01 | 2010

ioplastics magazine Vol. 5 ISSN 1862-5258
Basics
Cellulosics | 44
Highlights:
Automotive | 10
Foam | 22
01 | 2010
... is read in 85 countries

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made from Bio-Flex ®
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Sustainable • Compostable • Renewable
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Guest Editorial
Dr. Harald Kaeb,
Secretary General of European
Bioplastics
Building a Green Century
Oh! What a year! From ‘Apocalypse Now!’ to ‘Business As Usual’? Actually there is no
business as usual any more! Wherever you look there are enormous pressures that
will lead to far-reaching changes. The last decade was the one in which we finally
noticed this. Yes, it‘s true, raw materials can become very expansive - because they
are not used in a sustainable way. And emissions caused by humans will lead to
environmental changes that can destroy our quality of life. We have been regularly
warned since the 1960‘s, but now we know it‘s true!
In this coming decade the shape of the new century will be set. It will be - and must
be - a green one. 2020 is a deadline, and not only for the maximum 2°C increase
commitment. Cars must go ‘electric‘, energy supplies and fuels from renewable
resources will grow, but total consumption will also heavily decrease, food and
feedstocks must be sourced from sustainable agriculture and forestry. Not everything
will be perfect by then, but those who do not seriously start will see their businesses
effectively annihilated in the long run. The frontrunners and risk-takers of today will
be the real business leaders.
And be aware that sustainability claims must be substantiated. Standards, indicators,
measurements and labels will be most important tools for providing proof. Some of
them are already in place, others need updating or are still to be developed. Each and
every product category will be impacted by measurement tools such as LCA or carbon
footprint, and the derived policies. If you want to shape these standards and tools then
do ensure that you are represented in branch associations.
I hope you enjoy this first issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE in the new decade. In addition to
my own ‘wise’ comments it features editorial highlights such as foamed bioplastics
and bioplastics in automotive applications. It explains the basics of cellulosics, and
the article of Professor Narayan offers a good closing word in this issue for the oxoepisode.
A Happy New Year, and a Great Decade!
Harald Kaeb
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Content
Editorial 03
News 05
Application News 34
Event Calendar 52
Glossary 54
Suppliers Guide 56
January/February 01|2010
Automotive
Bio-Polyamides for Automotive Applications 10
Wheat Straw for New Ford Flex 12
Materials
High Heat Injection Molding PLA
A Novel, Lightweight, Heat-resistant PLA
BioConcept-Car – with Biomaterials
on the Passing Lane 14
Hyundai Blue-Will Concept to feature PLA and PA 11 16
Tires Made from Trees 17
Ontario BioAuto Council 18
PSA Peugeot Citroën Applies Green Materials 19
Concept Tyres Made with BioIsoprene 20
Foam
Foaming Agents and Chain Extenders for PLA Foam 22
Misleading Claims and Misuse ...
8
From Science & Research
Disposal of Bio-Polymers via Energy Recovery 42
Basics
Basics of Cellulosics 44
Politics
Bioplastics Situation in Brazil 48
‘Cradle to Cradle‘ Certified PLA Foam 24
Cellulose Acetate Foams 26
Bio-Based Biodegradable PHA Foam 28
Heat-Resistant PLA Bead Foam 29
PLA Foam Trays
A True Compostable Foam
0
2
Impressum
Publisher / Editorial
Dr. Michael Thielen
Samuel Brangenberg
Layout/Production
Mark Speckenbach
Head Office
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach, Germany
phone: +49 (0)2161 664864
fax: +49 (0)2161 631045
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Media Adviser
Elke Hoffmann
phone: +49(0)2351-67100-0
fax: +49(0)2351-67100-10
eh@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Print
Tölkes Druck + Medien GmbH
47807 Krefeld, Germany
Total Print run: 4,200 copies
bioplastics magazine
ISSN 1862-5258
bioplastics magazine is published
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bioplastics MAGAZINE is printed on
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bioplastics MAGAZINE is read
in 85 countries.
Not to be reproduced in any form
without permission from the publisher.
The fact that product names may not be
identified in our editorial as trade marks is
not an indication that such names are not
registered trade marks.
bioplastics MAGAZINE tries to use British
spelling. However, in articles based on
information from the USA, American
spelling may also be used.
Editorial contributions are always welcome.
Please contact the editorial office via
mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com.
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of bioplastics MAGAZINE is wrapped in
a compostable film manufactured and
sponsored by FKuR (www.fkur.com)
Horn & Bauer (www.horn-bauer.de)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/09] Vol. 4

News
www.natureworksllc.com
www.sommernp.com
www.loopla.org
NatureWorks Products at
and after UN Climate
Conference
The exposition-grade carpet used during the UN Conference on Climate Change, enough to cover nearly five soccer fields,
will not be disposed of in a landfill but instead is being taken to Belgium, where a new process will recycle the NatureWorks
Ingeo ® PLA fibers, into the building blocks of a second generation of products.
At the Bella Center where the United Nations global conference on climate change was held, December 7-18, more than
20,000 square meters (215,000 square feet) of ultra low carbon footprint Eco2punch ® carpet manufactured by Sommer
Needlepunch was used. Galactic, one of the largest lactic acid producers in the world, will now use its new LOOPLA ® process
to convert the carpet back to virgin lactic acid, a value added industrial feedstock and the building block for Ingeo biopolymer.
Galactic is also recycling the Eco2punch carpet and all the NatureWorks Ingeo food service items used during the NICE
Fashion Summit held in Copenhagen on December 9. Those food service items included cutlery by CDS, plates by I.L.P.A. Srl,
and cold cups by Ecozema, respectively.
“NatureWorks and dozens of its customers showcased in Copenhagen a compelling set of innovations that are making a
difference to climate change and energy usage every day by using renewably sourced, low carbon Ingeo”, said Marc Verbruggen,
president and chief executive officer of NatureWorks LLC. “Galactic is instituting a true cradle-to-cradle reuse of Ingeo and
leveraging those benefits for future users of a second generation of products. This is truly a milestone in the bioplastics
industry because we are not talking about what will happen in the future, but experiencing that reality today.”
Zelfo fibre – a multi
dimensional solution.
Omodo GmbH a bio based materials development company from Germany is the
owner and developer of the patented ‘Zelfo’ material process. Zelfo, a cellulosic micro
fibre material featuring nano scale fibrils, offers three-dimensional strengthening
properties rarely found in the world of ‘bio-fibre’ additives. Outside of the plastics world
Zelfo is principally known for it’s ability to self-bind and is essentially a bio-plastic
matrix in a category of its own. The resulting material in its standard application has a
density range of 0.5 to up to an outstanding 1.5 g/cm 3 when dried.
Omodo are now venturing into the world of plastics where their fibre is being introduced to various materials as a bioadditive.
Using a new form of Zelfo the first product tests, carried out together with AMCO Plastic Materials Inc from the USA
using both standard and bio based plastics have proved successful, further developments are now underway. A new partner,
DSM of the Netherlands is also now involved and is investigating the material for use within their portfolio of materials. “First
trials at DSM led to very satisfactory results,“ says Omodo‘s managing director Richard Hurding.
As a result of a joint venture project over the last 3 years, Zelfo production has undergone optimisation resulting in significantly
improved economic viability. Omodo together with selected partners plans to offer access to the world of Zelfo technology and
related end products via a new business named Omodo Europe, with a primary base in Paris, France.
www.omodo.org
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

News
Public Relations
Exercise for Biobased
Materials
As part of this year‘s ‘Green Week’ in
Berlin, Germany the subject of biopolymers
was brought closer to the attention of the
end consumer. Working in association
with the German Federal Ministry of Food,
Agriculture and Consumer Protection the
Hanover University of Applied Sciences and
Arts gave a presentation of bioplastics at the
‘nature.tec’ special technical exhibition on
renewable resources.
To show the visitors where bioplastics
are currently in widespread use, a display of
various items of catering cutlery and plates
etc, through to office and sports equipment
based on different biopolymers was presented.
In addition different biopolymers and colour
systems from BASF, FKuR and Sukano were
processed right there on the stand using a
Dr. Boy high precision injection moulding
machine.
The exhibition was a successful opportunity
to discuss directly with consumers and to make
them more aware of these new materials.
Futerro Starts
up PLA Demo Unit
End of last year, Futerro, a 50/50 joint venture established in
September 2007 by Galactic and Total Petrochemicals, announced
the start up of its demo unit in Escanaffles, Belgium. The purpose
of the unit is to test a state-of-the-art technology for the production
of PolyLactic Acid (PLA) bioplastics of renewable vegetable origin,
developed by the two partners.
This clean, innovative and competitive technology, based on a
research and development program launched at the creation of the
joint venture, entails two main phases. The first is the preparation of
the monomer – the lactide – and its purification from lactic acid, as
part of the fermentation of sugar from beet (note: Lactic acid can be
extracted from other plants, including cane, maize (corn) and wheat.
Renewable resources like biomass (forest waste) are also envisaged
in the future). The second is the polymerisation of the monomer to
produce biodegradable plastic granules of vegetable origin.
The demo unit, which has a capacity of 1,500 tonnes per year, will
be used to test and improve the successive steps in this process
during an internal evaluation, which is expected to last around six
months. By that time, Futerro will be able to offer a full range of
products made from lactic acid, including lactide, oligomers and
PLA polymers for the packaging market, especially food packaging,
on the one hand, and sustainable applications, on the other.
www.futerro.com
FKuR expands into North America
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, leading developer and supplier of sustainable plastic compounds headquartered in Willich, Germany,
is now expanding its activities into USA and Canada. Since the beginning of this year, FKuR Plastics Corp. with a four member
team around President Patrick Zimmermann is marketing the Bio-Flex ® , Biograde ® and Fibrolon ® products lines from Cedar
Park, Texas, USA.
FKuR started its activities in the field of bioplastics in 2003. “Green plastics are the inevitable future and on our way out of
the oil dependence, we are scientifically supported by Fraunhofer UMSICHT when developing our sustainable products“, says
Patrick Zimmermann. During the last four years the company saw an annual increase in turnover of 50 percent. Now FKuR
wants to expand this success story to North America. After thoroughly watching and evaluating the market, as a strategic
milestone FKuR participated in NPE 2009 in Chicago, and “was positively surprised about the dynamic market development
in USA and Canada“, as Patrick put it. This confirmed all strategic evaluations and convinced FKuR to now start up a branch
establishment in Texas.
In the beginning, with Bio-Flex blends made from PLA for e.g. pouches, mulch film, waste bags or
diapers, FKuR‘s main focus was on compostable packaging (ASTM 6400, EN 13432). Now they also
increase their activities in the field of durable applications. The cellulose based Biograde injection
molding grades and natural fiber reinforced compounds Fibrolon are very well suited for injection
molding of durable and even technical applications such as automotive, household appliances or
consumer electronics.
“Depending on the future development and before the background that a part of our raw materials
are being produced in USA anyway, it is projected to expand our US-activities into building a production
facility within the next three years“, closes Patrick.
www.fkur.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

News
Note to the Editor
Berlin, January 25, 2010:
European Bioplastics would make the following comments regarding the
statements made in the article on oxo-fragmentable, so called ‘oxo-biodegradable‘,
plastics by Professor Scott published in the Nov./Dec. edition of bioplastics magazine
06/2009:
This article, written on behalf of Symphony Environmental Technologies (UK), contains
absolutely no experimental data based on the ASTM D6954-04 Standard Guide.
The ASTM Guide is quoted several times in the article, but no laboratory results for the oxo-fragmentable
plastics whatsoever are stated. The article therefore still lacks scientific data about biodegradation
(timeframe, final level and pre-conditions needed to reach it).
Furthermore, the article contains some inaccuracies that could lead a non specialist reader to wrongly
believe that ASTM D6954 is establishing ‘pass/fail‘ criteria on biodegradation. In reality, these ‘pass/fail‘
criteria are only to determine when to stop the biodegradation test and are not at all thresholds that prove
biodegradability.
European Bioplastics considers standards and scientific data based on standards as the pillars of a
transparent and sustainable market.
On the other hand, European Bioplastics acknowledges and appreciates the clear statement of Prof. Scott
that oxo-fragmentable plastics are not compostable, which sweeps away some precedent misunderstandings
on that subject.
For up to date information as to the nature of oxo-fragmentable plastics, European Bioplastics refers the
reader to the following links on its website:
http://www.european-bioplastics.org/media/files/docs/en-pub/European_Bioplastics_OxoPositionPaper.pdf
http://www.european-bioplastics.org/index.php?id=1078
Hasso von Pogrell
Braskem and Novozymes to Make Green Plastic
Braskem, the largest petrochemical company in Latin America, and Novozymes, the world’s leading producer of industrial
enzymes, today announced a research partnership to develop large-scale production of polypropylene (PP) from sugarcane.
“Braskem was the first company in the world to produce a 100% certified green polypropylene on an experimental basis. The
partnership with Novozymes will further boost Braskem’s technology development and be a key step in the company’s path
to consolidate its worldwide leadership in green polymers, all leveraged by Brazil’s competitive advantages within renewable
resources,” says Bernardo Gradin, CEO of Braskem.
Today, the commodity plastic PP is primarily derived from oil, but Braskem and Novozymes will develop a green alternative
based on Novozymes’ core fermentation technology and Braskem’s expertise in chemical technology and thermoplastics.
Initial development will run for at least five years.
“We live in a world where oil is limited and expensive, and the chemical industry is looking for alternatives to its petroleumbased
products. Novozymes’ partnership with Braskem is a move toward a green, bio-based economy, in which sugar will be
the new oil,” says Steen Riisgaard, CEO of Novozymes.
Both companies have ongoing interests in a bio-based economy: Braskem is currently building a 200,000-tons-per-year
green polyethylene plant in Brazil with ethanol from sugarcane as the raw material. Novozymes is producing enzymes to turn
agricultural waste into advanced biofuels and has partnered to convert renewable raw materials into acrylic acid.
www.braskem.com
www.novozymes.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

News
3rd WPC Congress
Even in the current economic crisis international sales figures of Wood Plastic
Composites (WPC) are increasing. The 3rd German WPC Congress in Cologne in
early December wasn’t exactly a German congress as about 300 delegates from 26
countries met for this international industry get-together. The audience acted as the
judging panel in deciding to give the WPC Innovation Award to STAEDTLER for a new
sustainable pencil. The second and third places went to Hiendl for an assembly profile
system and Qingdao HuaSheng for a thermally insulated siding (cladding) system for
buildings.
Today more than 1.5 million tonnes per annum of WPC are produced globally, mainly
in North America (approx. 1 millon tonnes), China (200,000 tonnes), Europe (170,000
tonnes) and Japan (100,000 tonnes). In Europe Germany is the leading country with
more than 70,000 tonnes of WPC, as well as being the most significant machinery
manufacturers. The most important applications are found in the automotive sector
as well as in deckings, i.e. outdoor floor coverings for patios or public places. WPC is
establishing itself more and more as an alternative for tropical wood solutions.
Award winning assembly profile system
made with Hiendl NFC ® (photo nova Institut)
However, although WPC incorporates up to 70% wood as a natural ingredient
bioplastics MAGAZINE asked about the steps being taken towards using bioplastics as matrices. Helmut Hiendl, owner and
CEO of the award-winning company Hiendl, firstly wanted to make a product that functioned properly. After this first, and
successful, step of replacing 70% of the fossil based material by renewables (wood) they of course are now seriously looking
at the remaining 30% - the matrix. Helmut Hiendl indeed sees that some of what he called ‘green plastics’ could be used in
his products. Dr. Matthias Schulte of WPC converter Werzalit tempered this view a little by commenting that feasibility and
marketability must be checked, but basically WPC with biobased polymers will come. Extrusion and compounding machinery
maker Reifenhäuser, represented by Dieter Thewes, Head of Business Area Extrusion Center, sees an increasing use of
biopolymers, now that more production capacity is being installed. Finally conference organizer and MD of the nova Institute
Michael Carus added that WPC with biobased matrices will open up new potential applications. MT
www.nachwachsende-rohstoffe.info
SPI Bioplastics Council Position Paper on
Oxo- and Other Degradable Additives
The Bioplastics Council, a special interest group of SPI: the Plastics Industry Trade Association, recently announced the
release of a position paper that questions the scientific validity of biodegradability claims made by producers of ‘oxo-degradable’
and ‘oxo-biodegradable’ products. The Council’s paper formally supports the point of view put forth by European Bioplastics in
a July 2009 publication. Download the complete Position Paper from www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/201001
Producers of pro-oxidant and biological additives use the term ‘oxo- biodegradable’ to describe the resulting products made
using the additives. This term suggests that the products can undergo rapid biodegradation under many different end-of-life
conditions. However, the main effect of oxidation is fragmentation, not biodegradation, into small particles which remain
in the environment for an undetermined amount of time. These results do not meet the internationally established and
acknowledged standards and certifications that effectively substantiate claims on biodegradation under certain specific endof-life
conditions.
“In 2010 we made a pointed decision to insist on bringing clarity to the bioplastics market,” said Bioplastics Council Chair
Frederic Scheer, CEO of Cereplast, Inc. “Allowing the brand owner, retailer or ultimately the consumer to decide what they
consider a biodegradable product to be is risky, as they may lack the scientific knowledge to make an accurate decision. The
Bioplastics Council supports legitimate scientific data as recommended by state and federal agencies and stresses the need
for all companies, when making product claims, to work along guidelines defined by the Federal Trade Commission.” MT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Order
now!
Order
now!
New Book!
Hans-Josef Endres, Andrea Siebert-Raths
Technische Biopolymere
Rahmenbedingungen, Marktsituation,
Herstellung, Aufbau und Eigenschaften
628 Seiten, Hardcover
Engineering Biopolymers
General conditions, market situation,
production, structure and properties
number of pages t.b.d., hardcover,
coming soon.
This new book is available now. It is written in German, an English
version is in preparation and coming soon. An e-book is included
in the package. (Mehr deutschsprachige Info unter
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/buecher).
The new book offers a broad basis of information from a plastics
processing point of view. This includes comprehensive descriptions
of the biopolymer market, the different materials and suppliers
as well as production-, processing-, usage- and disposal
properties for all commercially available biopolymers.
The unique book represents an important and comprehensive
source of information and a knowledge base for researchers,
developers, technicians, engineers, marketing, management and
other decision-makers. It is a must-have in all areas of applications
for raw material suppliers, manufacturers of plastics and
additives, converters and film producers, for machine manufacturers,
packaging suppliers, the automotive industry, the fiber/nonwoven/textile
industry as well as universities.
Content:
•
•
•
•
•
Definition of biopolymers
Materials classes
Production routes and polymerization
processes of biopolymers
Structure
Comprehensive technical properties
Comparison of property profiles
of biopolymers with those of
conventional plastics
Disposal options
Data about sustainability and
eco-balance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Important legal framwork
Testing standards
Market players
Trade names
Suppliers
Prices
Current availabilities
and future prospects
Current application
examples
Future market development
•
•
Rainer Höfer (Editor)
Sustainable Solutions for Modern Economies
ISBN: 978-1-84755-905-0
Copyright: 2009 / Format: Hardcover / 497 pages
Sustainable Solutions for Modern Economies is an essay to reflect
the aspects of sustainability in the different sectors of national
and global economies, to draft a roadmap for public and corporate
sustainability strategies, and to outline the current status of
markets, applications, use and research and development for
renewable resources.
The book brings up philosophical aspects of the relationship
between man and nature and highlights the key sustainability
initiatives of the chemical industry.
The position and the systemic role of the financial market in the
economic circuit is depicted in one chapter as well as recently
developed key performance indicators for the sustainability rating of
companies.
The eco-efficiency analysis is described as a management tool
incorporating economic and environmental aspects for the
comprehensive evaluation of products over their entire life-cycle.
Another chapter describes a holistic approach to define
sustainability as a guiding principle for modern logistics.
Consumer behaviour and expectations, indeed, are crucial aspects
to be considered in this book when dealing with further development
of the sustainability concept.
The achievements of food security are specified at a global level as a
key element of sustainable development.
Energy economy and alternative energies are key challenges for
society today, dealt with in a separate chapter. Tens of millions of
years ago, biomass provided the basis for what we actually call
fossil resources and biomass again is by far the most important
resource for renewable energies today.
The efficient complementation and eventual substitution of fossil
raw materials by biomass is the subject matter of green chemistry
and is comprehensively described. The chapter „Biomass for Green
Chemistry“ in particular highlights the potential of sucrose, starch,
fats and oils, wood or natural fibres as building blocks and in
composites of bio-based plastics and resins.
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water usage
are examples of the benefits brought about by greener, cleaner and
simpler biotechnology processes, comprehensively dealt with in
the last chapter „ White Biotechnology“. This includes PLA as one
bioplastics example for White Biotechnology.
Order your english copy now and benefit
from a prepub discount of EUR 50.00.
Bestellen Sie das deutschsprachige Buch für EUR 299,00.
order at www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books, by phone
+49 2161 664864 or by e-mail books@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Order now for just EUR 99.00 plus shipping & handling
(please ask for shipping cost into your country)
order at www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books, by phone
+49 2161 664864 or by e-mail books@bioplasticsmagazine.com

