Constantia Flexibles has been sold to Wendel Group for Euro 2.3 billion

One among the reputed flexible packaging companies, Constantia Flexibles has been bought by a leading French investment firm. Wendel Group of Paris declared on 23rd Dec, 2014 that the firm is buying Constantia from the New York based equity partners, private equity firm of JP Morgan Chase & Co. and H. Turnauer Foundation. In order to own Constantia, Wendel Group is paying Euro 2.3 billion which is about nine times more than the 2014’s earnings leaving amortization, taxes, interest and depreciation. Wendel estimates the closing of purchase during the first semester of 2015 possessing frequent growth; Constantia has developed as a focused provider in the country for flexible packaging.

Read more about the deal here – http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=5390

According to Thomas Unger, the CEO of Constantia Flexibles, during current year, the company has developed into a global active group with its fastest growth deals and attractive competitive features. The company has been positioned greatly for profit and continuous growth in future and the management of the company will support the new owner for realizing the potentials for further growth.

On the other hand, the chairman of Wendel, Frederic Lemoine states that the company specializes in flexible packaging and has great potentials for chasing the current worldwide market trends.

Biocolen, the Latest PLA Product works as masterbatch for improved performance

The demand of PLA in the international bioplastic market is going higher day by day. The new masterbatch from Grafe is something to meet aesthetic and functional requirement in Germany regarding advanced polymers. The latest PLA product under name Biocolen, Grafe states that the latest PLA product is good for environment protection and eco-friendly deals. Addressing environmental concerns becomes easier by replacing conventional plastics from the latest bioplastics one. Biocolen is an awesome product to work as the masterbatch totally developed for enhanced performance for packaging producers.  But this product is not suitable for bioplastic coloring.

Read more about this new product here - http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=5393

The main thing to know about this masterbatch is that it has been developed during the deep drawing process for thermal stability. Optimization of the material only for cooling and reheating is an important thing while packaging of microwave meals has become one of the important applications of biobased plastics. Enhancement in durable approach and flexibility along with reduction in brittleness in the final product are the main things for manufacturers to keep on mind.

Grafe further states that the packaging product has become easy to develop and process now because of the advance material composition. Also, the process has become short.

7 new patents of Cardia will be proved a milestone for growth of the company

Melbourne based Cardia Bioplastics has recently added a seven protection patents to its development procedure and intellectual property. As the company has planned to patent its technology, it is on the way to become a leading manufacturer of biodegradable and compostable resins in the international packaging industry. According to the Managing Director of Cardia Bioplastics, Frank Glatz patents are important for Europe, US and Asia and in lack of patents several big firms will not be able to do business with Cardia. He further states that it is nothing but a strategic shift for the manufacturing industry to be indulged on bio-based materials rather than the oil-based plastics. These products are supposed to be environmentally sustainable and degradable.

Read more about the deal here - http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/newscat2.html?cat=1&channel=620&id=5384

Here the company is just looking for a technology background; the patents will let the companies that Cardia bears the technology for the materials which are desirable by the companies. In this way, patents have become trump cards without what the company will not have freedom to practice. The 7 new patents for Cardia will definitely be proved to be a milestone for the company. Began in 2002, Cardia has its production plants in Brazil, China, Sao Paulo, Nanjing while it’s headquarter is in Melbourne.

Tecnaro GmbH to use lignin for the production of Arboform bioplastics

Tecnaro GmbH has laid platform for a new site at the end of 2014. The new building has taken investment of about 5 million EUR where the company has planned to move till summer 2015. The area of this new site is about 2,500 mt. sq. which will be used for manufacturing, storage and official units. The newly planned site has more area than the current site of the company; located in the Auenstein district, Tecnaro is planning the production of Arboform, the wood waste lignin thermoplastics. Apart from this extensive thermoplastic, the company is also indulged in the manufacturing of biodegradable compounds and blends i.e. Arbofill and Arboblend. With its 30 employees, Tecnaro has become manufacturer of high quality thermoplastics from renewable resources.

Read more about the deal here - http://www.kunststoffweb.de/ki_ticker/Tecnaro_Hersteller_von_Biokunststoffen_baut_groesseres_Werk_t229994

The all what is done by the company is mixing lignin with natural fibers to develop high quality thermoplastics. Lignin is the next important natural polymer present abundantly to be used as raw material for development of bioplastics. Lignin is basically known as a byproduct in the pulp industry and being used for bioplastics production due to its degradable properties. About 50 million tons lignin arises every year which is subjected for development of processed bioplastics.

Biodegradable properties and packaging features of PLA makes it outstanding and successful among all other bioplastics. The popularity of the product is going higher day by day and estimated to reach up to a megaton per annum by 2020. The popularity of this bio-based plastic is going higher day by day. ETH Zurich, the leading international university for technology has discovered a new method for production of PLA monomers named as lactic acid. The recently developed process is cost effective, far productive and eco friendly in comparison to sugar fermentation. The most beneficial point to know here is that this process involves utilization of glycerol, a waste feedstock. In this process, conversion of glycerol into dihydroxyacetone takes place with the help of an enzyme. The processing of this intermediate into lactic acid is carried out through a heterogeneous catalyst.

