Biodegradable plastics now from potato waste for use in high-tech applications

Bio-on SPA and Pizzoli SPA together joined collaboration for building the first bioplastic plan of Italy which will use potato waste for production of biodegradable plastics. The function of the plant will be based upon agro-industrial process with the objective of initial production capacity with 2K ton per year. This capacity has been planned for extension up to 4K ton per year in future. The vision of this collaboration is that PHA, the bioplastic that will be produced in the plant will replace numerous traditional plastics.

Read more about the news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150317-Bio-ON-PHAs-from-potato-waste.php

Bio-on in this collaboration will contribute it’s laboratory research while Pizzoli will employ it’s experience in potato transformation. PHA is a powerful bioplastic offering a guarantee of totally biodegradable feature with same thermo-mechanic properties. Bio-on’s chairman, Marco Astorri states that it is really a big step in the bioplastics industry. As the project will be based upon the demonstration of conversion of wastage into useful bioplastics with characteristics of biodegradability and eco-sustainability, it will be definitely a remarkable step in the direction of bioplastic production. The project has been expected to be completed within 2 years. On the other hand, Chairman of Pizzoli SPA, Nicola Pizzoli states this project as the challenge lies upon future investments.

Solegear and Ex-tech signed partnership for increasing reach to the US bioplastic market

Solegear Bioplastics situated in Vancouver has signed a partnership with Ex-Tech for manufacturing and distribution of it’s next generation TF bioplastic. This kind of bioplastic is good for high performance in rigid packing application; it is also good as it can resist high thermal shipping conditions. In the agreement, both the companies agreed for sharing profit percentage from market strategies, business opportunities and technology. The companies have decided to put all their efforts for promoting the market of Traverse bioplastic.

Read more about this matter here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150311Solegear-partners-ExTech.php

According to the statement given by Toby Reid, the CEO of Solegear, the company is pleased to become partner of Ex-Tech as it is a reputed leader in the bioplastic sheet extrusion. Ex-Tech has not only track record of ultimately high standard of quality but also fulfill customers’ demand in every possible manner. Solegear is believed to reach new customers of Traverse bioplastics through this partnership as Ex-Tech will definitely catch lots of possibilities with it’s capacity of scaling order fulfillment with great perfection.

The traverse TF bioplastic has been designed for replacement of Polyethylene terephthalate packaging applications. It has been composed of about 45 percent bio-content and fulfills all the global shipping requirements.

Merged operation of Cardia Bioplastics and Stellar Films Operations leads moves towards immense progress

The strategic review carried out by Cardia Bioplastics, the Australian bioplastics manufacturer leads towards the closure Brazilian plant. According to the strategic review, Cardia Bioplastics will introduce numerous strategic advantages this year. The company states that the key benefit of new strategies revolves around access of Cardia to Stellar Film’s for additional productivity. This will allow Cardia to deliver products as per the increasing demand. The biohybrid hygiene films of the company are highly in demand and these will be delivered without exclusive investments in new capital investments.

One thing to be taken under consideration here is that the merged group of Cardia and Stellar will gain profit out of the geographic presence of both the operations. There are three production plants of the company situated in China, Malaysia and Australia. All the plants have been settled well to meet growing demand of customers from Asia Pacific.

Read more about this deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150311-Cardia-to-close-down-brazilian-operations.php

Stellar Films Operation is established and this feature of the group ensures supply of high quality products. The group also gives priority to financial resources for ensuring that the production output is optimized. The ability of Cardia to deliver the best quality product within time promotes its growth in the global market. Cardia has planned to discontinue offering fun to it’s new Brazilian plant as it keeps the merged business on priority.

BASF to offer bio-based PolyTHF for wide scale testing

BASF made an announcement of offering bio-based Polytetrahydrofuran 1000 for the first time recently. The company has planned to offer this wide scale testing only to selected partners for various applications. Andrej Brejc, the Director of renewable Diols from intermediate division of BASF states that the bio-based PolyTHF 1000 is identical to the petrochemical product from the quality point of view. He further adds that the chance of expansion of applications and products from recyclable raw materials offer long term market acceptance to the company and its partners.

PolyTHF is nothing but a hygroscopic polymer developed of linear diols with a foundation of repetitive tetramethylene units. These units are found to be connected with ether linkages. Polyaddition and polycondensation are the two significant reactions of this special polymer. As BASF is the leading supplier of PolyTHF on global level, it bears international clients paving way towards great growth for the company.

