05 | 2010

ioplastics magazine Vol. 5 ISSN 1862-5258
Basics
Bio-Polyolefins | 52
Personality
Mark Verbruggen | 56
30 Preview
Highlights
Fibers / Textiles | 12
Polyurethanes / Elastomers | 42
September/October
05 | 2010
... is read in 91 countries

FKuR plastics - made by nature! ®
Bio-Flex ® resins… taking PLA further!
FKuR bioplastiques –
Le Tour de
l’Innovation
Please visit us at K 2010 to see this
bottle & other innovative products.
We look forward to seeing you
at B66 in Hall 6
Bottle made from Bio-Flex ®
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Siemensring 79
D - 47877 Willich
Phone: +49 2154 92 51-0
Fax: +49 2154 92 51-51
sales@fkur.com
www.fkur.com
FKuR Plastics Corp.
921 W New Hope Drive | Building 605
Cedar Park, TX 78613 | USA
Phone: +1 512 986 8478
Fax: +1 512 986 5346
sales.usa@fkur.com

Editorial
dear
readers
As promised (or rather as expected) we have hit a new record.
This issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE is once again the biggest ever.
One reason, certainly, is the upcoming K’2010, the world‘s biggest
trade fair for plastics and rubber, that takes place in Düsseldorf,
Germany from 27th October to 3rd November. In a comprehensive
show preview we try to give you as much information as possible on
the different bioplastics-related exhibits, including a centrefold with
floor plan of the exhibition. This will be complemented by our show
review in the next issue. From now on, we also offer a special K’2010
service on our website www.bioplasticsmagazine.com, especially
for visitors interested in bioplastics. And please be sure to visit our
booth in Düsseldorf in Hall 7 (C09).
Another reason for this ‘bumper’ issue is the number of articles and
news items related to our two focus topics, namely: ‘Polyurethanes |
Elastomers’ and ‘Fibres | Textiles’, which also covers the nonwoven
sector as well as filament for brushes. You can see just how wide
the areas of potential application for bioplastics really are - and they
are growing week by week!
In addition to our ‘basics’ article on the ‘Basics of Bio-Polyolefins’
we again have opinions, news and much more to offer. We are
particularly happy to be able to present in this issue the top five
companies/products that have been shortlisted from more than 20
entries for the Bioplastics Award 2010. The Bioplastics Award 2010
is presented jointly by bioplastics MAGAZINE and European Plastics
News.
Oh! And let me remind you of one special highlight at K‘2010 for
all those interested in bioplastics: On October 28th, 29th, and 30th
we will be hosting ‘Bioplastics Business Breakfasts’. Find out in
this issue about this unique opportunity for gathering the latest
information and for networking.
I hope you enjoy reading bioplastics MAGAZINE.
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 5 ISSN 1862-5258
30 Preview
Basics
Bio-Polyolefins | 52
Personality
Mark Verbruggen | 56
Highlights
Fibers / Textiles | 12
Polyurethanes / Elastomers | 42
September/October
05 | 2010
... is read in 91 countries
Yours
New:
Follow us on twitter:
http://twitter.com/bioplasticsmag
Be our friend on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/bioplastics-MAGAZINE/103745406344904
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Content
Editorial 3
News 5
Application News 22
Suppliers Guide 62
Event Calendar 64
Sep/Oct
05|2010
Event Preview
K 2010 30
K Show Guide 34
Event
Bioplastics Business Breakfast 08
Cover-Story
Innovative Biodegradable 10
and Compostable Cling Film
Fibers | Textiles
Silk Crepe Kimonos made with PLA Fibers 12
New Filaments for Brushes 13
PA11 Fibres and Polyether Block 14
Amide Nonwovens
Sustainable Fabrics Can be ‘NICE’ 16
Innovative Floor Covering 17
Loving Both High Fashion and Nature 16
The Zero Impact Collection 18
Fashion Helmet 19
Report
Materials
Extract from Cashew Nut Shell 21
New Biomaterial 28
Bioplastics Award 2010
Shortlist 26
Polyurethanes | Elastomers
New Biobased Polyurethane from Lignin 42
and Soy Polyols
Unique Soft Bioplastics 44
Bio-based ‘Cold Weather’ 46
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Same Performance just Greener... 50
Basics
Basics of Bio-Polyolefins 52
Personality
Mark Verbruggen 56
Opinion
Sustainability Counts 58
Through the Life Cycle
Optimized Processing of Natural 20
Materials in Pilot Scale
Imprint
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: 7,000 copies
bioplastics magazine
ISSN 1862-5258
bioplastics magazine is published
6 times a year.
This publication is sent to qualified
subscribers (149 Euro for 6 issues).
bioplastics MAGAZINE is printed on
chlorine-free FSC certified paper.
bioplastics MAGAZINE is read
in 91 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.
Envelope
A large number of copies of this issue
of bioplastics MAGAZINE is wrapped in
a compostable film manufactured and
sponsored by FkUR Kunststoff GmbH
Cover Ad
Novamont
(Photo by Philipp Thielen)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5
New:
Follow us on twitter:
http://twitter.com/bioplasticsmag
Like us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/bioplastics-MAGAZINE/103745406344904

