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.

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.

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.

Mango Materials to be named among top companies in green chemistry

Mango Materials, the start-up company has been named among the top companies in the field of green chemistry. Actually the company is working on a LAUNCH program, an open innovation foundation which was started in 2010 for identification of solutions and their implementation for generation of sustainable products. The company is famous for transformation of methane into biodegradable plastics which are financially and functionally competitive with oil-based plastics. As per the statement of the company, the product which is of no more use is broken down with PHA in a microbial rich environment. This is how the Mango Material turns methane into PHA.

Read more about this extensive project here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150213-Mango-Materials-is-go-for-Launch.php


The main objective LAUNCH works on is positive transformation of the system of materials and production that will leave a positive impact on environment. Basically, Green Chemistry is something that involves platform, technologies, business projects and services that give rise to the high performance products and treatments. Total ten innovators from different countries have been chosen as finalists of LAUNCH all of which collaborate in the project.    These innovators from US, Canada and other leading countries have become part of the LAUNCH network with lots of benefits.

Plantic has received take off grant by the Dutch Technology Foundation

Plantic has received a valorization grant from the Dutch Technology Foundation (STW). The company with University of Amsterdam introduces an innovative bioplastic to the market. Gadi Rothenberg, the professor of the Research Priority Area Sustainable Chemistry has been awarded with the grant. Rothenberg is one among inventors who have intention of smoothening the way to new bioplastic towards the market. Two companies, PlanticsBV and University of Amsterdam are working in collaboration on this project. Aiding scientific start-ups for introduction of innovative bioplastics is the main objective of this project. Under the leadership of Albert Alberts and Helias Andriessen, Plantics discovered biodegradable polymer in 2011 during the research of catalytic biomass conversion.

Read more about this project here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150212-Take-off-grant-for-Plantics.php

This accidental discovery has introduced a non-hazardous and non-toxic plastic made up of totally biomaterial. Also, it is very cheap for replacement of polyurethane. Now, Plantics BV the spin-off company has been set up for introducing this material to the market. Rothernberg states that Amsterdam is a great opportunity for regional bio-based companies. Further he states that only eco-frienldy feature in bioplastic is not sufficient but it also should be of economical benefit for the company. So, sustainability and economic viability are the two most important factors an advance bioplastic is expected with.

eSUN Developed an Exclusive PLA Printing Material for Finishing of Bronze Sculptures

eSUN has announced the latest addition to its series of specialty filaments. According to the company, this new filament is good for offering color and metallic finishing to bronze, thus suitable for applying in art and sculptural forms. This new filament is exactly the Bronze PLA. Being eco friendly and easy to use, this component is suggested for application in artistic forms. Apart from all this, it is biodegradable and free from all kinds of toxics. According to the statement of an R&D specialist in the company, absence of any kind of printing odor is an additional advantage of this PLA form. Test results show that the filament is unique and powerful enough to represent metallic beauty of bronze. The processing is too easy to be carried out.

Read more about this news here – http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150123eSun-bronze.php

The Chinese New Year is about to come. For this special occasion, eSUN has sculptured a bronze figurine of a goat as this year is the year of Goat. Outstanding toughness and low material shrinkage rate are some special features of the filament. Apart from this, the company has developed an exciting cleaning filament designed for unclogging residual materials in the printing machine after printing.

DibbioPack, a project is being done by researchers for modification of ORMOCER

Bioplastics production is the fastest growing industry in the modern time. Many leading companies are working for development of eco-friendly plastic for packaging industry. Bioplastic films which are made for packaging of products are facing challenges as they are not odor resistant and lead to contamination due to weak humidity resistant property.

In order to achieve biodegradability of the hybrid ORMOCER as the concept of integration of biopolymers developed and for bonding the ORMOCER precursor.  Researchers work extensively for chemical modification of biopolymers like Chitosan and celluloses. These products are subjected for bonding to an inorganic scaffold of silicon dioxide in order to impart better barrier properties to the product.

Read more about the deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150113-bioOrmocer.php

But the scaffold used is not completely biodegradable and some of the small remnants remain same even after degradation. Work upon an EU project called as Dibbiopack is being done by a team of researchers. This project has been planned for developing the bio-based type of ORMORCER® in order to overcome the current shortcomings.  The product will be useful for manufacturing of domestic containers and packaging films.