Automotive
Bio-Polyamides for
Automotive Applications
A
joint development project, which is partly funded by the
German Federal Ministry of Education and Research
(BMBF) and partly supported by the so-called BIOPRO
Baden-Württemberg ‘cluster‘, focuses its activities on biobased
polyamides for automotive applications and received
two awards in 2009. In April, during the world renowned
Hanover Fair, a group of scientists from companies such
as Daimler, BASF, Bosch, MANN + HUMMEL and Fischerwerke,
as well as the University of Braunschweig, received
the ‘2009 VDI award for the innovative application of plastics‘.
This award acknowledges the first successful manufacture
of an air filter system for Daimler, made from bio-polyamide
and ready for series production. The air cleaner in question
is supplied by MANN+HUMMEL. The partly (60%) biobased
polyamide 6.10 used for the filter was supplied by BASF. Another
award was presented to the team at MATERIALICA in
October 2009 in Munich, Germany. Within the ‘MATERIALICA
Design and Technology Awards 2009‘ the group received the
special ‘Best of Material’ prize for the same air cleaner. In addition
to this achievement companies in the group succeeded
in developing further automotive applications suitable for series
production using 100% bio-based polyamide 5.10.
In the future biopolymers will also be able to be used for
automotive components that are currently made from high
performance plastics produced from fossil raw materials.
To drive forward this integrated project the air filter, for the
new Mercedes Benz engine, was for the first time produced
from polyamide 6.10 and polyamide 5.10, establishing new
milestones in future-oriented and ecologically friendly
material applications technology. As in other branches of
industry, market launches in the automotive industry will
depend very much not only on the technological development
of this innovative material but also on the way that the prices
of bio-polyamides develop.
The air filter housing consists largely of three polyamide
parts. The air intake tube and the clean air hood are screwed
together. A top cover is bonded to the housing by vibration
welding. The polyamide 6.10 which is used for the parts is
produced from hexamethylenediamine and 60 percent by
weight of bio-based sebacinic acid (from castor oil), and
reinforced with 10% glass fibre and 20% mineral substances.
Alternatively a totally bio-based polyamide 5.10 can be
used. With this material both monomers are produced from
renewable resources. In addition to the sebacinic acid a
diaminopentane is used which can be obtained, for example,
from a sugar-based material by a fermentation process.
Based on this biotechnical development, as opposed
to the conventional methods of chemical conversion,
Fig 1 and 2: Air Filter Housing
(Photo: MANN + HUMMEL)
(Picture: Daimler)
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Automotive
A
B
(both photos: Philipp Thielen)
Fig 3 and 4: acceleration Pedal
The biobased PA 5.10 version (B) shows a much better visual surface quality
researchers at BASF have succeeded in developing an
effective manufacturing process that ensures a high purity
product. PA 5.10 is a polyamide based on 100% renewable
resources and exhibits a particularly robust and technically
relevant performance. However, as stated by BASF, currently
the PA 5.10 is a rather expensive specialty PA. Thus a broad
application in the cost sensitive automotive industry is not to
be expected too soon.
The technical reasons for the selection and development
of the PA 6.10 and PA 5.10 polyamide materials include their
weight saving of about 6%, their low water absorption, their
better dimensional stability and improved flow characteristics
compared with conventional fossil-based PA 6 compounds.
Where internal and external visible components made from
bio-polyamide 5.10 are involved the material exhibits clearly
superior visual (Fig. 4) and tactile properties that lend the
parts a quality look. The first trial components (coloured
trim parts for inside the vehicle) have proven very positive.
Using the example of the air filter housing, the table below
demonstrates the advantages of the PA 6.10 and PA 5.10
biopolymers.
In addition to the award-winning air filter housing made
from PA 6.10 the group of collaborating companies has
produced, analysed and tested other Mercedes parts made
from PA 5.10 bio-polyamide. These include an accelerator
pedal module, a cogwheel for the steering angle sensor, and
a cooling fan and housing module.
The biopolymer components, given the medium and long
term increases expected in oil prices, offer the potential for
use at less volatile cost but with technical, and (because
of the use of renewable resources) ecological advantages.
Furthermore when using bio-polyamides, rather than the
standard PA 6, the eco-balance is significantly helped in a
positive way by the lower component weight.
In addition the market opportunities will be enhanced
by an increased desire on the part of the consumer for
resource saving products. In the future increased use will be
made of innovative biobased materials. Daimler intends to
use innovative materials in the production of vehicles with
the aim of protecting the planet‘s finite fossil hydrocarbon
resources.
As part of the joint project outlined above the PA 5.10 and
PA 6.10 polyamides have been qualified and characterised.
Sample components are being produced from bio-polyamides
that are suitable for mass production processes and extensive
functional trials are being carried out. In the case of Daimler
for a product such as the air filter housing a series production
is projected for 2010. MT
Material / Property
Biobased content
[by weight]
PA 6 (material from
series application)
PA 6.10 PA 5.10
0 63 100
Melting point [°C] 220 220 215
Glass transition
temperature [°C]
54 46 50
Density [g/cm³] 1.14 1.07 1.07
Notched impact after
700 hrs ageing [kJ/m²]
Water absorption [%]
(at 23°C / 50% RH)
22* 30** -
3 1.4 1.8
*: PA 6 GF30, **: PA6.10 GF30 Ultramid Balance, BASF
Table: comparison of the properties of polyamides
www.basf.com
www.bio-pro.de
www.bosch.com
www.daimler.com
www.fischerwerke.de
www.mann-hummel.com
www.tu-braunschweig.de
www.vdi.de
This article is (partly) based on an
article previously published in the
June 2009 issue of KONSTRUKTION,
Springer VDI Publishing House,
Düsseldorf, Germany
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 11

Automotive
Wheat Straw
for New
Ford Flex
Ford Motor Company, working with academic researchers and one of its suppliers, is
the first automaker to develop and use environmentally friendly wheat straw-reinforced
plastic in a vehicle.
The first application of the natural fiber-based plastic that contains 20 % wheat straw
bio-filler is on the 2010 Ford Flex‘s third-row interior storage bins. This application alone
reduces petroleum usage by some 9,000 kg per year, reduces CO 2
emissions by 14,000 kg
per year, and represents a smart, sustainable usage for wheat straw, the waste byproduct
of wheat.
“Ford continues to explore and open doors for greener materials that positively impact
the environment and work well for customers,“ said Patrick Berryman, a Ford engineering
manager who develops interior trim. “We seized the opportunity to add wheat strawreinforced
plastic as our next sustainable material on the production line, and the storage
bin for the Flex was the ideal first application.“
Collaborative effort
Ford researchers were approached with the wheat straw-based plastics formulation by
the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Ontario BioCar Initiative – a
multi-university effort between Waterloo, the University of Guelph, University of Toronto and
University of Windsor. Ford works closely with the Ontario government-funded project, which
is seeking to advance the use of more plant-based materials in the auto and agricultural
industries.
The University of Waterloo already had been working with plastics supplier A. Schulman
of Akron, Ohio, to perfect the lab formula for use in auto parts, ensuring the material is not
only odorless, but also meets industry standards for thermal expansion and degradation,
rigidity, moisture absorption and fogging. Less than 18 months after the initial presentation
was made to Ford‘s Biomaterials Group, the wheat straw-reinforced plastic was refined and
approved for Flex, which is produced at Ford‘s Oakville (Ontario) Assembly Complex.
The wheat straw-reinforced resin is the BioCar Initiative‘s first production-ready
application. It demonstrates better dimensional integrity than a non-reinforced plastic and
weighs up to 10% less than a plastic reinforced with talc or glass. “Without Ford‘s driving
force and contribution, we would have never been able to move from academia to industry in
such lightning speed,“ said Leonardo Simon, associate professor of chemical engineering
at the University of Waterloo. “Seeing this go into production on the Ford Flex is a major
accomplishment for the University of Waterloo and the BioCar Initiative.“
An interior storage bin may seem like a small start, but it opens the door for more
applications, said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert, Ford‘s Plastics Research. “We see a
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Automotive
great deal of potential for other applications since
wheat straw has good mechanical properties, can meet
our performance and durability specifications, and
can further reduce our carbon footprint – all without
compromise to the customer.“
Already under consideration by the Ford team: center
console bins and trays, interior air register and door
trim panel components, and armrest liners.
Abundant waste material put to good use
The case for using wheat straw to reinforce plastics
in higher-volume, higher-content applications is strong
across many industries. In Ontario alone, where Flex is
built, more than 28,000 farmers grow wheat, along with
corn and soybeans. Typically, wheat straw, the byproduct
of growing and processing wheat, is discarded. Ontario,
for example, has some 30 million tonnes of available
wheat straw waste at any given time.
“Wheat is everywhere and the straw is in excess,“ said
Lee. “We have found a practical automotive usage for a
renewable resource that helps reduce our dependence
on petroleum, uses less energy to manufacture, and
reduces our carbon footprint. More importantly, it
doesn‘t jeopardize an essential food source.“
To date, Ford and its suppliers are working with four
southern Ontario farmers for the wheat straw needed to
mold the Flex‘s two interior storage bins.
History in the making
Ford‘s interest in wheat dates back to the 1920s, when
company founder Henry Ford developed a product called
Fordite – a mixture of wheat straw, rubber, sulphur,
silica and other ingredients – that was used to make
steering wheels for Ford cars and trucks. Much of the
straw used to produce Fordite came from Henry Ford‘s
Dearborn-area farm.
The company‘s new-age application for wheat straw
joins other bio-based, reclaimed and recycled materials
that are in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles today,
including soy-based polyurethane foams on the seat
cushions and seatbacks, now in production on the Ford
Mustang, Expedition, F-150, Focus, Escape, Escape
Hybrid, Mercury Mariner and Lincoln Navigator and
Lincoln MKS. More than 1.5 million Ford, Lincoln and
Mercury vehicles on the road today have soy-foam
seats, which equates to a reduction in petroleum oil
usage of approximately 1.5 million pounds. Last year,
Ford has expanded its soy-foam portfolio to include the
industry‘s first application of a soy-foam headliner on
the 2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner for a 25 %
weight savings over a traditional glass-mat headliner.
www.ford.com
Wheat straw bio-filled polypropylene.
Industry and world-first usage in
quarter trim bins on 2010 Ford-Flex
COMPOSTABLE
PACKAGING
TECHNOLOGIES
• 100% BIODEGRADABLE
• 100% COMPOSTABLE
• RENEWABLE CONTENT (5-70%)
• CONTAINS NO POLYETHYLENE
www.CortecVCI.com
info@CortecVCI.com
1-800-4-CORTEC
St. Paul, MN 55110
USA
S Y
E N V I R O N M E N T A
S T
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EXCELLENCE
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CORPORATION
Environmentally Safe VpCI ® /MCI ® Technologies
BioPlastics 2010.indd 1
2/1/10 9:11:30 AM
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 13

Automotive
BioConcept Car 2, the Megane
Trohpy (photo: Four Motors)
BioConcept-Car –
with Biomaterials on the
Passing Lane In
the first ‘automotive issue‘ of bioplastics MAGAZINE in early 2007
we reported on the BioConcept-Car. The Ford Mustang GT RTD
features the world‘s most powerful biodiesel engine and bodywork
made of flax-fibre reinforced linseed-acrylate, i.e. a high performance
composite made of natural fibres embedded in a resin from the same
plant (flax and linseed).
At the end of October 2009 the ‘BioConcept-Car‘ project by Four
Motors, Reutlingen, Germany, received the COMPOSITES Pioneer
Award 2009 for the groundbreaking achievements in using natural
fibres in automotive applications. The award was given to team leader
and former DTM driver Thomas von Löwis of Menar (photo) within the
framework of the COMPOSITES EUROPE 2009 exhibition. The trophy
itself also lived up to its name, as its basic body is made entirely from
renewable materials. Industrial designer Rolf Bender, who has already
designed a large number of awards, created a monolithic shape made
from the biopolymer PLA and bamboo grass. Its special feature: the
two PLA sheets are welded, not glued, to the layer in between.
During Composites Europe 2009 in Stuttgart, Germany, the Ford
Mustang was presented, as well as the new generation BioConcept-
Car, a green Renault Mégane Trophy. Both racing models show that
even with biofuels and materials from renewable resources, trophies
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Automotive
in long term races, such as the BFGoodrich long-distance
championship and the 24-hour races on the Nürburgring, can
be successfully achieved. Advantages of the bio-composites
are their lower weight compared to glass-fibre composites,
they do not splinter in crashes and, most importantly, they
are better for the environment.
The globally unique project with the Mustang featuring
doors, fenders, engine hood, bumpers, spoilers and trunk lid
made completely from bio-composites is now being further
developed with a Renault Mégane Trophy 09. Its multi-part
glass fibre reinforced body will be replaced step-by-step by
natural fibre reinforced linseed-acrylate. This is happening
in close cooperation with the German government‘s
FNR (Agency for Renewable Resources) and the German
Aerospace Center (DLR). “One important goal after the 2007
Mustang was to reduce weight and increase stability,“ says
Thomas (Tom) von Löwis. “The new unpainted door of the
Ford (that can be seen in the picture) is already 40% lighter
than the previous one. This was achieved by reducing the
number of fibre layers in some areas while maintaining a
rigid structure in the areas of the hinges or the windows.“
The weight of the engine hood was reduced by 45%, and so
on. “And there is still room for further improvement,“ says
Tom. All of the experts from the FNR and DLR, as well as the
racing team, are confident that with the Mégane even loadbearing
parts can be realised. “This will really take us a huge
step further,“ Tom points out.
COMPOSITES Pioneer Award:
from left: Markus Jessberger (Director COMPOSITES
EUROPE), Amanda Jocob (Editor in Chief ‘Reinforced
Plastics‘) and Thomas von Löwis, Crew Chief ‘Four
Motors‘ (photo bioplastics MAGAZINE)
The project is based on a concept with a scope far beyond
motor sports. With the application of bio-materials and biofuels
Thomas von Löwis and racing driver Smudo (by the way,
he‘s a well-known Hip-Hop Star in Germany too) want to show
and prove the capabilities of renewable resources. Further
goals in the BioConcept Car 2 project are for example a solar
panel roof to support the on-board electronics. “This will not
lead to reduced lap times - that is the job of our drivers - but
it will help to go longer distances on just one tankful,“ says
Tom von Löwis. And he begins to dream … but it is a dream
with the potential to come true: “One day, I hope we can drive
a racing car around the Nürburgring powered by an electric
motor, the batteries charged by a block power station - solar
panels during daylight and a biodiesel generator at night. E-
mobility is definitely coming,“ he says.
But this BioConcept Car project does not want to be
restricted to motor racing. On the contrary, the supporting
partners FNR and others are very interested in transferring
the project‘s findings to serial applications, starting for
example with rear view mirror housings or tank lids. “Potential
partners from industry that are interested in participating
and transferring these results into ‚real‘ products are more
than welcome,“ says Simone Falk of Four Motors. The first
talks with seat manufacturers, for example, have already
started. MT
www.fourmotors.com
Covergirl Theresia worked with Reed Exhibitions,
organizers of COMPOSITES EUROPE. She
says: “The whole week in Stuttgart was quite
interesting, but the two BioConcept Cars were
definitely among the highlights“.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 15

Automotive
Hyundai Blue-Will Concept
to feature PLA and PA 11
At the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 2010)
Korean automaker Hyundai for the first time presented its Blue-Will Plug-in
Hybrid concept car. Besides other environmental goodies such as a panoramic
glass roof with solar cells for recharging batteries and a thermal generator
that converts hot exhaust gases into electricity the Blue-Will serves as a test bed of
new ideas that range from drive-by-wire steering to lithium polymer batteries and
touch-screen controls, and foreshadows future focused hybrid production vehicles
from Hyundai. Blue-Will promises an electric-only driving distance of up to 40 miles
on a single charge and (in the so-called plug-in HEV mode) a fuel economy rating of
more than 100 miles per gallon (less than 2.3 liters/100 km).
While the headlamp bezel for example is made of recycled PET bioplastics from
renewable resources such as PLA or PA 11 have been used on interior and exterior
parts.
The Blue-Will concept is powered by an all-aluminum 152-horsepower Gasoline
Direct Injected (GDI) 1.6-liter engine mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission
(CVT). A 100kw electric motor is at the heart of Hyundai’s proprietary parallel hybrid
drive architecture. This parallel hybrid drive architecture serves as the foundation
for future Hyundai hybrids, starting with the Sonata hybrid coming later this year in
the USA.
(Pictures: Hyundai)
www.hyundai.com
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Automotive
source: iStockphoto
Tires Made from Trees
Automobile owners around the world may someday soon be driving
on tires that are partly made out of trees – which could cost less,
perform better and save on fuel and energy.
Wood science researchers at Oregon State University (Corvallis,
Oregon, USA) have made some surprising findings about the potential of
microcrystalline cellulose – a product that can be made easily from almost
any type of plant fibers – to partially replace silica as a reinforcing filler in
the manufacture of rubber tires.
A new study suggests that this approach might decrease the energy
required to produce the tire, reduce costs, and better resist heat buildup.
Early tests indicate that such products would have comparable traction
on cold or wet pavement, be just as strong, and provide even higher fuel
efficiency than traditional tires in hot weather.
“We were surprised at how favorable the results were for the use of this
material,” said Kaichang Li, an associate professor of wood science and
engineering in the OSU College of Forestry, who conducted this research
with graduate student Wen Bai.
“This could lead to a new generation of automotive tire technology, one
of the first fundamental changes to come around in a long time,” Li said.
Cellulose fiber has been used for some time as reinforcement in
some types of rubber and automotive products, such as belts, hoses and
insulation – but never in tires, where the preferred fillers are carbon black
and silica. Carbon black, however, is made from increasingly expensive
oil, and the processing of silica is energy-intensive. Both products are very
dense and reduce the fuel efficiency of automobiles.
In the search for new types of reinforcing fillers that are inexpensive,
easily available, light and renewable, OSU experts turned to microcrystalline
cellulose – a micrometer-sized type of crystalline cellulose with an
extremely well-organized structure. It is produced in a low-cost process
of acid hydrolysis using nature’s most abundant and sustainable natural
polymer – cellulose – that comprises about 40-50 % of wood.
In this study, OSU researchers replaced up to about 12 % of the silica
used in conventional tire manufacture. This decreased the amount of
energy needed to compound the rubber composite, improved the heat
resistance of the product, and retained tensile strength.
Traction is always a key issue with tire performance, and the study showed
that the traction of the new product was comparable to existing rubber tire
technology in a wet, rainy environment. However, at high temperatures
such as in summer, the partial replacement of silica decreased the rolling
resistance of the product, which would improve fuel efficiency of rubber
tires made with the new approach.
This advance is another in a series of significant discoveries in Li’s
research program at OSU in recent years. He developed a non-toxic
adhesive for production of wood composite panels that has dramatically
changed that industry, and in 2007 received a Presidential Green Chemistry
Challenge Award at the National Academy of Sciences for his work on
new, sustainable and environmentally friendly wood products.
http://oregonstate.edu
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 17