News
New BoPLA Line
Started Production
New Priorities
for Bioplastics
Over a month earlier than planned, Taghleef
Industries has successfully started the production
of the new NATIVIA film from its plant in San
Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy.
NATIVIA is based on 100% renewably sourced
Ingeo PLA by NatureWorks ®
NATIVIA is a biodegradable and compostable film
complying with the European standard EN13432.
The start-up of the new line took place on
August 18th, 2010 and since the following week
the commercial production has commenced
successfully. The first shipments of NATIVIA were
be made in early of September 2010.
Valerio Garzitto, CEO Ti Europe explains “We
are particularly proud of the work carried out
by our technicians. The BoPLA line was ordered
just 5 months ago, and we already obtained an
enthusiastic result being able to be on the market
now with a film with excellent characteristics.”
Brueckner was the main supplier of this new
BoPLA line. Mr Karl Zimmermann, Brueckner
Sales Director, remarked that “Brueckner had been
working hard together with Taghleef technicians to
obtain such a valuable and advanced results. This is
the proof of the perfect teamwork of two companies
whose leading philosophy is innovation combined
with development.”
Within the next weeks the first productions of 25
and 30-my-thicknesses metallized NATIVIA films
will take place. NATIVIA films are produced for
multiple applications, such as fresh produce, bakery,
confectionery, snacks, dairy, other perishable goods
and different kind of lidding. In the non-food sector
examples are labelling and stationery MT
www.ti-films.com.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
With effect from September
1 st Prof. Christian Bonten
took on responibility for the
plastics technology institute
(IKT) at the University of
Stuttgart, Germany. He
succeeds Prof. Hans-
Gerhard Fritz. Bonten, who
was previously Director of
Technology and Marketing at
bioplastics compounder and
supplier FKuR Kunststoff
GmbH in Willich, Germany,
aims to put special accent on
the areas of nano-additives
and bioplastics, thus broadening and strengthening the profile
of Stuttgart University in matters of modern materials. MT
www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de.
Prof. Christian Bonten (Photo
courtesy Universität Stuttgart)
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
www.plasticker.com
for Plastics
• International Trade
in Raw Materials,
Machinery & Products
Free of Charge
• Daily News
from the Industrial Sector
and the Plastics Markets
• Current Market Prices
for Plastics.
• Buyer’s Guide
for Plastics & Additives,
Machinery & Equipment,
Subcontractors
and Services.
• Job Market
for Specialists and
Executive Staff in the
Plastics Industry
Up-to-date • Fast • Professional
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

