SmartCycle® logo derived from the petaloid base found on most PET bottles. For the consumer, the unique identifying mark is informative, reinforcing the benefits of bottle and package recycling. A key goal of SmartCycle® is to help people feel good about their packaging choice by conveying the story of sustainable packaging through the entire packaging value chain – consumers, retailers, OEMs, converters, and resource recovery plants.
“Pentaform® SmartCycle® films were developed to be drop-in alternatives for traditional polymers sealed by RF methods or heat sealable to water-based, adhesive-coated cards while helping meet customers’ sustainable packaging goals,” notes Peter Gianniny, Klöckner Pentaplast’s thermoforming packaging films business manager for the Americas. “The expansion of our thermoform packaging film range to include these unique films continues to provide our customers with the broadest selection of high-performance films available in the global marketplace today.”
About the Klöckner Pentaplast Group
The Klöckner Pentaplast Group is the world’s leading producer of films for pharmaceutical, medical device, food, electronics, and general-purpose thermoform packaging, as well as printing and specialty applications. Founded in 1965 in Montabaur, Germany, Klöckner Pentaplast has grown from its initial facility to 19 current production operations in 11 countries.
Source: www.kpfilms.com
At K 2010 SABIC Innovative Plastics Reaffirms Environmental Commitment with Expanded Sustainability Portfolio and New Verification Program
At K 2010, in Hall 6, Stand D42, SABIC Innovative Plastics is reaffirming its commitment to the environment with two new announcements: the expansion of its already extensive Sustainability Solutions Portfolio comprised of more than 20 sustainability solution families and hundreds of product grades such as new Noryl*, Cycoloy* and Lexan* EXL resins containing post-consumer recycled (PCR) content; and the introduction of a rigorous new validation process for sustainable materials and applications. The new process includes a Sustainable Product Scorecard, developed in partnership with respected, third-party environmental sustainability consulting firm, GreenOrder. Both announcements illustrate SABIC Innovative Plastics’ commitment to addressing its customers’ diverse environmental needs. This includes the company’s ongoing investments in materials, technologies and processes that help customers worldwide lower their carbon and energy footprints, eliminate waste, and ensure strict compliance with global environmental regulations.
“As an innovator in the development of sustainable technologies, SABIC Innovative Plastics is committed to creating and providing a steady supply of environmentally responsible materials,” said Tom Stanley, vice president, Technology, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “We’ve strengthened our portfolio to help customers across all industries meet demands for ever-greener products that comply with worldwide environmental expectations, and we’ve implemented a standards-based process for verifying our sustainability claims. This is an ongoing initiative that will continuously deliver new materials, process and application technologies that provide outstanding performance, as well as reduced impact on the planet.”
Broad and Deep Offering for Sustainable Design and Production
SABIC Innovative Plastics’ new PCR resins are just the latest additions to its broad array of sustainability solutions. Materials in the portfolio also include longstanding environmental successes such as Noryl GTX* resin for tough automotive exteriors and Valox iQ* and Xenoy iQ* resins based on up-cycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Further, the company provides many other specialty resins and services that are not explicitly part of the Sustainability Solutions Portfolio, but can help customers design and manufacture products with a reduced ecological impact. Examples include materials for energy-efficient lighting (light emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)), thin-wall designs to reduce resource consumption, computer-aided design (CAD) optimization for more-productive use of materials, coating reduction and paint elimination to avoid volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, and improved molding process efficiency to reduce energy usage.
Sustainability Solutions Portfolio Targets Top Environmental Issues
The SABIC Innovative Plastics Sustainability Solutions portfolio is comprised of materials that address today’s most important environmental initiatives:
- Post-consumer recycled content: SABIC Innovative Plastics has received high praise for its Valox iQ and Xenoy iQ resins, including the 2009 Responsible Care award from Cefic and the 2007 environmental award from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). These materials, containing up to 60 percent post-consumer content derived from discarded PET bottles, consume less energy and yield less carbon dioxide (CO2 ) than traditional polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) or polyamide (PA) 6 throughout the entire manufacturing process – from cradle (discarded PET bottles) to gate (resin pellets). The company recently launched Lexan EXL PCR resins for consumer electronics applications, which reduce energy and emissions by up to 60 percent compared to conventional Lexan EXL resins.