Read more about this new process more here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141216ETH-PLA-glycerol.php

Merten Morales, a research scholar in the safety and Environment technology group states that nobody knew that how to utilize the immensely waste amount of glycerol. Generally, glycerol needs to go through waste water treatment; many companies dispose glycerol in water bodies. This can be harmful for animals and environment, that’s why, proper disposal of glycerol is important.

Ecovio PS 1606, the biopolymer to be used as packaging coating in recyclable cardboards

Ecovio PS 1606 is a biopolymer which is applied to recycled cardboard that enables the efficiency of recycled paper fibers in the process of fast food packaging. Also, this idea makes the product degradable on industrial level. Feinpappenwerk Gebr. Schuster GmbH & Co. KG and BASF, are working under collaboration to grease barrier on recycled cardboard. Ecovio PS 1606 is nothing but a good quality bio-based polymer from BASF. It can be degraded completely and the coating of this polymer applied on cardboard is much thinner than a human hair. The main function of this coating is to offer good protection to the packaging and maintenance of greaseproof qualities. The cardboard packaging developed in this way is believed to be over 90 percent recyclable and compostable.

Read more about this cardboard coating here - http://www.4-traders.com/BASF-SE-6443227/news/BASF-SE--and-Schuster-develop-recycled-cardboard-for-fast-food-packaging-19544701/

According to researchers, conventional coatings for this purpose had been seen to lose favor of customers for various reasons. They were not recyclable; that’s why invention of a compostable packaging like Ecovio became important. Another problem was that when recyclable cardboard is used for packing of food products, many chances were that residues of cardboard and printing dyes etc. migrate into the food which is harmful for health. In order to avoid these kinds of risks, recycled fiber based packaging is the best option.

Maintenance of economical balance is a big challenge in bioplastics: Toby Reid

With the day by day changing scenario in the industrial world due to increase in cost of raw materials and scarcity of fossil fuels resources, leading companies are taking interest in development of bio-based plastics. The result is that several companies are finding their fate in the bio-plastic market. Solegear, one of the leading bioplastic manufacturers based in Vancouver has good growth in this field currently. Toby Reid, the CEO and founder of the company has been interviewed on challenges and chances of bioplastic manufacturing in the modern scenario. According to him, during the five year drive of the company in this field, it has done a lot in maintenance of economical balance through bio-based plastics production. Learning more about the global supply chain and working in positive directions using that knowledge was the main challenge in this direction.

Red full interview with Toby Reid here - http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/Making-it-in-bioplastics-Solegears-Toby-Reid-talks-about-the-industrys-challenges-and-chances-141217


Toby further states that the most important thing to know about bioplastic manufacturing is that it will meet demand of the next generation for better solutions. Getting the right plastic using right application on the right combination of raw materials is not only a challenge but also a significant investment company does to discover the most efficient and eco friendly bioplastic.

Novamont represented its new bio-petrochemical plant during the 9th annual conference of European Bioplastics

European Bioplastics organized an international conference in Brussels to discuss with leaders of the industry about participation of bioplastics to strengthen the European economy. The 9th Annual conference of the company was held with the title, ‘Bioplastics – Driving a Resource Efficient Europe’, the conference was begun with Helmut Maurer’s Speech on role of bioplastics for development of a circular economy. He is Directorate General of the European Commission. Moreover, Axel Singhofen, European Free Alliance’s MP at the European Parliament’s Environment Committee represented issues of EU legislation having goal to decrease the use of conventional plastic bags.

Know more about the deal here - http://www.observatorioplastico.com/detalle_noticia.php?no_id=406268&seccion=actualidad


Stefano Facco, Head of New business department of Novamont represented the idea of integrating bio-refineries in local regions to set up a circular economy where land, research, agriculture and industrial deals develop innovative sustainable products and environment together. Matrica, the joint venture of Versalis and Novamont developed a petrochemical plant in Sardinia working n a proprietary technology. The biorefinery in which the plant has been set up have an integrated agriculture supply chain. The company works on all what can create a safe and low pollution impact on environment. Use of azelaic acid in Matrica is an example of utilization of renewable resources for development of bioplastics.

Asia will produce up to 75 percent of bioplastic by 2018 as per predictions

The capacity of bio-based plastic production has been planned to hike up to 1.6 million tons in 2013 to about 6.7 million tons by 2018. As per the conclusion of the annual market data update of European Bioplastics, the market has been predicted for over 400 percent growth in the mid-term. The compiled data with respected scientific partners, IFBB and the Nova Institute, this result has been represented during the 9th annual conference of European Bioplastics in Brussels. According to the chairman of European Bioplastics, Francois de Bie, bio-based plastics such as PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and PE (polyethylene) are earning more profit in terms of productions.