Read more about this matter here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150310BASF-offers-biobased-Poly-THF.php

The main fields of application of PolyTHF 1000 involve large variety of textiles, automotive industry, chemical building blocks and components of thermoplastic polyetheramides and polyetheresters. Additional applications of PolyTHF 1000 include cast elastomers which are application for manufacturing of wheels for inline skates and skate boards. Textiles such as sportswear, outerwear and swimsuits are also prepared with this polymer.

Partnership of Photanol and AkzoNobel won top award 2015

Photanol and AkzoNobel set up a partnership with objective of harnessing the solar power for making chemicals won the top award 2015 at Bio Business Awards. In September, 2014 the partnership took place and it has been announced with the name of Bio based chemical collaboration of the year in the award ceremony. The award function was launched for recognition of business excellence and innovative deals in the biobased industry.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150311-AkzoNobel-wins-award.php

Marco Waas, the director of R&D and Technology in AkzoNobel stated that the partnership is working smartly for reduction of carbon footprint in environment up to significant level and both the companies are happy to be recognized with this important award. He further says that winning the award represents that our planet is going towards great progress regarding development of bio-based materials. As the partnership is committed for making global activities far beneficial and more sustainable, it will surely represent successful outcome.

The prize was awarded to the partnership of the company for their current project that focuses upon the creation of sustainable technology that utilizes the strategy of photosynthesis. Expertise and technology of both the companies together will definitely give rise to bio-based chemical building blocks for replacing fossil based raw materials for similar kind of production.

The Bio Business Award 2015 goes to DuPont for introducing eco-friendly technology

The Bio Business Award 2015 has been awarded to DuPont Industrial Biosciences for breakthrough Biobased technology foundation. The award ceremony has been held in Amsterdam under the world bio markets conference. The company is known well for development of sorona biopolymer which is a high performance, sustainable fiber that bears 37 percent renewable biobased ingredients. The fiber utilizes 30 percent lesser energy and decreases emission of the greenhouse gas up to 63 percent in comparison to nylon 6 which is used commonly.

Simon Herriott, the business director of Biomaterials stated that the company has a good and long history in the textile industry. DuPont continues introducing new technologies like Sorona that offers a liberty to designers to show their creativity without any compromise with the quality and performance. Further he adds that these kind of bio-friendly fibers are beneficial for everyone, textile mills, manufacturers and designers as they can provide sustainable clothing to consumers.

Read more on this matter here – http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150309-DuPont-wins-award-for-breakthrough-tech-platform.php

The textile industry enjoyed great revolution under after discovery of the Sorona carpet fiber as it sets a new standard for soft, stain resistant and good quality carpets. DuPont demonstrated that sustainable fiber needs not to be compromised with performance as it is efficient to perform good. The company set up partnership with Vipul Sarees in 2014 for making soft and colorful georgette, chiffon, satin and crepe sarees.

Joint venture agreement between Renmatix and Total

Renmatix is known as the leading cellulosic sugar developer which is in highlights now for joining a developmental agreement with Total, one of the biggest integrated oil and gas companies of the world. Both the companies have signed the agreement for investment and research programs under mutual benefit strategies. According to the agreement, Total will utilize Plantrose process of Renmatix using special feedstocks for extraction of sugar which can be further employed to develop bio-products.

Read more about the news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150406-Joint-Venture-Renmatix-and-Total-.php

Bernard Clement, Senior VP of Total New Energies stated that the technology of Renmatix for extraction of second generation sugars from biomass has potential of benefit cellulosic sugars in a significant manner. Total’s efforts of developing eco-friendly bio products is also a milestone towards the goal of attaining sustainability.

On the other hand, Mike Hamilton, the CEO of Renmatix states that joining the development agreement with a global oil and gas leader like Total is really a way towards signaling the importance of cellulosic sugars on the way to growth of bio-economy. This approach is also directly related to the transformative impact of Plantrose technology. This is how Total can help more to allow Renmatix to work with the pace setters of forestry, fuel and chemistry. The Plantrose technology of Renmatix utilizes hot pressurized water in the form of solvent and works for reducing costs for conversion of biomass to cellulosic sugars. 

Ultramid polyamide of BASF to be used by Italon for production of sustainable yarn

BASF is again in discussion in the world of sustainable materials for offering it’s renewable raw material for production of yarns. Ultramid polyamide, the renewable raw material of the company is being used by Italon for production of sustainable nylon. Italon, is a textile manufacturer based in Taiwan that works for development of products based on renewable sourced materials.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150305-BASF-makes-fashion-sustainable.php

According to Dr. Ramkumar Dhruva, Senior VP of Monomer Asia Pacific, BASF, the company works for replacement of fossil feedstock completely which is required for production of Ultramid polyamide with proven renewable material. During this process, it works for maintenance of high performance properties. The process is significant here for the reason that using biostock for production of ultramid polyamide helps in reduction of emission of greenhouse gases and saves fossil resources. He further adds that as consumers pay more attention now on the basic process of production of their clothes and kind of raw materials being used from eco-friendly point of view, it is important to introduce revolutionary changes in this field. The idea of employing mass balance method of creating fashion for sustainability is mind-blowing to leave good impact on environment. Also, application of ultramid polyamide does not require any modification in production process.

