Amyris and Method Partner to Develop Renewable Ingredients for Household & Personal Care Products
Collaboration to Target High-Performance Molecules from Amyris Biofene®.
Amyris, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS), a leading renewable chemicals and fuels company, and Method Products, Inc., the leading innovator in premium, environmentally-conscious household and personal care products, have signed a Joint Development Agreement to generate a portfolio of novel molecules from Biofene, Amyris renewable farnesene made from plant sugars, for use in Method’s products.
Under the agreement, Amyris and Method will collaborate to evaluate and develop multiple ingredients, such as surfactants and solvents, derived from Biofene, to deliver environmentally-friendly products with uncompromising performance. Upon successful development of an ingredient and incorporation into a Method product, Amyris and Method will pursue a supply agreement for Amyris to supply the ingredient to Method for use in its products.
“For more than a decade, Method has been bringing innovative and sustainable products to the cleaning and personal care sectors,” says Adam Lowry, Method co-founder and Chief Greenskeeper. “Our partnership with Amyris gives us the unprecedented opportunity to develop entirely new molecules that take our already industry leading technology to the next level. The ingredients we are developing deliver never-seen-before performance in a cleaning product of any kind, yet these are ingredients made from natural, renewable, and sustainable sources.”
About Method
Founded in 2000, Method is headquartered in San Francisco, Calif. Method is the leading innovator of premium healthy home and personal care products and can be found in more than 35,000 retail locations throughout North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Major national retailers include Target, Whole Foods, Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wegman’s and Safeway,Method is a privately held company backed by San Francisco Equity Partners, Simon Equity Partners, and private individual investors. For more information, visit methodhome.com/.
Source: www.amyris.com
Cereplast Completes Purchase of Manufacturing Plant in Italy to Help Serve Growing Demand for Bioplastic Materials in Europe
Cereplast, Inc. (Nasdaq:CERP), a leading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable plastics, has completed its purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi (Cannara), Italy that will serve as the hub for the company's European bioplastics production. This initiative enables Cereplast to further expand its capabilities to produce and deliver bioplastic products to the European marketplace.
"This purchase reflects Cereplast's strong commitment to serving Europe's burgeoning bioplastics market and we're proud to be the first bioplastics manufacturer to have production facilities on two different continents," said Frederic Scheer, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cereplast. "This new plant strengthens our ability to meet soaring demand for bioplastics in the region, which is expected to reach one million tons by 2014 according to European Plastics, representing an approximate 33% increase per year. Upon completion of the first phase of development of the plant, we will have dramatically expanded our manufacturing capacity from 36,000 tons to 86,000 tons which will enable us to satisfy the accelerating number of supply and distribution agreements we continue to secure."
Monte De Paschi di Sienna (MPS), a leading Italian bank, is providing funding that will cover the majority of the costs associated with the purchase and refurbishment of the facility. IntesaSanPaolo Bank participated as well in opening credit facilities totaling over one million euros to Cereplast Italia SpA with the support of Eurofidi. The remainder of the project will be subsidized with loans and grants from local government agencies.
Scheer continued, "We were pleased to work with top-tier Italian institutions like MPS and IntesaSanPaolo to finance this facility and accomplish this significant milestone for our company in an overall challenging economic landscape in Europe. The support of local institutions coupled with the commitments of local government agencies underscores Italy's dedication to job creation, clean technology, the environment and the potential benefits that Cereplast can bring to the region."
Vinicio Bottachiari, Executive Director of Sviluppumbria SpA, a regional organization that promotes economic development in Umbria, Italy said, "Sviluppumbria is committed to helping further develop the economy in Umbria while also improving the overall social and environmental quality in the region. We are pleased to welcome Cereplast's new bioplastics facility in Assisi, as not only will it create new jobs, but the material that it manufactures is earth friendly and offers a lower carbon footprint. With the ban on plastic bags that was passed this year in Italy, demand for bioplastics is expected to increase exponentially as manufacturers seek out alternatives to traditional plastic."
Management estimates the total cost of the purchase and refurbishment of the facility will be approximately 12 million euros. The company intends to build a 125,000 square foot plant with capacity of approximately 100,000 tons or about 220 million pounds, which will be completed in two phases. The first phase will allow for a 50,000 ton capacity with manufacturing expected to begin by the fourth quarter of 2012, with the second phase expected to be completed based on market demand. Being developed on the site of a former industrial plant, the company expects to benefit from existing infrastructure, including its chemical site permit.
About Cereplast, Inc.
Cereplast, Inc. (Nasdaq:CERP) designs and manufactures proprietary biobased, sustainable plastics which are used as substitutes for traditional plastics in all major converting processes - such as injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding and extrusions - at a pricing structure that is competitive with traditional plastics. On the cutting-edge of biobased 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 biobased content and compostability are advantageous, especially in the food service industry. Cereplast Sustainables® resins combine high biobased 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 the Cereplast social networking pages at Facebook.com/Cereplast, Twitter.com/Cereplast and Youtube.com/Cereplastinc.
Papico appointed UK agent of leading U.S bio plastic company
Yorkshire-based paper agency Papico has been appointed UK agent to a leading U.S bio plastic technology company DaniMer to help it to market its revolutionary plant-based renewable hot melt adhesive to the UK carton industry.
Papico will be particularly beneficial in helping to gain prominence for DaniMer’s hot melt adhesive, which is being marketed as a real economic alternative to petro chemical-based products. Director of Papico Tony Knight says: “Bio technology has often had the reputation for being more costly than less environmentally-friendly alternatives, but this bio adhesive will mean carton producers and converters now have a renewable bio-adhesive that is not only competitively priced but also enables companies to offer a truly sustainable piece of packaging.”
The hot melt adhesive is made from renewable resources and uses DaniMer’s proprietary Seluma condensation polymer technology which enables the finished product to be ASTM 6400 compostable and suitable for hydro-repulping operations for the waste paper recovery supply chain.
The product is suitable for case, carton seal and carton edge sealing and can form a drop-in replacement for most hot melt adhesives. Tony Knight comments: “We are extremely pleased that we have been chosen as the UK agent for DaniMer as its technology has the capacity to create a major difference in making UK carton production even more sustainable and environmentally-friendly.”
Source: http://www.danimer.com/
LANXESS expands portfolio with bio-based plasticizers
LANXESS is strengthening its commitment to renewable raw materials. The German specialty chemicals company aims to produce phthalate-free plasticizers from bio-based succinic acid from 2012 onwards. Its strategic partner is the U.S. company BioAmber, Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. BioAmber is a global leader in succinic acid generated on the basis of renewable resources. Together, the two companies are developing plasticizers, whose cost-effectiveness and safety profile make them sustainable alternatives to phthalate-containing formulations.
BioAmber produces succinic acid through the fermentation of renewable raw materials. The process developed by BioAmber consumes considerably less energy than the production of succinic acid using fossil fuels, is significantly more cost-effective and has a better carbon footprint. In the future, the company plans to use waste from the agriculture industry and sugarcane processing as starting materials.