Automotive
GreenCore Composites - Structural
and nonstructural components
made from pulp mill micro fibres
Ontario BioAuto Council
The Ontario BioAuto Council, headquartered in Guelph
Ontario, is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization
established in 2007 to link chemicals, plastics, manufacturing,
auto-parts and automotive assemblers with agriculture
and forestry.
The Council’s membership includes large Canadian
auto-parts companies like Magna, Woodbridge Group and
Canadian General Tower who manufacture and sell products
around the world.
The Council has attracted foreign membership from multinational
industrial biotechnology, chemical and agri-business
companies wanting to partner with Ontario’s manufacturing
sector to develop global markets for biobased products.
Examples include DuPont, Dow, and Cargill in the US; DSM
in the Netherlands; and Braskem in Brazil.
The Council also links industry with leading universities and
provincial and international centres of research excellence
in bioplastics and biocomposites. Auto21, The National
Research Council of Canada and FP Innovations are a few of
the important research links.
The Ontario BioAuto Council established a
Commercialization Fund in 2007 with initial start-up funding
of $6 million (€4 mio) from the Province of Ontario. The fund
helps to diminish the risk for companies commercializing
biobased products and processes using emerging green
technologies (e.g. biotechnology, nanotechnology, green
chemistry and material science). Funding is eligible to
Ontario-based startups, small and medium enterprises
and multi-national companies who typically partner with
international biopolymer and biochemical suppliers in the
product and market development process.
The Council has demonstrated that an industry-led board
can successfully use relatively small, strategically targeted
incentives for manufacturing companies to kick start new
markets for biobased products.
The Commercialization Fund has focused on four major
priorities:
• Improving the global competitiveness of Ontario’s
manufacturing sector – by developing new products that can
better compete on price, performance and environmental
footprint.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions - by using renewablebased
bioplastics, biochemicals, and high performance
natural fibre composite materials that can reduce vehicle
weight and improve recyclability.
• Reducing the use of toxic chemicals in production processes
and consumer products.
• Increase market demand for bioplastics and biochemicals
across industry sectors.
The Council is now focusing on establishing partnerships
between Ontario’s global automotive and manufacturing
sectors and similar sectors in the US, Europe, Brazil and
Japan. Through these partnerships it hopes to accelerate
the commercialization of new technologies and build global
market demand.
The Ontario BioAuto Council’s vision is to make Ontario a
global leader in the use of renewable biobased materials. It is
well on its way to achieving this vision because of its support
of global product and market development partnerships.
www.bioautocouncil.com
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Automotive
Picture courtesy Peugeot Citroën
Natural Fibers
Biopolymers
PSA Peugeot Citroën Applies
www.psa-peugeot-citroen.com
www.sustainability.psa-peugeot-citroen.com
Green Materials
Last October French automotive group PSA Peugeot
Citroën presented the latest developments in its green
materials plan, set up to limit the eco-footprint of
Group vehicles during their service life.
The Group has set an ambitious target in eco-design: to
include 20% of green materials in the polymers used to build
its cars by 2011. A car is made up of 70% metal, already
largely recycled, 5% miscellaneous materials (glass, etc.)
and 5% fluids. The rest (20%) is plastics (polymers).
At PSA the term ‘green materials‘ covers natural fibres,
such as linen and hemp, non-metallic recycled materials and
biomaterials, which are produced using renewable resources
rather than petrochemicals. The aim is to use fewer fossil
fuel plastics and to increase the use of raw materials from
renewable sources to make parts lighter, in some cases, to
cut CO 2
emissions from plastics production and to promote
plastics recycling.
The Earth’s resources are dwindling, so it is important
to optimise the way in which they are used. End-of-life
processing is therefore factored in from the design stage.
The aim is to boost recyclability and thus reduce the potential
impact of end-of-life vehicles. As a minimum, 85% of a vehicle
by weight can be reused or recycled, and a further 10% be
used for energy recovery.
The key feature of the action plan set up by PSA Peugeot
Citroën in 2008 is that it concerns all Group vehicles and the
three families of green materials. The green material content
of each vehicle project must be increased. This approach
also concerns existing vehicles, with green materials being
integrated during their production life. Engineering teams
are working in close cooperation with suppliers in order to
select these new materials.
This effort also gives new impetus to the recycled materials
industry. The subject of biomaterials is still at the research
stage in the automotive industry. To address the issue,
scientific partnerships have been set up as part of research
clusters bringing together public laboratories, chemical
firms and parts suppliers. The aim of these partnerships
is to accelerate the application of these materials in the
automotive industry. Suppliers of biomaterials are new to
the automotive industry. Therefore specifications must cover
the basics from a technical and functional standpoint. The
materials for example need to be suitable to be converted
in an industrial process and must be available in sufficient
quantity.
Examples of applications include foam for seating,
armrests, headrests, from vegetable polyols (castor oil, soy
oil) or fuel pipes from bio-polyamide.
The target of a project named MATORIA (with MOV’EO,
AXELERA, PLASTIPOLIS) which is steered by PSA is the
development of injectable plastics from renewable resources.
14 partners in this project include ROQUETTE and ARKEMA
for the supply of bio-sourced polymers, and VISTEON,
VALEO, PLASTIC OMNIUM and MECAPLAST for approval for
automotive use. The project looks at 18 different applications
which represent a total of about 50kg per vehicle.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 19

Automotive
Concept Tyres
www.genencor.com/bioisoprene
www.goodyear.com
Made with BioIsoprene
The world’s first concept demonstration tyres made with Bio-
Isoprene technology, a breakthrough alternative to replace
a petrochemically produced ingredient in the
manufacture of synthetic rubber with renewable biomass,
made their debut at the United Nations Climate Change
Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, last December.
The tyres made with BioIsoprene are the result of a
collaboration between Genencor, a division of Danisco,
and Goodyear, one of the world’s largest and most
innovative tyre companies.
“We are literally rolling out an important milestone
in our collaboration with Goodyear on a breakthrough
biochemical,” says Tom Knutzen, CEO of Danisco.
“BioIsoprene is an excellent example of Danisco’s
leadership in industrial biotechnology through
our Genencor division. As we deliver enzymes to
existing markets, we are also investing in future
bio-innovations with extraordinary potential to
address the world’s most urgent business and
environmental challenges.“
“Goodyear’s collaboration with Genencor to develop
BioIsoprene, which will be ultimately converted by
Goodyear to BioNatsyn polymers, is another example
of open innovation,“ says Jesse Roeck, Director, Global
Materials Science at Goodyear. “BioNatsyn polymers
made from BioIsoprene are a renewable resource that
offers promise as a ‘green‘ alternative to petroleumbased
isoprene. It will ultimately give manufacturers, who
use isoprene to produce synthetic rubber, the choice to use
a raw material made with renewable feedstocks therefore
reducing the dependency on oil.“
BioIsoprene is derived from renewable raw materials. Genecor
is testing wide range of renewable feedstocks, including sugars
from corn and sugar cane and a variety of biomass substrates: It represents
a significant development within the biochemical and rubber industries. Aside from synthetic rubber for tyre production,
traditional isoprene is used for the production of a variety of copolymers that are used in the elastomer-, adhesives- and
performance polymer markets. Application examples range from surgical gloves to golf balls and thus, the potential for
BioIsoprene product is substantial.
According to experts the market for high purity isoprene was 0.75 million tonnes/year in 2007. Genencor plans to bring the
technology to pilot stage within two years, followed by commercial production.
Since 2001, Goodyear has already used the BioTRED Technology, which allows to partly replace the carbon black, diatomite
and silica fillers by a starch based (MaterBi) reinforcement. BioTRED, is a special patented formula. The starch is here treated
to obtain nano-droplets of a complexed starch. In a next step, these nano droplets are added to the rubber compound to be
transformed into a biopolymeric filler. The so called Bio-Tyres require less energy in their production, the cultivation of corn
absorbs CO 2
, and in addition the tyre offers a reduced rolling resistance leading to up to 5% saving in fuel consumption (bM
01/2007). MT
Picture courtesy Goodyear
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
Fig. 3: Magnified view of the cell structure of PLA
foamed with HYDROCEROL 1% CT 3108 shows a
coarse cell structure, resulting in a poor surface
quality with many collapsed cells
As biopolymers have found applications in food packaging, medical
and many other applications, there is increasing interest in foaming
these materials. The green image of biodegradable polymers like
polylactidacid (PLA), starch-based polymers or copolyesters make them
attractive to supermarkets and consumers. High raw-material cost have
been one of the limitations of these materials and so PLA foaming – and
hence weight and material-cost savings – offers an option to push these
polymers further into the market.
Foaming Agents and Chain
Extenders for PLA Foam
Article contributed by
Jan-Erik Wegner and Mirco Gröseling,
Clariant Masterbatches (Deutschland)
GmbH, Ahrensburg, Germany
Fig. 4: Photo shows smaller and more uniform
cells in PLA foamed with 2% Hydrocerol CT 3108
in and with 1% CESA-extend BLA0025505
Although foaming can be accomplished using direct-gas injection,
Clariant’s chemical foaming agents (CFAs) in masterbatch form are
increasingly preferred, particularly in food packaging applications. The
benefits of this technology include
• Solid decomposition residue acts as a nucleator creating a finer cell
structure and a better solubility of the gas in the polymer melt;
• Decomposition reaction takes place in a defined temperature range;
• Easy mixing and uniform dispersion;
• High gas yield;
• Approved for food-contact applications.
In general, there are two kinds of chemical foaming agents characterized
by whether they generate heat during decomposition (exothermic) or
absorb heat during the reaction (endothermic). Exothermic foaming
agents can cause odor during production and in the finished product, and
their solid byproducts often are undesirable and even toxic. Therefore the
exothermic CFAs are banned from use in products that must have food
approval. The endothermic CFAs offered by Clariant, on the other hand,
are acceptable in food packaging materials, but they have one important
limitation when used in ester-based polymers like PET, polycarbonate and
PLA – moisture.
A byproduct of most endothermic chemical foaming agents is water,
which is generated during the converting process at high temperatures.
The resulting hydrolytic reaction can destroy a part of the polymer chains,
resulting in a lower viscosity (increased melt flow rate, MFR), which
makes the process difficult to handle. Specifically, proper die pressure,
vital for foaming, cannot be maintained and the foaming process runs
out of control. The melt strength drops and the film starts sagging. The
dispersion of gas in the polymer is not optimized and will create surface
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
MFR and Density of PLA in relation to the let down rate
MFR and Density of PLA in relation to the let down rate
35
1,4
30
1,4
MFR (210°c/2,16 kg) [g/10 min]
30
25
20
15
10
5
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
Density [g/cm 3 ]
MFR (210°c/2,16 kg) [g/10 min]
25
20
15
10
5
1,2
1,0
0,8
0,6
0,4
0,2
Density [g/cm 3 ]
0
PLA Nature 1% CT3108 1,5% CT3108
MFR (210°C/2,16 kg) [g/10 min] Density [g/10 min]
0
0
PLA Nature 1% CT3108 1,5% CT3108 2% CT3108
+ 1% CESA exend + 1% CESA exend + 1% CESA exend
BLA0025505 BLA0025505 BLA0025505
MFR (210°C/2,16 kg) [g/10 min]
Density [g/10 min]
0
Fig. 1: Weight reduction and melt flow ratio (MFR) of PLA foam
are plotted as a function of the addition of HYDROCEROL CT 3108
chemical foaming agent
Fig. 2: Weight reduction and melt flow ratio (MFR) of PLA foam
are plotted as a function of the addition of HYDROCEROL CT
3108 chemical foaming agent together with1% chain brancher
CESA-extend BLA0025505
defects when extruded sheets are thermoformed. Due to the
lower melt index the finished articles, like food-trays, can
become brittle.
Fortunately, certain additives, when used in combination
with CFAs, can reconnect short or broken polylactid acid
chains and restore them to a higher level. These additive
masterbatches (tradenamed CESA ® -extend) are based, for
instance, on multifunctional additives that react with the
functional groups of the polymer. There are two types: chain
extenders, which are designed for linear chain extension only;
and chain branchers, which achieve both linear extension
and cross-chain branching.
Of the two, the cross-chain branching type – which actually
accomplishes both chain extension and chain branching – are
preferred for use in PLA along with endothermic chemical
foaming agents. First, they are less sensitive to water because
they do not react as fast and thus have free functional groups
available to react with the polymer. Another advantage of the
multifunctional additives is that the partial chain branching
enhances the melt strength, therefore stabilizes the extrusion
conditions and leads to a better dispersion of the blowing gas,
which yields a finer and more homogeneous foam structure.
Recently, lab trials were conducted to investigate the
potential for density reduction in cast PLA film (NatureWorks ®
2002D) and to confirm how chain-branching additives can
improve the extrusion process and the quality of the end
product. HYDROCEROL ® CT 3108 was the chemical foaming
agent used and the chain-branching additive masterbatch was
Cesa-extend BLA0025505. Both products are manufactured
by Clariant Masterbatches.
The first trial extruded PLA with Hydrocerol at let down
rates of 0%, 1% and 1.5% and the density reduction and melt
flow rate were measured. As shown in fig. 1, density of the
PLA extruded without CFA was 1.25 g/cm 3 . Adding CFA at 1%
reduced the density to 1.08 g/cm 3 and a let down rate of 1.5%
reduced it further to 0.94 g/cm 3 , effectively reducing material
weight by 25%. At the same time, however, meltflow rate
(g/10 min @ 210°C/2.16 kg) increased dramatically from 6.0
without CFA to almost 30 with 1% Hydrocerol and to almost
27 with 1.5% CFA. The foamed film had a coarse cell structure
(see fig 3), and poor surface quality with many collapsed
cells.
Next, the PLA was foamed with Hydrocerol CT 3108 at 1%,
1.5% and 2% let down rates, and Cesa-extend BLA0025505
chain-branching agent added at a rate of 1% in all three cases
(see fig. 2). At 1% CFA and 1% chain brancher, the density was
reduced to 1.0 g/cm 3 . With 1.5% CFA, density was 1.05 g/cm 3 ,
while 2% CFA reduced density dramatically to 0.7 g/cm 3 , for
an overall weight reduction of 44%. With the addition of 1%
Cesa-extend, the foam structure was significantly improved
despite the higher loadings of Hydrocerol. Smaller and more
uniform cells are evident in fig. 4. This, even though the melt
flow rate remained roughly the same as in the first test.
Clearly, Cesa-extend chain brancher provides higher melt
strength and allows for higher let down rates of foaming agent.
Without the use of the Cesa-extend, it would be difficult to
achieve the kind of density reductions required to help make
PLA a more competitive option for food packaging.
www.clariant.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 23

Foam
BioFoam EPS
Compressive strength (kPa) 40 g/l 200 30 g/l 200
Bending strength (kPa) 35 g/l 300 30 g/l 300
Young’s modulus (MPa) 40 g/l 4.0 30 g/l 3.0
C-value (-) 35 g/l 2.6 30 g/l 2.7
Thermal conductivity 35 g/l 34 30 g/l 33
(MW/m·K)
Table 1 some physical ad thermal properties
of BioFoam compared to EPS
Article contributed by
Jan Noordegraaf, Managing Director
Synbra, Etten Leur, The Netherlands
‘Cradle to Cradle‘
Certified PLA Foam
Synbra Technology bv in Etten-Leur, The Netherlands, is the Synbra
Group‘s in-house polymerisation and ‘Technology & Innovation’
R&D facility, as well as the group‘s centre of excellence
for materials and product development. Synbra is a leading European
producer of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) and the first plant (5000 t/a)
to use a new polymerisation technology for PLA, that was recently developed
by Sulzer Chemtech and Purac Biochem, will be built by Synbra
Technology in the Netherlands for the production of BioFoam ® ; a
foamed product made from this PLA (see bM 05/2008 and 01/2009).
Processing
The foam expansion process and moulding process for BioFoam
is being developed at a rapid pace to facilitate approval of moulded
prototypes. Parts are moulded every week for interested international
customers. BioFoam processing has now left the laboratory phase
and is running in series production for selected parts. The process of
moulding is carefully adapted to suit expansion of the raw beads (called
BioBeads) in existing EPS moulding equipment, resulting in uniform
expanded beads and uniform cell structures (fig 1). A spherical and
uniform series of raw beads in three classes (sized 0.6-0.7mm, 0.8-
1.0mm and 1.0-1.4mm) can be produced to suit the specific moulding
application.
With a slightly modified pre-expansion process and an industrial
moulding machine existing moulds for EPS products were used to
produce parts, see figures 2 and 4.
Figure 1: SEM image of an expanded E-PLA bead,
with a closed cell structure and a uniform cell size.
Figure 2. Moulded parts, box and lid made in
BioFoam for the logistics cool chain
Properties
The physical properties of BioFoam have been determined (see table 1)
and are close to those of EPS. The thermal properties are strikingly
similar, which has led to an interest in refrigerated transport for
medical supplies. BioFoam is resistant to liquid nitrogen LN 2
and CO 2
granules or dry ice, the latter is often used in the transport cool chain,
see figure 2.
Of particular interest are the results for drop testing in comparison
with EPS, which show that BioFoam has all the potential to become a
good buffer material - a point that has not gone unnoticed by several
blue chip companies, see figure 3 (a and b).
BioFoam has a better resistance to high stress deformation as can
been seen from its the characteristics in comparison with EPS.
Carbon footprint
Detailed information on the CO 2
balance of the PLA used by Synbra
will be subject of a future article. In addition, a recent study was carried
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
out comparing seed trays for growing plants made from BioFoam and
from cardboard as two different material solutions. It was calculated
how many grams of CO 2
would have been emitted to arrive at the same
functional unit for BioFoam and cardboard. It was demonstrated that
foams score better than the heavier part in cardboard, see figure 4. The
part is a frequently used container for 15 bedding plants and weighs
only 50 grams versus 200 grams in cardboard.
Certification
Being produced from the renewable resource PLA, BioFoam is an
environmentally friendly alternative to the polystyrene foam products
offered today. After use, the BioFoam product can be remoulded to a
new product or can be completely biodegraded. Being ‘designed for the
environment’ implies that there is no chemical waste, which means
that the product is designed according to the so called ‘Cradle to Cradle’
principles. The Cradle to Cradle SM Design was founded by William Mc
Donough and Michael Braungart. The latter is also the founder of EPEA
(Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency), an international
scientific research and consultancy institute based in Hamburg,
Germany, that improves product quality, utility and environmental
performance via eco-effectiveness. Together with their USA based
sister company MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry LLC),
EPEA is able to grant companies a Cradle to Cradle certificate for
specific products. Synbra actively encourages its suppliers to embrace
the C2C scheme.
Tebodin Consultants & Engineers of The Netherlands (who have
a cooperation agreement with EPEA ) was asked to prepare the
application package for the Cradle to Cradle certification of BioFoam.
Data was collected and compiled on material safety, water and energy
utilisation, as well as information on the social responsibility of the
applying company. Based on this information EPEA was able to carry
out an assessment study, which has resulted in BioFoam now being
officially declared a Cradle to Cradle Certified material. This is the first
PLA based product in the world and the first biodegradable foam in the
world with this certification. The PLA Bio-Beads made by Synbra have
in the meanwhile also been certified, effectively making it the first PLA
polymer to be C2C certified in the world..
average drop 2-5, drop height 76 cm
G (-)
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0,000
0 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00
Static stress (kPa)
EPS 20
E-PLA 60
E-PLA 35
Figure 3a. Drop testing: G-force versus static stress
energy for EPS and two densities of 60 and 35 gr/l
E-PLA for single drop testing.
1st drop 76 cm height
G (-)
80,000
70,000
60,000
50,000
40,000
30,000
20,000
10,000
0,000
0 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 25,00 30,00
Static stress (kPa)
EPS 20
E-PLA 60
E-PLA 35
Figure 3b. Drop testing: G-force versus static stress
energy for EPS and two densities of 60 and 35 gr/l
E-PLA for multiple drop testing
Conclusion
BioFoam mouldings are based on renewable feedstock that allow a
major saving in CO 2
emission compared to equivalent functional units.
Clearly this explains why it is attractive to a whole range of industries.
The particle foam nature of the material allows a very wide freedom of
design with the convenience hitherto only offered by EPS.
www.biofoam.nl
kg CO 2
emmision / part (100 year CO 2
equiv)
BioFoam (lactide based)
Cardboard
0,04 0,06 0,08 0,10 0,12 0,14 0,16
Figure 4: Parts analysed for the comparative study and the CO 2
emission originating from its production for the same functional unit.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 25

