DuPont debuts new modifier for PLA products

DuPont announced the expansion of its DuPont^TM 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 DuPont^TM 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)