Read more about the deal here - http://foodnewsinternational.com/2014/12/08/world-asia-us-invest-in-creating-market-ready-bioplastics-products-finds-report/

Bio-degradable and renewable plastics manufactured are supposed to be benefitted from the innovative EU directive in case of decreasing of shopping bags. PLA has become the leading growth booster for compostable and bio-based plastics. The recently developed projects have been planned for implementation on India, China and Thailand. Flexible and sturdy packaging has special role to play in the field of bioplastics. In this entire scenario, Asia will extend its role as a leading manufacturing hub. By 2018, over 75 percent of bioplastics will be manufactured in Asia. Surprisingly, despite of being active in research and development, Europe will remain behind with about 8 percent of production efficiencies.

Sonoco launched a new green brand on 35th anniversary of it’s establishment

Sonoco, one of the leading packaging companies has launched its reputed green brand in North America on the occasion of its 35th birthday. By developing bio-based plastic bottles for Ecover, the company has offered one more eco friendly product to the new generation. Andrew Moreno, The procurement director of Ecover North America stated that being a leader in the green cleaning space, the company got a smart packaging partner for collaboration on sustainable packaging solutions. This will help them to achieve an extensive level of commercialization. Moreover, the company require near site production services and responsive facility for decreasing lead times and adverse impact on environment.

Read more about this discovery here - http://householdelectronicsproducts.packaging-business-review.com/news/sonoco-develops-plant-based-plastic-bottles-for-ecover-031214-4458080

Sonoco is able to meet all the demands and requirements of Ecover; bearing perfection and efficiency, the company helps in development of a new line of packaging to grab more consumers for Ecover. In order to develop plant based bottles, a proprietary blend of PCR and HDPE is used. This bio-resin is manufactured by utilization of bio-based feedstock claiming 90 percent lesser consumption of energy and emission of up to 75 percent less greenhouse gases in comparison to the petroleum-based resin.

According to Jeff DiPasquale, the VP of Sonoco Blow Molding, the company is proud to have partnership with Ecover for becoming the HDPE bottle supplier brand in North America.

NatureWorks and Northern Technologies International Corp announced collaboration on sales and marketing

An announcement by NatureWorks and Northern Technologies International Corp revealed that both of these companies are going to collaborate on sales and marketing of Ingeo in India and neighbor countries. Ingeo is an advance bioplastic hosting commercial utilization including flexible and strong packaging, personal care productions, textiles and appliances and electronics. The recent discovery regarding the use of this natural bioplastic is 3D printing. 

Initial sales and marketing deals are mainly focused on flexible packaging for food items and paper based packaging. NatureWorks and NatureTec will together work on projects leading to waste decrease projects with regulatory agencies.

Read more about the deal here – http://www.biomassmagazine.com/11305/natureworks-and-nature-tec-begin-sales-of-ingeo-in-india  

Northern Technologies is engaged in production and marketing of various kinds of biobased and degradable films, engineered plastics and rigid injection molded materials while Nature-Tech Pvt. Ltd. is leading sales and marketing of International Northern Technologies in India.

According to the Asia-Pacific Commercial Director of NatureWorks, selection of the best commercial partner only can bring success in a diverse and complicate market and in order to market Ingeo Products in India, respecting local customers and sharing same for own is the most important thing. Vineet Dalal, Vice President and Director of the Northern Technologies International’s Global Market Development agree with Rich.

Mazda to develop innovative bioplastic with high quality finish for exterior auto parts

The latest announcement by Mazda Motor Corporation is regarding its collaboration with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation as the company has developed an innovative bioplastic which will be applied in exterior designing parts of automobiles in 2015. As the company is active for development of technologies in the field of biomass for several years, it has secured its extensive place in the world class automakers. The first high strength heat resistant bioplastic for automobiles has been developed by Mazda only as well as the first biofabric of the world for automobile seat upholstery is marketed under the label of Mazda biotech material.

Read more about the deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141211Mazda-biioplastics-exterior.php

Regarding exterior parts of automobiles, high end finishing and classy weather resistance property is the first priority. Attaining this combination of properties with bioplastics, Mazda has secured the credit to beat great technical challenge. Optimization of composition of advance, well developed and highly flexible biobased plastic that can work well as a base material with smart additives. This is how the company can carry out production of durable parts with high quality finishing.

According to the company’s spokesperson, the latest developed bioplastic material is something to offer smooth, mirror like finishing to the surface to make it suitable for external automobile parts.

Myriant Corporation to plan new strategies for development of phthalate free plasticizers

A three-way Joint Development agreement for promotion of plasticizers based upon bio-succinic acid has been formed among UPC, Taiwan, Myriant Corporation, USA and Sojitz Corporation Japan on 1st Dec, 2014. Under this agreement, UPC Group will use bio-succinic acid of Myriant’s for manufacturing phthalate-free plasticizers with bio-based features. At the same time, Sojitz will work with UPC for sales of it’s branded bio-based plasticizers.