The Caserta plant of GFBiochemicals to become the biggest producer of Levulinic acid from biomass

GFBiochemicals, the biobased chemicals group in Italy has specialized in the research, development and manufacturing of various fuels and chemicals which are based on biomaterials. The company is going to start commercialization of levulinic acid as a result of proprietary breakthrough technology. Levulinic acid is nothing but a basic chemical having special potential for replacement of petroleum based products in biofuel and chemical industry. As the product is derived from biomass such as bagasse, manure, brewery waste and biomass, it is biodegradable. According to a latest study about Levulinic Acid Market, the market of this product has been analyzed for growth at a CAGR of 4.52 percent during the period of 5 years from 2014 to 2019.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150303-Commercialization-Levulinic-Acid-from-GFBiochemicals.php

The company is working on development and testing of the processing technology from 2008. According to spokesperson of GFBiochemicals the commercial production of Levulinic acid will begin in Italy plant this year. An innovative production line in Caserta has been planned with efficiency of 2,000 MT that will make the plant the biggest producer of levulinic acid in the world. Designing and operational features of data have been planned with the prospectus of future production estimating the annual capacity for scaling up to 8000 MT per year by 2017.

BioAmber starts to commission the Sarnia Commercial Plant

One of the leading industrial biotechnology companies on international level, BioAmber Inc. made an announcement for beginning of commissioning the bio-succinic acid plant situated in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. The plant bears 30K MT capacity; start up of the plant may take about five months with the service of commercial operation. The project costs US$125 million as per an approximate budget +/- 10 percent.

Read more about the news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150304-BioAmber-commissioning-Sarnia-plant.php

The Company expects construction to be completed in two months and it is carrying out commissioning and start-up activities in parallel. The cost of the project continues to track within the original budget estimate of US$125 million +/- 10%. CEO of the company, Jean-Francois states that this is an important step for BioAmber that will start a period of swift growth. Further he adds that the commissioning phase will involve testing of the plant and start up of sales of products in order to meet goals. During this period, the company will also plan seeking reliable customers for take-or-pay contracts.

This new plant in Sarnia will become the biggest manufacturing unit of succinic acid of the world. The company has signed multiple supply agreements with non binding volume commitments increasing the capacity of the plant.

Study on biodegradation promoting additives for plastics has been done at Michigan State University

A study has been carried out at Michigan State University that displays the additive touted for promotion of biodegradation of PET and polyofins. Posted by the American Chemical Society, the study has been titled as ‘Evaluation of Biodegradation-Promoting Additives for Plastics’. The study is being recognized as an attempt for putting some uncertain things by investigation of influence of biodegradation promoting additives for plastic products. Under the study, effects of three various kinds of biodegradation promoting additives has been investigated under aerobic degradation, active anaerobic digestion and soil burial environment. All the three additives have been chosen on the basis of their oxo additive, non-oxo additive and a combination of both of these properties.  

Read more about the news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150302-biodegradation-promoting-additives-don-t-work.php

As per the authors, the basic research has been carried out for evaluation of all three types of environments for PE and both the additives in all the above mentioned environments. The research has been carried out with the objective of detailed understanding of effects of disposal of these polymers in the environment. The conclusion is that anaerobic and aerobic biodegradation cannot be considered as feasible disposal routes for non-compostable plastics bearing any of the tested biodegradation promoting additives.

Biobuild project to be funded by the European Commission for development of biocomposite facades

13 partners from seven European countries worked in collaboration on a project called as Biobuild. The research resulted in investigation of utilization of biocomposite materials for reduction of embodied energy up to 50 percent for development of components such as ceiling, cladding, façade panels etc. Also, the collaborative members took care not to allow increment in cost. This is how replacement of steel, aluminium, bricks and concrete can be done for building structures by using sustainable and low carbon construction materials.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150227_bioBuild.php

The project part receives fund by the European Commission. The objective of the project is investigation of biocomposite materials for decreasing the embodied energy without increment in cost. Façade has been described by the project as the first self supporting biocomposite façade panel of the world which is being used in construction. The project is funded under the seventh framework programme by the European Community.