“Our cooperation with BioAmber is a unique opportunity to launch a new generation of plasticizers on the market that meet all legal regulations and can also score in terms of environmental aspects and sustainability,” said Jorge Nogueira, head of LANXESS' Functional Chemicals business unit that manufactures phthalate-free plasticizers.
Phthalate-free plasticizers gaining importance
As a market leader in the field of phthalate-free plasticizers, LANXESS has large capacities, expertise in production and a global distribution network. Its key products include Mesamoll, Adimoll, Ultramoll and Unimoll. Through the acquisition of the UNITEX Chemical Corporation based in Greensboro, North Carolina, LANXESS also now has access to an additional capacity of 50,000 metric tons per year, plus an extensive portfolio of phthalate-free plasticizers such as benzoates, citrates and trimellitates.
BioAmber manufactures bio-based succinic acid in Pomacle, France, at a plant with 3,000 metric tons of capacity per year. It will add a further 17,000 metric tons of capacity from 2013 with a new facility to be built in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, at LANXESS' site there.
The global market for phthalate-free plasticizers is currently estimated at EUR 1.3 billion – with annual growth rates of around seven percent. As a result of legal initiatives, demand for phthalate-free plasticizers is growing in markets such as North America, Western Europe and Japan. An increase in demand is also being observed in global growth markets such as Latin America. Authorities are increasingly restricting the use of phthalate-containing plasticizers for consumer goods such as toys, food packaging and cables.
Bio-sourcing initiatives
LANXESS is strongly committed to using renewable raw materials to produce premium synthetic rubbers. From November 2011, LANXESS will produce the world’s first bio-based EPDM rubber in Brazil. The Brazilian company Braskem will supply the raw material ethylene derived from sugarcane. This will be marketed under the name Keltan Eco.
Novel Process for Producing Nanocellulose Powder for Bio-Nanocomposite Materials
Scientists at Empa have designed a production method for nanocellulose powder, a raw material used in the production of polymer composites that can be utilized as a filter and membrane material in biomedical applications and in lightweight structures for the automobile market.
The cellulose researchers at the Wood Laboratory of Empa have processed wood pulp to isolate cellulose nanofibers, which are strongly interlinked and have a length of several micrometers and a thickness of a few nanometers. The surface area of the material is extremely large, where physical-chemical reactions of materials such as polymer compounds, water, inorganic and organic chemicals can take place. Thus, the highly reactive biodegradable raw material finds use in far-reaching technical applications.
The isolated nanocellulose from the wood pulp is originally in the form of an aquatic suspension. During the drying process, the cellulose nanofibers join together producing rough clumps, resulting in the loss of the material’s excellent mechanical properties. The method developed by the Empa scientists enables the material to be dried out without the formation of clumps and becoming rough.
The researchers treated the cellulose utilizing a completely harmless technique that can be executed easily on a large scale and even ideal for the food industry applications. When re-dissolved in water, the dried nanocellulose powder produced by the method demonstrates the same superior properties of unmodified, undried cellulose.
This new method allows the production of a better replacement to traditional cellulose suspensions used in the manufacture of bio-nanocomposite materials. The suspensions currently being utilized comprise more than 90% of water, which results in high logistics expenditures and raises the risk of degradation by fungi or bacteria. Empa researchers used the innovative nanocellulose powder to strengthen hydrogels, adhesives and biodegradable synthetics.
Source: http://www.empa.ch
Teijin develops Biofront films and sheets
Teijin Limited has developed film and sheet versions of its Biofront heat-resistant bioplastic, which already is available as fibre and resin.
In film and sheet form, Biofront exhibits high transmission properties due to its stereocomplex crystalline structure achieved with high-purity L-lactate and D-lactate polymer made from renewable plant resources.
The film and sheets can be used for a wide range of applications, including packaging and printing substrate requiring high transmission and strength; optical film requiring high transmission, low heat-shrinkage and optical isotropy (uniform properties in all directions); white reflective film and printing substrate requiring strong light scattering; transparent substrate, decorative film, insert moulding and blister packaging requiring high transparency and non-crystalline properties.
Biofront has a melting point of at least 210ºC, which is significantly higher than that of conventional bioplastic. It also has good hydrolytic stability and achieves semi-crystallisation in just 20-25% of the time required by conventional bioplastic, which Teijin says makes it well suited for moulded plastic, clothing and interior materials.
Biofront films and sheets were developed with support from the Innovation Promotion Program of Japan's New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Source: http://ei.wtin.com
Amyris & ETH Bioenergia Sign Agreement to Produce Biofene® in Brazil
Amyris, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMRS) and ETH Bioenergia, a leading producer of ethanol, electric energy and sugar controlled by Odebrecht S.A., have signed a memorandum of understanding for the formation of a joint venture to produce Biofene®, Amyris’s renewable farnesene
Under the agreement, the joint venture would be able to access up to two million tons of sugarcane crush capacity per year at one of ETH’s greenfield mills in Brazil. The joint venture will be controlled by ETH, and Amyris will have exclusive marketing rights for the Biofene produced at the facility. By leveraging ETH’s renowned skills on biomass production and industrial performance and Amyris’s technology, the parties expect to be able to begin production by 2014.
“ETH has been at the leading edge of sugarcane ethanol production in Brazil and now, with our technology, Amyris will be able to market renewable products made from Biofene produced at one of ETH’s new mills,” said John Melo, CEO of Amyris. “Through this joint venture with ETH, and other agreements already announced in Brazil, Amyris now has access to 15 million tons of sugarcane crush capacity for our production.”
ETH generates clean and renewable energy through its nine state-of-the-art units and constantly invests in research to increase its productivity and develop new applications for ethanol and sugarcane-based products. The company has invested R$ 6 billion and is committed to investing an additional R$ 2 billion, taking all its units to their maximum production capacity, generating 3 billion liters of ethanol and 2,700 GWh of electric energy by 2013.
The joint venture with ETH represents Amyris’s sixth production agreement at locations spanning three continents. Amyris is scaling its Biofene production in Brazil, Europe and the United States through various production arrangements.
About ETH Bioenergia
Controlled by Odebrecht, ETH Bioenergia produces and commercializes sugarcane ethanol and electricity from biomass. With investments of over R$ 8 billion (over $4.5 billion dollars), ETH is a leading producer in bioenergy, with annual production to reach 3 billion liters of ethanol and 2,700 GWh in cogeneration from sugarcane by 2013. The Company has established five production clusters, located in the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Goiás. More information about ETH is available at http://www.eth.com/.
Source: www.amyris.com
M&G Group Partners with TPG to Form BETA RENEWABLES, the Global Leader in Second Generation Bio-Ethanol and Bio-based Chemicals
Gruppo Mossi and Ghisolfi ("M&G"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary Chemtex, is pleased to announce that it has founded BETA RENEWABLES, a joint venture with TPG Capital and TPG Biotech (collectively "TPG"), established to exclusively license Chemtex's PROESA® Technology into the global marketplace. PROESA® is a break-through technology enabling production of fermentable sugars from cellulosic biomass; these cost-effective sugars can then be converted into bio-ethanol and/or other chemical products and intermediates.
