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.

Wood Fiber Research to work for development of cost effective and durable carbon fibers

During the last years, lightweighting has become a dominant theme in automotive and aerospace engineering. The lightweighting strategy is being developed with OEMs which will offer them developed fuel economy. The most important thing to notice in this series is that the fuel economy will not expect any kind of compromise with comfort and safety as well as going towards the utilization of advance material such as fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials and aluminum materials. Processing of carbon fiber is not simple as well as really expensive. Moreover, glass fibers are comparatively reasonable but not light weighted. According to researchers, it will be better to research about the fibers which are derived from cotton, word, hemp and flax. Being affordable same like glass fibers, these fibers are better for their lower density.

Read more about the deal here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150129Fraunhofer-natural-fibers.php

A surprising thing is that on incineration, these products generate extra energy without any residues remained. But these are not constant and durable as carbon fibers. According to Head of the application center for Wood Fiber Research, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres, on the basis of application, combination of carbon with a variety of bio-based textile fibers is being carried out. The development team focuses upon cost effective and durable deals along with acoustic properties. 

Teknor Apex and Arkema Inc to represent high performance bio-film for house wraps at the NAHB international home builders show

Teknor Apex Company is working in collaboration with Arkema Inc. to enter into a strategic alliance in order to expand the series of breathable films. TPE by Arkema and Terraloy bio-plastic by Teknor Apex have been combined together for discovering a family of bio-compounds, offering good selection of film permeability. This will help manufacturers to enhance their products and contribute more in the sustainability revolution. The resulting compound will be launched at the international home builders show by NAHB. The finally produced bio-films will be bonded with a non-woven fabric to form housewraps that work for prevention of mold and mildew.

Read more about the same here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20150119-Teknor-Apex-Arkema-Alliance.php

According to Edwin Tam, the manager of Bioplastics Division’ strategic initiatives of Teknor Apex, collaboration with Arkema for producing high performance bio-films is a good experience as sales and marketing of the Pebax Elastomer in construction industry will be enhanced definitely. On the other hand, Laurent Cartier, Arkema’s Pebax TPE sales and business development manager states that it is a matter of great excitement to join hand with Teknor Apex for addition of a biopolymer to pebax. This will increase the breathability feature of film. This is how the buildings will remain moisture proof.

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.

Metabolix, the USA based producer of PHA biopolymers carries out a manufacturing site assessment including a capital plan, engineering study, site owner’s interview, cost estimate operations and intermediate level biopolymer production. The company has planned to defer commitment for contract production at the site. With the plan of significant improvement in output of Mirel PHA biopolymers, the main objective of this deal will revolve around the production of a-PHA biopolymer that will be utilized in current development plans for the unique PHA product.

Read more about this plan here - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/20141228Metabolix-focus-on-a-PHA.php

According to the statement of Joseph Shaulson, CEO of Metabolix, the company believes that biopolymer production is the best approach at this time. As the company expects increase in output from the pilot facilities, it is important to keep the capital investment at the modest level this year and enhance the runway offered by finance and restructure accomplished already. Further, same approach is supposed to work well for speeding the availability of a-PHA material to develop market.  Joseph further adds that the company needs to work upon a strong strategy going further towards evaluation and development of production expansion ideas for the business. This is important for the company with the idea of bringing on production of PHA on wide level.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meridian announces production of PHA polymer from canola oil

Meridian Holdings Group in Georgia has developed a new technology which will be used to manufacture PHA or polyhydroxyalkanoate on massive scale from canola oil. This PHA will be a plastic polymer which can be recycled and is of biodegradable nature.

CEO of Meridian, Michael Smith informs that PHA can be manufactured from any type of oil which contains fatty acids however; canola seems to be the best raw material alternative for this plastic polymer. This is an excellent step to reduce the thrashes and landfills comprising of normal polymers and plastic bags that are non-biodegradable and causes severe pollution in environment, as mentioned in http://www.producer.com/2014/11/canola-bioplastic-trashes-trash/.

It should be noted here that this company has already invested a massive amount of $3.5 million for plant advancement and up gradation which is speculated to utilize the next year’s harvest of canola oil to be produced on 5000 acres of Georgian farmers.

Because of increasing demands of the bioplastic material, various companies are interested to manufacture biodegradable coffee cups, straws, packaging materials and beverage bottles that often are considered as the worst pollutants and waste materials on the earth.

http://www.producer.com/2014/11/canola-bioplastic-trashes-trash/ is of the view that more than 300 million acres of canola harvesting would be required to meet the large scale plastic polymer demands of this world and of course; PHA is a nice step in this field which will work as an inspiration for other eco-friendly companies.

