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.

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.

UK Government struggle hard to decide levy of 5p charge on biodegradable carry bags

UK government is struggling hard to decide regarding levy a 5p charge on utilization of biodegradable plastic carry bags. The issue of whether or not to levy this charge on biodegradable carrier bags has become strong in the country. The British Plastic Federation and the recycling group have become strongly against of exemption for biodegradable plastic bags. Roger Baynham, the Group Chairman of the British Plastics Federation fears that exemption of biodegradable bags from the levy is nothing but a way to affect the developing recycling industry in an adverse manner.

Read more about this news here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150127Scaremongering.php

UK has faced the emergence of significant infrastructure for supporting the plastic recycling industry during the last three years. In this stage, the demonstration of profitable growth becomes very important for these investments. This is how, the companies will be able to face requirement of total recycling goals.

According to the statement of Oxo-biodegradable Plastic Association, only the biodegradable plastic carrier bags can be recycled into new carrier bags. Thus, oxo-biodegradable exemption is qualified by them. Still, it is hard to meet any conclusion in this direction. On the other hand, the organization also states that compostable bioplastics is good for the reason it will generate methane, a valuable greenhouse gas when get into a landfill. So, it is hard to take the statement of the organization serious.

Bioplastics production and product performance will be on focus in startup Garage by NPE2015

Latest news from NPE2015 is that is upcoming launch of the startup garage that attracts various ventures with latest technologies. This startup garage is nothing but a program developed by SPI in partnership with promising ventures. A directory has been prepared with significant location involving stations at the show which will be held between 23rd and 27th March, 2015 in Orlando, FL. In this directory, total 12 startups have been chosen as well as more demand from market is there. SPI, the developer of the programs states that expansion of the startup garage space is being planned for accepting more applications.

Read more about the startup garage here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/index.php   

Companies selected for this purpose will represent their achievements in the field of bioplastics development, 3D printing, resin processing, polymerization and antimicrobial polymers. Brad Williams, the director trade show sales and marketing in SPI states that the response to call for applications is highly positive and new companies are interested to show what they are doing new in the field of polymer technology. On the other hand, some of the startups are also there to suggest innovative ideas and highlighting issues regarding renewable resources and waste reduction. Manufacturing of eco-friendly plastic and their performance will be on main focus.

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.

SK Chemical to Launch a New Product, Green Ecozen Tray

SK Chemical is planning to enter into a new venture with it’s bisphenol – A free Ecozen material. This new bio-friendly tray has been prepared with the high performance PETG; a polymer developed with natural green elements. PETG i.e. polyethylene terephthalate has been launched during the last month. The trial lot of 3K Ecozen Trays has been developed by SK Chemical with it’s associates. Good promotional campaign is carried out by the company for meeting the next year’s target of catching various clients. The main objective of the service group is to avoid use of bisphenol-A for the production of meal trays as it has been researched to leave negative impact on health of children.

Read more about this new product in bioplastics industry here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150112SK-Chemical-Ecozen-meal-trays.php

Spokesperson of SK Chemicals states that the Ecozen Material provides extra benefit to the ‘eco friendly’ profile of the company. Ecozen is good as it is free from bisphenol as well as possesses heat resistant properties. In this way, the tray resists distortion in shape and size when it comes in contact of warm food. The material also works for maintenance of top class chemical resistance as it avoids discoloration. By 2018, Ecozen is expected for boosting market share up to 65 percent of the total domestic meal tray material.

Lux Research’s Senior Analyst launched a report on proposal of using cellulosic feedstock for production of bioplastics

Most of the companies engaged in production of bio-based plastics used food crops for the same but now economic forces and government pressure is there on producers to employ only non-food cellulosic material for this purpose. Currently, up to 2.4 billion tons cellulosic mass is available which can be used as raw material for bioplastics production. Lux Research, the leading market research company based in Boston states that cellulosic biomass can be used for manufacturing of bio-based fuels and materials. Definitely, the cost of converting cellulosic feedstock into bio-plastics can be comparatively high.  Andrew Soare, senior analyst in Lux Research states that the two most important metrics to influence the feasibility of cellulosic biomass as an option are cost and availability.