TPG and M&G are investing total capital of €250 million into BETA RENEWABLES, in which M&G will hold a majority stake. Under the terms of the agreement, M&G will transfer to BETA RENEWABLES the pilot plant in Tortona, Italy and the 40ktpa industrial scale cellulosic ethanol plant currently being constructed in Crescentino, Italy. The plant is scheduled for start-up at the end of H1 2012 and will be the first industrial facility in the world producing second generation bio-ethanol.
The new company will focus initially on bio-fuels, however, new bio-chemical processes are being developed to replace petroleum-based chemicals used in a large number of applications. BETA RENEWABLES will continue to work with the Chemtex R&D Department, which is currently working on several PROESA® projects.
"TPG has evaluated a large number of opportunities in the renewables space and we believe that the PROESA® technology represents the most viable and practical cellulosic sugar technology platform on the market today," said Dr. Patrick McCroskey, TPG Biotech. "BETA RENEWABLES is in position to broadly deploy this advanced technology into the global marketplace and we expect that it will quickly establish a leadership position in this regard."
"M&G and Chemtex are very pleased that TPG, a world renowned and highly respected private investment firm, has made this investment into BETA RENEWABLES. We strongly believe that PROESA® - which has at least a two-year competitive edge over its competitors – is the break-through that the industry has been seeking and TPG's sizable investment is further validation of this view. TPG's investment also facilitates our continued research and development into the growing green chemistry field," stated Guido Ghisolfi, President and CEO of Chemtex and Chairman & CEO of BETA RENEWABLES.
About Chemtex and M&G Group
Chemtex is a global engineering and technology company wholly-owned by Italy's Gruppo Mossi & Ghisolfi ("M&G"). The M&G Group is a multinational, family-run business established in 1953 by Vittorio Ghisolfi. It is one of the world's leading producers of PET resin and is Italy's second largest chemical company. The Group has operations in Brazil, Mexico, China, India, the USA and Italy and its annual turnover is approximately USD 3 billion. M&G is a forward-looking company that is continuing to invest significant funds into bio-fuels and green chemistry research and development as part of its commitment to sustainability.
Chemtex specializes in delivering value-added project solutions for its clients in the bio-fuels, renewable chemicals, energy, environmental, petrochemical, polymers and fibers industries through its operations in Italy, the United States, India and China.
Chemtex is a leader in chemical engineering and renewable processes. It is currently building a 40,000 metric ton per year bio-refinery in Crescentino, Italy that will produce cellulosic ethanol using its PROESA™ Process as well as "green" electricity. Construction has begun and plant start-up is targeted for the end of H1, 2012.
For more information, please visit: www.chemtex.com.
About TPG Capital
TPG Capital is a leading global private investment firm founded in 1992 with $48 billion of assets under management and offices in San Francisco, Beijing, Fort Worth, Hong Kong, London, Luxembourg, Melbourne, Moscow, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo. TPG Capital has extensive experience with global public and private investments executed through leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts, growth investments, joint ventures and restructurings.
About TPG Biotech
TPG Biotech is part of the growth equity and venture investment platform of TPG. With more than $1 billion under management, TPG Biotech targets investments in pharmaceutical discovery and development, medical technology, diagnostics, healthcare and pharmaceutical services, life sciences, as well as industrial applications of biotechnology. TPG Biotech's investments in renewables have included such companies as Amyris, Elevance Renewable Sciences, and Genomatica. Please visit www.tpgbiotech.com.
Source: http://www.gruppomg.com
CARDIA BIOPLASTICS WINS 2011 ASIA PACIFIC FROST & SULLIVAN GREEN EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION AWARD
Frost & Sullivan's Green Excellence Awards are presented to companies that have excelled in green product & technology innovation, and service achievements that promote sustainability.These awards recognize groundbreaking ideas and innovations that originated from a firm sense of environmental responsibility across a multitude of disciplines. Recipient companies are committed to a continuous focus on reducing their dependency on nonrenewable resources, decreasing their impact on climate change, and diminishing their overall ecological footprint.
Cardia Bioplastics Managing Director, Dr Frank Glatz, said: "The Frost & Sullivan Green Excellence in Technology Innovation Award is further international recognition of Cardia's track record and sustainable packaging offering. Cardia offers customers the choice of using sustainable Cardia BiohybridTM technology (less oil, lower carbon foot print) or Cardia's internationally certified Compostable technology for their packaging or plastic products."
Cardia Bioplastics Limited develops, manufactures and markets sustainable resins derived from renewable resources for the global packaging and plastic products industries. Cardia BiohybridTM and Compostable products deliver solutions across a range of sustainable resin technologies to offer each customer a choice of solutions for their packaging or plastics product applications. Cardia's business is 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
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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 are 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, Malaysia and China, and a network of leading distributors across Australia, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Visit www.cardiabioplastics.com
Cardia Bioplastics was the exclusive supplier of biodegradable packaging to the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games, was awarded the Australian Chamber of Commerce "Australia-China Business Excellence Award" in 2008, and won the 2009 "Clean Equity Monaco Conference Award" for Excellence in the field of Environmental Technology Commercialisation.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents. To join our Growth Partnership, please visit awards.frost.com
Source: http://www.cardiabioplastics.com
DaniMer Scientific Aids Petroleum and Oil Field Industry in Pursuit of Environmental Preservation
Environmentally-Friendly Corporation Uses Biopolymers to Aid Oil Services
DaniMer Scientific, best known internationally for biopolymers in the plastics and resins industry, has moved into the oil field services sector through the development of a series of new biodegradable polymers that can be used in the oil and gas extraction process. DaniMer’s knowledge and expertise in the biopolymer field has made the firm sought-after manufacturer of innovative, renewable-based polymers that are designed to create value from their ability to degrade naturally.
DaniMer’s production of a biodegradable coating to shield a sand control screen is being used to preserve the screen’s ability to function as designed after it is inserted into an oil well. The natural coating fully covers and protects the screen while it is positioned in the well and then dissolved naturally as it is exposed to the elevated temperature and wet environment inside the well. The biodegradable coating’s dissolving effect leaves the filter clear and undamaged for the purpose of separating sand from oil.
“The opportunity to aid the oil field industry with the creation of a biopolymer sand control screen coating has been inventive and worthwhile. We are enthusiastic about the prospect of expanding the markets we serve in our mission to support renewable resources,” says Blake Lindsey, President of DaniMer Scientific. “This advancement has also led to our development of additional biodegradable products that can be used in shale and dense rock oil extraction methods.”
DaniMer’s biodegradable product offers oil and gas production companies and companies who are involved in the oil and gas well service industry an opportunity to more efficiently extract oil and gas from the ground in a more cost efficient manner while at the same time, assisting the industry in their continuous pursuit of reducing environmental impact.
About DaniMer Scientific:
DaniMer Scientific, an international corporation, believes people’s lives can be improved and the environment can be better protected by utilizing renewable resources to manufacture products that are intended for short life cycle use. One of the company’s goals is to aid and assist the oil petroleum industry in utilizing renewable and environmentally friendly products. For more information about DaniMer Scientific, please visit: www.danimer.com.