In this entire scenario, the main objective of UPC is to become a full service provider for the chemical industry including investment in latest production and innovative applications. The developed plasticizers will fulfill requirement of customers who are looking for high quality, renewable chemicals with good performance. The range of products developed in this way also includes plastics and plastic wraps.

Read more about the deal here - Myriant, UPC and Sojitz to co-develop bio-based plasticizers http://bit.ly/1yzGtEL

According to the statement of David LeBlanc, Head of Myriant’s Global Sales and Marketing, several chemical manufacturers are active to turn Myriant’s bio-succinic acid as it is the key feedstock for production of bio-based chemicals and bio-products. In this way, the company is attaining efficiency of meeting demands of high quality products; also it has secured an image of a reliable biochemical provider to the petrochemicals industry.

Cardia Bioplastic to acquire 42 percent shares on biohybrid films merger with the Stellar Film producers

Cardia Bioplastics, the leading bioplastic manufacturer in Australia has signed a contract with Stellar Films Group. This leading group is known well for production of film based items which are supplied to hygiene, personal care and medical product industries in Australia, Melbourne and Port Klang, Malaysia. According to the signed contract, Cardia Bioplastics will acquire all the units and shares issued in Stellar Films. Moreover, the ordinary shares in Cardia Bioplastics will be issued to the Stellar Films’ owner. According to estimation, Cardia shareholders will possess 42 percent of the merged group while Stellar Films’ owners will possess 58 percent shares on the same.  

Read more about the deal here - http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/12/09/bioplastics-merger-cardia-bioplastics-stellar-films/

Originally, both the companies possess partnership for production of Cardia’s Biohybrid films which have been designed for hygiene and personal care industry. The main thing to know about the biohybrid films developed by the Stellar Film owners is that it exhibits a high performance property profile and extensive for it’s outstanding soft touch. Production of these films is carried out through proprietary cast film process while the warm feeling offered by these films favors production of personal care products such as diapers, nappies and high profile feminine products.

Global Bioenergies to carry out isobutene production through fermentation process

According to the latest announcement by Global Bioenergies the company has carried out it’s first isobutene production trial successfully. The process has been carried out in Pomacle-Bazancourt, the industrial pilot of the company. The industrial pilot installation was taken under consideration through a series of functional and mechanical validations. The production took place on Nov, 2014 and resulted the first production of fermentative isobutene wonderfully.

Since 2008, Global Bioenergies is working for development of fermentation process for gaseous isobutene. For this purpose, a series of various sized laboratory scale pilot was conducted. Next in the process was scaling up system and adaptation to the industrial environment. Total finance of 4 million Euro from the French state was attained to meet this novel technical challenge.

Read more about the deal here - http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/12/05/global-bioenergies-produces-isobutene-in-pilot-scale/

The main objective on which the company worked is creation of a fermenter which has been adapted for fermenting gaseous hydrocarbons. The mechanical and functional validations together made the phase longer and the company decided to meet the essential safety conditions for the first trial. Being the first time for production of isobutene through fermentation, this process is highly in discussion in the biotech world. In order to optimize the process and manufacturing samples further, a campaign will be run during upcoming months.

Evolva will market Allylix’s Valencene and Nootkatone from 2015

Evolva, Switzerland is going to acquire California based Allylix which works for R&D on fermentation based flavors and fragrances materials. In order to acquire this company, Evolva will return the consideration of about 46 million in newly issued shares of Evolva. For this purpose, Cargill, the partner of Evolva will invest $4 million supporting for transaction which is expected to be done by mid December, 2014.

Read more about the deal in here at –
http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/12/03/evolva-buys-allylix/

The portfolio of Allylix’s current products which will be acquired by Evolva to be marketed in 2015 is as follows.

Valencene – This Flavored and fragrances ingredient is utilized in personal care and household products as well as in eatables. The product is made cost effective, sustainable and eco friendly through fermentation.

Nootkatone – This extensive aroma molecule is found in grapefruits which are made for production of commercially useful fragrance and flavor. This product promises to keep the skin protected against pests such as bed bugs, ticks and mosquitoes. According to the deal, Evolva will be able to know technologies, fermentation process and strain development formula of Allylix to increase manufacturing of its own products, especially terpenes.

Moreover, Allylix develops a brewed form of sandalwood oil which is now short by supply due to increase in disappearing of sandalwood trees. Now the company is also looking for production of a fermentation route for vanillin with IFF.

Amyris and Kuararay to work in collaboration for production of farnesene based winter tires

Amyris’ Brotas biorefinery plant in Brazil has been running well for 3 months despite of water and electricity problem in the country. According to the plan, Amyris wants to continue operations without any interruption till the onset of sugarcane season as the company will have performed maintenance plans earlier than beginning production in 2015. According to this 3rd quarterly report, company’s spokesperson stated that fragrance oil, the second molecule has been completed and also subjected for transition to the farnesene production utilizing a new strain. On the basis of this strain, the company is planning for production of farnesene costs below $3 per liter.