Foam
Article contributed by
S. Zepnik, A. Kesselring, C. Michels
Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Oberhausen
C. Bonten
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich
F. van Lück
Inde Plastik Betr.GmbH, Aldenhoven
all Germany
Cellulose
Acetate Foams
Foam sheet extrusion of thermoplastics (e.g. extruded
polystyrene foam (XPS)) is a well-established foam
technology. Two basic categories of blowing agents
are used for foam production (table 1). The blowing agent is
the primary factor controlling the foam density as well as its
cellular microstructure and morphology, so determining the
end-use properties of foams [1].
Physical blowing agents (PBA)
• gases (e.g. N 2
, CO 2
, C 3
H 8
or C 4
H 10
) or low boiling pointfluids
(e.g. ethanol or propanol)
• separate feeding via gas injection into the polymer melt
(homogenization zone)
• lower foam densities and higher foam ratios with more
homogeneous foam morphology than for CBA
• thin-walled foam sheets, films or profiles
Chemical blowing agents (CBA)
• thermally unstable chemicals (e.g. bicarbonates,
azodicarbonamide, hydrazine derivatives or citric acids)
which decompose or react under temperature and
produce gases (e.g. N 2
, CO, CO 2
)
• feeding as masterbatches together with the polymer (no
critical modification of existing machinery is required in
comparison to PBA)
• only thick-walled products with low density reduction
Table 1: Short characterization of physical and chemical blowing
agents (according to [1] and [2]).
A wide range of conventional polymers is available for
foam extrusion processes (e.g. PE, PP, PS, PET, PVC)
[1;2]. Foams based on biopolymers (starch or PLA) are the
subject of recent developments and are already available on
the market, especially as food trays or particle foams [3].
At present the use PLA for the production and application
of foam trays for hot contents is limited due to its low heat
resistance. Furthermore, the thermoforming process of
PLA-based foam sheets is critical with regard to the high
crystallinity and brittleness of unmodified PLA. Therefore
Fraunhofer UMSICHT, FKuR GmbH and Inde Plastik GmbH, a
leading manufacturer of XPS-based food trays, are developing
thermoformable Cellulose Acetate foam sheets for hot food
applications. Foam tests with BIOGRADE C 7500CL and
different chemical blowing agents (CBAs) produced foam
sheets with good thermoforming behaviour (Fig. 1).
By adding an azodicarbonamide as a CBA to the
extrusion process it was possible to reduce the density
of BIOGRADE C 7500CL from 1.244 to 0.454 g/cm³. The
Cellulose Acetate foams exhibit a coarse morphology
with non-homogeneous distribution of the cells (Fig. 2).
Furthermore, these bubbles are surrounded by compact
Biograde C 7500CL as a matrix. The relatively low reduction
in density and the coarse foam morphology with only a few,
but large, cells is typical for foams produced with CBAs.
Fig. 1: Cellulose Acetate based foam sheets (right and centre) and thermoformed cup (left).
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
Fig. 2: Morphology of Cellulose Acetate foam [digital microscope;
magnification: 25-times (left) and 50-times (right)].
Literature
[1] D. Eaves: Handbook of Polymer Foams, Rapra
Technology Ltd, 2004.
[2] S.-T. Lee: Foam Extrusion – Principles and Practice,
CRC Press, 2000.
[3] http://www.ptonline.com/articles/200712cu1.html
[14.01.2010].
[4] FKuR GmbH: Technical data sheet (TDS) of BIOGRADE
C7500CL, http://www.fkur.com/produkte/biograder/
biograder-c-7500-cl/datenblaetter.html [14.01.2010].
[5] L. B. Bottenbruch: 3. Technische Thermoplaste:
Polycarbonate, Polyacetale, Polyester, Celluloseester,
in G. W. Becker, D. Braun: Kunststoff-Handbuch,
Hanser Verlag, 1992.
[6] J. E. Mark: Polymer Data Handbook, Oxford University
Press, 1999.
In comparison to an XPS produced with PBAs, the Cellulose
Acetate foams are stiff and have a high tensile modulus due
to the relatively high amount of compact matrix material
around the bubbles determining the mechanical properties
(Fig. 3).
The rigidity in combination with high heat resistance (Vicat
A of Biograde C 7500CL is 111°C [4]) and thermoformability
of these Cellulose Acetate foams make them attractive
for rigid foam applications (e.g. trays for hot contents).
Furthermore, the excellent injection mouldability together
with the foaming performance of Biograde C 7500CL are
ideal for the manufacturing of foam injection moulded
compact parts with a (rigid) foam core. Recent developments
by Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Inde Plastik GmbH are focusing
on Cellulose Acetate foams produced with PBAs. The
aims of the investigation are foams with lower densities,
homogeneous cells and finer foam morphologies like XPS
foams. For fine, low-density foams produced with PBAs, the
polymer properties have to fulfil specific requirements [1]:
Rheological properties:
• specific melt viscosity and melt stability for a good
gas dispersion and distribution as well as stable foam
morphology without collapse
Thermal properties:
• wide processing window without thermal degradation to
achieve a specific melt rheology
• crystallization behaviour of the polymer competing with the
nucleation and growth of the bubbles
• heat distortion temperature and heat conductivity for a
rapid increase in polymer viscosity to avoid foam collapse
Physical properties:
• high gas solubility in the polymer melt but poor gas
solubility in the finished foam
• boiling point, molecular weight or vapour pressure of the
physical blowing agent
• physical polymer properties such as molecular chain
structure or degree of crystallinity
To achieve these required properties, Cellulose Acetate has
to be modified. At present external (physical) plasticization is
the most common method of Cellulose Acetate modification.
Blending is very difficult due to its Hansen solubility parameter
as well as the strong hydrogen bonds (Fig. 4) influencing the
miscibility of Cellulose Acetate [5].
Therefore, Fraunhofer UMSICHT is studying the reactive
modification (e.g. internal (chemical) plasticization) of
Cellulose Acetate to achieve the long-term stable properties
needed for physical foaming.
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
www.fkur.com
www.indeplast.de
Tensile strenght [MPa]
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Azo-1 (2.5%)
Azo-2 (1%)
Azo-3 (1%)
Azo-4 (0.7%)
Azo-5 (1%)
Para (1.5%)
XPS (EMPERA 350N)
E-Modulus [MPa]
2500
2250
2000
1750
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
Azo-1 (2.5%)
Azo-2 (1%)
Azo-3 (1%)
Azo-4 (0.7%)
Azo-5 (1%)
Para (1.5%)
XPS (EMPERA 350N)
Fig. 3: E-modulus and tensile strength
of different Cellulose Acetate foams in
comparison to an XPS (red).
CH 2
OR
H
O
O
H
OR H
H
H OR
(R is COCH 3
or H)
Fig. 4: Molecular structure
of Cellulose Acetate [6].
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 27

Foam
www.kaneka.com
Bio-Based
Biodegradable
PHA Foam
KANEKA Corporation is a Japanese chemical company
which develops, manufactures and sells various chemical
products. Kaneka’s business interests are concentrated
on seven fields, which are chemicals, functional plastics, foodstuffs
products, life science products, electronic products, synthetic
fibers and expandable plastics and products.
In the expandable plastics and products field, Kaneka deals in
particle foamed polystyrene (Kanepearl), polyethylene (Eperan)
and polypropylene (Eperan PP) and extruded polystyrene foam
boards (Kanelite Foam). In the area of particle polyolefin foams
products, Kaneka is one of the major suppliers worldwide with
manufacturing locations in Japan, Belgium, Malaysia and China.
These products are applied in the production of automotive parts,
containers for food, insulation materials etc.
As a novel product in Kaneka‘s range of particle foam products
and based on their proprietary expansion technology, the company
is introducing expanded PHBH (poly 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-
hydroxyhexanoate).
PHBH is an entirely bio-based biodegradable polymer, which
originates from edible plant oil (corn-, soybean- or palm oil) or
non-edible plant oil. Like other biopolymers from the family of
the polyhydroxyalkanoates PHBH is produced by microorganisms
in the fermentation process, where it is accumulated in the
microorganism’s body for nutrition. It is then collected through a
cleaning and granulation process.
The main features of PHBH are its excellent biodegradability,
combined with a high degree of hydrolysis and heat stability. PHBH
can be biodegraded in aerobic (ISO14851), anaerobic (ISO14853,
15985) and compost (ISO14855) conditions. The hydrolysis stability
of PHBH is superior to most of the biodegradable polyesters
available on the market today. Regarding the heat stability,
the Vicat softening point (ASTM D1525, 10N) is about 110°C.
Consequently the material can withstand the heat generated by
boiling water.
Kaneka‘s facility for PHBH resin production, located in Japan,
is estimated to be operational in the autumn of 2010, having a
capacity of 1000 t/a. Currently PHBH is mainly applied by film,
sheet, bottle and injection-molding industries, to which it is
supplied as granulates.
In the near future, Kaneka is planning to offer PHBH also in
the form of expanded foam particles, with an expansion ratio of
up to 35 times. Expanded PHBH foam particles have about the
same secondary processability as their polyolefin counterparts.
Complex shapes can be easily made using steam-chest-molding
techniques and can be further treated by sawing, punching and
bonding. The mechanical properties and dimensional stability
of molded expanded PHBH foam particles are in line with those
of expanded polyolefin molded foam particles. Therefore target
applications are like for polyolefin foam particles, e.g. containers
for a variety of consumer goods, parts for automotive, building
insulation, soundproofing and horticultural engineering.
Kaneka bio-based foam will ultimately contribute to create a
society with a lower carbon footprint, as stated by a company
spokesperson. MT
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
Heat-Resistant
PLA Bead Foam
According to Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd., a large expanded polystyrene (EPS)
company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company has developed the
world‘s first heat-resistant and biomass-based bead foam. This bead foam
is made of polylactic acid (PLA) by Sekisui‘s unique manufacturing process which
enhances the high-temperature dimensional stability of PLA bead foam and retains
specific properties of PLA, such as mechanical strength, solvent resistance and
weather resistance.
www.sekisuiplastics.com
www.unitika.co.jp/terramac
For the bead foam Sekisui Plastics uses a heat-resistant foam grade of PLA
resin developed by Unitika Ltd. Unitika developed the PLA resin for heat-resistant
extruded foam and launched it on the market in January 2005. In Sekisui Plastics’
unique process, the expandable PLA beads have become possible to be more easily
moulded and highly crystallised in the final foam products by keeping the crystallinity
of the PLA low when expanding.
This Bioceller TM , (the Sekisui Plastics trademark for their plant-derived foamed
plastic), surpasses EPS and EPP (expanded polypropylene) in dimensional stability.
The Bioceller, when expanded 6-fold, changes little in dimension at 150°C. It is
excellent in terms of oil resistance, weather resistance, and mechanical properties
against compression. Colouring the bead foam is easy. Volatile organic compounds
are not emitted by the foam. Since the material is expandable from 6 to 25 times and
has excellent mould performance it can be moulded into any shape.
This heat-resistant PLA bead foam could be used in any application where EPS or
EPP is currently used. However, the main targets would be the following applications
(which require more heat-resistance and environmental properties): automotive
parts, toys, heat insulators etc.
Sekisui Plastics have been developing this material in their research institute. Now
they have started marketing, and further technical development, of the material as
a company-wide project. Several items using their PLA bead foam are almost ready
for market launch. There is also a plan to build a new six hundred ton per year plant
depending on the market situation. - MT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 29

Foam
PLA
Foam Trays
Article contributed by
Doug Kunnemann, NatureWorks LLC,
resp. for commercial activities focused on
food packaging and food service ware in the
United States
www.natureworksllc.com
www.sealedair.com
www.dyneapak.com
Two organizations, Sealed Air Corporation in Duncan, South
Carolina, USA, and Dyne-a-Pak in Laval, Quebec, Canada,
are North American pioneers in the development of fresh
food foam trays manufactured from NatureWorks Ingeo PLA.
As a result of their efforts, brand owners and retailers have a performance
alternative to polystyrene foam trays — an alternative
that lowers greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption
as well as delivering the potential for food waste diversion from
landfill.
Sealed Air was first to bring a solution to market in North
America with Cryovac brand NatureTRAY, an Ingeo foam
meat, poultry, and fresh produce tray. NatureTRAYs are certified
industrially compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute
to the ASTM 6400 standard for biodegradable plastics. (Ingeo
resins also meet EN13432 composting standards.)
Retail grocery customers can select from a variety of sizes.
Sealed Air also offers a line of robust NatureTRAYs designed
specifically for the needs of meat, poultry, and fresh produce
processors.
In May 2008, NatureTRAY received the Institute of Packaging
Professionals AmeriStar Award for excellence. One of Sealed
Air’s most recent NatureTRAY customers is Prima Bella Produce,
Tracy, Calif. Prima Bella utilizes the tray for its line of fresh corn
on the cob (see photo).
Billions of polystyrene trays are produced in North America
every year. Sealed Air estimates that even if a relatively small
percentage — under 10% — were converted to Ingeo foam,
the environmental benefits would be significant. For example,
replacing 90 million polystyrene trays with Ingeo bioresin would
save over 1,300,000 liters (340,000 gallons) of gasoline, and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of over 18,000,000
km (11,184,681 miles) driven.
“As the economy continues to rebound, an increasing number
of companies will be in position to adopt these products,” said
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Foam
Richard Douglas, director of sales and marketing for
Sealed Air Corporation Cryovac brand rigid packaging
and absorbents group. “To meet near and long term
demand, we are continuing to invest in production
capabilities that will manufacture NatureTRAYs with ever
greater economies of scale.”
Dyne-a-Pak sells polystyrene and bioresin-based foam
trays in Eastern Canada and in the Northeastern region
of the United States. The company’s Dyne-a-Pak Nature
foam tray is made with Ingeo polylactide and has been
on the market for about one year and represents a multiyear
research and development effort. This product has
received a QSR Magazine-FPI Foodservice award for
manufacturing innovation.
“The manufacturing characteristics of Ingeo were
relatively similar to polystyrene in terms of extrusion and
thermoforming, which meant the bioresin would fit well
with our manufacturing processes,” said Mario Grenier,
Dyne-a-Pak vice president and general manager. “We
also wanted a resin supplier that had the technical
expertise to partner with us during the research and
development stage as well as one that could assure a
steady supply of resin. NatureWorks met both of these
selection criteria.”
Dyne-a-Pak sells to grocery chains, food distributors,
fast food outlets, bakeries, and meat packers. The Dynea-Pak
Nature foam tray, which has a density around
0.056 g/cm³ (similar to regular polystyrene trays), is
offered in a range of sizes. This bioresin foam tray is
certified compostable by the Biodegradable Products
Institute to the ASTM 6400 standard. The tray was also
successfully tested for conformance to the EN13432
compostability standard by Organic Waste Systems in
Belgium.
Dyne-a-Pak reports that production of the Ingeo
used in the Dyne-a-Pak Nature foam tray requires 50%
less water and 49% less fossil fuel to manufacture as
compared to petroleum-based polystyrene products
and emits 60% less greenhouse gas than an equivalent
amount of polystyrene.
Grenier said that Dyne-a-Pak originally entered the
bioresin foam tray segment of the market because
it wanted to offer an alternative to polystyrene — an
alternative that was sourced from renewable resources.
He anticipates that as the market matures the lower
carbon footprint of the Ingeo-based foam trays will
become a major selling point. The company has observed
a marked rise of interest in its Dyne-a-Pak Nature foam
trays during the last quarter of 2009 and attributes this
fact to gradual improvements in the economy and a trend
toward reducing the environmental impact of packaging
products.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
magnetic_148,5x105.ai 175.00 lpi 15.00° 75.00° 0.00° 45.00° 14.03.2009 10:13:31
Prozess CyanProzess MagentaProzess GelbProzess Schwarz
Magnetic
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 31

Foam
Article contributed by
William Kelly, VP Technology and
Gary Larrivee, VP Technical Support
Cereplast, Inc., Hawthorne,
California, USA
A True Compostable Foam
Cereplast Compostable 5001 ® is perfectly suited to meet the needs of all converters, manufacturers and
brand owners interested in substituting Polystyrene foam with an environmentally sustainable plastic.
Cereplast Compostable 5001 is a compostable foam using Ingeo PLA and various biodegradable and
compostable components. Currently PLA based polymers are the dominant resin in the biopolymer industry
from a technology and supply standpoint.
The market for expanded polystyrene is greater than five billion dollars per year in the USA. With cities and
counties banning the use of polystyrene packaging consumers are demanding alternative products. What is
attractive about using a Cereplast foam polymer is that the finished products can biodegrade in 180 days or less
in a commercial compost facility.
Many disposable products are made of low density polystyrene foam materials. These foam products however
will not biodegrade, even when filled with starch. Degradation of the starch will not cause the polystyrene to
degrade and all the ‘additive’ technology has not been scientifically proven, nor demonstrated.
Many of the applications that exist in polystyrene based foam materials are suitable for Cereplast Compostable
materials such as clam shell food containers, meat trays, egg cartons, mushroom and berry boxes and a variety
of packaging applications. Densities down to 0.08 g/cm 3 using conventional equipment were achieved and
Cereplast is continuing research to further reduce densities. These products have the same look and feel as the
polystyrene foam parts that they are replacing. There is no Bisphenol A (BPA) or any other harmful compounds
found in Cereplast 5001.
From a technical standpoint, it is difficult to produce from an unmodified PLA a viable foam product. In order
to produce low density foam PLA based resins the polymer must be modified to increase molecular weight and
elasticity. Increasing intrinsic viscosity and melt strength is also key to producing a good foam product. One
method to increase melt elasticity and molecular weight is to utilize chain extenders associated to the end
groups of PLA. Increases in melt elasticity and molecular weight result in producing foams with reduced cell
size, increased cell density and lowered bulk foam density when compared to unmodified PLA foam. Cereplast
specialty is to modify Ingeo PLA manufactured by NatureWorks.
Cereplast Compostables 5001 represents an outstanding opportunity for companies across the plastic supply
chain used to foam plastic resins and are seeking to become more environmentally sustainable and reduce the
industry’s reliance on oil. Cereplast Compostable 5001 is the successful result of a several years research and
development project which answers the growing demand for more sustainability from the plastic industry.
www.cereplast.com
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Materials
High Heat Injection Molding PLA
On January 14, NatureWorks LLC introduced its second generation Ingeo bioresin (PLA) solution targeted primarily at
injection molding of semi-durable consumer products. This new patent-pending solution is the latest in a series of breakthroughs
for Ingeo applications, which already include high heat thermoforms, films, and gift and transactional cards.
NatureWorks’ new compounded resin technology enables the production of injection molded parts with a heat deflection
temperature of up to 140°C (modified version of ASTM E2092) or 65°C (HDT B), notched Izod impact strength greater than
140 J/m, and modulus of about 3,000 MPa. “Different formulations based on this new development, with a reduced amount of
impact modifier will lead to HDT B values of up to 140°C,” explained Jed Randall, Research Scientist at NatureWorks. Injection
molding cycle time compares to styrenic resins, for which the new technology now offers a low-carbon, cost-competitive,
performance replacement.
Designated Ingeo 3801X, the new formulation combines a high percentage polylactide base resin with a tailored additive
package designed to achieve the high heat, impact, and cycle time performance requirements of semi-durable products such
as cosmetics, consumer electronics, toys, office accessories, and promotional products. “The introduction of this high heat
technology demonstrates that the Ingeo family is maturing significantly, steadily broadening into a host of applications where
these materials are a performance substitute for non-renewably sourced plastics,” said Marc Verbruggen, president and CEO
of NatureWorks. “In the six years since we entered the market with our world-scale facility, the injection molding community
has shown significant interest in our first generation product. The industry has already developed a compelling array of injection
molded consumer products, with items that include lipsticks and compacts, mobile phones, and auto interior parts. Today,
we’re pleased to announce support for ongoing development efforts with a product that has been custom designed to address
enhanced property and performance requests.”
NatureWorks is selectively opening this proprietary technology to Ingeo compounding partners, as Verbruggen explains.
“NatureWorks firmly believes that the continuing development of Ingeo solutions for durable applications is best complemented
by the innovations, expertise, and capabilities that our compounding partners offer.”
www.natureworksllc.com
A Novel, Lightweight,
Heat-resistant PLA
Among the most significant challenges for the wider application of PLA is its low heat resistance: native PLA usually turns
soft at around 60 ºC, which not only makes it incapable of holding heated food or a hot drink, but also causes deformation
during container transport.
Enhancement of the heat resistance of PLA has been achieved already by adding fillers, or mixing with hard plastics. However
these treatments often have unfavorable consequences such as an increase in density and difficulties in recycling. In the case
of semi crystalline plastics adding nucleating agents is another approach, however for PLA, which crystallizes at a rather slow
rate, such treatment does not bring about a significant improvement in heat resistance.
By means of novel recipes and process equipments, Supla Co. Ltd. of Taiwan have developed SUPLA C that has a unique
crystallization behavior, which results in a high HDT at around 100ºC (HDT B 120°C/hr, 0.45 MPa). Furthermore, because not
much fillers were added, the density was kept at a level almost equivalent to native PLA. This lightweight characteristic results
in a higher Melt Flow Rate of 31.9 g/10min (190ºC, 2.16 kg), which makes Supla C advantageous over other types of modified
PLA in injection molding. Besides, the products would be lighter, so it is energy saving during transportation of the moulded
products. Supla C minimizes the difficulties in forthcoming challenges towards recycling of PLA products, because in general,
recycling of composite materials is more difficult than that of pure, homogeneous materials.
PLAs with superior heat resistance have potential markets such as food wares, stationery, gifts, toys, 3C housing (3C =
computer, communication and consumer electronics) etc. Supla C is suitable for all of the above applications, and is expected
to exhibit particular strength in thin wall housing which is the mainstream in the design of 3C goods.
supla.com@msa.hinet.net
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 33