Source: www.danimer.com
Plastic fantastic the future of biodegradables
Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a thermoplastic polyester which occurs naturally in bacteria as Ralstonia eutropha and Bacillus megaterium. Even though PHB is biodegradable and is not dependent on fossil resources, this bioplastic has been traditionally too expensive to produce to replace petroleum-based plastics. New research reported in BioMed Central's open access journal Microbial Cell Factories describes an alternative method of producing PHB in microalgae.
PHB is synthesised in bacteria from acetyl-CoA using the enzymes ß-ketothiolase, acetoacetyl-CoA reductase and PHB synthase. The genes coding for these proteins were inserted into a diatom (Phaeodactylum tricornutum) resulting in expression of the enzymes and synthesis of PHB in cytosolic granules. After only seven days, about 10% of the dried weight of the diatoms was PHB.
Dr. Franziska Hempel and Prof Uwe Maier from the LOEWE-Centre Synmikro in Marburg, and Prof Alexander Steinbüchel from Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, explained, "Millions of tons of petroleum-based plastic are consumed every year worldwide causing immense amounts of waste that can take thousands of years to biodegrade – if at all. Bacterial fermentation is expensive and while people have introduced a similar system into plants, plants are relatively slow growing and biofuel agriculture uses up valuable land. P. tricornutum needs little more than light and water to grow and can produce similar amounts of PHB to the plant systems in weeks rather than months."
In the quest to find biodegradable and renewable sources of plastics these photosynthetic bioreactors may well provide an answer.
Source: BioMed Central
Amcor offers renewable packaging materials solution for the coffee market
Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas (AFEA) is proud to announce a breakthrough in flexible packaging for the coffee market. Called NaturePlus Renewable, this three ply laminate is based on renewably sourced materials produced and converted by Amcor.AFEA, in partnership with Beyers Coffee, have developed an innovative coffee bag for the exclusive BénéCafé coffee brand using NaturePlus Renewable. The bag not only contains 58% renewable carbon based on the ASTM D6866 test method*, it also has excellent barrier properties and seal integrity essential for keeping the freshness and aroma of the coffee.
Importantly, the BénéCafé ground coffee bag offers a number of consumer features including it’s easy to open with good dead-fold to help with storage once opened and it’s a natural look and warm feel from the paper outer layer of the laminate.
“At Beyers Coffee, we appreciate Amcor's expertise in sustainability and innovative product knowledge which has enabled us to develop cutting edge renewable packaging for our BénéCafé brand,” says Nathalie Vanderkindere, Product Manager Sustainability at Beyers Coffee.
NaturePlus Renewable joins the Amcor NaturePlus range. With its renewable capabilities, it perfectly complements this range of renewable, compostable or recyclable products suitable for packaging a wide range of products including fresh produce, frozen foods, snacks, confectionery bakery and a whole lot more.
Initial responses are very positive as the film functions like conventional packaging. “We are thrilled with the results that NaturePlus Renewable is showing so far,” says Peter Ettridge, AFEA Sustainability Manager. “Providing responsible packaging means that we must meet our stakeholders’ expectations to deliver innovations that have the potential to reduce packaging’s environmental impact utilising our expertise as a global packaging leader to make a positive contribution to society.
*ASTM D6866 - 11 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Biobased Content of Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using Radiocarbon Analysis
Source: www.amcor.com
MINERV SB and MINERV SC
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a linear polyester naturally occurring as a result of bacterial fermentation of sugar. This family can bring together more than 100 differing monomers to produce materials whose properties vary very greatly.
Thermoplastic or elastomeric materials can be created with melting points ranging from 40 to more than 180°C. MINERV-PHA is a high-performance PHA biopolymer. MINERV-PHA is endowed with optimal thermal properties. Production needs which range from -10°C to a +180°C can be met through characterization. This product is particularly suitable for injection and extrusion methods for the production of objects. It takes the place of highly pollutant materials such as PET, PP, PE, HDPE and LDPE.
MINERV SB
Minerv Sugar Beet. Obtained from Sugar Beet Waste. As a product, MINERV-SB™ fully exploits its excellent biodegradability factor in water. This type of polymer biodegradation represents the 'future' of biodegradability worldwide. Natural elimination of a biopolymer in water in just a few days is a rarely achieved result and, furthermore, an exceedingly tough challenge.
MINERV-SB™ is the first top-performing biopolymer produced from sugar co-products or sugar waste material for which this vitally important aim has ever been fulfilled. MINERV-SB™ dissolves in 10 days, when in normal river or sea water, and it leaves no residues.
MINERV SC
Minerv Sugar Cane. Obtained from Sugar Cane waste. As a product, MINERV-SC™ fully exploits its excellent biodegradability factor in water. This type of polymer biodegradation represents the 'future' of biodegradability worldwide. Natural elimination of a biopolymer in water in just a few days is a rarely achieved result and, furthermore, an exceedingly tough challenge.
MINERV-SC™ is the first top-performing biopolymer produced from sugar co-products or sugar waste material for which this vitally important aim has ever been fulfilled. MINERV-SC™ dissolves in 10 days, when in normal river or sea water, and it leaves no residues.
NATURAL BIODEGRADATION IN WATER (VINCOTTE CERTIFICATION)
The MINERV PHA increases its biodegradability factor in bacteriologically impure water. This type of polymer biodegradation is the future of biodegradability. The natural dissolution of a biopolymer in bacteriologically impure water (e.g. river water) in a few days is a rare and very difficult result to obtain. MINERV-PHA is the first biopolymer obtained from sugar co-products to achieve this important result. In just 10 days in normal river water, MINERV-PHA turns into river water or sea water.
Natural and inexpensive methods such as biodegradation in water are the future of biodegradability. Biodegradation in natural water sources (e.g. river water) is the easiest way to destroy and then recover the elements. This permits maintenance-free materials (no handling, transport or distribution). Biodegradation in water is even more beneficial than biodegradation in soil (compost). The process remains the same: natural decomposition by bacteria. In room temperature water this decomposition happens without being forced in any way, allowing complete biopolymer biodegradation in just a few days. If we combine these features with the initial "performance" of the biopolymer (strength, flexibility, printability), it is easy to understand the final product quality. PHAs are also the only plastics biodegradable in the ocean.
SPECIFIC ON DEMAND CHARACTERIZATION OF PHAs
Bio-on makes on demand degrees of characterization.
Our laboratories select common, well-known plastic products to be characterized on the basis of Bio-on technology useful for producing PHAs from by-products of sugar beet or cane sugar.
List of known product macro families* whose technical characteristics are replicable by PHAs:
- Low density polyethylene (LDPE)
- High density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
- Polystyrene (PS)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
(*) after identifying PHAs corresponding to the macro family (e.g. Polypropylene PP) specific characterization is performed to identify a further field of use of the precise mechanical, physical and thermal properties.
Source: http://www.minerv.it/
NatureWorks attracts $150 million equity investment from leading Thailand company PTT Chemical
NatureWorks LLC, the world’s leading bioplastics manufacturer, announced today that Thailand’s largest chemical producer, PTT Chemical Public Company Limited (PTT Chemical) is investing US$150 million in NatureWorks. NatureWorks supplies its broad family of renewable Ingeo biopolymers made from plants to plastics and fibers markets worldwide. PTT Chemical’s investment in NatureWorks, until now wholly owned by Cargill, is subject to regulatory approval.