Read more about the deal here at -
http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/12/05/turnaround-for-amyris/

Further the company expects growth in revenue in 2015 from Neossance squalene and hemi squalene emollients, two farnesene derivatives for the flavors and fragrance industry. More to know is that Merilene, a new farnesene derivative solvent of the company is about to be launched for application in industrial cleaners. Amyris is also working for the production of farnesene based fuels.

Partner of Amyris for farnesene rubber project, Kuararay noted that about two tire manufacturers are planning to start first stage production of high performance and extensive winter tires with the use of liquid farnesene rubber.

The international market of bio-based plastics to discover quick economic growth soon

During the 9th European Bioplastics Conference in Brussels, it has been confirmed that the company is planning new trends for swift growth. According to the statement of the CEO of the European Bioplastics, Francois de Bie, the market is supposed to catch growth by over 400 percent in the mid-term. Further he states that new markets are also getting chances for elaboration through every big and small thing such as functional sports garments and fuel lines. In this way, Asia will expand its role in the form of the leading production hub. Moreover, the recently planned projects have been planned for implementation in India, Thailand and China. That’s how; up to 75 percent of bioplastics production will take place in the continent till 2018.

Read more about this news here at – http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/pr/EuBP_market_data_bioplastics_2013.pdf

According to the compiled data of IFBB, Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites and the Nova Institute, Germany, the capacity of bioplastics production has been projected to increase up to 6.7 million tonnes till 2018. In this entire scenario, PLA has become one of the leading growth drivers in the world of bio-based plastics. Apart from all this, decrease in the growth of textiles and automotive applications has been seen. Francis stated that the company is looking for the consideration and gaining efficiency of quick economical growth out from the bioplastic industry.

Bioplastic magazine declared Zandonella and Beanarella together for the first position in the 9th annual Bioplastics award

Zandonella and Beanarella together secured the first position in the ninth annual Bioplastics Award of Bioplastics Magazine. Jury has given exactly same points to both the companies for their performance. These bioplastic companies are working well in the packaging industry and represent a wide series of electronics, environmental markets and packaging markets on international level. Packaging has become an integrated sector for bioplastics developers but both of these finalists have higher functionality in comparison to the standard bioplastic bags and containers.

All the packaging items developed by the finalist companies are prepared with renewable materials which are perfect for application in industrial composting. Paper wrap, cellulose labels, PLA films, PLA inlay, PLA coating film are the products developed by them. During 2014, Zandonella became popular for launching the best Sandro’s Bio Gourmet ice cream in a BioFoam box. The BioFoam box has been introduced as bio-friendly substitute for EPS. This special box could keep the ice cream frozen for about an hour.  

Read more about this news here at –
http://m.europeanplasticsnews.com/story.html?id=5305

On the other hand, Beanarella is in discussion for the coffee capsules and aroma tight packaging in its Beanarella coffee machine range. Similarly, the BASF’s Ecovio material is being used widely for production of agricultural films and organic waste bags.

VTT in Finland plans to develop eco-friendly option for polystyrene

EPS i.e. Expanded Polystyrene is nothing but a waste product as it is utilized as packaging material and insulator all around the world. VTT, a technical Research Centre in Finland is working for development of a reasonable and eco friendly option for polystyrene from PLA bioplastic. PLA is a biopolymer made up of renewable materials using lactic acid. The research centre is looking for excellent methods for foaming the bioplastics in order to prepare beads which can be later subjected for refining into insulators. Although, EPS is a non toxic product but degrades into a waste product so it is important to replace it with some eco-friendly material. Burning of EPS is harmful as the compounds resulting from this process are health hazardous.

Read more about this matter here at -  
http://m.phys.org/news/2014-12-team-environmentally-friendly-alternative-polystyrene.html

It is very important to consider the proper environment for foaming of bioplastics with the help of CO2. VTT is planning for introducing development of the product in industrial processing including lab work and factory testing. Thus, the research group wants new partners for a collaborative program in this direction and carrying out effective operations.  

One more thing to know here is that PLA products similar to the polystyrene ones are in existence yet but they are costlier so VTT is looking for the idea for production of efficient and cheaper products.

Missed chance of banning oxo-degradable plastics increased pollution in EU

In a surprising move, European politicians have acknowledged the guilt of missing a golden opportunity to ban the oxo-degradable plastics, which involved several round of essential legislative measures. It was about the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive amendment proposal which was solely directed at the challenges faced by the European member states in addressing the risks associated with the use, degradation and consumption of the conventional plastic bags.

http://www.prw.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=6021 further states that European politicians were of the view that latest legislative measures should be made highly adaptable to the current plastic use, practices and local infrastructure. Once again the commitment of Margrete Auken, a renowned activist and parliamentary member was treated valued in the vision of EuropeanBioplastics which considered the implementation of strict legislative measures against the traditional plastics’ uses and practices.