Application News
Fancy Potato Poncho
http://spudcoat.co.uk
Last September, the Spanish sustainable products brand ‘EQUILICUA‘ presented an
original garment made from bioplastic – 100% biodegradable and compostable (even
home compostable in a backyard compost bin). It is a raincoat that comes with seeds
incorporated into it that promote the disintegration of this new generation of materials
made completely from bioplastic that is based on potato and corn starch (BIOTEC).
The ‘plantable‘ potato poncho is the first product from the collection that the
company calls ‘Fantastic Bioplastic‘, and for which Equilicua is already developing
new projects based on plastic resins made from renewable resources. The idea is to
work with diverse biocompatible materials for the production of future designs, going
from textiles to other types of consumer goods. The company also wants to introduce
these ecomaterials to the final consumer in a creative and innovative way. The slogan
of the company - “Equilicua, thought-provoking products” - nicely sums up its principal
objective.
The so-called ‘Spudcoat’ was specially designed for excursions and outdoor activities (on foot or by bike). It is a large model
made for people wearing backpacks. The space to insert any type of seeds is incorporated in the chest area. The graphic printing
is done using biodegradable inks, free of solvents, so that the whole product can be absorbed into the natural environment if it
is lost, or at the end of its life cycle (when it is recommended that the coat be buried to speed its breakdown).
For the ethical company gift sector personalized raincoats are available as an eco-alternative for public or private institutions
and businesses committed to the environment and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Today, Equilicua is working on the development of new designs for distributors of the product. The potato raincoat can
be purchased in Spain for example from Greenpeace and in the United Kingdom from Comp Bio Products Ltd. In China, the
ecological product business Livegreen is launching the garment. Various selling points are available in European countries and
the introduction to the Canadian and American markets is expected in the spring of 2010. MT
PTT Mascara Packaging
At Luxepack in Monaco last fall, Oekametall fom Bamberg, Germany presented a
new standard mascara packaging line. It is made with renewably-sourced material
DuPont Biomax® PTT1100, a high-performance packaging polymer with excellent
surface gloss, chemical and scratch resistance.
“By increasing the standard range with a mascara pack made of Biomax PTT1100,
we are contributing to the awareness for sustainability. The resin has been the best
material in terms of processability, dimensional stability and gloss for our quality
standards“ says Mrs. Jasmin Hamida, Packaging Innovation Manager at Oekametall.
This new standard product provides beauty packaging with luxury aesthetics and high
performance while reducing the impact of the environment of the package. Because of
the natural scratch resistance and gloss of Biomax PTT1100, Oekametall does not need
to apply an additional solvent-based coating to ABS and SAN. It is a great example of
reducing the environmental footprint with no impact on performance and aesthetics
requirement of the beauty industry.
DuPont Biomax PTT1100 (PolyTrimethylTerephthalate) is a polyester-type resin with up to 37% renewably-sourced content
(bio-PDO based on corn or beet sugar) and a performance similar to polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). It is intended for use in high-performance cosmetic packaging with a lower environmental footprint.
Its attributes include a glossy surface for attractive aesthetics, excellent resistance to common personal care and cosmetic
formulations, a naturally opaque to translucent appearance, good colorability, high scratch resistance and excellent
environmental stress cracking resistance. Such attributes can create the potential for additional cost-savings during production,
including the elimination of additional barrier layers for protection against scratches or more chemically-aggressive cosmetic
formulations. This injection-moldable resin is especially suitable for use in cosmetic packaging applications including compact
cases, cream jars, thin-walled perfume caps and mascara caps as presented at Luxepack. MT
www.dupont.com
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Application News
OLYMP Tests PLA Shirt and Blouse Fabrics
OLYMP Bezner GmbH & Co. KG of Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany is permanently on the look-out for innovative production
processes to manufacture their up-market business shirts. The limited possibilities open to them when using thread and cloth
made from cotton required the development of new alternative raw materials.
Eberhard Bezner, Olymp‘s owner and CEO, is not just a highly experienced textile specialist, but an expert on innovative
fabrics. By carefully studying the latest global developments in the manufacture of fabrics and textiles he came across the
spunbond process for the production of PLA fibres. Now Olymp is testing the use of PLA as a fabric for shirts and blouses.
Alongside advantages such as good wicking, good colour performance and high tear resistance, polylactide fibres constitute
a particularly resource-friendly bioplastic. “To harvest a kg of cotton up to 20,000 litres of water are required,“ explains textile
expert Herbert Ostertag, who has worked closely with Olymp for several years. Lactic acid production is significantly more
environmentally friendly because water consumption is minimal and in certain circumstances renewable resources from local
agriculture can be used.
The test garments produced so far consist of 65 % cotton and 35 % PLA. The latter
percentage could be higher and thus a shirt would be much more economical in the
use of resources.
“A Chinese supplier has been researching and experimenting on our behalf for some
time now, looking at the possibility of using polylactide fibres, which are already used
in other types of product, in garment manufacture,“ explains Marc Fritz of Olymp-
Marketing. “OLYMP first made some sample shirts from polylactide material for test
purposes. These were thoroughly tested in our laboratory in Bietigheim-Bissingen for
washing performance, ease of care, light resistance, stretch and tear resistance and
their resistance to abrasion in daily wear“.
At the same time the first trials were carried out to test the performance and skin
tolerance of the shirts when actually worn. Despite not yet having planned an advertising
and marketing strategy the expectations are that this year the company will have 2000
shirts made to test the reaction of customers in selected department stores. MT
www.olymp.com
Biodegradable And Compostable
Sugar Sachet
A new product has joined the range of catering solutions
available in Mater-Bi ® by Novamont from Italy. The biodegradable
and compostable sugar sachet, born of a partnership between
Novamont and Novarese Zuccheri joins the cutlery, plates and
cups already available.
With their personalisable print, the new sachets use paper
extrusion coated with a special grade of Mater-Bi. This groundbreaking
solution has the same performance characteristics of
traditional packaging but, since it is biodegradable and compostable,
it can be disposed of together with organic refuse meaning it is also
eco-friendly.
Laminates obtained with Mater-Bi extrusion coating ensure
performance very similar to that of traditional plastics. They create a barrier against gasses and fats and have excellent
thermal resistance making this type of laminate particularly suitable for food packaging.
www.novamont.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 35

Application News
Roll-Bag Solution for Bio-Bags
www.roll-o-matic.com
Roll-o-Matic, Denmark, stands for solutions that are
flexible, faster and easier to operate, and in addition financially
attractive. One example is Roll-o-Matic‘s star-sealed T-shirt
kit for Delta converting lines. This kit is a newly developed and
patented solution, which allows the production of star-sealed
T-shirt bags, normal T-shirt, sinus/wave top, bottom- sealed
and other bags on a standard Delta T-shirt line without any
additional modules.
It keeps the costs at a minimum, and compared to other
set-ups the costs of the star-sealed kit is only a fraction. The
stable solution with a line speed up to 160 m/min / 300 cycles
/ 2 lanes led to a very positive customer feedback.
And the star-sealed kit solution is environmentally and
financially favourable: As the skirt on the bag is very short, the
waste of material is minimized to about half of the traditional
skirt length. Star-sealed bags have a strong bottom, which
allows ‘downgauging‘, i.e. producing thinner but not weaker
bags.
Bio-Bag Example from Italy
With a slight adjustment of sealing temperature and
sealing pressure, Roll-o-Matic Delta line with a star-sealed
T-shirt kit is also able to run biomaterial, which makes the
bag production even more environment-friendly. Italian
leader in the production of Mater-Bi articles Sacme has
developed a new concept: a star-sealed T-shirt bio-bag that
comes together with a matching plastic waste bin.
The concept is called Geo & Gea, the aerated system for
collecting wet waste. The star-sealed T-shirt bag fits perfectly
into the waste bin, and for the end user it functions as a
waste bin for fruit, vegetables or other degradable products.
The new concept has been very successful, as the market for
smart solutions like this is still growing.
Sacme, have been very content with the Roll-o-Matic starsealed
kit solution, which allows flexible and stable production
of star-sealed T-shirt bags. “With a flexible solution like
this we are sure to give our customers an opportunity to
extend their product
range without having
to make a heavy
investment.”
“And in a market
where demands
can change quickly,
we believe it is a
favourable choice,“
comments Mr. Birger
Sørensen, Managing
Director at Roll-o-
Matic, Denmark.
Innovative Hospital Waste Management System
Pharmafilter BV, a bioenergy technology company
based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, has selected Mirel
bioplastics by Telles (Lowell, Massachussetts, USA) for a
suite of disposable products for hospital use. Pharmafilter
BV is currently commercializing its patented Pharmafilter
system as a cleaner, more efficient way for hospitals and
the healthcare industry to reduce contaminated solid waste,
food, and wastewater through anaerobic digestion. Outputs
are biogas for fuel or power generation, biomass for energy
conversion, and clean water.
The initial range of single use products to be made from
Mirel include: service ware items, bed pans and trash bags.
Use of such disposable products made from Mirel can
mitigate the need for reusable items, thus reducing human
contact with contaminated service ware and its related safety
concerns. Mirel products will be disposed of along with the
hospital and healthcare wastes, and fed to the Pharmafilter
system. The initial pilot project is scheduled to begin operation
in March 2010 at Delft Hospital in Amsterdam.
“We selected Mirel because it fits right into our system,”
said Eduardo Van Den Berg, CEO of Pharmafilter BV. “Mirel
has the performance properties for single-use plastic service
applications and it is biobased and biodegradable, so it is the
most appropriate solution for the Pharmafilter process.”
“Mirel’s broad range of applications and biodegradation
properties make it an ideal product to integrate with
anaerobic digestion systems for waste disposal and bioenergy
production,” said Bob Engle, General Manager, Telles. “We
are excited about our role in this innovative process for
the conversion of potentially harmful waste products into
bioenergy. In addition to the primary use of Mirel as a biobased
plastic for high performance service ware and packaging,
Mirel may offer a secondary value as an energy source arising
from its disposal through anaerobic digestion.”
Pharmafilter cooperates with its partners to realize its goal:
a cleaner hospital and a cleaner environment. Pharmafilter
utilizes water experts with skills ranging from pollution
to purification and receives important and indispensable
support in the Netherlands and in Europe. Partners include
the Ministries of Health, Welfare and Sport; VROM; Ministry of
Transport, Public Works and Water Management; Waterboard
Delfland; STOWA Reinier de Graaf Groep; Municipality of
Delft; European environment subsidy Life+; SenterNovem;
and BTG.
www.mirelplastics.com
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Application News
Forest Plant Container Made in Chile
www.udt.cl
In Chile the development of biodegradable materials dates back about a decade. One of the highlights in this area is the work
of the University of Concepción through the Technological Development Unit (UDT). In 2005 for example, UDT was involved in
the set-up of a pilot scale production of biodegradable polymers, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polylactic acid
(PLA). The raw material used for the bacterial fermentation of lactic acid was organic waste generated by the famous Chilean
wine industry, where the residue of the grapes was used as an organic substrate.
High Value for Forestry
Currently UDT, in conjunction with the Chilean companies Proyectos Plasticos and Forestal Minico, is developing a forestry
plant container from biodegradable composite materials consisting of PLA, wood waste and various additives. This development
has been motivated by an attractive market in Chile that has grown up around forest production and which uses polypropylene
plastic containers in nurseries for the development and transfer of seedlings into the forest. Here the seedlings are manually
removed from the container and planted in the ground, which can constitute a risk of damage to the seedlings. This in turn
leads to significant losses in the forestry sector, as up to 5% of seedlings are destroyed on average. To avoid such losses a
biodegradable container was delveloped that survives the nursery stage and can be planted together with the seedling in the
forest.
Technological innovation and concrete results
This technological innovation developed by UDT has led to a PLA-based material
with up to 50% wood flour content. Compared to pure PLA, this leads to lower
production costs, improved processability by injection moulding and an increased
rate of biodegradation.
The technology involves the production of biodegradable composite material
pellets in a co-rotating twin screw extruder, which produces a compound of the
components including additives to achieve a good compatibility between PLA and
wood, and to improve its mechanical properties and processability. The pellets are
then injection moulded by Proyectos Plasticos into forest containers.
In a second stage of this innovation nutrients are incorporated in the formulation
of the material, to be released in a controlled manner during the biodegradation
process in the soil, thereby improving plant growth.
The results of the biodegradation in line with ASTM 5338D have been established
in terms of weight loss and release of CO 2
as a product of microbial activity in about
120 days. MT
Bags for Electronic Road Toll Tags
www.inapol.cl
www.costaneranorte.cl
Inapol Ltda, Chile is a bag manufacturer who has already developed some products from bioplastics, for example Mater-Bi
from Novamont. Now they announced to be the first producer in Chile to launch a bag made 100% from bioplastic raw material
for a big client. “We have already made 150,000 bags of a Mater-Bi material that will be used by Costanera Norte to wrap
‘electronic tags’ for toll roads instead of using polypropylene,” says Sebastián Aguilar, Gerente Comercial of Inapol.
Due to heavy traffic and many congestions in Santiago, Chile had introduced a toll system for the use of interurban highways.
Toll roads are fully automated using electronic toll collection technology. This entails drivers fixing an electronic tag in their
vehicle which communicates with roadside equipment. These tags are distributed free of charge by the private operators of the
toll roads as part of their concession contract.
“This is the first initiative of a big company in our country in order to make concrete actions to promote renewable and biodegradable
materials, “ says Sebastián Aguilar. “Costanera Norte started a campaign to reduce CO 2
emissions, and they thought
that this bag could be a contribution for that purpose. We made that bag, and here in Chile is the first initiative to promote this
kind of materials.” MT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 37

Materials
Misleading Claims and Misuse
Proliferate in the Nascent
Article contributed by
Ramani Narayan
University Distinguished Professor
Michigan State University
Department of Chemical Engineering &
Materials Science
Chairman of ASTM Committee D20.96 on
Environmentally Degradable Plastics &
Biobased Products
Chairman of ISO/TC 61(Plastics)
SC1 (Terminology) and
US expert to TC 61/SC5/WG22 on
biodegradable plastics
Biodegradation takes place when microorganisms utilize
carbon substrates to extract chemical energy that drives
their life processes. The carbon substrates become ‘food’
which microorganisms use to sustain themselves. For this to occur,
the carbon substrate needs to be transported inside the cell.
Molecular weight is an important but not only criterion for transport
across cell membrane. Factors like hydrophobic-hydrophilic
balance, molecular and structural features also govern transport
across the cell membrane. Under aerobic conditions, the carbon
is biologically oxidized to CO 2
inside the cell releasing energy that
is harnessed by the microorganisms for its life processes. Under
anaerobic conditions, CO 2
+CH 4
are produced. Thus, a measure
of the rate and amount of CO 2
or CO 2
+CH 4
evolved as a function
of total carbon input to the process is a direct measure of the
amount of carbon substrate being utilized by the microorganism
(percent biodegradation). This is fundamental, basic biology and
biochemistry taught in freshman classes and can be found in any
biochemistry textbook. This forms the basis for various National
(ASTM, EN, OECD) and international (ISO) standards for measuring
biodegradability or microbial utilization of chemicals, and
biodegradable plastics [1,2].
It would seem obvious and logical from the above basic biology
lesson that to make a claim of biodegradability, all that one needs
to do is the following: Expose the test plastic substrate as the sole
carbon source to microorganisms present in the target disposal
environment (like composting, or soil or anaerobic digestion or
marine), and measure the CO 2
(aerobic) or CO 2
+CH 4
(anaerobic)
evolved. A measure of the evolved gas provides a direct measure of
the plastics substrate carbon being utilized by the microorganisms
present in the target disposal environment (% biodegradation).
ASTM and ISO test methods teach how to measure the percent
biodegradability in different disposal environments based, again,
on the fundamental biochemistry described above.
It has been claimed by a few companies for quite some time that
the addition of a low percent (about 1-5%) of proprietary additives
in the form of a masterbatch to polyethylene (PE), polypropylene
(PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
and other carbon chain polymers renders the carbon chain
polymer completely (the claim has been 100%) biodegradable
in both aerobic (composting, soil) and anaerobic (landfills)
environments – that would mean that 100% of the polymeric
carbon is completely utilized by microorganisms as measured by
the evolved CO 2
(aerobic) or CO 2
+CH 4
(anaerobic) – if this is true,
then such data should be provided to substantiate the claim.
There are two classes of additives being marketed – ‘oxo’ and
‘organic’ which are sold as masterbatch concentrates. The ‘oxo’
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Materials
of Standards Continues to
BioPlastics Industry Space
additive is supposed to promote chain scission, thereby
making the polymer small enough to be utilized by the
microorganisms present in the disposal environment. The
‘organic’ additive initiates or promotes microbial attack,
and that in some way triggers the microorganism to begin
breaking down the carbon-carbon backbone chain polymer.
Unfortunately, the scientific data and the literature do
not support the actual claims being made in the market
place. Many reports in the peer-reviewed literature include
‘biodegradation’ in the title; however, the meaning and
context of the term is very broadly and loosely applied. Let’s
look at several examples:
Evidence of microbial growth on the surface of the polymer
is reported as ‘biodegradable’ This is then extrapolated
by manufacturers to claim that their product is 100%
biodegradable, and some go onto claim that this can occur
anywhere from 9 months to 5 years.
Some studies use the ‘biodegradable’ term to indicate that
the PE samples were subjected to a biotic environment (soil,
compost) as part of their experimental procedure. They go
on to measure weight loss, molecular weight reductions,
carbonyl index, mechanical property loss (films becoming
brittle). Additive manufacturers reference these studies and
extrapolate to stating that their product is ‘completely (100%)
biodegradable’ in the environment based on weight loss and
physical, chemical, or mechanical property loss. However
the fundamental biology/biochemistry data showing carbon
utilization by the microorganisms as measured by the evolved
CO 2
(aerobic) or CO 2
+CH 4
(anaerobic) is missing.
A peer reviewed Chem Communication journal (an
established, well respected journal) paper [3] reported
increasing the rates of biodegradation of polyolefins, by
anchoring minute quantities of glucose, sucrose or lactose,
onto functionalized polystyrene. A mere 2-12% weight
loss and formation of carbonyl groups was evidence for
biodegradation.
In another peer reviewed scientific journal paper,
polyethylene and polypropylene were put in a composting
environment after solvent extraction to remove the
antioxidants present, and it was reported that PP lost 60%
mass over six months, whereas low density polyethylene lost
only 10%. It is well known that unstabilized PP will degrade
in the environment. Professor Scott summarizes this in his
book chapter as follows: PP biodegrades much more rapidly
than LDPE by mass loss in compost, and ethylene-propylene
copolymers biodegrade at rates intermediate between
polypropylene and ethylene. This implies that 60% of the PP
carbon has been utilized by microorganisms present in compost
What does Biodegradable Mean?
Can the microorganisms in the target disposal system (composting, soil, anaerobic
digestor) assimilate/utilize the carbon substrate as food source completely and in a short
defined time period?
Environment - soil, compost,
waste water plant, marine
Hydrolytic
Oxidative STEP 1
Enzymatic
Polymer chains with
susceptible linkages
Biodegradation (Step 2):
Only if all fragmented residues consumed
by microorganisms as a food & energy
source as measured by evolved CO 2
in
defined time and disposal environment
Oligomers & polymer fragments
Complete
microbial
assimilation
defined time
frame, no
residues
STEP 2
CO 2
+ H 2
O + Cell biomass
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 39