“The Thai Government encourages an investment in green chemicals, and particularly bioplastics, which have high growth potential in the Southeast Asian market,” said Thailand's Minister of Energy H.E. Mr. Pichai Naripthaphan. “By attracting what could be the most advanced biopolymer processing plant in the world to Thailand, PTT Chemical has made a significant step in achieving Thailand’s strategic objectives of becoming a regional hub for green technologies and solutions.”
“This is a significant investment by a leading chemical company, which will allow NatureWorks to continue its aggressive growth while expanding its capacity to meet global demand for bio-based products. PTT Chemical’s investment demonstrates a significant milestone in moving Ingeo bio-based plastics and fibers to the polymer mainstream,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and chief executive officer of NatureWorks. “PTT Chemical’s investment supports NatureWorks intent to globalize its Ingeo manufacturing capability by building a new production facility in Thailand, supporting our Asian customer base and delivering on our commitment to renewable feedstock diversification. We anticipate bringing the new plant online in 2015 and expect to announce further details on this expansion later this year.”
“This investment will strengthen PTT Chemical’s green growth strategy towards sustainable development by integrating more renewable and environmentally friendly materials in its portfolio, while offering more green product choices to the customer to fulfill our responsibility as the ‘Power for a Sustainable Future’ for Thailand and all stakeholders,” said Mr. Nuttachat Charuchinda, the chief operating officer, Downstream Petroleum Business Group of PTT Public Company Limited. “PTT Chemical is keen to play a role in pioneering a world-scale bioplastics industry with the aim to become a global leader by 2020 and push Thailand to become an Asian bio-hub.”
“PTT Chemical reinforces NatureWorks’ leadership position and proven track record in bringing cost effective biopolymer innovations to the global marketplace,” said Mr. Veerasak Kositpaisal, president and chief executive officer of PTT Chemical. “NatureWorks is currently the forefront producer of bio-based products with commercially viable production volumes, competitive costing and a global customer base. Our investment in the company and its Ingeo technology platform for plastics and fibers is in line with our long-term strategic green growth and diversification objectives.”
“Ingeo offers the performance of conventional plastics and fibers with a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions and lower non-renewable energy requirements. Because it is made from renewable plant material, Ingeo has inherently more stable pricing, contrasting sharply to the massive price swings observed from fossil based polymers,” explained Mr. Kositpaisal.
Over the past several years, NatureWorks has seen steady 25- to 30-percent increases in annual product demand. In the last two years, NatureWorks doubled its Ingeo supply availability by bringing online additional production capacity at its Blair, Neb., processing facility.
“The proposed new Ingeo facility in Thailand would be NatureWorks’ second production plant,” Marc Verbruggen added.
More than 100 leading consumer brands and retailers in the United States, Europe and Asia currently offer Ingeo based product innovations in such categories as flexible and rigid packaging, food serviceware, durable consumer products, apparel, home textiles and personal care and hygiene products. An Ingeo innovation display gallery, presented in conjunction with last year’s COP16 climate change conference in Cancun, Mexico, showcased a selection of commercially available, low-carbon-footprint Ingeo products produced by such international brands as Avianca, Electrolux, Henkel, NEC, Shiseido, Stonyfield and Walmart.
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. With a current Ingeo capacity of 140,000 tons, NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low carbon footprint biopolymers derived from 100 percent annually renewable resources with performance and economics that compete with oil-based plastics and fibers. NatureWorks production of Ingeo uses significantly less non-renewable energy, and generates significantly lower CO2 emissions than all traditional oil based polymers. NatureWorks remains wholly owned by Cargill pending regulatory approval of the agreement.
Details are available at www.natureworksllc.com.
About PTT Chemical plc
PTT Chemical Public Company Limited is a fully-integrated petrochemical and chemical company, combining visionary leadership and innovation in the chemical industry. PTT Chemical aspires to develop sustainable growth based on social benefit and global environmental standards under its vision to be the “Leading chemical company for better living through innovative technology and people.
Details are available at www.pttchemgroup.com
About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 131,000 people in 66 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to sharing our global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges. For more information, go to: www.cargill.com.
6th Bioplastics Award Finalists Announced
The 6th Bioplastics Award, now presented exclusively by the trade publication Bioplastics Magazine, has announced the list of finalists.
From a list of many high class proposals the five judges from the academic world, the press and industry associations from America, Europa and Asia have now selected the five finalists.
The 5 shortlisted companies/products are (without any ranking):
Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI): BioSac, the first biodegradable and compostable packaging for the cement industry BioSac is the first biodegradable and compostable packaging for the cement industry and the latest application of LCI’s biolice. It has been developed collaboratively by LCI with the Barbier, Mondi and Ciments Calcia groups.
Conventional cement bags consist of a double layer of kraft-type paper for strength and a polyethylene-free (PE-free) for product conservation. However, this combination of different types of materials prevents the immediate recovery of the packaging.
The innovative nature of BioSac comes from the composition of its ‘free film’, which now uses LCI’s biolice to give a technically innovative solution to the problems of managing this type of packaging.
Biolice is made using a process unique on the bioplastics market, with whole cereal grains from a number of specific Limagrain maize varieties. The product’s innovation lies in the combination of cereal fractions with a biodegradable polymer. BioSac conforms to the EN 13432 standard, concerning packaging that is recoverable by biodegradation and composting M-Base and University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hanover, Germany: Biopolymer Database The market interest in biopolymers is very high and the producers report a booming demand. Unfortunately only very little qualified information about these materials is available.
In order to overcome this, M-Base Engineering + Software GmbH, in cooperation with the Biopolymer Institute of FH Hanover, Germany, developed a new biopolymer database with comprehensive technical information relating to the processing and utilization behaviour of biopolymers. The guideline is the internationally recognized CAMPUS® database.
The biopolymer database is supported by FNR (Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe) and includes more than 100 biopolymer manufactures and more than 600 material types with uniformly tested mechanical and thermal properties. In addition it includes an application database with many different representative examples and information about biopolymer products.
The database is available via the Internet in German and English. Access is free of charge at www.materialdatacenter.com.
Beaulieu Technical Textiles: Ökolys – The first woven biodegradable and compostable agro textile Ökolys is a new sustainable range of woven groundcovers. Manufactured from a tailored and unique blend of two biopolymers, one biodegradable and one compostable, the Ökolys groundcover offers an environmentally-friendly innovative weed control solution.
The product has been evaluated by the well-respected laboratories of Organic Waste Systems (EN 13432) and the textile department of the University of Ghent (EN 14836), and has become the world’s first (agro) textile to be awarded the ‘OK compost’ label by Vinçotte.
The philosophy behind the Ökolys groundcover is fully in harmony with the concept of ‘People, Planet, Profit’: The groundcovers themselves eliminate the need for herbicides and manual maintenance and prevent erosion. Ökolys is essentially made of renewable primary materials and does not contain any harmful substances. The end-of-life scenario for Ökolys is no longer an issue: after its period of use (2 - 3 years) Ökolysreturns into the organic chain, closing the carbon cycle.