He also wrote a report with title, “Quantifying Cost and Availability of Cellulosic Feedstocks for Biofuels and Biochemicals.” Read more about the report here at - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150109Cellulosics-feedstocks.php

Andrew further says that cellulosic feedstock is highly potential for production of bio-based plastics still many business strategies are there to move around feedstock that can be low cost. Definitely, failure in discovering and adopting low cost feedstock options will be an expensive deal for manufacturers. 

Further in the report he mentioned that local availability of feedstock will be a plus for producers as they will not have to invest on transportation of biomass.

Solegear and TEQ Joined Hands for Better Production and Marketing of Bioplastics

A strategic agreement signed between Solegear bioplastics and US based TEQ is based upon the promotion of growth and expansion of Solegear’s bioplastics into recognized growth factors of rigid plastic packaging industry. Both of these companies will enjoy benefits of important competitive advantages by utilization of each other’s market, capital, technology, resources and manpower. This is all that can create awesome business opportunities for both the companies. Toby Reid, the CEO of Solegear states that partnership with TEQ offers beneficial growth in market and sales deals offering high volume production to Solegear. The company has made good strategy for production and marketing of environmentally friendly bioplastic packaging.

Read more about this deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141217Solegear-TEQ.php

Further Toby says that this is how Solegear can expand its vision and reach to a significant level of success to meet all the demands of customers and clients. On the other hand, TEQ plans to improve it’s capacities and revenue out of it’s partnership with Solegear. Randall K. Loga, the President of TEQ states that the agreement with Solegear is expected to offer new business development by meeting innovative choices of the customer community. The management of TEQ is excited to move forward with result oriented solutions regarding bioplastic production.

World’s Plastics Associations renewed commitment for improving sustainability

The 25th annual Global meeting on plastic and sustainability took place in Manila, Philippines in Dec, 2014. In this program, the executives from international leading plant associations carried out useful discussions on advance sustainability and promoted solutions for plastic waste management and marine debris. The lovable point to know about this meeting is that noteworthy progress and growth has been seen in activities planned for solutions on marine garbage. This program bore 185 different projects launched by 60 associations from over 30 countries.

Read more about this global meeting here – http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141223-Plastics-Assiations-commit-to-cleaner-oceans.php

Participants in the meeting also specified strategies to meet improvement in sustainability. Recycling and recovery of energy deals from plastic wastes and focus on production of bioplastics are some plans delegates discussed upon. Crispian Lao, delegate from the Philippine Plastic Industry Association stated that improvement in plastic recovery by collection of waste plastics and using them into something useful through recycling and energy production is an important step to be taken for reducing marine litter.

Moreover, Callum Chen from the Asia Plastics Forum stated that each and every Plastic Association from the world needs to play an important role in the direction of preventing marine litter so that a sustainable future can be ensured.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Perstorp to step down into the field of bioplastics production

Perstorp, one of the international producers of E-polycaprolactones made an announcement for its entry in the bioplastics market. The PCL product is sold under the Capa brand and now, keeping the increasing demand of bioplastic on mind, the company plans to start its new venture in the field of manufacturing sustainable and eco-friendly plastic. After tracking the record of investment in same field, the company spends over 85 percent of research and development resources into discovery of environment friendly products.

According to the Bioplastic project manager of Perstorp, Linda Zellner, the company is strengthening its position to beat the increasing competition in the field of bioplastics. Our intention is just to secure leading position in manufacturing of bioplastic products. One more thing to favor our condition is Capa thermoplastics which add an important value to performance of eco-friendly plastic.  

Read more about this new plan of the company here at - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/Perstorp-steps-up-bioplastic-icompetitiveness.php

The current production of the company, Capa thermoplastics is a processing solution for renewable biopolymers and good performance booster. It can be applied for shortening or increasing the life of the product with perfect end solutions. The company now focuses for production of bioplastics that can be applied in three main growth segment bags, paper coatings and packaging and films. 

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.