Auken was previously of the view that legislative measures should be taken to reduce oxo-degradable plastic uses at mass level, which may involves increasing the price or targeting a considerable reduction in the plastic bags. Of course, the missed chance of banning the oxo-degradable plastic bags has further lead to increase in environment pollution, carbon footprints and landfills through difficulties faced in recycling, compostable risks and micro-plastic fragmentation challenges associated with the traditional plastics. According to http://www.prw.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=6021, oxo-degradable plastic bags cannot be treated as the final ecological solution.

Pioneering efforts of CAC in sugarcane fossils to improve bioplastics production

It has been the continuous rise in the demands of bioplastics and bioproducts that has compelled the leading industries and companies to enter into the evolving market of fossil-based production. The emphasis has been put on the sugarcane production which is being seen in a much-larger perspective than just getting sugar as the end product.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/opinion/2014/11/28/sanchez-sugarcane-bioplastics-379052 mentions that steps are being taken by CAC to sign MOA with different universities to boost the research work and technical development to bring more bioplastics on the market floor. At the same time, the company is also willing to get hands on more sugarcane mills and industries in Philippines that can further improve the production of sugarcane.


There is no denying the fact that South East Asian countries, notably Thailand is the current leader in the production and marketing of bioplastics, quickly followed by Latin America. Since consumers are looking for more bioplastics options in different fields due to increased environmental awareness, time is ripe to invest into research work, technology and improved production of bioplastics.


Rather than taking refined sugar as the final output, sugarcane industry can play a greater role in the bioplastics research and production which has been underlined at http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/opinion/2014/11/28/sanchez-sugarcane-bioplastics-379052. Thailand boasts of more than 30 manufacturers of bioplastics, with investments of millions of dollars still in the pipeline. Detailed utilization of bioplastics has been greatly pioneered by Japan through Biomass Nippon Strategy and Biotechnology Strategic Scheme launched recently to overcome the effects of traditional plastics.

PELAGONIA ready to invest into long value chain of biofeeds and bioproducts

In a recent update, PELAGONIA is going to be engaged in the production of sustainable crops so that feeds and other products can be derived from improved harvesting ration. EU state Macedonia will offer the growing land for such sustainable crop production over 200 square kilometers which has been considered as degraded and abandoned for the last few years.

The local farmers will also provide their contribution in this effort to grow crops such as switchgrass and non-food sorghum with an aim which will lead to quality food production, feeds and biofeedstock harvest at the end, as http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Pelagonia_Fact_Sheet.pdf has reported.

In addition to this, an innovative processing technology DuPont will be implemented in order to produce most demanding sustainable product, cellulosic bioethanol, which will fit best to the global needs of biofuel, bioplastics and biochemicals.

It is further estimated that PELAGONIA is ought to receive millions Euros funds through FDI, quality finance and loan channels in the next time span of 2015-20, which will be superbly invested in the future valued chain of biobased products.

http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Pelagonia_Fact_Sheet.pdf is of the view that PELAGONIA has been trying its best to get latest and most advance technologies related to ethanologen, seed development and precision farming from the outer world so that market volatility and price fluctuations can be consolidated in the long run.

Contribution of Ecovative Design in first biological drone

It was possibly for the first time when a New York-based company, Ecovative Design known for innovative biodegradable products had helped in the production of biological drone. http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2014/11/17/ecovative-design-helps-build-biodegradable-drone.html informs that a group of some brilliant students along with the collaboration of Ecovative and Lynn Rothschild, leading NASA scientist successfully modeled, prototyped and tested biological mycelium-based chassis for drone at Ames Research Center of NASA in California.

The company has earned a unique reputation in growing a wide range of biodegradable alternatives to plastic and foam products from agricultural waste products such as leaves and corn stalks. In order to hold the materials, specific glue from fungal material mycelium is used by Ecovative.

Bright and energetic students from Spelman College, Stanford and Brown University made use of this very chassis to be coated with bacteria-grown cellulose. However, http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2014/11/17/ecovative-design-helps-build-biodegradable-drone.html further states that the drone was not completely biological as it included conventional battery, propeller and controls for successful flight test done in Boston.

Further studies are on to make completely biological drone for the military operations that will not leave a single train or evidence like biological footprint for spying purposes although some private companies like Google and Amazon are interested to use such drains for commercial delivery purposes.

New research center opened in Netherlands by DSM

Brightlands Chemelot Campus in the Netherlands will possibly witness the opening of new research center facility for Royal DSM, a local materials research company which will be interested in looking for more sustainable solutions for the next generation in different fields. Human beings are greatly exposed to several challenges in regards of the environment, society and packaging industry which will be addressed by new research center.

http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=5232 has further informed that this center will be in connection to the previous announcement of DSM regarding millions of dollars investment, which currently employs 400 people in the section. This center is a crucial part of DAM when it comes to Materials Science Research and other relevant marketing activities, as cited by the company employees.

The managing board of DSM established also confirms that emphasis will be more oriented towards finding innovative, sustainable and advanced solutions in the Materials Science section which will make life much better for the future generations. It should be noted here that new and fresh possibilities and opportunities are created in the research center of DSM for various fields such as automobiles, energy sector, food packaging industry and other sectors which require bio-based articles.