Danone Germany and Switzerland: launch of Activia and Actimel dairy products in bioplastics packaging With their introduction of Activia and Actimel in packaging made of bioplastics (PLA und Green HDPE) Danone, as an international brand owner, significantly contributed to establishing bioplastics for mass-market product applications. Today, with these steps, more than half of the Danone products in the German market are being packaged in bioplastics.
It is one of Danone's goals to contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gases. One of the various measures is the use of biobased and partly biobased packaging. And here Danone is not focused on just one specific bioplastic but is looking at the material that is best suited for the application - be it 100% biobased polyethylene, partly biobased PET, or 100% biobased PLA.
In terms of PLA, Danone does not promote composting but encourages other producers of packaging to use PLA, so that as quickly as possible significant volumes get into the market and PLA-to-PLA recycling becomes ecologically and economically feasible.
The Coca-Cola Company: The PlantBottle Packaging
PlantBottle™ packaging is the Coca-Cola Company’s breakthrough innovation designed to change the way the world thinks about plastic bottles.
It’s the first ever fully recyclable plastic beverage bottle made partially from plants. The material looks and functions just like traditional PET plastic, but it has a lighter footprint on the planet and its scarce resources.
Traditional PET plastic bottles are made from petroleum and other fossil fuels. Coca-Cola have found a way to create one of the key ingredients in PET plastic, monoethylene glycol (MEG), from plants. About 30% of the PlantBottle packaging is made of this plant-based MEG ingredient. PlantBottle packaging is therefore up to 30% plant-based and 100% recyclable.
In addition to the Coca-Cola brand, PlantBottles with 14% plant based and 35% recycled content were introduced for the mineral water brand Vio. Also, one of the world’s largest ketchup makers ‘Heinz’, in cooperation with Coca-Cola, have announced the use of about 120 million PlantBottles by the end of 2011. This is about one-fifth of Heinz ketchup bottles sold worldwide.
Source: http://www.britishplastics.co.uk
Minnesota Zoo Composting Program - launched with Cortec's Eco Film®!
Cortec® Corporation, a champion in green and environmentally responsible technologies is very proud of it's contribution to the Minnesota Zoo Green Program, which focuses on conservation and sustainability of natural resources. In an effort to conserve these resources and minimize waste,
The Minnesota Zoo is incorporating “green” practices into its design and every day operations.
The Zoo recently formed a Green Team, whose main goal is promoting activities aimed at sustainability. One of the initiatives lead to development of a composting program that greatly reduces the amount of waste generated. The program was implemented in the spring of 2011, using Cortec's Eco Film®, a 100% biodegradable and compostable film, designed specifically for the unique demands of compost programs. Eco Film® replaces non-degradable starch and polyethylene- based films, and is up to 300% stronger than polyethylene.
As part of their Green team initiative, the Zoo recycled 370 tons of material, and composted about 600 tons of waste just last year! The program generates a great quantity of finished compost, which is then used as a soil mix additive and as mulch on existing turf areas. Its goal is to divert food waste at the zoo, and reduce the trash that is taken into area landfills. The zoo will be selling finished compost in the bulk to the public, which will be used as fertilizer for crops, farms and gardens.
This concept of reusing, composting and recycling of materials is applicable to all kinds oflarge gathering places. Venues where large volumes of food are consumed lead to large quantities of organic waste. This includes stadiums, national parks, amusement parks, cruisers, fairs, large resorts, hotels and many more.
Before starting the composting program, the zoo tested all certified commercially available compostable plastics from various manufacturers.
According to Brenda Teats (Director of Corporate Giving, Minnesota Zoo), “Staff tested a number of different compostable bags, and the ones from Cortec performed by far the best“.
Now, Eco Film® bags are used for food waste created by employees, staff, their catering service, as well as during summer Zoo Camp – with plans to expand to common areas soon.
“When the Zoo contacted us to participate in their composting program, there was no doubt we were more than happy to help“, says Cliff Cracauer (Vice President of Sales, Cortec Corporation).
“They are considered one of the ten best Zoo’s in the nation, so it shouldn’t be a surprise they are taking innovative steps to be EcoFilm® bags in use -in food service area of the Zoo. Green. The Minnesota Zoo should be commended for their work. It sends a powerful message
to the community about sustainability .
“ It is more important than ever that people make prompt decisions that will help to avoid the effects of plastic pollution. As a company determined to make a positive impact on the environment, we hope that the Minnesota Zoo Green Program will positively influence many other communities throughout the world to take actions and encourage this kind of green projects.
Source: http://www.cortecvci.com
MATER-BI MULCHING FILM RECEIVES FIRST ICEA CERTIFICATE FOR ECOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE TECHNICAL RESOURCES FOR ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
From the 5th to the 7th of October 2011 Cesena will host the 28th Macfrut, the “International fair for the fruit and vegetables supply chain”, an annual event which brings together the most innovative technology for the production, marketing and transport of agricultural products.
Novamont S.p.A., a leader in the biodegradable plastics sector and inventor of Mater-Bi®, will have its own stand at the fair for the first time (Pavilion B, Stand 371). It will be presenting the various agricultural applications of biodegradable and compostable materials, including mulching film, pheromone dispensers, greenhouse clips and plant pots.
All agricultural materials made from Mater-Bi® have been awarded important certificates from the Vinçotte institute, such as “OK Compost” and “OK Biodegradable soil”, guaranteeing complete biodegradability in compost and in the soil without harming the environment.
During Macfrut, Novamont will also receive the first certificate guaranteeing ecological quality of the Technical Resources for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture from ICEA (Institute for Ethical and Environmental Certification) for its mulching film in biodegradable Mater-Bi®.
ICEA has launched a specific certification scheme for the environmental performance of technical resources for organic and sustainable agriculture. The Institute’s main objective is to evaluate and reward the ability of technical resources in helping create a more sustainable agricultural system to improve the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of the land, as well as to reduce external water requirements. The regulations also aim to reduce the risk of the contamination and pollution of waters and soil caused by agricultural inputs and to obtain agricultural products free from chemical residues. Icea certification is therefore intended to enhance and guarantee ecological quality requirements that go beyond the minimum requirements of current legislation; it is not intended to replace the authorisations currently required by the law.
In order to certify the agricultural mulching film made from Mater-Bi®, ICEA examined factors such as the composition and characteristics of the end product, the nature and origin of the raw materials used, the production process for the raw materials (the Mater-Bi® granule) employed by Novamont, the manufacture of the end product (Mater-Bi® film) and the end-of-life scenario.
For Mater-Bi® agricultural mulching film the Institute considered the fundamental aspects and characteristics of its application and end-of-life (considering the aspects under UNI Technical Report CEN/TR 15822 for biodegradable plastics in or on soil, and UNI standard 11183 which defines the requirements and test methods for biodegradable plastic materials at room temperature); aerobic biodegradation in the soil at the end of the crop cycle; the environmental safety of the product in terms of the release and dissemination of contaminants into the soil and eco-toxic effects in the soil after degradation.