- Automotive weight-out: SABIC Innovative Plastics has led the industry for many years with lightweight materials that reduce fuel consumption and emissions while delivering high performance and improved design flexibility. Collectively, automotive body panels molded from Noryl GTX resin; Lexan polycarbonate (PC) glazing; Xenoy iQ resin in pedestrian protection systems; SABIC® Stamax® long glass-filled polypropylene (LGFPP) for front-end module assemblies; and Flexible Noryl resin for ultra-thin-wall wire coating may reduce the weight of a typical car by more than 24 kg. This average weight savings results in a carbon emissions reduction of approximately 20 to 45 percent during the entire life cycle of a car compared to incumbent technologies. For example, for a typical car, this weight reduction could lower CO2 emissions per kilometer traveled by approximately 2.4 g. Successful adaptation of these lightweight technologies to a European fleet of approximately 210 million vehicles could potentially avoid 9.7 million tons of CO2 emissions per year.
- Advanced flame retardance (FR): SABIC Innovative Plastics is continuing to expand its array of non-halogenated FR plastics to keep pace with evolving environmental regulations and voluntary eco labels that are important to customers. For example, the company’s new halogen-free FR Lexan PC resin series combines transparency and all the benefits of an FR PC with chemically halogen-free formulation.
- Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency is an important focus for SABIC Innovative Plastics. For example, its Specialty Film and Sheet business provides high-performance glazing and roofing materials for the building and construction industry that can reduce energy usage. Thermoclear* Solar Control infrared (IR) multiwall sheet products, which combine highly insulating multiwall construction with a proprietary IR coating, have been shown to reduce indoor cooling and heating energy requirements by 7 to 25 percent compared with double-pane glass windows and skylights, depending on multiwall thicknesses between 16 mm and 25 mm.
Sustainable Product Scorecard Validates Claims
Products and applications in SABIC Innovative Plastics’ expanded Sustainability Solutions Portfolio have been strictly validated in two potential ways: either they meet one or more widely recognized third-party sustainability standards or their environmental benefits relative to incumbent technologies have been verified using the company’s new Sustainable Product Scorecard. For a significant number of products in the portfolio, third-party standards exist defining sustainability features, such as halogen-free FR or PCR content. For a number of other solutions, such as automotive lightweight design or footprint reductions, there are no widely recognized industry or third-party standards defining sustainability. For these solutions, it is necessary to verify the environmental benefits over incumbent alternatives using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods for estimating the environmental footprint of products and processes. SABIC Innovative Plastics incorporated these LCA methods into its new Sustainable Product Scorecard to ensure that the verification process is done in a rigorous and credible way.
The scorecard process has already verified the environmental benefits of seven sustainability solution families, with more in the pipeline. This portfolio validation process enables customers to confidently choose high-performance materials that advance their environmental and business goals. SABIC Innovative Plastics plans to further expand its list of verified materials and sustainability portfolio through the end of 2010 and into the future to further support customers’ environmental objectives.
The Sustainable Product Scorecard measures, validates and communicates environmental benefits compared with conventional or alternative materials. The scorecard has two components:
- Life Cycle Assessment: LCA and Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) methodologies, based on the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, are used to build the first component of the scorecard. Carbon and energy footprints1 of products or applications are estimated through the product’s life cycle.
- Green Chemistry Screen (GCS): This tool assesses the chemical composition of the product, including known impurities, byproducts and catalysts, against well-established toxicological, regulatory and standard-specific criteria.
The results of the scorecard are used to develop environmental benefit claims that are subjected to a rigorous, independent review by GreenOrder. These validated claims, summarized in an Environmental Product Data Sheet (EPDS), allow customers to differentiate their products and showcase their sustainability initiatives.
“We commend SABIC Innovative Plastics for its proactive efforts to provide new alternatives to traditional materials across the spectrum of sustainability,” said Truman Semans, principal at GreenOrder, an LRN Company. “The key to this initiative is the verification of environmental benefits using established standards and rigorous validation and testing processes. Our work in independently evaluating SABIC Innovative Plastics’ materials helps ensure that they fulfill their eco claims and deliver proven, measurable value to customers.”
For additional information on SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Sustainability Solutions portfolio, please go to www.sabic-ip.com. For technical product inquiries, please contact us at www.sabic-ip.com/prtechinquiry.
SABIC is Exhibiting at K 2010 in Düsseldorf, Germany in Hall 6, Stand D42
For K 2010, SABIC’s focus is A Culture of Innovation, which means investing in Growth, Technology, Sustainability and Customer Focus. We help our customers to innovate, differentiate their applications and optimize costs by:
- Investing in global expansion;
- Providing the broadest product portfolio that delivers better performance and adds value;
- Developing environmentally responsible products and solutions that provide significant and measurable performance advantages; and
- Working closely with our customers to build long-term, lasting relationships.
