Certified bio-based: high-performance plastics from Evonik

The VESTAMID® Terra family of polyamides from Evonik Industries has been certified as "bio-based" by independent institutes. The bio-based components have been certified per DIN ISO 10694; 1996-08 and by the USDA’s Biopreferred® program. These official laboratories used C14 trace carbon analytics to verify that the carbon in these products originates not from petroleum, but biomass instead.

VESTAMID® Terra polymers are partially or entirely based on renewable feedstocks. The starting material is the castor bean (Ricinus communis) and its oil derivates, which are synthesized into monomers that form the basis of the VESTAMID® Terra product range. At present, three Terra products are available: 
VESTAMID® Terra HS is based on polyamide 610, which is the polycondensation product of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (H) and 1,10-decanedoic diacid (sebacic acid – S). Sebacic acid is derived from castor oil, making Terra HS a 63% bio-content polymer.

VESTAMID® Terra DS is based on polyamide 1010, which is the polycondensation product of 1,10-decamethylene diamine (D) and 1,10-decanedoic diacid. Both decamethylene diamine and sebacic acid are derived from castor oil, making Terra DS a 100% bio-content polymer.
The 45% bio-content polymer VESTAMID® Terra DD is based on polyamide 1012, which is the polycondensation product of 1,10-decamethylene diamine (D) and 1,12-dodecanedoic diacid (D).

"VESTAMID® Terra proves that outstanding performance and responsible sourcing are not mutually exclusive," emphasizes Benjamin Brehmer, business manager for biopolymers. "We impart precisely those properties to our materials which the market expects from high-performance plastics." Thanks to their excellent chemical resistance, low water absorption, and good dimensional stability, VESTAMID® Terra polyamides are suitable for a vast number of applications and processing techniques.

Company information

Evonik, the creative industrial group from Germany, is one of the world leaders
in specialty chemicals. Its activities focus on the key megatrends health, nutrition, resource efficiency and globalization. Profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. Evonik benefits specifically from its innovative prowess and integrated technology platforms.
Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2011 more than 33,000 employees generated sales of around €14.5 billion and an operating profit (EBITDA) of about €2.8 billion.

Source.  www.evonik.com