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.