About SABIC Innovative Plastics
SABIC Innovative Plastics is a leading, global supplier of engineering thermoplastics with a 75-year history of breakthrough solutions that solve its customers’ most pressing challenges. Today, SABIC Innovative Plastics is a multi-billion-dollar company with operations in more than 35 countries and approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. The company continues to lead the plastics industry with customer collaboration and continued investments in new polymer technologies, global application development, process technologies, and environmentally responsible solutions that serve diverse markets such as automotive, electronics, building & construction, transportation, and healthcare. The company’s extensive product portfolio includes thermoplastic resins, coatings, specialty compounds, film, and sheet. SABIC Innovative Plastics (www.sabic-ip.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), one of the world’s top six petrochemicals manufacturers.
Braskem launches project for green propylene industrial unit
Braskem, the largest thermoplastic resin producer in the Americas and a company committed to bringing to market products and solutions with high technical performance that are aligned with the principles of the low-carbon economy, announces the conclusion of the conceptual phase of the project to build a green propylene plant.
In 2011, work will be concluded on the basic engineering studies and, once final approval is obtained, the project's installation will begin, with operational startup expected in the second half of 2013. The plant should require investment of around US$100 million and have minimum green propylene production capacity of 30 kt/year.
To produce green polypropylene, Braskem will adopt technology that has already been proven on an industrial scale and use as an input sugarcane ethanol, which is recognized as the world's best renewable energy source. The green polypropylene will have the same technical, processability and performance properties as polypropylene made using traditional production routes.
The preliminary eco-efficiency study has shown very favorable results, given the benefits from the environmental advantages of green ethylene. The study was conducted in partnership with Fundação Espaço Eco and was based on conceptual engineering data. Each ton of green polypropylene produced captures and sequesters 2.3 t of CO2.
Braskem considers this plant part of its strategy to develop biopolymers and is committed to expanding its portfolio and production capacity, enabling the growth and adoption of green plastic by a growing number of clients and applications, thereby increasing the product's benefits for the environment.
Braskem has been working with green polypropylene for a long time. In 2008, during BioJapan, the company announced the production of the first green polypropylene sample made 100% from renewable resources, which was verified in accordance with ASTM D6866. Braskem also has research projects to develop a new production route for green polypropylene, including the partnerships announced with Novozymes in 2009, as well as with UNICAMP and LNBio
Polypropylene is the second most used plastic in the world and features unique properties among all polymers, such as excellent balance of physical properties, possibility of high transparency and high resistance to impacts at low temperatures, high performance in production processes, stability of properties over the long term, low density (which allows for lighter parts) and high versatility in terms of applications.
NOVAMONT UNVEILS ITS INNOVATIVE BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE CLINGFILM
The clingfilm which can also be used for foodstuffs with a high fatty acid content and with acidic foods, is easy to tear off and contains renewable resources of agricultural origin.
Novamont continues the development with its Second Generation Mater-Bi® products: at the K fair (the international trade fair for plastics and rubber), taking place in Düsseldorf from 27 October to 3 November 2010, Novamont will be unveiling its first industrial clingfilm that is biodegradable and compostable and contains renewable resources.
The stretchy clingfilm can be used for any kind of foodstuffs, even food that has a high fat content (oils, sauces, butter, etc.) or that is acidic. After use it can be disposed of as organic waste as the material has been certified as compostable in accordance with standard EN13432 and is compatible with various kinds of composting plant technology.
The product was developed by Novamont together with its partners and has the same technical characteristics of strength and stretch as traditional products developed for domestic use without using any plasticisers or additives that could transfer into food. The development took quite a long time, as the technical profile of such products is complex, taking into consideration various benchmarks which had to be achieved. First of all, of course, the optical appearance and transparency, which has to be similar to the one offered by the conventionally used materials.
Novamont’s cling film is specially formulated to be easy to tear off without needing a serrated cutting edge, making it safer and more convenient. An intrinsic characteristic of the material is its high permeability to water vapour, helping to evaporate the condensation that forms particularly with warm food or in the fridge. This makes it ideal for preserving and protecting foodstuffs.
Another important aspect of this product is the balanced mechanical properties at very low gauge, as such films are mainly used in the gauge of 10 to 12 µ, with extremely high puncture resistance and excellent elongation values.
Moreover the product has a perfectly tuned water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) which is offering many products to be longer kept fresh in the fridge.
Mater-Bi® is the main product developed by Novamont. While providing the same strength and performance as traditional plastics, it is made of renewable resources of agricultural origin. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of energy and non-renewable resources, thus completing a virtuous circle: the raw materials of agricultural origin return to the earth through processes of biodegradation and composting, without releasing pollutants.
Source: www.novamont.com