Building kits for systems, suspended ceilings and internal partition walls are also designed under this project work. The research work is applicable mainly for commercial office buildings for which façade panel comprised up of glazing unit are designed. The façade is composed of two biocomposite outer shells with an insulated central layer.

European Bioplastics Conference to celebrate its aluminium anniversary

European Bioplastics is going to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year during the gathering in Berlin. The occasion will be held at Maritim Prorate Hotel for the European Bioplastics Conference on 5th and 6th November. During the conference, about 40 companies will represent their innovative products and projects under the bioplastics product exhibition. Various social networking events will also be organized during the occasion. Gala dinner will be on limelight during the conference.

Read more about this matter here – http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150226_EUBP.php

European Bioplastics is committed for representation of interests of stakeholders regarding the whole value chain as it is one of the leading industrial associations in the field of bioplastics production. Call for papers and registration of delegates will be published shortly. The event involves political, global and European non private sects too. One more thing to make the event special is diversity of delegations. European Bioplastics is the European association having members that manufacture, refine and distribute bioplastics which are compostable. The company is known for production of bioplastics which are sometimes both, bio-based and compostable. The diversity of delegation is probably strong and expected to move forward towards growth. This will definitely set a new trend in the pan industry.

Guapa Cycles to use Composite Evolution’s Biotex Flax for performance based bicycles

Composites Evolution supplies Biotex Flax to Guapa Cycles for improving the performance of their bamboo bicycles. Guapa was looking for a good option of carbon that can not only show good performance and processing but also possess eco-friendly features. Guapa Cycles, UK is engaged in designing and engineering of ‘Bamboo One’, the modern range of bicycle. The company focuses on implementation of a technology that should be excellent even after experiencing harsh conditions while surfing and sports. When Guapa analyzed Flax for this purpose, the product has been found interesting. Design engineer and co-founder of Guapa, Thomas Henry Williams stated that the efficiency of incorporating a material like flax into bicycles is not a result of any kind of pressure regarding performance and eco-friendly approach but it is something to come out from the vision of finding the best material for application.

Read more about Biotex Flax here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150225_biotex_flax.php

Flax bears awesome mechanical properties naturally and works as a better material than carbon. The combination of wood composite and flax works extensively to offer good flexibility, required strength and ultimate vibrational properties. Another important thing to be noticed is that the proximity and environmental influence of the product is affiliated to brands for smart development and manufacturing of customer friendly products.

Milan court favored Novamont’s claim against Kromabatch

Novamont, the Italian Biotech Firm has been ruled in favor by the Milan’s Court against Kromabatch Srl, producer of Masterbatch. Kromabatch claimed that conventional plastics involving d2w could be counted under biodegradable as per the European standard UNI EN13432. Kromabatch is supplier of oxo-biodegradable plastic additives in Italy which is introduced to possess the property of controlled life plastic technology by it’s marketers. Novamont, the developer of biopolymer Mater-Bi claimed that the company is representing it’s product with information that gives rise to unfair competition as well as misguide customers.

Read more about this deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150217-Kromabatch-loses-case.php

Through investigation the court concluded that the product bear an additive, inclusion of which in the product increases it’s degradability more than conventional plastic. Only this factor cannot justify a plastic material to be suitable for attaining a good level of biodegradability. Further, court founded that it is responsibility of every entrepreneur to check accuracy of commercial information being conveyed to customers during marketing.

Commercial Director of Novamont, Alessandro Ferlito stated that issue of introducing a product with information regarding biodegradability is an important decision as it supports various companies to pave new ways with vision of biodegradability.

REIKU to generate latest corrugated cable protection tubing for better performance

A Germany based company REIKU GmbH has specialized in overall cable protection systems for dynamic utilization in robotics and automation industry. The company has generated whole new corrugated cable protection tubing from renewable plastic material. The most lovable point to know about the new tubing is that they are eco friendly with promise of good performance. By introducing excellent bio-friendly tubing for replacement of typical industrial robots, the company is going to demonstrate the corrugated cable protection with the highest service life. Sales manager of REIKU Peter Sailer stated that the corrugated eco-friendly tubing remained undamaged during internal trials. The tubing with 70 mm undergone 16 million cycles of flexibility test successfully. This means that the service life of corrugated tubing is about three years. In this way, the company has demonstrated that the best performance cable protection is possible.

Read more about this matter more- http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150223-REIKU-bioplastic-tubing.php


This new tubing has been made up of halogen free flame retardant polyamide and bears extensive mechanical properties under dynamic and static load with chemical resistance and raised temperature. The tubing is resistant to abrasion as it’s production is based upon castor oil. B+M surface systems is the first customer to use this new tubing and has utilized it for the modern generation robotics.