The ICEA certificate and the applications of biodegradable materials for agriculture will be the main topics at the seminar “Biodegradable plastics for agriculture - state of the art and future prospects”, which will take place on Thursday, 6th of October 2011 in Sala Delegazioni at 9.30 am. Organised by Novamont and CSO, the seminar will involve Marco Cestaro (Manager from the Emilia Romagna Region), Luciano Trentini (Director of CSO), Marco Versari (President of Assobioplastiche), Filippo Tremonti (Director of the Agricultural Consortium of Forlì, Cesena and Rimini), Paolo Foglia (ICEA Head of Research and Development) and Maurizio Desantis (a Manager from Mipaaf).
Source: www.materbi.com
BioAmber Partners with PTTMCC Biochem for PBS production in Thailand
PTTMCC Biochem (PTTMCC), a joint venture between PTT PLC and Mitsubishi Chemical, has selected BioAmber Inc. as its partner for a polybutylene succinate (PBS) plant that will begin construction in Thailand in 2012. BioAmber will build a biobased succinic acid plant in Thailand and supply PTTMCC with biobased succinic acid on an exclusive basis. Succinic acid is the principal starting material for the production of PBS, along with 1,4‐butanediol.
PTTMCC plans to take an interest in BioAmber’s succinic acid plant and secure off‐take for a portion of the plant’s capacity. The plant will be built in proximity to PTTMCC’s PBS plant, and
both plants are expected to come online in 2014. After evaluating the various biosuccinic acid technologies, PTTMCC concluded that BioAmber’s platform offered the lowest cost biosuccinic acid and the lowest technology risk. By securing BioAmber’s cost competitive succinic acid, PTTMCC expects to drive down the manufacturing cost of biobased PBS, a renewable, biodegradable polymer that has significant growth potential and strong patent protection thanks to a recently issued Mitsubishi Chemical patent.
The partners have begun a feasibility study to determine the exact location of the succinic acid plant, which could be built next to the PBS plant at the Map Ta Phut site in Rayong. At peak
capacity BioAmber expects to produce 65,000 MT of succinic acid on the site. BioAmber also plans to produce 50,000 MT of biobased 1,4‐butanediol on site, using its technology licensed
exclusively from DuPont to convert biobased succinic acid directly to 1,4‐butanediol in an integrated process. PTTMCC will help BioAmber secure biomass for the plant, which will initially
source sugar from cane and/or tapioca, and subsequently biomass sugars.
“BioAmber operates the world’s only large‐scale biobased succinic acid plant and is already Mitsubishi Chemical’s sole supplier of biobased succinic acid. BioAmber has proven the quality and cost of its biosuccinic acid and we have been working together for a number of months to further improve the technology,’” said Shigeru Handa, General Manager of Mitsubishi
Chemical’s Sustainable Resources Business Development Department and a member of the PTTMCC board of directors. “Partnering with BioAmber will allow PTTMCC to have competitive biosuccinic acid from a local source by 2014,” he added.
“Securing the lowest cost succinic acid was a priority for PTTMCC,” said Worawat Pitayasiri, Managing Director of PTTMCC. “BioAmber’s commitment to building a large‐scale plant in Thailand will benefit our company and represents a major investment in Thailand by a leading US‐based renewable chemicals company,” he added.
“This partnership is a testament to our market leadership in succinic acid. We are proud that PTTMCC Biochem has chosen BioAmber as the succinic acid supplier for its PBS venture,” added Jean‐Francois Huc, CEO of BioAmber. “With its strong patent portfolio, PTTMCC Biochem is poised to be the dominant player in biobased PBS and this partnership gives BioAmber a strong position in a fast growing segment of the biosuccinic acid market,” he added.
About BioAmber Inc.
BioAmber, a renewable chemistry company, is the market leader in the development and commercialization of biobased succinic acid and derivatives including modified PBS, a biodegradable plastic offering better heat resistance and processability than other biopolymers.
BioAmber operates the world’s only large‐scale biobased succinic acid plant and has partnerships with market leaders including Cargill, DuPont Applied Biosciences, Mitsui & Co.,
Mitsubishi Chemical and PTTMCC Biochem. BioAmber is also leveraging its succinic acid experience and know‐how to develop a biobased adipic acid platform. The company has offices and research labs in Minneapolis, MN, an office in Montreal, a sales office in Shanghai, China and a production plant in Pomacle, France. For more information, see www.bio‐amber.com.
About PTT MCC Biochem Company Limited
PTT MCC Biochem was established to develop and produce Polybutylene Succinate or PBS, a biodegradable plastic that is derived from sugar with a lower carbon footprint than conventional plastics. The company is a joint venture between PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) of Thailand and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) of Japan with the shareholding proportion of 50% each. The company has the head office in Bangkok, and the plant site is expected to be in Map Ta Phut, Rayong, Thailand.
Source: www.bio-amber.com
New additives for high-performance bioplastics
In view of dwindling reserves of fossil resources, industry is showing growing interest in bioplastics. However, compared to conventional high-performance plastics, these have their limitations – among other things in terms of stability and strength. In cooperation with Tecnaro, Henkel has now succeeded in developing new high-performance polyamide additives based on renewable raw materials that can significantly improve the performance of bioplastics.
The use of plastics components based on renewable raw materials is seen as the way forward in the plastics industry. Ecologically, such bioplastics are far superior to classic, petroleum-based products. The growing diversity of bioplastics applications is being accompanied by rising expectations on quality and processing characteristics. In cooperation with compounder and biopolymer specialist Tecnaro, Henkel has developed new polyamide additives that upgrade the performance of bio-based plastics.
Containing a large proportion of natural raw materials, the additives of the Macromelt brand are ideal for the production of industrial plastics. This has become possible through the use of dimer fatty acids based on natural oils (e.g. rapeseed and tall oil). Along with a general increase in the proportion of bio-sourced ingredients, the new additives also have a positive impact on the performance profile of bioplastics. Impact resistance and fiber-matrix adhesion are much improved by these additives.
Depending on the plastics formulation, the additives are capable of reducing processing temperature, in some cases considerably. This diminishes the stressing of the fibers employed, with a positive effect on stability and appearance.
By developing Macromelt polyamide technology further, Henkel is thus helping to improve the quality and usability of bioplastics and paving the way for further high-end applications.
Tecnaro is one of the world’s leading companies in the biopolymer sector with its Arboform, Arboblend, Arbofill and Arboflex families of materials. Thanks to the many years of successful cooperation between Henkel and Tecnaro, tailored biopolymers and composites containing Macromelt additives are already expanding Tecnaro GmbH’s broad range of biomaterials (http://www.tecnaro.de)
Source: www.henkel.com
MYRIANT PRODUCES SUCCINIC ACID AND LACTIC ACID FROM NON-FOOD CELLULOSIC FEEDSTOCKS
Myriant Corporation today announced the successful development of its proprietary process for producing targeted bio-based chemicals, including succinic acid and both L(+) and D(-) lactic acid, from non-food, renewable, cellulosic feedstocks.