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.

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.

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.

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.

New and innovative approach of Corbion Purac – 75 ktpa PLA production plant setup announcement

With growing presence in the bio-chemical industry, Corbion Purac has expressed its intentions to setup a production facility for 75 ktpa PLA in Thailand. In the earlier days and events, this company has supplied lactides to different PLA developers worldwide in the resin market however; the recent move of Purac really shows the grit to get into PLA production market.

As stated in http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/11/09/corbion-mulls-75-ktpa-pla-project/, the PLA resin market is greatly governed by a single volume supplier namely, NatureWorks which of course; poses a great threat to consumers when it comes to market competition and affordable pricing. Different customers are engaged with the business of bio-chemicals and degradable resins such as Method, PepsiCo, IBM and Intrexon that will now feel relaxed with this news that Purac is also willing to produce PLA on mass level.

Corbion has argued that the current market of biodegradables and resin needs another PLA supplier and it will expand the business with interested strategic partners so that future of resin market goes shining. This company already holds a stronger position in the supply of lactic acid with a specific heat technology, strengthening the future expansion of PLA uses and innovations.

http://greenchemicalsblog.com/2014/11/09/corbion-mulls-75-ktpa-pla-project/ further mentions strongly that Purac will also try to mitigate the possible risks and interruptions while developing new business potentials for PLA production and supply.

FTC sends warning letter to 15 biodegradable marketing companies

In an astonishing move, the FTC or Federal Trade Commission has warned at least 15 companies that boasted of marketing for the oxodegradable plastic waste bags and turned down their promises mentioning that this might be calculated under the deceptive offense.

The warning letter has been claimed on the fact that these waste bags do not get enough oxygen amount in landfills where they are intended to be degradable. However, the names for these 15 marketing companies have not been disclosed by FTC.

As per the latest post on http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/11/07/ftc-biodegradable-claim-smackdown-continues/, FTC argues that these plastic bags may not be considered as biodegradable on account of industry standards like the general plastic bags.

This step of FTC can be understood in continuity with the previous crackdowns on biodegradable-marketing companies that were warned for false claims. You might have heard about the crackdown upon gDiapers, baby products company whose claims were found in regards of decomposable wipes and diapers in the start of this year.

FTC also took actions against 6 companies namely Champ, ECM Biofilms, Clear Choice Housewares, AJM Packaging, Carnie Cap and American Plastic Manufacturing last year that were involved in making false marketing claims. In this case, a company was imposed with a huge civil penalty of $450000 as claimed by http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/11/07/ftc-biodegradable-claim-smackdown-continues/.

Bi-Ax International Inc. developed more cost effective packaging film than PLA biofilm

Bi-Ax International Inc. in Canada announces that it has developed a packaging film which is cost effective in comparison to the petroleum based products. According to the spokesperson of the company, the Evlon film by the company has single digit percentage parity with traditional films. The price of premium PLA films is higher than this cost effective film which is completely biodegradable. More to know about this product is that it offers a crackling, crispy sound during the time packaging is opened. This property is appreciated by consumers for the reason it represents that the food packaged inside is fresh.

Read more about this news here at -  http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20141105/NEWS/141109968/firm-cuts-cost-of-pla-packaging-film

The firm decides to get into PLA film as it was situated in the central region of corn farming area. As corn is the first requirement for production of PLA, NatureWorks LLC offered this to the firm. Bi-Ax is right now working for manufacturing Bi-Axially oriented films, PLA films made up of corn and breathable micro-porous films. The firm is dedicated for innovative deals and creation of fine quality products. Production of packaging sheets and label applications are additional functions carried out by the company.

Green plastics made practicable for day to day use

The Singapore scientists are looking for better way for turning waste plastic products into useful products so that they will not harm environment any more. Lignin, the organic polymer which is basically a waste product of the paper industry is applied for this process. That’s how; the environment can also be made free from waste products (lignin), apart from getting a source for production of bioplastics. These kinds of bio-degradable plastic products are good for their commercial viability.