Biopac, an upcoming event on bio-based packaging in May 2015 in Netherlands

Innovative approach in eco-friendly solutions is important in the field of bio-based packaging for meeting the consumers’

demand of sustainability and cost effectiveness. With the day by day increasing demand of sustainability, a wide variety of products from shampoo to food products are being packed in bio-based packaging. Appearance, utilization and packaging are some important features are required in a packaging material for a successful launch. These three qualities strengthen clients’ decision to buy the product. As packaging is a significant thing that not only pulls customers’ attention towards the product but also convey some information about the product and displays its benefit, developers are putting special emphasis on introduction of innovative eco-friendly packaging.

Read more about this new approach in bio-based packaging here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150220-new-event-bio-pac.php

In order to fulfill increasing demands of development of innovative packaging options, a new conference on bio-packaging, biopac is being planned. This conference provides a unique opportunity of knowing more about bio-based packaging from experts. The conference on bio-packaging will be held on 12th and 13th May, 2015 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Various topics and issues regarding bio-based materials, packaging options, applications and food/feed vs plastics/fuels debate will take place during this bio-based packaging program.

Highly thermo-resistant PLA to be launched by Natureplast

Production of PLA is being taken under consideration by many world class bioplastic developers nowadays. The demand of 100 percent bio-based material is going higher with the requirement of sustainability. PLA can be processed easily on every standard of processing equipment and is the best product for packaging of food materials and cosmetics. Still. Some drawbacks in the product such as brittleness, low impact resistance, poor thermal properties are there to be resolved. These limitations in PLA resist it’s utilization for high end applications.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150218-Natureplast-new-heat-resistant-PLA.php

Research of Natureplast is successful for introduction of two new PLAs, PLHT 201 and PLHT 202. Both of these brands have been characterized with improvement in thermal and mechanical properties in comparison to standard PL. Also, progress in productivity has been expected through these PLAs at competitive price. As per the statement of Natureplast, the characteristics of PLHT 202 are superior than other PLA. These products has been claimed to be used for replacement of traditional high impact PS. By offering more than 40 percent impact strength, these brands have secured special place in the list of available PLAs.
Automotive industry, electronic production and similar fields are the leading areas where these bioplastic brands will be utilized. 

Biotec signed a joint development agreement with Kaneka on biopolymers project

Agreements and planning for development of biopolymers is being taken under consideration by all the leading Biotech companies around the world. In this direction, Biotec GmbH & Co. KG has signed a joint development agreement plan with Kaneka Corporation for application of biopolymers. The company is right now working on projects for development of degradable and sustainable compounds called as Bioplast. On the other hand, Kaneka is engaged in production of Aonilex, an innovative PHBH polymer. Both of these companies have signed an agreement to work together in the field of packaging solutions, pharmaceutical capsules and different kind of rigid and flexible films.

This collaboration is expected for generation of a spark in development of bioplastics as well as for maximizing the product development skills of both the companies. On the basis of new applications, these companies focus on contribution of significant production of biobased plastics that should also be eco-friendly.

Read more about this agreement here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150219-BioTec-and-Kaneka-join-forces.php

According to John Persenda, the Chairman of Advisory Board of Biotec, the company is happy to sign the agreement that widens innovative product development. This special position when both of the companies will work together is definitely good for extension of a broad range of application. 

Reverdia, the first and only company to manufacture succinic acid from Feedstock

DSM has been granted with pivotal patents in Canada, Japan and Europe for its new succinic acid production technology which is based upon yeast. DSM and Roquette’s joint venture Reverdia is awarded with extensive rights. Actually, the latest patent rules bear key technology which is important for manufacturing of sustainable and economically viable biosuccinic acid. Established in 2010, Reverdia has it’s headquarter in Netherland. It works especially for development and commercialization of biosuccinic acid which is marketed under the name of Biosuccinium.

Most of the succinic acid producers nowadays use fossils resources for this purpose but Reverdia’s Biosuccinium is a replacement for fossil based succinic acid. Leading applications of this succinic acid includes food flavors, pigments, solvents and various kinds of industrial applications.

Read more about Reverdia’s Biosuccinium here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150216-Reverdia-new-patents.php

The company has opened a wide scale biosuccinic plant in Cassano Spinola (Italy) in December. This is the first and only company that employs the yeast technology commercially for conversion of feedstock into succinic acid. The process of production of succinic acid in this way is energy efficient, simple, stable and lesser waste producer. As a result, a high quality product with the best environmental footprint and economics comes up.