Materials
as measured by evolved CO 2
. However, no such data was available in the referenced
text [4,5].
There are many more examples where physical, chemical, and mechanical property
losses are used to claim ‘biodegradability’. In some papers microbial colonization or
biofilm formation is used to make claims of biodegradability. Weight loss, molecular
weight reductions, carbonyl index, mechanical property loss, biofilm formation,
microbial colonization do not confirm the microbial utilization of the polymeric carbon
substrate, nor does it provide the amount of carbon utilized or the time to complete
microbial utilization.
Misuse of Standards
There have been a number of standards developed by Standards writing
organizations like ASTM, EN, and ISO [6]. They are summarized below:
Biodegradability under composting conditions
• Specification Standards ASTM D6400, D6868, D7021
• Specification Standards EN 13432 (European Norm)
• Specification Standards ISO 17088 (International Standard)
Biodegradability under marine conditions
• Specification Standard D 7021
Biodegradability Test Methods – ASTM Standards
• Compost D5338
• Soil D5988
• Anaerobic digestors D5511, ISO15985 (Biogas energy)
• Accelerated landfill D5526
• Guide to testing plastics that degrade in the environment by a combination of
oxidation and biodegradation ASTM D6954
As discussed in the beginning all Standards for measuring biodegradability are
based on fundamental biochemistry principles outlined earlier of carbon utilization by
microorganisms as measured by the evolved CO 2
(aerobic) and CO 2
+CH 4
(anaerobic).
A specification standard provides the specifications for pass/fail and provides the
basis for making claims for example claims of compostability (biodegradability under
composting conditions) has to meet the ASTM, EN, or ISO specification standards.
There are also test methods to measure biodegradability under disposal conditions
as shown above. Test methods teach how to measure biodegradability under the
specific disposal environment. The results of such a test could be 0% or 100%
biodegradability or somewhere in between. There are additive based products
that claim to be in compliance with or pass ASTM D5526 or 5511. However, this
meaningless unless one provides the results obtained from the test – then one can
say that using ASTM D5511, I obtained xx% biodegradability.
ASTM D6954 is referenced in a number of oxo-degradable plastic claims. In an
article published in this magazine’s last issue, ASTM D6954 was identified as an
acknowledged and respected Standard Guide for performing laboratory tests on
oxo-biodegradable plastic. It is a generally accepted principle that Standards should
be followed in its entirety, not modified to suit one’s convenience or expediency or
only certain parts of the standard followed and applied. It is a three tiered testing
procedure - loss in properties and molecular weight by thermal and photooxidation
processes and other abiotic processes (Tier 1), measuring biodegradation (Tier 2),
and assessing ecological impact of the products from these processes (Tier 3). Key
points of this Standard are:
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Materials
• accelerated oxidation data must be obtained at temperatures
and humidity ranges typical in that chosen application
and disposal environment, for example, in soil (20 to 30°C)
• Tier 1 accelerated oxidation tests are not indicators of
biodegradability and should not be used for the purpose of
meeting the specifications as described in ASTM D 6400 and
claiming compostability or biodegradation during composting
• For determining biodegradation rates under composting
conditions, Specification D 6400 is to be used, including
test methods and conditions as specified
• Complete mass balances are to be reported in Tier 1
• Tier 2 report must state the following: Extent of
biodegradation (carbon dioxide evolution profile to plateau
as per standards) and expressed as a percentage of total
theoretical carbon balance
• Percentage of gel or other nondegradable fractions.
Basically, this means that pre-treatment of samples at 60-
70°C in a dry oven is not acceptable. It also means that Tier
1 cannot be performed alone, but both Tier 2 and 3 must be
completed. As indicated earlier, there are several references
to meeting D6954 however no data is provided, except maybe
Tier 1 data. However, claims of total biodegradability are
being made. This is misleading and false.
The recent 2009 paper by Odeja et al. titled ‘Abiotic and
Biotic degradation of oxo-biodegradable polyethylenes’ [7]
is closest to the D6954 procedures. The oxo-biodegradable
PE samples that were abiotically degraded in natural and
saturated humidity for one year were biodegraded in a
mixture of soil:compost:perlite (1:1:2) at 58°C for three
months. The percent biodegradability as measured by
evolved CO 2
was 3.61% (abiotic natural humidity) and 5.70%
(abiotic saturated humidity). The percent biodegradability for
samples weathered for one year in PP envelopes in compost
at 58°C was 12.4%, and at 25°C was 5.4% after three months.
Given this kind of almost negligible biodegradability data
after one year weathering and subsequent exposure to an
aggressive, biologically active compost environment for 3
months, it is surprising to note Professor Scott’s claim that
oxo products will totally biodegrade in the environment. The
above study shows that a significantly large amount of the
degraded plastics some of which could be microscopic would
be released into the environment.
Environmental & Health Consequences
Making hydrophobic polyolefin plastics like PE unstable
and degradable, and releasing them into the environment
without ensuring that the degraded fragments are completely
assimilated by the microbial populations in a short time
period, has the potential to harm the environment and
create human health risks. The fragments, some of which
could be microscopic can transport through the ecosystem
and potentially have serious environmental and health
consequences. In fact, stringent ‘REACH laws’ governing
the release of almost all chemicals (small molecules) are
becoming the norm in Europe and other countries including
Canada, require the chemical to be completely assimilated by
microorganisms in the ecosystem if it is to be released into
the environment.
In a recent Science article, Thompson et al. [8] reported
that plastic debris around the globe can erode (degrade) away
and end up as microscopic granular- or fibre-like fragments,
and that these fragments have been steadily accumulating
in the oceans. Their experiments show that marine animals
consume microscopic bits of plastic, as seen in the digestive
tract of an amphipod.
The Algalita Marine Research Foundation [9] reports that
degraded plastic residues can attract and hold hydrophobic
elements like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and
dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) up to 1 million times
background levels. The PCBs and DDTs are at background
levels in soil, and diluted out, so as to not pose significant risk.
However, degradable plastic residues with these high surface
areas concentrate these chemicals, resulting in a toxic legacy
in a form that may pose risks in the environment.
Japanese researchers [10] have similarly reported that
PCBs, DDE and nonylphenols (NP) can be detected in high
concentrations in degraded PP resin pellets collected from
four Japanese coasts. This work indicates that plastic
residues may act as a transport medium for toxic chemicals
in the marine environment
More recently the issues surrounding microscopic plastics
release into the environment and causing environmental and
human health problems was the subject of recent issue of
the Philosophical Transactions (of the Royal Society) B titled
“Plastics, the Environment, and Human Health” [11].
Conclusions
1. Incorporating biodegradability into plastics in concert with
targeted disposal system like composting or anaerobic
digestion offers an environmentally responsible end-oflife
value proposition.
2. Weight loss and other physical, chemical and mechanical
property reductions do not constitute a measure of the
percent biodegradation, although they may help in the
process.
3. Microbial assimilation/utilization of the substrate carbon
as measured by the evolved CO 2
(aerobic) and CO 2
+ CH 4
(anaerobic) is a measure of biodegradability.
4. Degradation or partial biodegradation is not an option as
it may have potential environmental and human health
consequences.
5. Complete biodegradation (microbial assimilation) of the
plastic substrate in the targeted disposal environment
(like composting) in a short defined time period is a
necessary requirement.
Note: A complete list of references can be downloaded from
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/201001
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 41

From Science & Research
Disposal of Bio-Polymers
via Energy Recovery
Article contributed by
Christian Laußmann, Umweltreferendar Land
Nordrhein-Westfalen
Bezirksregierung Münster, Germany
Hans-Josef Endres
FH Hannover, Germany
Ulrich Giese,
Dt. Inst. f. Kautschuktechn. e. V.
Hannover, Germany
Ann-Sophie Kitzler
Achilles Papierveredelung, Celle, Germany
Calorific values of bio-polymers
[MJ/kg]
Polyethylene (PE)
Polypropylene (PP)
Polystyrene (PS)
Polyamide (PA)
Polycarbonate (PA)
Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET)
Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Bio-polyethylene
Polycaprolactone (PCL) blend
Bio-polyester
Polyvinylalcohol (PVAL)
Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Polyester-PLA blend
Starch blend
Polylactide (PLA)
Cellulose derivative / blend
PP + 30% by wt. of wood flour
Fuel oil
Coal
Wood
Paper
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Fig 1. Measured calorific values of bio-polymers compared with
those of conventional plastics and petrochemical fuels [5]
References
[1] General literature on the calorific value of gasoline and
fuel oil
[2] Troitzsch, J.: The combustion behaviour of plastics:
basis, legislation, test procedures; Carl Hanser Verlag,
Munich, Vienna 1982.
[3] Kaminsky, W.; Rössler, H.; Sinn, H.: in KGK – Kautschuk
Gummi Kunststoffe magazine 44 (1991), pp. 846
[4] Endres, H.-J.; Hausmann, K.; Helmke, P.: Research
into the influence of various adhesion agents and their
content on PP/Wood compounds in: KGK – Kautschuk
Gummi Kunststoffe magazine 7/8 (2006), pp. 399-404.
[5] Endres, H.-J.; Siebert-Raths, A.: Technische
Biopolymere, Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich 2009
To achieve a maximum degree of sustainability for biopolymers,
even in the method of their disposal, there is
increasing discussion on the subject of cascade benefits
and CO 2
reduction costs in connection with so-called ‘end of life
options’ by adopting appropriate disposal options. The advantages
of the ‘incineration’ option as a method of disposal, as
opposed to simple waste disposal, is that additional energy recovery
benefits are achieved which in view of the overwhelming
bio-based component of bio-polymers represents a largely CO 2
neutral method of energy production. Alongside this contribution
to climate protection the incineration of bio-polymer waste
also contributes to resource conservation in that petrochemical
based sources of energy (e.g. heating oil and gasoline) can be
substituted [1].
From the point of view of environmental protection one
also needs to consider the question of the composition of the
combustion gases emitted by bio-polymers when considering
their incineration and energy potential.
Incineration of polymers
In general, incineration (or burning) refers to the reaction
of a substance in the presence of oxygen that is submitted to
increasing temperature. It is a catalytic, exothermic reaction
whose progress is maintained by the free radicals and heat
radiation that it emits [2]. Pyrolysis, on the other hand, is an
irreversible chemical breakdown resulting from increased
temperature without the presence of oxygen and with no
oxidation process [2, 3].
The significant factors that affect the composition of the
incineration gases are (i) the way in which energy is produced,
(ii) the amount of oxygen available (ventilation) and (iii) the
physical properties or chemical composition of the incinerated
materials.
Experiments
To carry out comparative experiments, in addition to various
bio-polymers, two conventional thermoplastics, polypropylene
(PP) and a natural fibre reinforced polymer (WPC - wood plastic
composite) with a high PP content (70%) and the coupling agent
maleic acid anhydride, were selected [4]. The conventional
polymers served as a reference against which one could evaluate
the performance of the bio-polymers. For the experiments biopolymers
from the following groups were selected:
• Various bio-polyesters
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Polycaprolactone
• Polylactide
• Starch polymers
• Cellulose polymers
• Bio-polyethylene
• Various polymer blends
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

From Science & Research
Results
a) Calorific values
In figure 1 the calorific values of the substances tested are
presented and compared with some conventional plastics, a
wood-filled plastic and various fuels.
The comparison of the calorific values shows that the biopolymers
tested are without exception suitable for thermal
recovery because their calorific values are at least as high
as that of wood and comparable to conventional polymers.
Furthermore, the calorific values of a certain few biopolymers
can compete with the values obtained from coal or
fuel oil. The values of the various bio-polymers are almost
always the same as the conventional plastics, i.e. they are
a factor of the fundamental composition of the polymer,
with the presence of oxidisable components (in the case of
the materials tested these were carbon and hydrogen) in
relation to the non-oxidisable components (in the case of the
materials tested these were water, and in particular oxygen or
nitrogen) being of major significance. Even the conventional
plastics polyamides and PET, have lower calorific values than
polypropylene and polyethylene, because of the heteroatoms
nitrogen and oxygen.
b) Emissions
When investigating the combustion emissions it was seen
that these were mainly influenced by the chemical composition
of the bio-polymers and the combustion temperature.
At the lower combustion temperature (400°C) the gases
in many cases exhibit, as expected, structural compositions
similar to those from the incinerated polymers. The
composition of the combustion gas hence consists, in a large
part, of the relevant monomers, oligomers and chain breaks
which are partially oxidised to form aldehydes and ketones.
And so the bio-polymers emit the corresponding carbonic
acid esters, caprolactone in the case of polycaprolactone and
dilactide and lactide oligomers in the case of polylactides.
With increasing temperature of combustion the increased
atomization of the fuel fragments the structural relationship
between polymers and the associated combustion product is
reduced.
A general view of the influence exerted by the combustion
temperature on the bio-polymer tested, and on PP as a
classic petrochemical olefin, is given in table 1.
Combustion gas
Structural relationship
to the original polymer
Key factor in the type of
combustion emission
Product spectrum
Completeness of
combustion
(Eco)toxological hazard
of the substances
Combustion
temperature 400°C
Often present
Fundamental elements
and polymer structure
Diversified several
substance groups
Combustion
temperature 800°C
Hardly ever present
Almost exclusively
fundamental elements
Very little diversification
aromatic compounds
dominant
Lower Higher more CO 2
,
CO and H 2
O than the
break-up product
Less frequent incidence More significant
incidence
Table 1: Comparative impact of temperature on the character of the
combustion gases
Amongst the combustion gases from almost all of
the polymers tested certain substances classified as
(eco)toxologically critical were found, with the aromatics
benzene, toluene and naphthaline being the most common.
The formation of these substances is observed principally at
the 800°C combustion temperature, but also, to a reduced
extent, at 400°C. In this connection it is important to note that
the formation of these critical substances is not limited to the
purely hydrocarbon based plastics such as PP, but that the
substances were detected in the combustion gases of almost
all of the tested polymers, i.e. also in those containing oxygen.
At the higher combustion temperatures it can be seen that
the dependency of composition of a polymer‘s combustion
gases of the elementary structure of the polymer is reduced,
and that the origin of the raw materials is of no significance.
Furthermore, the fact that a renewable source for the raw
materials is of no significance in determining the nature of
the combustion gas, is seen in the example of bio-PE where
the same products were identified in the combustion gas
as those seen in the combustion gas of conventional PE.
The composition of the combustion gases is therefore not
determined by the raw material basis but above all by the
elementary composition of the polymer.
Summary
The evaluation of the test results showed that the biopolymer
materials tested for their calorific value are without
exception suitable for thermal energy recovery. As with other
materials and fuels, the calorific value and the composition
of the combustion gas of a bio-polymer is in principal
determined only by the elementary composition of the
material and any additives. With regard to the composition
of the combustion gas, even with bio-polymers a few
(eco)toxicologically critical substances were identified. The
fact that a substance is biodegradable does not necessarily
mean that when such a substance is burned there will be
no emission of (eco)toxicologically critical substances. But
in this context it should should however be pointed out that
these types of decomposition products also occur during
thermal energy recovery of conventional plastics and even
natural materials such as wood.
In addition the general recognition that the higher
combustion temperature of 800°C is not favourable from
an ecotoxicological point of view in terms of the combustion
gases produced, has been confirmed. When burning biopolymers
there is no higher potential for the emission of
hazardous substances than when burning conventional
domestic and trade waste.
Biobased polymers do however have an additional
decisive advantage: burning bio-polymers is a largely CO 2
neutral source of energy creation thanks to their basis of
overwhelmingly renewable raw materials, and hence the
burning of bio-polymers represents a logical and sustainable
waste disposal system with an additional energy cascade
benefit.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 43

Basics
Basics
of Cellulosics
Article contributed by
S. Zepnik, A. Kesselring, R. Kopitzky, C. Michels,
all Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Oberhausen, Germany
CH 2
OH
H OH
O
H
H
O
OH H
OH H
H
H H
O
O
H OH
CH 2
OH
n
Fig. 1: Molecular structure of cellulose [3].
S
OH
O
HO
S
OH
O
O
NaOH + CS 2
O O O
OR
O C
S - Na +
O
O
O
O
OH HO OH n
RO OR RO OR
R = C
S - Na +
Fig. 2: Treatment of cellulose with alkali and carbon disulfide [5].
Cellulose, as a major component of plants, is the
most abundant raw material and therefore one
of the oldest and most widely used chemical in
the world. Cellulose (Fig. 1) is a polysaccharide consisting
of anhydroglucose units (D-glucose units) linked together
by ß-(14) glycosidic bonds to form linear chain
structures [1]. The degree of crystallinity and the crystal
structure depends on the origin and pretreatment of
the cellulose. In general the polymer is not processable
as a thermoplastic, it is very stiff and is insoluble in water
and most common organic solvents as a result of
the very strong hydrogen bond network formed by the
hydroxyl groups and the ring and bridge oxygen atoms
[1]. The cohesion between the chains is favoured by the
high spatial regularity of the hydrogen-bond forming
parts [2].
Cellulose is derived either from wood pulp or cotton
linters by delignification in a multi-step process
and because of its unprocessable behaviour the raw
cellulose is modified. The modification of cellulose is
often combined with depolymerisation by oxidation,
acid or alkaline reactions and laundering [3].
Viscose solutions, cellulose esters and ethers are
the major groups of chemically modified cellulose
derivatives. They have been used in a wide range of
applications such as fibres, films or plastics.
Viscose Solutions
Pure cellulose is treated with a strong base e.g. sodium
hydroxide (‘alkalization’) and then mixed together with
carbon disulfide to obtain cellulose xanthate (Fig. 2)
[4]. This viscose is extruded into an acid solution either
through a slit die to produce cellophane or through a
spinneret to receive rayon fibres.
Rayon was the first man-made manufactured fibre
based on renewable raw cellulose. Today there are two
basic processes to produce rayon – the viscose method
and the cupramonium method (cuprammonium silk).
Other methods such as the nitrocellulose process are
negligible due to their inefficiency. Different types of
rayon – regular rayon, high wet modulus rayon, high
tenacity rayon, crupamonium rayon – can be produced.
The properties of rayon fibres are more similar to those
of other natural fibres such as cotton rather than those
of thermoplastic fibres such as nylon. Rayon exhibits a
silk-like appearance coupled with a good maintenance
of its brilliant colours [6]. As a natural fibre, rayon is
a highly moisture absorbent and breathable material
which is easy to dye. The fibre shows antistatic
behaviour and does not pill during fabrication [6]. In
general, rayon as a cellulose-based fibre shows high
flammability but the use of a flame retardant can
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Basics
improve the flame protection. A major advantage is its ability and versatility
to blend with other fibres. Rayon is used in a wide range of applications, e.g.
yarns, textiles or reinforcements (Fig. 3).
Cellophane
Cellophane is a cellulose-based thin and highly transparent film made
from viscose solutions under special process condition to obtain a nonbrittle
plasticized film. Finally the film is dried and rolled up through heated
mills. In the 90’s the Fraunhofer Institute IAP developed a new process
based on an amine oxide method to produce blown films from cellophane
[7]. Thanks to its biodegradability and low permeability to air, oils, greases,
and bacteria but with a coincidental high permeability to water vapour,
cellophane is widely used for food packaging. The films are printable and
weldable. Further applications of cellophane are self-adhesive tapes, semipermeable
membranes or even displays. Cellophane is a brand of Innovia
Films Ltd (Cumbria, UK) [8].
Fig. 3: Example of Rayon yarn (photo: Wikipedia)
Cellulose Esters (organic and inorganic)
Due to its structure with three reactive OH-groups on each anhydroglucose
units, cellulose can be transformed into various numbers of organic and
inorganic acid esters [9]. However industrial esterification is limited to
derivatives with reproducible properties. Therefore esterified organic esters
are obtained only from a small range of saturated aliphatic organic acids
with up to four carbon atoms [9]. The most important organic cellulose
esters which are in large-scale production are cellulose (di)acetate (CA),
cellulose (tri)acetate (CTA), cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and cellulose
acetate propionate (CAP). CA, CAB and CAP are white amorphous materials
whereas CTA is semi-crystalline. They are commercially available as
powders or flakes [9]. Major suppliers of the raw esters are Acetati Spa,
Celanese, Daicel, Eastman or Rhodia.
Property CA CAB CAP
Density [g/cm³] 1,23 - 1,32 1,16 - 1,21 1,19 - 1,21
Flexural Modulus [MPa] 758 - 4210 827 - 1790 1160 - 1860
Tensile Strength [MPa] 39,5 - 125 15,9 - 51,5 22,1 - 41,5
Tensile Elongation [%] 2,2 - 70 30 - 51 3 - 45
Rockwell Hardness 38 - 112 40 - 83 55 - 96
Notched Izod Impact [J/m] 51 - 195 80 - 534 80,6 - 533
Table 1: Some properties of CA, CAB and CAP [according to 10]. Fluctuation range is
due to plastizer and additive content
They are non-toxic, odorless and less flammable than nitrocellulose.
Furthermore these esters show good resistance to weak acids, mineral
and fatty oils as well as petroleum [9]. Typical properties of CA, CAB and
CAP are compared in table 1. Because of the narrow window between the
melting and decomposition temperature as well as the strong interactions
between the non-esterified OH-groups these cellulose esters must
be additivated to produce thermoplastic materials. The easiest way is
plasticization, whereas blending is another possibility [11], but due to high
hydrogen Hansen solubility parameters blending is limited. On the other
hand the incorporation of a second substituent into CA (e.g. CAB) weakens
the strong hydrogen network and enhances the miscibility with plasticizers
or polymers. Therefore the mouldability and modification of CAB and CAP
is generally better than for CA.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 45