As cited by http://www.europeanplasticsnews.com/subscriber/headlines2.html?cat=1&id=5232, this new research center will provide favorable environment for developing new solutions for different challenges and give first hand address to optimal synergies. Moreover, it will target marketing, research and sales activities under one roof.

Legislation from EU likely to ban traditional plastic bags – emphasis on compostable carrier bags

Based on the strong recommendation of Margrete Auken, lead negotiator from European’s Parliament, EU members were ready to amend the past PPWD or Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive which was once formulated to address risks and challenges associated with conventional plastic carrier bags. This proposal, as mentioned on http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/pr/EUBP_PR_EU_approves_bag_reduction_141125.pdf, will try to push the decision making power to the state level, which can be further made compatible and favorable to local markets, practices and infrastructure.

Moreover, European Bioplastics chairman has taken this legislative step of the European nations with both hands because he thinks Italy and France have greatly pioneered the use of compostable plastics in the form of carrier bags. Of course, this will reduce the pressure of biological waste and landfills can be easily eliminated in an urge to implement the compostable and biodegradable carrier bags.
Since the traditional oxy-biodegradable plastic bags have contributed a lot to the environmental pollution as well as ecological imbalance, steps should be taken on strong notes to maximize the marketing and consumption efforts of bioplastic carrier bags so that they can be recycled and reused.

http://en.european-bioplastics.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/pr/EUBP_PR_EU_approves_bag_reduction_141125.pdf further states that a comprehensive report will be put on the table which will show that conventional plastic bags cannot act as the best and compatible ecological solution to increasing land waste and pollution.

EU ready to ban SVHC – more concerned about finding alternatives to toxic substances

SVHC or Substance of Very High Concern is a category of substances which poses risks to the human beings and existence, influencing the genuine eco-system with irreversible effects. However,  the European Union has decided to reduce the applications of such substances that are harmful in effects such as bioaccumulative, causing infertility, toxic or carcinogenic so that sustainable environment of production and application can be build-up.

http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/Biobased-alternatives-for-SVHCs.php informs that several substitutes and alternatives for the SVHC category have been developed and some are still in the development and research phase which will be released with practical application and essence. Since the SVHC ingredients and substances are being used as solvents, chemicals or even as the building-block of polymers, they have already been a concern for humanity. Of course, these substances need to be banned and alternatives of SVHC must be brought to the ground level.

Some of the substances that have posed threats to our sustainable environment are carcinogen ethylene oxide, used in the production of ethylene glycol which can be produced from sugars as a biodegradable alternative. On the other hand, toxic solvents like glymes can be replaced with eco-friendly alternative lactic acid esters or dimethyl isosorbide.

With more investment and efforts of money and time, it is possible to look for alternatives of SVHC related to industry such as NMP, DMAc and DMF, as stated on http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/Biobased-alternatives-for-SVHCs.php.

Stunning PLA depolymerization technique revealed by Carbios for plastic waste recovery

With more and more focus on making green and bio-degradable plastics, Carbios has settled with an achievement which is capable of depolymerizing PLA or polylactic acid by 90% through enzymatic process, in a period of just 48 hours. This can be considered as a huge milestone for the company as it was interested in reducing the global plastic waste and other toxic substances.

As mentioned in http://recyclingportal.eu/Archive/9007, this process of depolymerization has been achieved through using a catalytic enzymatic process which was successfully tested on common PLA wastes like plastic films, trays, flatware and cups as they were very resistant to enzymes because of semi-crystalline properties. With this achievement, Carbios is ready to scale-up the production and give some speed to its signature bio-recycling process.

Experts from LISBP and INRA involved in Thanaplast Project have revealed these results that are partners to Carbios and are supporting this very green chemistry company in the genuine objective of recovering the plastic wastes along with innovative production of biodegradable plastics.

It should be noted here that PLA has been considered as a bio-degradable alternative to traditional PET or polyethene terephthalate for mass level production of different kinds of packaging products. Here, PLA is best for 3D printing techniques and medical implants/transplants due to extreme bio-compatibility. Because of depolymerization technique discovered by Carbios for PLA, it can be readily applied to other plastic forms like PTT and PET for recovery of plastic waste as detailed by http://recyclingportal.eu/Archive/9007.

Brussels will host the next BIO-TIC stakeholder workshop on 1st December

Business case stakeholder workshop is being organized by BIO-TIC European funded project on December 1, 2014 at Brussels that will discuss and prioritize the possible hurdles that are currently affecting the use of IB in production of bio-based plastics. Bioplastics and biopolymers have been invited to attend this workshop which will be a type of satellite event for 9th European Bioplastics Conference that will be held on 2nd and 3rd December this year.

http://bio-based.eu/news/bio-tic-stakeholder-workshop-brussels-1st-december-2014/ further mentions that people not having membership of European Bioplastics will be eligible for getting 10% discount at admission fee however; they need to get registered for this workshop before applying to the EBC.