Release of compostable thermoformed bioplastic polymer by Novamont expecting new heights

Ecomondo Exhibition held at Italy recently saw the release of new and exceptional heat-resistant compostable polymer by Novamont, an Italian bioplastics firm which can be used in the thermoform manufacturing processes such as plastic plates.

This company has included this new release in the category of Mater-BiA bioplastics range which usually involves the primary food service sector comprising of straws, glasses, plates, cutlery and bowls. Although this product is still under the phase of development, it is certainly going to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and unwanted waste because of anaerobic decomposition possibility.

As mentioned on http://www.waste-management-world.com/topics/device/mobile/t/98947954/novamont-launches-compostable-thermoformed-bioplastic-products-at-ecomondo-waste-management-world.htm?m_n=true, this product will make use of the highly renewable and compostable plant materials like thistles so that performance of the tableware items remain intact as far as the internal features related to production, thermomechanical, aesthetics and mechanical fields are concerned.

This very polymer will contain cellulose-paper coat on one side and the other side will be water and grease repellent due to fabrication of Mater-BiA layer. It has been manufactured by Eurocartex.

It should be noted here that such kind of paper wrappers used in the food service are separate than the other popular wrappers commonly used in the industry because these can be recycled and transformed easily into reusable compost as cited on http://www.waste-management-world.com/topics/device/mobile/t/98947954/novamont-launches-compostable-thermoformed-bioplastic-products-at-ecomondo-waste-management-world.htm?m_n=true.

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. 

Sustainability criteria for green certificates for bio-based products has been planned by the Dutch Ministry

Dutch Plastic and Rubber Association and SABIC signed a green deal with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs for development of green certificates for bio-based plastic products and bio-based sustainability feedstock. The main objective to work behind is to connection with the authorized international schemes for bio-plastic products. In addition, the green deal supports to the German INRO-initiatives to meet the same goal. When a product possesses green certificate, it means certain product has been grown and processed under terms of sustainability. The sustainability criteria depend upon greenhouse gases, environmental factors, bio-diversity, health of local people, economic framework conditions and competition for food.

Read full story here at - "http://bio-based.eu/news/dutch-green-deal-sustainability-criteria-biobased-plastic-products/"http://bio-based.eu/news/dutch-green-deal-sustainability-criteria-biobased-plastic-products/

Although, the green deal has not any scheme for green certificate still it is based upon the list of certain criteria for sustainability which are applied for deciding the quality of the sustainability product. The main thing to be noticed in this entire scenario is that encouragement of members is done by the Dutch Chemical and Polymer Association in order to fulfill the green deal criteria. That’s how, the company who are working for production of bio-based polymers and composites develop their products for attaining green certificate. Production companies work together with certification groups to know whether their products can be certified or not.

Metabolix to plan full focus on biopolymer business by selling the Germany subsidiary to Akro Plastic GmbH

Assets of subsidiary of Metabolix Inc. based in Germany have been purchased by Akro Plastic GmbH, a plastic compounder of the country. Although terms about this deal have not been revealed by the companies still it is known that all the European Employees of Metabolix will be working at Akro Plastic, Germany. Metabolix made a declaration on September that further plans of the company are being discontinued for operations in the country and resources are being focused totally for the core biopolymer business. According to the announcement, the company will stop all the operations by the completion of 2014. Also, the company was said to be in search of buyer for all assets of the subsidiary on September. As per the planning of focusing on core biopolymer business, Metabolix was in search of the right buyer for German subsidiary of the company.

Read more about the deal here at – http://www.plasticsnews.com/article/20141024/NEWS/141029923/akro-plastic-buying-german-subsidiary-from-metabolix

Akro-Plastic is ready for acquirement of technology of MVERA B5011 and B5010 products with special inventory, MVERA trademark and contracts. Further, a point to be noticed is that both the companies are going to work together on production of PHA material and blends. As per estimation, the company will face certain loss also due to disposal of discontinued operations.