“Today’s announcement is a significant step forward in our ability to continue driving the advancement and global use of cellulosic materials as the foundation for manufacturing of bio-based chemicals,” said Stephen Gatto, CEO and Chairman of Myriant Corporation. “We recognized early on that these renewable feedstocks were a critical component of the technology platform for our succinic acid and lactic acid programs.”
This development is an integral part of Myriant’s manufacturing and commercialization strategy. “We believe that Myriant’s ability to use non-food cellulosic feedstocks, as opposed to traditional food-based or petroleum-based feedstocks, gives it a critical global competitive advantage,” said Mr. Gatto. The ability to take advantage of these abundant low-cost feedstocks allows Myriant to roll out its succinic acid and lactic acid manufacturing platforms throughout the world, without being restricted to scarce availability and expensive food-based feedstocks. Furthermore, it provides stable feedstock pricing, which will enable Myriant to offer its customers long term price stability.
In 2009, Myriant was awarded $50 million from U.S. Department of Energy, which supports the company’s construction of its 30 million pound succinic acid facility in Lake Providence, Louisiana and the commercialization of its cellulosic succinic acid program. “The results achieved today testify to Myriant’s continued leadership in the manufacture of cost-effective bio-based chemical intermediates and builds off of Myriant’s core competency in industrial bio-technology,” added Mr. Gatto.
The use of cellulosic biomass, an abundant global resource, will provide a renewable feedstock manufacturing base for many next-generation, bio-derived products. The success of the biochemical industry is highly dependent on a cost-effective, high-quality, and functional supply of sustainable biomass feedstocks.
About Myriant
Myriant utilizes proprietary technology to advance the development of low-cost cellulosic sugars for the sustainable commercialization of high-value bio-based chemicals. In December 2010, Myriant broke ground on its 30 million pound commercial succinic acid facility in Lake Providence, Louisiana. The company’s D(-) lactic acid started production at commercial scale in June 2008 for use in polylactic acid. Myriant has announced agreements with Uhde GmbH for engineering, Davy Process Technology for the integration of Myriant’s succinic acid process with the Davy butanediol process for the production of bio-based butanediol, and PTT Chemical for the commercialization of Myriant’s technology in South East Asia.
Source: www.myriant.com
Automated Packaging Systems introduces new biodegradable premium film
Automated Packaging Systems has developed a new protective packaging material that is thinner and stronger than similar materials used for void-fill packing applications. The new XD Blend is engineered using the most advanced polymer technologies to provide a thin, 0.95 mil material with superior physical properties and eco-friendly biodegradation.
The new XD Blend film is designed for use with the AirPouch® Express 3™ void-fill packaging system, which uses on-demand inflation to create strong air pillows that resist puncturing for reliable product protection during shipping. This pillow material comes pre-formed and fan-folded in a box, providing substantially more yield than rolled materials. Each box contains nearly a mile (5000 ft.) of uninflated pillows, significantly reducing changeover times, shipping costs, and storage space requirements.
XD Blend Bio is part of the EarthAware™ family of films and contains a proprietary additive that causes biodegradation of the poly in 9 months to 5 years, depending on exposure conditions. It is fully recyclable, and contains up to 20% pre-consumer recycled material. XD Blend Bio comes standard in green tint with the EarthAware logo for end-user awareness.
AirPouch EZ-Tear™ pillows include the company’s patented perforation between each pillow, allowing faster, easier separation for better packing productivity. This unique perforation allows more air into each pillow, providing better yield, a lower cost per cubic foot, and less weight per package.
“Our new XD Blend film has exceptional performance properties,” explains Chris Rempe, Senior Product Manager. “It has allowed us to create an environmentally responsible film that is stronger and more puncture resistant than standard films, while also being affordable to our customers,” he adds.
About Automated Packaging Systems
Automated Packaging Systems has been designing and manufacturing original Autobag®, AirPouch® and SidePouch® systems and products for nearly 50 years. With more than 30,000 bag packaging systems in operation and a worldwide service organization, Automated Packaging Systems has the experience and support to deliver the ultimate in customer satisfaction.
The AirPouch® Division of Automated Packaging Systems designs and manufactures a complete line of void-fill and protective packing systems and specialty packing materials. Complete information is available at the company’s web sites: www.airpouch.com, www.autobag.com
Focus on renewable, compostable and recyclable food packaging
At "Packaging Innovations London 2011" on 6-7 October, Stora Enso will present its versatile selection of food service and food packaging boards, which include the Cupforma, Trayforma and Primeforma brands. The Cupforma range offers materials for drinking cups, while Trayforma is used for ready-meal trays. Primeforma is a new kind of food packaging board suitable for thermoforming on existing packaging lines.
The hectic pace of everyday life has created a growing market for foods and drinks consumed on the go. In addition, today's consumers are keen to save the planet and therefore favour cups and trays made of renewable and recyclable materials. The Cupforma Bio boards for drinking cups have been developed to meet these demands.
All our products can be recycled together with other fibre-based packages assuming the proper infrastructure is in place. Biopolymer-coated boards are also compostable and can be composted together with food waste.
Cupforma Natura Bio is again one step ahead in sustainable drinking cup material. It can be used as package material for many kinds of foods. Cupforma Natura as base board is lighter in weight but has exactly same properties as the earlier Cupforma Classic, which it is replacing. So you will get more cups with less material.
The biopolymer coating used by Stora Enso consists mainly of renewable resources with some non-renewable resources to optimize the functionality of the product. The thickness of the biopolymer coating is only 20 microns. Together with board, the percentage of renewable raw materials of Cupforma Natura Bio is a respectable 98%.
Cupforma Dairy board is a highly suitable material for cup-type consumer packages of dairy products, such as ice cream and yoghurt, and is available with different coating options.
Trayforma Performance is Stora Enso's renewable option to replace plastic and aluminium in food trays. Board-based trays are user-friendly and have a low carbon footprint compared with other materials. Trayforma Performance is available with a PET coating, which allows for cooking in an oven, or with a biodegradable, non-ovenable coating suitable for salads and other fresh foods.
Stora Enso Primeforma is a new paperboard grade to replace traditional plastic food packaging. "A challenge for food packers wanting to switch to paperboard has been the fact that their existing packaging lines were originally designed for plastic packages. Our new Primeforma board solves the problem as it can be thermoformed on existing packaging lines," says Marcus Weise, Product Manager, Stora Enso Food Service Board. "Currently, the board is used by one of our customers for 100 g cold cuts packaging. The new packaging size of 100 g is welcomed by smaller households, and it brings variety and greater choice to larger families as well. The packaging is environmentally friendly as the board tray can be recycled."
Using right-sized packages helps reduce food waste
Both common sense and recently conducted research on the environmental impact of packaging alternatives for food products confirm that many consumers tend not to consume the entire contents of a larger food package.
A life cycle analysis (LCA) study[1] recently published in Finland indicates that the "least environmental impact was produced by such packaging solutions and packaging shapes that result in the smallest possible consumer waste. The smallest package sizes could therefore be less burdensome to the environment than large ones, if they also lead to reduced consumer waste."
Source: www.storaenso.com