Sole aims of this workshop will be to:

•         Prioritize non-technological, market and technological hurdles affecting the IB’s use in production of bio-based plastics,
•         Recognize genuine solutions to prominent hurdles including action timeframes; and
•         Integrate all the decision makers, innovation agencies and technology providers to IB end users so that better connections and discussing stimulations can be easily achieved.

http://bio-based.eu/news/bio-tic-stakeholder-workshop-brussels-1st-december-2014/ further requires the valuable and potential input from the technological experts, policy makers and market leaders in bioplastics industry so that various recommendations and solutions can be target to serve the industry purposes. More and innovative approaches along with best recommendations and suggestions have also been invited for this project to make it successful and productive.

PLAPACK project completed with much sustainable and biodegradable plastic

With successful completion of the PLAPACK project which is being funded by Direct Innovation Line CDTI, has leaded to development a new bioplastic with higher performance and greater flexibility that can be easily used in food packaging, disposable household and clothes hanger. This project has been completed with the active and successful participation of AIMPLAS which has really modified the usual polylactic acid or PLA into a new product which has less impact on the environment.

http://www.fdbusiness.com/2014/11/new-bioplastics-more-flexible-and-with-low-migration-suitable-for-food-and-textile-sector/ further explains how improved mechanisms of injection molding and extrusion have been applied to plastic development properties.

It should be noted here that different types of plastic products have been developed from this compostable material such as UV-resistant clothes hangers, temperature & impact-resistant food packages along with some forms of glasses.

Competitive costs can be turned down by developing multi-layer structures which will enhance both aesthetic and functional properties of this new biodegradable plastic.

It is needless to say that AIMPLAS has been greatly involved with technical and strategic partnership with plastic-development companies that offer customized solutions to the next generation plastic, as sourced from http://www.fdbusiness.com/2014/11/new-bioplastics-more-flexible-and-with-low-migration-suitable-for-food-and-textile-sector/. This will definitely trigger a set of new changes and modifications to the world of bioplastics, leaving comparatively lesser footprints on the environment to make it sustainable.

Innovative approach of Solegear Bioplastics and Comerica Bank to secure venture debt facility

Venture debt facility from the leading tech-focused Comerica Bank was recently secured by Solegear Bioplastics Inc. which is the largest and most popular developer of plant-based bioplastics for different types of durable product and packaging applications. This will certainly give the much needed boost to the mission and growth of the latest development plans of Solegear which is ready to deliver its bio-plastic materials.

Of course, there will be more openness and exposure to the sales growth of compostable plastics that are bio-based with the use of such funds. As per this deal mentioned on http://bio-based.eu/news/solegear-bioplastics-secures-venture-debt-facility-comerica-bank/, more funds may be released and secured for such bio-plastics processing & development in the near future so that financial flexibility can be achieved easily.

Solegear has already established non-commercial debt facility earlier this summer to receive funds for the technical innovation purposes from Canadian Government which will be solely invested in up grading the commercial activities and development of bio-based compostable plastics.

When it comes to development and production of the next generation plastics, Solegear has earned a unique reputation by commercializing the production of bio plastics through plant-based renewable ingredients.

 http://bio-based.eu/news/solegear-bioplastics-secures-venture-debt-facility-comerica-bank/ further states that Green Chemistry technology has been used to develop these high-performance compostable inplastics that will be used in various applications such as durable plastics and rigid packaging.

Sustainable and bio-polymer EcoPaXX crankshaft cover launched for powertrain category by DSM

Automobile industry is soon to witness the inclusion of lightweight and stronger crankshaft cover from DSM Engineering Plastics which has been awarded in Detroit competition for innovative plastic engineering in the automobile sector. This very crankshaft has been molded from high performance EcoPaXX polyamide 410 by KACO, DSM’s partner in Germany which has an added advantage of multi-functionality.

The post published on http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/bio-based-polyamide-crankshaft-cover-wins-spe-award-dsm-20141114a further details that this bio-based polymer crankshaft cover is best suited to the MDB-4 TDI diesel engines, primarily manufactured by Volkswagen group apart from the latest models from Seat, Skoda and Audi.

Since the crankshaft made from EcoPaxx is nearly 40% lighter in weight in contrast to similar geometrical model made of aluminum, it will definitely add to fuel efficiency of the included automobiles. In addition to this, less uses of fuel will also reduce the carbon emission footprints.

KACO has developed this crankshaft cover through a complete automated process which included combination molding of reinforced EcoPaxx polyamide and plasma-activated dynamic PTFE seal, which was patented by the company itself.

Such a holistic approach will surely give boost to the automobile sustainability which will offer minimum friction in use and maximum application of the sustainable materials through a waste-free procedure. As mentioned in http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/bio-based-polyamide-crankshaft-cover-wins-spe-award-dsm-20141114a, you will find such cost-effective and sustainable crankshaft cover in powertrain for the first time.