Basics
Virgin CA has a high glass transition with a degree of polymerization (DP)
around 300, a high transparency, stiffness and chemical resistance. These
properties are favourable for solvent-resistant and grease-resistant coatings
(paper products, wires or fabrics), fibres, lacquers (electrical insulation or
capacitors) or filter tows [12;13]. In 2002, the total consumption of CA flakes
in the United States, Western Europe, Japan, and China was 655,000 tonnes
[13]. Raw CAB is used as binders in protective and decorative coatings for
instance for. textiles, paper, plastics or metals because of its excellent
colour, toughness, flexibility, flow control and weather resistance [12]. Pure
CAP exhibits properties between CA and CAB that make it useful for inks,
varnishes or coatings [12]. Furthermore CAP is highly effective to disperse
pigments since it is stable to UV-light and does not react with metallic
pigments or fluorescent substances.
Plastics made of CA, CAB or CAP can be used for different processing
technologies including injection moulding or extrusion, to manufacture a
wide range of products such as cosmetic or personal care containers, tool
or toothbrush handles, displays, optical safety frames and profiles (Fig. 4).
The most important producers of cellulose ester compounds are Albis
Plastic GmbH (Cellidor CP, Cellidor CB), Eastman (Tenite Acetate, Tenite
Butyrate, Tenite Propionate), FKuR GmbH (BIOGRADE), Mazzucchelli
(Sethilithe, Plastiloid, Bioceta) and Rotuba (Auracell, Naturacell).
Further applications of cellulose esters are liquid crystalline solutions [11].
CTA dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid or
trifluoroacetic acid and dichloromethane exhibits brilliant iridescence, high
optical rotation and viscosity-temperature profiles characteristic of a typical
anisotropic phase containing liquid crystalline solutions [13]. Wet spinning
of these solutions results in fibres with significantly higher strength than
conventional cellulose ester based fibres.
Fig. 4: Example products made of
BIOGRADE (FKuR GmbH)
Nitrocellulose
Nitrocellulose (NC) is the most important inorganic cellulose ester. It
has been produced for more than 150 years by nitrating cellulose through
exposure to nitric acid or other nitrating agent (often a mixture of nitric and
sulphuric acid). The density of NC increases with the DS (DS is between
1.8 and 2.8) and ranges from 1.5 to 1.7 g/cm³ [14]. In general, cellulose
nitrates are white, transparent and non-toxic but show high flammability or
even deflagration due to friction or shock. Because of its flammability this
inorganic cellulose ester is used in military explosives [14]. With a dielectric
constant of about 7 and a specific resistance of 10 11 to 10 12 Ω/cm, industrial
NC is considered to be a good insulator. The mixture with camphor as
plasticizer was the first thermoplastic compound to produce flexible films
for X-ray or photo applications (Eastman Kodak). They show excellent filmforming
properties with an elongation at break from 3 to 70% and a tensile
strength from 50 to 100 N/mm² [14]. Today cellulose nitrate is often used in
lacquer, coating or printing ink applications because of its good adhesive
and mechanical properties. NC is compatible with many other raw materials
including plasticizers (e.g. phthalates), polymers (e.g. polyesters), pigments
or additives. The total annual production of NC amounts to approximately
150.000 tonnes [14]. DOW Chemical (DOW Wolff), Hagedorn NC and Nobel
Nitrocellulose are major suppliers of NC.
Cellulose Ethers
Cellulose ethers are derived from alkylation of pure cellulose by the
reaction with alkylating reagents usually in presence of a base (generally
sodium hydroxide) and an inert diluent (Fig. 5). The base, in combination
with water, activates the cellulose matrix by destroying hydrogen-bonded
46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Basics
Cellulose
Sodium hydroxide
Water
Organic diluent
Alkylating reagent(s)
Aqueous diluents or water
Reaction Purification Drying Grinding Packout
By-products,
organic diluent,
water
Organic diluent,
water
Fig. 5: General operation scheme for the production of
cellulose ethers [15].
crystalline domains and increasing accessibility to the
alkylating reagent. The activated matrix is often defined as
alkali cellulose. [15].
The most important cellulose ethers are watersoluble
and therefore a key additive in many water-based
formulations to control the rheology (e.g. thickening or flow
behaviour). Water-binding (absorbency, retention), colloid
and suspension stabilization, film formation, lubrication and
gelation are further valuable properties. Therefore cellulose
ethers still have a broad range of applications including
coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, adhesives, printings,
ceramics, textiles or papers [15]. In 2000 the total worldwide
consumption of cellulose ethers was around 371,000
tonnes.
Methyl, ethyl and benzyl cellulose have been available
since the mid-1930s and are soluble in organic solvents.
Water-soluble cellulose ethers like sodium carboxymethyl
cellulose or hydroxyethyl cellulose have grown rapidly in
the past decades since their investigation. In addition to
dry powders, cellulose ethers are also supplied in liquid
forms such as fluidized suspensions or water solutions.
Most types of ethers contain mixed substituents (e.g.
hydroxylethyl cellulose) to enhance or adjust the properties
of monosubstituted derivatives. In general, cellulose ethers
are non-toxic and no adverse environmental factors are
reported.
Ethyl cellulose (EC) is a nonionic, water-insoluble but
organo-soluble polymer with a specific gravity of 1.12 to
1.15 g/cm³ [15]. Furthermore it is colourless, odorless and
tasteless with a melting point around 160°C. Typical tensile
strength lies between 46 and 72 MPa, whereas the elongation
at break ranges from 7 to 30 % [15]. It is manufactured
by the reaction of alkali cellulose with a large amount of
ethylene chloride and sodium hydroxide. EC has a wide
range of applications from food through pharmaceutical to
personal care including water barriers, rheology modifiers,
binders, flexible film formers, masking or time-release
agents. Moreover EC provides excellent thermoplasticity
and modification behaviour by using plasticizers, waxes
or other polymers. Therefore, the polymer is available for
conventional thermoplastic processing technologies such
as extrusion, laminating or moulding. The major producers
of EC are DOW Chemical (DOW Wolff) and Hercules.
Methyl cellulose (MC) is a nonionic, surface-active and
water-soluble polymer with a high melting point around
290°C [15]. The tensile strength runs from 58 to 79 MPa and
the elongation at break ranges from 10 to 15 % [15]. MC is
produced through reaction of alkali cellulose with methylene
chloride. Major suppliers of MC as well as mixed methyl
cellulose ethers (e.g. hydroxylpropyl methyl cellulose) are
Clariant, Cognis, DOW Chemical (DOW Wolff), Hercules,
or Shin-Etsu Chemical. MC and its derivatives are used as
thickeners, binder, adhesive, coatings or stabilizer [15].
Sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose (CMC), also known as
cellulose gum, is an anionic mixed cellulose ether with a
wide range of substitution. CMC is soluble in hot and cold
water whereas it is not soluble in organic solvents. Solutions
of CMC tend to be pseudoplastic or thixotropic depending
on the molecular weight [16]. It is produced by reaction of
sodium chloroacetate with alkali cellulose. The molecular
weight of CMC ranges from 9 x 10 4 to 7 x 10 5 and has a high
water binding capacity. In general, CMC is an extremely
versatile polymer for food applications, as adhesives, in
pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ceramics or paper products
[15]. CMC is produced by a large number of suppliers
worldwide, e.g. Daicel, DOW Chemical (DOW Wolff), Hercules,
Lamberti, Penn Carbose.
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
References
[1] T. Heinze, et al.: Esterification of Polysaccharides, Springer,
2006.
[2] D. Klemm, et al.: Comprehensive Cellulose Chemistry
– Volume 1: Fundamentals and Analytical Methods, WILEY-
VCH, 1998.
[3] E. Ott, et al.: Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives, 2nd Edition,
Interscience Publishers, 1954.
[4] H. Krässig, et al.: Cellulose, in: Ullmann‘s Encyclopedia of
Industrial Chemistry, WILEY Interscience, 2004.
[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rayon [04.12.2009].
[6] http://www.swicofil.com/viscose.html [30.11.2009].
[7] http://idw-online.de/de/news2591 [04.12.2009].
[8] http://www.innoviafilms.com/ [04.12.2009].
[9] K. Balser, et al.: Cellulose esters, in: Ullmann‘s Encyclopedia
of Industrial Chemistry, WILEY Interscience, 2004.
[10] http://www.ides.com/generics/CA/CA_typical_properties.htm
[06.12.2009].
[11] L. B. Bottenbruch: 3. Technische Thermoplaste: Polycarbonate,
Polyacetale, Polyester, Celluloseester, in G. W. Becker, D.
Braun: Kunststoff-Handbuch, Hanser Verlag, 1992.
[12] Eastman cellulose-based speciality polymers, Eastman
Chemical Company, www.eastman.com [06.12.2009].
[13] K. J. Edgar: Cellulose esters, organic, Vol. 9, in H. F. Mark:
Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Part III, Vol.
9-12, 3rd edition, WILEY Interscience, 2004, pp 129-158.
[14] D. Klemm et al.: Comprehensive Cellulose Chemistry – Volume
2: Functionalization of Cellulose, WILEY-VCH, 1998.
[15] T. G. Majewicz, et al.: Cellulose ethers, Vol. 5, in H. F. Mark:
Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Part II, Vol.
5-8, 3rd edition, WILEY Interscience, 2004, pp 507-532.
[16] Ethocel – Ethylcellulose Polymers: Technical Handbook, DOW
Cellulosics, 2005, www.dow.com [11.12.2009].
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 47

Politics
Bioplastics
Situation in Brazil
Article contributed by:
João Carlos de Godoy Moreira
CEO, Biomater Eco-Materiais
São Carlos, SP, Brazil
Décio Escobar de Oliveira Ladislau
Economist
Master in Environmental Science
author of the Blog Bioplastic News
The Brazilian bioplastics industry demonstrates its potential: new
production facilities are ready to go, new applications are in the final
stage of development and the market is gaining the attention of
the government. But there is still a lack of specific legislation, and a lack
of consumer and media understanding.
This article tries to summarise the background to the technical and
market developments which have made biobased and biodegradable
plastics a reality today. Biobased and biodegradable plastics caught
the attention of the mainstream media when several municipalities,
in very different Brazilian states, started to promote municipal and
state legislation banning ‘normal‘ plastic bags, or to grant benefits for
biodegradable and compostable products or for those with a potential
carbon footprint advantage.
Last year there were 44 initiatives, at all levels of government, with regard
to legislation in favour of biodegradable plastics. Apparently independent
from each other, these initiatives were the start of a movement in favour
of, and a general discussion on, biodegradable plastics in the media and in
government. While some legislative projects promoted ‘oxo-degradable‘
plastics, showing a lack of information of the legislators, other federal
Environment Ministry representatives are quite well informed and have
made clear statements on this subject. Two representatives from the
petrochemicals and plastics industry, Plastivida and National Plastic
Institute (INP), have also made clear their derogatory view of ‘oxodegradable’
plastic and support the general negative consensus on these
materials. A Solid Wastes National Policy project is currently at the stage
of final debate in the National Congress and a consensus about the right
initiatives is near.
Recently, some companies directly involved in the compostable
bioplastics business (BASF, Corn Products, Innovia, Biomater Eco-
Materiais, Rodenburg Biopolymers, Natur-Tec and CBPack) got together
and formed ABICOM - the Brazilian Association of Compostable Plastics.
The main aims of this new association are education, and promotion
48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Bioplastics@
interpack 2011
Düsseldorf, 12-18 May 2011
Your Way to interpack:
www.interpack.com
of biopolymers and compostable plastics in general.
Legislative initiatives will be supported and a ‘compostable
logo‘, based on a third party certification program, is to be
established. This is to be backed by the Brazilian standard
ABNT NBR 15448, which corresponds to ASTM D6400 and
EN13432 standards.
Following the examples from ABA (the Australasian
Bioplastics Association) and TBIA (the Thailand
Bioplastics Industry Association), ABICOM will endeavour
to work in close cooperation with the successful and well
structured European Bioplastics Association. Headed
by Veruska Regolin (Innovia Films), ABICOM is about
to start inviting others players (converters, end users,
consumers, bioplastics and raw material producers,
NGO’s), from all sectors involved in the development of
this supply chain, to join forces. The goals are to pursue
the dialogue with the government, support the education
process and install a certification system with an official
‘compostable and biobased logo‘ for correct identication
and traceability of certified products.
Meanwhile, a number of compostable bioplastics
start-up companies in Brazil are preparing themselves
for the business ahead. Joint ventures are being formed
and all the major players are now scaling up pilot plants
or launching their new bioplastic businesses on an
industrial scale. The first items produced from bioplastics
materials were introduced to the market about 4 or 5
years ago, mostly in the form of packaging and shopping
bags. Many of them were, and still are, produced in
pilot plants or using imported raw materials. Recently
several new and different bioplastic products have been
launched onto market. The market is moving quickly and
the strongest point is that Brazil has an abundance of
clean energy and a huge capacity to produce renewable
agricultural resources on a very competitive basis.
Examples are starches, sugar cane, tobacco, vegetable
oils, or cellulose for PLA, TPS, PHA and other biopolymer
product families.
Also the technologies related to ethanol and vegetable
oil conversion have become commercially available. The
Book noW!
closing Date:
28 Feb. 2010
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 49

Politics
ethanol produced in Brazil today (about 23 billion litres per year) uses only 1.5%
of the arable land. Brazil is working to double productivity in the same area
by investing in technological improvements, without using genetically modified
sugar cane. This means that the use of cane sugar is not impacting the balance
of food production. The crops to produce biofuels are harvested far away from
the rainforests and conservation areas, occupying about 10 million hectares of a
total of 1.6 billion hectares of arable land.
Worldwide production of bioplastics on a commercial level has raised
concerns about possible competition for natural resources and land. Brazil is
trying to convince the global community that it is indeed possible to produce
food, beverages, biomaterials, natural fibres, fuel and electricity in some cases
from agricultural products, in a competitive and sustainable way. Thus there is
no place for the last remnants of neo-Malthusians who want to bury advances
being made in agricultural technology.
Issues such as these promise to generate less controversy on such a scale at
the start the production of bioplastics from non-food biomass, such as bagasse
from cane sugar or agricultural waste or tobacco. Another strong point in
Brazil‘s favour is that biofuel production could also provide a platform for the socalled
second generation of bioplastics, which can also use the lignin, cellulose
(biomass), glycerine and other by-products of biodiesel and others.
The petrochemical company Braskem is a pioneer in the large-scale production
of a sustainable plastic resin made from ethanol, well known in Brazil as
‘Green Plastic‘. However, there are more investment projects by petrochemical
companies in biobased polymers, the most significant in the short-term being:
• Braskem: 200,000 tonnes per annum of HDPE made from ethanol. Investments
of US$ 150 millions. Start-up in 2010.
• Dow Chemical and Cristalsev: 350,000 tonnes per annum of LLDPE made
from ethanol. Investment of US$ 1 billion. Start-up in 2011.
• Solvay: 60,000 tonnes per annum of PVC in 2011 based on ethanol.
• Quattor: 100,000 tonnes per annum in 2012 of propylene based on glycerine
for PP production.
• Oxiteno: Production of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol from the
hydrogenolysis of sugar cane. ‘Biorefinery concept’ using 50,000 hectares,
enough to produce 4 million tonnes of cane per year. Estimated investment
of US$ 300 million.
Apparently the development of technology in many fields of biopolymers is not
a problem for Brazil. There has been a lot of investment and work carried out
for a long period of time in universities, research centres and private companies.
In addition there is a great effort by the government in funding research for
industry and academia.
Especially in this kind of industry the use of renewable resources will be
based on the sustainability triangle (economic, social and environmental). This
opens the market for further agricultural activities providing more than food
and animal feed, thus helping to balance the complicated competitiveness of
this sector which is subject to the weather and its consequences in harvest
productivity and final prices. And better than that, this will create thousands
of new ‘green jobs‘ in these agro-idustries. Brazil is very committed to being a
society living with low-carbon emissions in the near future. And of course this
new industry, in conjunction with sustainable management of agriculture, has
much to contribute to this scenario.
www.biomater.com.br
50 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

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bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 51

Event
Calender
Feb. 17 , 2010
CO 2
-Emissionshandel nach 2012 -
die Konsequenzen des Klimagipfels von Kopenhagen
Westhafen Tower (Beiten Burkhardt),
Frankfurt/M., Germany
www.agrion.org
Feb. 24 , 2010
Algenbiomasse - Eine ökologische und
ökonomische Perspektive für Hessen
Darmstadt, EUMETSAT Zentrale,
Darmstadt, Germany
www.cib-frankfurt.de
March 3-4, 2010
25. Internationales
Kunststofftechnisches Kolloquium
Eurogress, Aachen, Germany
www.ikv-kolloquium.de
March 8-10, 2010
GPEC 2010 - Global Plastics
Environmental Conference
The Florida Hotel & Conference Center Orlando,
Florida, USA
www.4spe.org
March 14-16, 2010
3rd Workshop ,,Fats and Oils as Renewable
Feedstock for the Chemical Industry“
Emden / Germany
www.abiosus.org
March 15-17, 2010
Worldbiofuels Markets
Amsterdam / Netherlands
www.worldbiofuelsmarkets.com
March 15-17, 2010
4th annual Sustainability in
Packaging Conference & Exhibition
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, Florida, USA
www.sustainability-in-packaging.com
March 16-17, 2010
EnviroPlas 2010
Brussels, Belgium
www.ismithers.net
March 31 - April 01, 2010
Bioplastics and Green Composites 2010 Workshop
Delta Hotel, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
www.bioplastics2010.com
April 13-15, 2010
Innovation Takes Root 2010
The Four Seasions - Dallas, Texas, USA
www.InnovationTakesRoot.com
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Events
April 16-18, 2010
CannaTrade - International Hemp Fair
Basel / Schweiz
www.cannatrade.com
April 19-21, 2010
CHINAPLAS 2010 - Green Plastics .
Our Goal . Our Future
Industrial Forum
Shanghai New International Expo
Center, Pudong, Shanghia, China
www.chinaplasonline.com
April 20-22, 2010
7th Wood-Plastic Composites 2010
Vienna / Austria
www.amiplastics.com
May 02-04, 2010
11th International Conference
on Biocomposites
Toronto / Canada
www.biocomposites-toronto.com
May 03-07, 2010
18th European Biomass Conference
and Exhibition
Frankreich / Lyon
www.conference-biomass.com
May 06, 2010
Nachwachsende Rohstoffe
und pflanzliche Chemie
Frankfurt/Main, Germany
www.agrion.org
June 07-09, 2010
6th International Conference on
Renewable Resources & Biorefineries
Düsseldorf / Germany
www.rrbconference.com
June 22-23, 2010
8th Global WPC and Natural Fibre
Composites Congress an Exhibition
Fellbach (near Stuttgart), Germany
www.wpc-nfk.de
Sept. 09-10, 2010
8th International Symposium „Raw
Materials from Renewable Resources“
Erfurt, Germany
www.narotech.de
April 20-21, 2010
3. Biowerkstoffkongress
Hannover-Messe 2010, Germany
www.biowerkstoff-kongress.de
April 22-23, 2010
7th European Thermoforming
onference
Hilton Hotel, Antwerpen, Belgium
www.e-t-d.org
May 17-19, 2010
3rd International Conference
on Engineering for Waste and
Biomass Valorisation
Beijing / China
www.wasteeng10.org
www.plastico.com
Werbeanzeige:210x148,5 26.01.2010 13:59 Uhr Seite 1
May 26-27, 2010
Envase Sostenible
(i.e. Sustainable Packaging)
Sheraton Hotel, Bogotá, Colombia
Sept. 10-12, 2010
naro.tech 2010
Erfurt, Germany
www.narotech.de
Oct. 27 - Nov. 03, 2010
K‘ 2010 - International trade Fair No.1
for Plastics & Rubber Worldwide
Düsseldorf, Germany
www.k-online.de/
Bilder: nova-Institut
www.biowerkstoff-kongress.de
Dritter Biowerkstoff-Kongress 2010
International Congress on Bio-based Plastics and Composites
20. – 21. April 2010, HANNOVER MESSE, Convention Center, Raum 2
Partner
Media Partner
Bio-based products are based completely or in relevant quantities on agrarian commodities or wood.
Typically bio-based products are made of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC), Naturalfibre Reinforced Plastics
and Bio-based Plastics. Besides, the congress has the following main topics:
■ Industries and applications
■ Marktsituaton and trends
■ Processing procedures and material qualities
■ Research and development
Practically oriented for developers, producers, trades and users.
Further information regarding the innovation award on bio-based products 2010, programme and re gistration
at: www.biowerkstoff-kongress.de
Organiser
Contact: Dominik Vogt, Tel.: +49 (0) 2233 4814– 49, dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de
You can meet us!
Please contact us in advance by e-mail.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 53
nova-Institut GmbH | Chemiepark Knapsack | Industriestrasse | 50354 Huerth | Germany | contact@nova-institut.de | www.nova-institut.de/nr