Singapore’s Scientists to produce bio-plastics better over the traditional plastics

In Singapore, a team of scientists has devised an amazing way for production of bio-plastics which better over the conventional plastic. The best thing to know about bio-based plastic is that it is feasible to prepare and more cost effective. In Newcastle University International Singapore, the development of this protein based plastics has been derived from natural resources involved with eco-friendly deals. Addition of lignin in this product makes it’s performance better which is nothing but an organic polymer generally found in wood. According to Dr. Nasir Al-Lagtah, a researcher of NUIS bio-plastics has various potential applications to implement in comparison to the traditional plastics. Whether you talk about the industrial region or about domestic applications, use of bio-plastics is beneficial in every field from price and quality point of view.

Read full story here at - http://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/meldungen/Singapore-scientists-troubleshoot-protein-based-bioplastics.php

Being a breakthrough in technology, the plant based plastics has set up a milestone on the way to environment friendly deals and realistic support for good impacts. Apart from being used as packaging products, this kind of plastic is good for development of carry bags, containers and bottles. This well performing bio-based plastic is good for being used for the production of disposable and non-disposable plastics equally. Lignin is good for making the product rigid and stiff as well as hydrophobic.

Plans to make bio-plastics processing feasible are going on

The demand of bio-based engineering materials is going higher day by day and that’s the reason many of them such as PLA, PA, PHB are available in the industry at wide level. Bio-plastics has replaced the conventional polymers up to much extent from various parts of the world but the actual performance of the product is not evaluated till now and also the extent up to which it is involved in various applications till now is also to be discovered. Also, it is to be searched yet that how important it is to employ the currently going on production process and essential modifications.

Read the deal more here at - http://bio-based.eu/news/processing-bioplastics-feasible/

Symposium carried out a discussion and research on all the important questions about production and development of bio-plastics. Here is the list of topics discussed during the research process –

•        Applications of bio-plastics such as natural fibre, fibre production, blow moulds, reinforced components and variety of marketing strategies.

•        Optimization of injection molding process

•        Modifications which are important for controlling barrier properties of PLA.

In bio-plastic processing, things are possible still everything cannot be supposed to be sustainable, effective and eco friendly. That’s why, it is important to modify materials for long term applications.

PLANTIC films by Kuraray, a new step in the development of bio-based food packaging products

Kuraray Co. Ltd. Worked for conclusion of a contract with Australia based PLANTIC Technologies Limited for becoming the exclusive distributor in the South Korean Markets and Japanese Markets. The company works for development of PLANTIC Film which is nothing but a bio-based barrier film made up of unique cornstarch manufactured through the Plantic technologies. The film is applied for packaging of food products and is laminated with PET or LDPE films during sales. This idea is good for reduction of food waste as it keeps food fresh and beneficial for manufacturers and environment both.

Read full story about PLANTIC here at – http://www.omnexus.com/plastics-channels/green-bio-plastics/news.aspx?id=35638

The head office of the PLANTIC Technologies is situated in Australia with good R&D facilities. In Germany, a thermoforming plant of the company works frequently for production of the films while the sales and marketing offices for the same are situated in US and UK. Offering a wide range of barrier products for food packaging, the company becomes an important name in the field of protecting raw meat, fresh sea food and pasta and processed meat. The polymer based technology on which the company works is based upon high amylase corn starch.

The PLANTIC film manufactured by the company is good for its high O2 permeability, good transparency and excellent formability.

NatureWorks to work in the direction of advancement of Ingeo biopolymers

NatureWorks is popular again with its new invention recently, the advanced family of Ingeo biopolymers. The most important thing to know about the eco-friendly polymer is that it possesses an important input to any full life cycle assessment which is carried out by the consumer product developed from polymers. Production of this outstanding polymer is good because it emits lesser greenhouse gases and utilizes lesser non-renewable energy in comparison to the common bio-plastics.

Read more about the deal here at – http://www.natureworksllc.com/News-and-Events/Press-Releases/2014/09-25-14-Revised-Ingeo-Eco-Profile

As the company works with various manufacturers, brand owners, researchers and marketers, the product gets good response. According to the Environmental Affairs Manager, Erwin Vink, the latest eco-profile gone through calculation utilizing the methodology, core database and modeling software together. This kind of approach was also used by the industry organizations in Europe in the beginning of the nineties for calculation of eco profile regarding fossil based polymers.

In order to assure success, the company has teamed up with PE INTERNATIONAL, one of the reputed LCA consultants of the world. PE INTERNATIONAL works by reviewing the modeling work and methodology with upstream data by the company. As per the recently calculated eco-profiles for Ingeo biopolymer, PS, PP, PC and PET represents smaller emission of greenhouse gases.