Read more about the deal here at - http://www.wildsingaporenews.blogspot.in/2014/11/making-green-plastics-viable-for.html?m=1#.VFikH_SG-Ep

According to the statement of the project leader, Nasir AL-Lagtah, this excellent discovery is good for development of eco-friendly plastic products. The country utilizes up to 3 billion plastic bags per year as per the Singapore Environment Council. Plastic in the modern time is petroleum based and low cost as well as water resistant. As per the statement of a lecturer in Chemical engineering, this idea is good enough to reduce negative impacts of plastic wastes on environment.

It has been proved in Dr Lagtah’s lab tests that lignin decreases utility of water up to 80 percent in soy protein based plastics. Moreover, it is higher flexible than the average tensile strength of the material so that the material can show better resistant towards splitting. Soy and fish protein bio-plastics are eco friendly still they are not strong enough to be used more than a limit. 

Biome Bioplastics unveiled innovative stuff for 3D printing

Biome bio-plastic and 3Dom Filaments together developed a biodegradable plastic which is good for easier processing and better finishing as well as good printing speed. This new material has been revealed at TCT show recently making the whole event special for 3D printing. According to the Sales Director of the company, Sally Morley, demonstration of bio-based materials is good for futuristic deals regarding bio-plastics. When it comes upon 3D printing, market deals and additive manufacturing is performed according to the expected results for successful business project. Best product quality leads towards the best finishing of prints; Biome 3D printing is special to be noticed for the reason it is being developed from natural and sustainable resources.

Read more about the deal here at - http://www.biomebioplastics.com/biome-bioplastics-launches-new-material-for-3d-printing/

Another important thing to know about the bio-based plastics is that they are simpler to work for printing procedure. They offers the market an option to perform better and do something more than just a green credentials. Being high performance products, these bio-plastics can be applied in multiple fields including electronics. One more thing to notice here is that it is the first step of Biome Bioplastics in partnership with 3Dom Filaments to move towards the 3D printing industry.

Tetra Pak to be expected for launching the bio-based carton till 2015

Tetra Pak is again in discussion for the latest packaging project it has launches for food processing and packaging. The best thing to know about the latest project of the company is that it is totally bio-based, renewable and made up of sustainable materials. Introducing an ideal example to the Carton Industry, the new cartons by the carton have been produced from LDPE films and High density polyethylene caps developed from sugarcane. The most interesting part of the story is that the company has launched this innovative project in collaboration with Braskem, the biopolymer producers. It is expected that during early 2015, the packages will be introduced to the market which will be the first in the industry.

Read full story about the plant-based packaging product here at - http://containers.packaging-business-review.com/news/tetra-pak-introduces-industrys-first-plant-based-carton-171014-4407922

According to the VP marketing and product manager of the company, Charles Brand the main objective of the company to work behind the strategic priorities is excellence in environment; also, the management team is looking for the better way to drive product development activities.  With the help of customers, stakeholders and suppliers, the company is securing leading position in industry for its completely biodegradable packaging. This entire system also provides competitive benefits to customers for eco-friendly deals.

Taiwanese bioplastics maker Kevin Chiang and Evan Cheng gets cash infusion

Green Miracle Technology Co. Ltd., the Taiwan based company possesses a compound plant bearing over 5K metric tons capacity. The company works extensively by manufacturing its private formula of Natureworks LLC’s biodegradable PLA. The company has established the all new compounding plant with over $10 million cash.

Know more about the bioplastic firm here at - http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20141014/NEWS/141019975/taiwanese-bioplastics-maker-gets-cash-infusion

According to Kevin Chiang, managing director of the company, the latest investment in the company has been done by the owner of Lotus Tours Ltd, Kong Ho Pak who invested about 400 million Taiwan dollars for attaining all the major stakes of the company. On the other hand, financial controller of Ever Gainer Technology Ltd, Evan Cheng stated that the investment has been carried out through Ever Gainer Technology. Thus, Cheng and Chiang took control of the interview to speak from behalf of the company in the trade fair took place in Taipei.

Chiang said the company sees opportunities both to export products from China and to manufacture bioplastics for China’s local market, because it believes local government policy will increase support. Production of Green Miracle involves bubble wraps, plastic bags and coffee cups that are made up of biodegradable material. With the establishment of Green Miracle, Taiwan has become larger points of the world for manufacturing plastic products using PLA.