Basics
Glossary
In bioplastics MAGAZINE again and again
the same expressions appear that some of our
readers might (not yet) be familiar with. This
glossary shall help with these terms and shall
help avoid repeated explanations such as ‘PLA
(Polylactide)‘ in various articles.
Bioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics
e.V.) is a term used to define two different
kinds of plastics:
a. Plastics based on renewable resources (the
focus is the origin of the raw material used)
b. à Biodegradable and compostable plastics
according to EN13432 or similar standards
(the focus is the compostability of the final
product; biodegradable and compostable
plastics can be based on renewable (biobased)
and/or non-renewable (fossil) resources).
Bioplastics may be
- based on renewable resources and biodegradable;
- based on renewable resources but not be
biodegradable; and
- based on fossil resources and biodegradable.
Amylopectin | Polymeric branched starch
molecule with very high molecular weight
(biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose)
[bM 05/2009].
Amyloseacetat | Linear polymeric glucosechains
are called à amylose. If this compound
is treated with ethan acid one product
is amylacetat. The hydroxyl group is connected
with the organic acid fragment.
Amylose | Polymeric non-branched starch
molecule with high molecular weight (biopolymer,
monomer is à Glucose) [bM 05/2009].
Biodegradable Plastics | Biodegradable
Plastics are plastics that are completely assimilated
by the à microorganisms present a
defined environment as food for their energy.
The carbon of the plastic must completely be
converted into CO 2 during the microbial process.
For an official definition, please refer to
the standards e.g. ISO or in Europe: EN 14995
Plastics- Evaluation of compostability - Test
scheme and specifications. [bM 02/2006, bM
01/2007].
Blend | Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at
least two microscopically dispersed and molecularly
distributed base polymers.
Carbon neutral | Carbon neutral describes a
process that has a negligible impact on total
atmospheric CO 2 levels. For example, carbon
neutrality means that any CO 2 released when
a plant decomposes or is burnt is offset by an
equal amount of CO 2 absorbed by the plant
through photosynthesis when it is growing.
Cellophane | Clear film on the basis of à cellulose.
Cellulose | Polymeric molecule with very high
molecular weight (biopolymer, monomer is
à Glucose), industrial production from wood
or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and
fibres.
Compost | A soil conditioning material of
decomposing organic matter which provides
nutrients and enhances soil structure.
(bM 06/2008, 02/2009)
Compostable Plastics | Plastics that are biodegradable
under ‘composting’ conditions:
specified humidity, temperature, à microorganisms
and timefame. Several national
and international standards exist for clearer
definitions, for example EN 14995 Plastics
- Evaluation of compostability - Test scheme
and specifications [bM 02/2006, bM 01/2007].
Composting | A solid waste management
technique that uses natural process to convert
organic materials to CO 2 , water and humus
through the action of à microorganisms
[bM 03/2007].
Copolymer | Plastic composed of different
monomers.
Cradle-to-Gate | Describes the system
boundaries of an environmental àLife Cycle
Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities
from the ‘cradle’ (i.e., the extraction of raw
materials, agricultural activities and forestry)
up to the factory gate
Cradle-to-Cradle | (sometimes abbreviated
as C2C): Is an expression which communicates
the concept of a closed-cycle economy,
in which waste is used as raw material (‘waste
equals food’). Cradle-to-Cradle is not a term
that is typically used in àLCA studies.
Cradle-to-Grave | Describes the system
boundaries of a full àLife Cycle Assessment
from manufacture (‘cradle’) to use phase and
disposal phase (‘grave’).
Fermentation | Biochemical reactions controlled
by à microorganisms or enyzmes (e.g.
the transformation of sugar into lactic acid).
Gelatine | Translucent brittle solid substance,
colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless
and odorless, extracted from the collagen inside
animals‘ connective tissue.
Glucose | Monosaccharide (or simple sugar).
G. is the most important carbohydrate (sugar)
in biology. G. is formed by photosynthesis or
hydrolyse of many carbohydrates e. g. starch.
Humus | In agriculture, ‘humus’ is often used
simply to mean mature à compost, or natural
compost extracted from a forest or other
spontaneous source for use to amend soil.
Hydrophilic | Property: ‘water-friendly’, soluble
in water or other polar solvents (e.g. used
in conjunction with a plastic which is not waterresistant
and weatherproof or that absorbs
water such as Polyamide (PA).
Hydrophobic | Property: ‘water-resistant’, not
soluble in water (e.g. a plastic which is waterresistant
and weatherproof, or that does not
absorb any water such as Polethylene (PE) or
Polypropylene (PP).
LCA | Life Cycle Assessment (sometimes also
referred to as life cycle analysis, ecobalance,
and àcradle-to-grave analysis) is the investigation
and valuation of the environmental
impacts of a given product or service caused
(bM 01/2009).
54 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Basics
Readers who would like to suggest better or
other explanations to be added to the list, please
contact the editor.
[*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive article
previously published in bioplastics MAGAZINE)
Microorganism | Living organisms of microscopic
size, such as bacteria, funghi or yeast.
PCL | Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil
based), biodegradable bioplastic, e.g. used as
a blend component.
PHA | Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters
produced in nature by bacterial fermentation
of sugar or lipids. The most common
type of PHA is à PHB.
PHB | Polyhydroxyl buteric acid (better poly-
3-hydroxybutyrate), is a polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA), a polymer belonging to the polyesters
class. PHB is produced by micro-organisms
apparently in response to conditions of physiological
stress. The polymer is primarily a
product of carbon assimilation (from glucose
or starch) and is employed by micro-organisms
as a form of energy storage molecule to
be metabolized when other common energy
sources are not available. PHB has properties
similar to those of PP, however it is stiffer and
more brittle.
PLA | Polylactide or Polylactic Acid (PLA) is
a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic
polyester from lactic acid. Lactic acid is made
from dextrose by fermentation. Bacterial fermentation
is used to produce lactic acid from
corn starch, cane sugar or other sources.
However, lactic acid cannot be directly polymerized
to a useful product, because each polymerization
reaction generates one molecule
of water, the presence of which degrades the
forming polymer chain to the point that only
very low molecular weights are observed.
Instead, lactic acid is oligomerized and then
catalytically dimerized to make the cyclic lactide
monomer. Although dimerization also
generates water, it can be separated prior to
polymerization. PLA of high molecular weight
is produced from the lactide monomer by
ring-opening polymerization using a catalyst.
This mechanism does not generate additional
water, and hence, a wide range of molecular
weights are accessible (bM 01/2009).
Saccharins or carbohydrates | Saccharins or
carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family.
Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar
units. For example, there are known mono-,
di- and polysaccharose. à glucose is a monosaccarin.
They are important for the diet and
produced biology in plants.
Sorbitol | Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction
of glucose changing the aldehyde group
to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is used as a
plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch.
Starch | Natural polymer (carbohydrate) consisting
of à amylose and à amylopectin,
gained from maize, potatoes, wheat, tapioca
etc. When glucose is connected to polymerchains
in definite way the result (product) is
called starch. Each molecule is based on 300
-12000-glucose units. Depending on the connection,
there are two types à amylose and
à amylopectin known [bM 05/2009].
Starch (-derivate) | Starch (-derivates) are
based on the chemical structure of à starch.
The chemical structure can be changed by
introducing new functional groups without
changing the à starch polymer. The product
has different chemical qualities. Mostly the
hydrophilic character is not the same.
Starch-ester | One characteristic of every
starch-chain is a free hydroxyl group. When
every hydroxyl group is connect with ethan
acid one product is starch-ester with different
chemical properties.
Starch propionate and starch butyrate |
Starch propionate and starch butyrate can
be synthesised by treating the à starch with
propane or butanic acid. The product structure
is still based on à starch. Every based à
glucose fragment is connected with a propionate
or butyrate ester group. The product is
more hydrophobic than à starch.
Sustainable | An attempt to provide the best
outcomes for the human and natural environments
both now and into the indefinite future.
One of the most often cited definitions of sustainability
is the one created by the Brundtland
Commission, led by the former Norwegian
Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The
Brundtland Commission defined sustainable
development as development that ‘meets the
needs of the present without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs.’ Sustainability relates to the continuity
of economic, social, institutional and
environmental aspects of human society, as
well as the non-human environment).
Sustainability | (as defined by European
Bioplastics e.V.) has three dimensions: economic,
social and environmental. This has
been known as “the triple bottom line of
sustainability”. This means that sustainable
development involves the simultaneous pursuit
of economic prosperity, environmental
protection and social equity. In other words,
businesses have to expand their responsibility
to include these environmental and social
dimensions. Sustainability is about making
products useful to markets and, at the same
time, having societal benefits and lower environmental
impact than the alternatives currently
available. It also implies a commitment
to continuous improvement that should result
in a further reduction of the environmental
footprint of today’s products, processes and
raw materials used.
Thermoplastics | Plastics which soften or
melt when heated and solidify when cooled
(solid at room temperature).
Yard Waste | Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings,
garden residue.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 55

Suppliers Guide
1. Raw Materials
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
BASF SE
Global Business Management
Biodegradable Polymers
Carl-Bosch-Str. 38
67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany
Tel. +49-621 60 43 878
Fax +49-621 60 21 694
plas.com@basf.com
www.ecovio.com
www.basf.com/ecoflex
1.1 bio based monomers
Du Pont de Nemours International S.A.
2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50
CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex,
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. + 41 22 717 5428
Fax + 41 22 717 5500
jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com
www.packaging.dupont.com
PURAC division
Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21
4200 AA Gorinchem -
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)183 695 695
Fax: +31 (0)183 695 604
www.purac.com
PLA@purac.com
1.2 compounds
Cereplast Inc.
Tel: +1 310-676-5000 / Fax: -5003
pravera@cereplast.com
www.cereplast.com
European distributor A.Schulman :
Tel +49 (2273) 561 236
christophe_cario@de.aschulman.com
Natur-Tec ® - Northern Technologies
4201 Woodland Road
Circle Pines, MN 55014 USA
Tel. +1 763.225.6600
Fax +1 763.225.6645
info@natur-tec.com
www.natur-tec.com
Transmare Compounding B.V.
Ringweg 7, 6045 JL
Roermond, The Netherlands
Tel. +31 475 345 900
Fax +31 475 345 910
info@transmare.nl
www.compounding.nl
1.3 PLA
Division of A&O FilmPAC Ltd
7 Osier Way, Warrington Road
GB-Olney/Bucks.
MK46 5FP
Tel.: +44 844 335 0886
Fax: +44 1234 713 221
sales@aandofilmpac.com
www.bioresins.eu
1.4 starch-based bioplastics
Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients
ZAC „Les Portes de Riom“ - BP 173
63204 Riom Cedex - France
Tel. +33 (0)4 73 67 17 00
Fax +33 (0)4 73 67 17 10
www.biolice.com
Grace Biotech Corporation
Tel: +886-3-598-6496
No. 91, Guangfu N. Rd., Hsinchu
Industrial Park,Hukou Township,
Hsinchu County 30351, Taiwan
sales@grace-bio.com.tw
www.grace-bio.com.tw
PSM Bioplastic NA
Chicago, USA
www.psmna.com
+1-630-393-0012
1.5 PHA
Telles, Metabolix – ADM joint venture
650 Suffolk Street, Suite 100
Lowell, MA 01854 USA
Tel. +1-97 85 13 18 00
Fax +1-97 85 13 18 86
www.mirelplastics.com
Tianan Biologic
No. 68 Dagang 6th Rd,
Beilun, Ningbo, China, 315800
Tel. +86-57 48 68 62 50 2
Fax +86-57 48 68 77 98 0
enquiry@tianan-enmat.com
www.tianan-enmat.com
1.6 masterbatches
Sukano Products Ltd.
Chaltenbodenstrasse 23
CH-8834 Schindellegi
Tel. +41 44 787 57 77
Fax +41 44 787 57 78
www.sukano.com
2. Additives /
Secondary raw materials
Du Pont de Nemours International S.A.
2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50
CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex,
Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. + 41(0) 22 717 5428
Fax + 41(0) 22 717 5500
jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com
www.packaging.dupont.com
3. Semi finished products
www.earthfirstpla.com
www.sidaplax.com
www.plasticsuppliers.com
Sidaplax UK : +44 (1) 604 76 66 99
Sidaplax Belgium: +32 9 210 80 10
Plastic Suppliers: +1 866 378 4178
3.1.1 cellulose based films
INNOVIA FILMS LTD
Wigton
Cumbria CA7 9BG
England
Contact: Andy Sweetman
Tel. +44 16973 41549
Fax +44 16973 41452
andy.sweetman@innoviafilms.com
www.innoviafilms.com
4. Bioplastics products
alesco GmbH & Co. KG
Schönthaler Str. 55-59
D-52379 Langerwehe
Sales Germany: +49 2423 402 110
Sales Belgium: +32 9 2260 165
Sales Netherlands: +31 20 5037 710
info@alesco.net | www.alesco.net
Arkhe Will Co., Ltd.
19-1-5 Imaichi-cho, Fukui
918-8152 Fukui, Japan
Tel. +81-776 38 46 11
Fax +81-776 38 46 17
contactus@ecogooz.com
www.ecogooz.com
Postbus 26
7480 AA Haaksbergen
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 616 121 843
info@bio4pack.com
www.bio4pack.com
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Siemensring 79
D - 47 877 Willich
Tel. +49 2154 9251-0
Tel.: +49 2154 9251-51
sales@fkur.com
www.fkur.com
Plantic Technologies Limited
51 Burns Road
Altona VIC 3018 Australia
Tel. +61 3 9353 7900
Fax +61 3 9353 7901
info@plantic.com.au
www.plantic.com.au
3.1 films
Huhtamaki Forchheim
Herr Manfred Huberth
Zweibrückenstraße 15-25
91301 Forchheim
Tel. +49-9191 81305
Fax +49-9191 81244
Mobil +49-171 2439574
EcoWorks ®
Cortec® Corporation
4119 White Bear Parkway
St. Paul, MN 55110
Tel: +1 800.426.7832
Fax: 651-429-1122
info@cortecvci.com
www.cortecvci.com
Eco Cortec®
31 300 Beli Manastir
Bele Bartoka 29
Croatia, MB: 1891782
Tel: +011 385 31 705 011
Fax: +011 385 31 705 012
info@ecocortec.hr
www.ecocortec.hr
56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

Suppliers Guide
6.1 Machinery & Molds
9. Services
Minima Technology Co., Ltd.
Esmy Huang, Marketing Manager
No.33. Yichang E. Rd., Taipin City,
Taichung County
411, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel. +886(4)2277 6888
Fax +883(4)2277 6989
Mobil +886(0)982-829988
esmy325@ms51.hinet.net
Skype esmy325
www.minima-tech.com
NOVAMONT S.p.A.
Via Fauser , 8
28100 Novara - ITALIA
Fax +39.0321.699.601
Tel. +39.0321.699.611
Info@novamont.com
FAS Converting Machinery AB
O Zinkgatan 1/ Box 1503
27100 Ystad, Sweden
Tel.: +46 411 69260
www.fasconverting.com
Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey
Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic
Container Industry
284 Pinebush Road
Cambridge Ontario
Canada N1T 1Z6
Tel. +1 519 624 9720
Fax +1 519 624 9721
info@hallink.com
www.hallink.com
Siemensring 79
47877 Willich, Germany
Tel.: +49 2154 9251-0 , Fax: -51
carmen.michels@umsicht.fhg.de
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
Bioplastics Consulting
Tel. +49 2161 664864
info@polymediaconsult.com
www.polymediaconsult.com
Wirkstoffgruppe Imageproduktion
Tel. +49 2351 67100-0
luedenscheid@wirkstoffgruppe.de
www.wirkstoffgruppe.de
Simply contact:
Tel.: +49 02351 67100-0
suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Stay permanently listed in the
Suppliers Guide with your company
logo and contact information.
For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you
can be present among top suppliers in
the field of bioplastics.
For Example:
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach
Germany
Tel. +49 2161 664864
Fax +49 2161 631045
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
35 mm
10
20
30
35
Pland Paper ®
WEI MON INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
2F, No.57, Singjhong Rd.,
Neihu District,
Taipei City 114, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel. + 886 - 2 - 27953131
Fax + 886 - 2 - 27919966
sales@weimon.com.tw
www.plandpaper.com
President Packaging Ind., Corp.
PLA Paper Hot Cup manufacture
In Taiwan, www.ppi.com.tw
Tel.: +886-6-570-4066 ext.5531
Fax: +886-6-570-4077
sales@ppi.com.tw
Wiedmer AG - PLASTIC SOLUTIONS
8752 Näfels - Am Linthli 2
SWITZERLAND
Tel. +41 55 618 44 99
Fax +41 55 618 44 98
www.wiedmer-plastic.com
4.1 trays
5. Traders
5.1 wholesale
6. Equipment
Roll-o-Matic A/S
Petersmindevej 23
5000 Odense C, Denmark
Tel. + 45 66 11 16 18
Fax + 45 66 14 32 78
rom@roll-o-matic.com
www.roll-o-matic.com
MANN+HUMMEL ProTec GmbH
Stubenwald-Allee 9
64625 Bensheim, Deutschland
Tel. +49 6251 77061 0
Fax +49 6251 77061 510
info@mh-protec.com
www.mh-protec.com
6.2 Laboratory Equipment
MODA : Biodegradability Analyzer
Saida FDS Incorporated
3-6-6 Sakae-cho, Yaizu,
Shizuoka, Japan
Tel : +81-90-6803-4041
info@saidagroup.jp
www.saidagroup.jp
7. Plant engineering
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Holzhauser Str. 157 - 159
13509 Berlin
Germany
Tel. +49 (0)30 43567 5
Fax +49 (0)30 43567 699
sales.de@thyssenkrupp.com
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com
8. Ancillary equipment
10. Institutions
10.1 Associations
BPI - The Biodegradable
Products Institute
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415
New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel. +1-888-274-5646
info@bpiworld.org
European Bioplastics e.V.
Marienstr. 19/20
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 30 284 82 350
Fax +49 30 284 84 359
info@european-bioplastics.org
www.european-bioplastics.org
10.2 Universities
Michigan State University
Department of Chemical
Engineering & Materials Science
Professor Ramani Narayan
East Lansing MI 48824, USA
Tel. +1 517 719 7163
narayan@msu.edu
University of Applied Sciences
Faculty II, Department
of Bioprocess Engineering
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres
Heisterbergallee 12
30453 Hannover, Germany
Tel. +49 (0)511-9296-2212
Fax +49 (0)511-9296-2210
hans-josef.endres@fh-hannover.de
www.fakultaet2.fh-hannover.de
Sample Charge:
35mm x 6,00 €
= 210,00 € per entry/per issue
Sample Charge for one year:
6 issues x 210,00 EUR = 1,260.00 €
The entry in our Suppliers Guide is
bookable for one year (6 issues) and
extends automatically if it’s not canceled
three month before expiry.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5 57

Companies in this issue
Company Editorial Advert
A&O Filmpac 56
A. Schulman 13
ABICOM 49
Acetati 45
Achilles Papierveredelung 42
Adsale 52
alesco 56
Albis Plastics 46
Arkhe Will 56
BASF 6, 10, 48 56
BIO4PACK 56
Biomater 48
bioplastics24 31
BioPro 10
BMBF 10
Bosch 10
BPI 57
Braskem 7, 50
CBPack 48
Celanese 45
Cereplast 32 56
Clariant 22
Corn Products 48
Cortec 8, 56
Costanera Norte 37
Daicel 45
Daimler 10
DLR 15
Dow 46, 50
Dr. Boy 6
DSM 5
Dt. Inst. F. Kautsch. Tech. 42
DuPont 34 56
Dyne-a-Pak 30
Eastman 45
Equilicua 34
European Bioplastics 3, 7 48, 57
FAS Converting Machinery 57
FH Hannover 6, 42 57
Fischerwerke 10
FKuR 6, 26, 46 2, 56
FNR 15
Ford 12
Forestal Minico 37
Four Motors 14
Fraunhofer UMSICHT 6, 26, 46 57
Futerro 6
Galactic 5
Genencor 20
Goodyear 20
Grace Biotech 56
Hagedorn 46, 50
Hallink 57
Hercules 47
Hiendl 8
Hyundai 16
Inapol 37
Huhtamaki 56
Inde Plastik 26
Innovia Films 45, 48 56
Kaneka 28
Lamberti 47
Company Editorial Advert
Land NRW 42
Limagrain 56
Mann + Hummel 10 57
Mazzuchelli 46
Michigan State University 57
Minima Technology 57
National Plastics Institut (Brazil) 48
NatureWorks 5, 30, 32, 33
Natur-Tec 48 56
Nobel 46, 50
nova Intstitut 8 53
Novamont 20, 35 57, 60
Novarese Zuccheri 35
Novozymes 7
Oekametall 34
Olymp 35
Omodo 5
Ontario BioAuto Council 18
Ontario BioCar Initiative 12
Oregon State Univ. 17
Oxiteno 50
Penn Carbose 47
Plantic 56
Plastic Suppliers 56
Plasticker 31
Plastividia 48
President Packaging 57
Proyectos Plasticos 37
PSA Peugeot Citroën 19
PSM 56
Purac 24 56
Qingdao HuaSheng 8
Quattor 50
Reifenhäuser 8
Rhodia 45
Rodenburg 48
Roll-o-Matic 36 57
Rotuba 46
Sacme 36
Saida 57
Sealed Air 30
Sekisui 29
Sidaplax 56
Solvay 50
Sommer Needlepunch 5
Staedtler 8
Sukano 6 56
Sulzer Chemtech 24
Supla 33
Symphony Environmental 7
Synbra 24
Telles 36 56, 59
Tianan 56
Total Petrochemical 6
Transmare 56
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 57
Unitika 29
Univ. Braunschweig 10
Univ. Concepción Tech. Dev. 37
Wei Mon 21, 57
Werzalit 8
Wiedmer 57
Next Issue
For the next issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE
(among others) the following subjects are scheduled:
Month Publ.-Date Editorial Focus (1) Editorial Focus (2) Basics Fair Specials
March / April April 06, 2010 Rigid Packaging Material Combinations Certification
May /Jun June 07, 2010 Injection Moulding Natural Fibre Composites Polyamides
Jul / Aug Aug. 02, 2010 Additives / Masterbatch / Adh. Bottles / Labels / Caps Compounding
Sep / Oct Oct. 04, 2010 Fibre Applications Polyurethanes / Elastomers Polyolefins K‘2010 Preview
58 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/10] Vol. 5

A real sign
of sustainable
development.
There is such a thing as genuinely sustainable development.
Since 1989, Novamont researchers have been working on
an ambitious project that combines the chemical industry,
agriculture and the environment: "Living Chemistry for
Quality of Life". Its objective has been to create products
with a low environmental impact. The result of Novamont's
innovative research is the new bioplastic Mater-Bi ® .
Mater-Bi ® is a family of materials, completely biodegradable
and compostable which contain renewable raw materials such as starch and
vegetable oil derivates. Mater-Bi ® performs like traditional plastics but it saves
energy, contributes to reducing the greenhouse effect and at the end of its life
cycle, it closes the loop by changing into fertile humus. Everyone's dream has
become a reality.
Living Chemistry for Quality of Life.
www.novamont.com
Inventor of the year 2007
Mater-Bi ® : certified biodegradable and compostable.