News
Procter&Gamble
to Use Bio-PE
Brazilian petrochemical company
Braskem will supply its sugarcane
ethanol-based polyethylene (PE) to
multinational consumer products
company Procter & Gamble‘s (P&G)
cosmetics lines Pantene Pro V ® ,
Max Factor ® and Cover Girl ®
packaging.
P&G already uses Braskem‘s
oil-based PE, but negotiations on
‘green’ PE supply began when the
Brazilian firm started the biopolymer
project, approximately three years
ago, Braskem‘s polymers business
VP Rui Chammas told journalists
during an event in Sao Paulo.
Braskem started producing
the green resin this month at the
Triunfo petrochemical hub, in Rio
Grande do Sul state (see next page).
Gisele Bündchen presenting Panthene in
bio-PE (Photo: Agencia Fotosite)
The first P&G product line to use the sugarcane ethanol resin is Pantene,
and packaging made with the biopolymer will be available from 2011,
according to P&G corporate affairs director in Brazil, Gabriela Onofre. P&G
plans to expand the use of the ‘green’ PE beyond to other items, Gabriela
said.
Chammas added that most of the plant‘s production has already been
negotiated with approximately 20 Brazilian and foreign companies, from
which 10 were not publicly disclosed. “More than two-thirds of the production
will be exported,“ Chammas said.
“P&G‘s commitment to use renewable bio-derived plastic in its global
beauty and grooming product packaging is an important step forward in its
efforts to improve the environmental profile of its products,“ said Dr. Jason
Clay, Senior Vice President of Market Transformation of World Wildlife Fund,
U.S. “We applaud this announcement as part of their leadership in finding
innovative solutions to the sustainability challenges facing the world today.“
“This innovation is truly consumer-driven. As we talk with women around the
world, they tell us that they want to make themselves more beautiful without
making their environment less beautiful,‘‘ said Gina Drosos, Group President,
Global P&G Beauty. “With this new packaging innovation, women can have
confidence that their favorite brands are helping to make a difference.“
“Using sugarcane-derived plastic represents another step in P&G‘s
commitment to environmental sustainability and the development of
sustainable innovation products,“ said Len Sauers , P&G Vice President,
Global Sustainability. “P&G is making significant progress in environmental
sustainability through our work with external partners. Together, we are
working on creative solutions that deliver science-based sustainable
innovations.“ MT
Award for Biobased
Polymer
Stefanie Kind, PhD student at the
Institute of Biochemical Engineering of
the Technische Universität Braunschweig,
was awarded with the prestigious ‘Young
Metabolic Engineer Award’ During the
Metabolic Engineering Conference in
Jeju, South Korea, an international jury
selected five most excellent papers out
of 200, among these the work by Stefanie
Kind. In a ‘best of the best’ competition
with short presentations she stood up to
top-class competitors from the USA and
Asia.
Stefanie Kind, graduated in biology,
received the award for systems wide
metabolic engineering of the soil bacterium
Corynebacterium glutamicum into a
tailor-made cell factory for production
of diaminopentane as building block for
the innovative bio-polyamide PA5.10. The
‘2010 Young Metabolic Engineer Award’
recognizes her research, supervised
by Prof. Dr. Christoph Wittmann, as
groundbreaking model project towards a
bio-based economy for the production of
chemicals, materials and fuels.
Her work is part of a joint collaboration
of the Institute of Biochemical Engineering
with an industrial consortium including
BASF SE, Daimler AG, Fischerwerke
GmbH and Robert-Bosch GmbH. The
project supported by the Federal Ministry
of Education and Research within the
initiative BioIndustry21. Stefanie Kind is
further sponsored by the Max-Buchner
Foundation of the German Society for
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
(DECHEMA).
www.tu-braunschweig.de
Sources: Bnamericans [2010-08-13]
PRNewswire via COMTEX [2010-08-12]
www.pg.com
www.braskem.com.br
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Braskem Inaugurated
Green Ethylene Plant
On September 24, in the Triunfo Petrochemical Complex
(Triunfo, Brazil), Braskem inaugurated, the world’s largest
ethylene-from-ethanol plant, permitting the production of
200,000 tons of green polyethylene per year. As a result, the
company will be providing the world with resin made from
renewable sources, and taking another step towards its
goal of becoming the world leader in sustainable chemistry
with diversified and competitive raw material sources.
The project, which absorbed investments of almost R$500
million, was based on the company’s own technology.
“The completion of this project is a landmark for Braskem,
the realization of a dream shared with our clients, who can
now acquire an even more sustainable product,” declared
the company’s CEO, Bernardo Gradin. Braskem’s ‘Green
plastics’ are exceptionally eco-friendly, since the process
used to produce each ton of polyethylene from the primary
raw material removes 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere. “Braskem’s green plastics are made from
CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere through sugarcane
photosynthesis. It is also the most competitive of all plastics
made from renewable sources. And this has been widely
acknowledged by the market, which recorded demand three
times greater than the plant’s capacity,” added Gradin.
Construction of the green ethylene plant was concluded
16 months ahead of schedule, under budget and with no
accidents resulting in workers having to take time off. Due
to its extreme importance, Braskem challenged its team
to complete the project as rapidly as possible and with the
highest safety standards. More than 2,200 workers were
involved in the construction, more than 700 of whom living
in Triunfo and the vicinity. Of this total, 174 had completed
the Programa Acreditar (Believing Program), which had
provided almost 250 Triunfo residents with eight months
of training in electrics, structural assembly, plumbing,
carpentry and welding.
Ethylene specification took place 12 hours after the
plant’s start-up, on September 3, and green polyethylene
production began a week later. The polymerization process,
which converts ethylene into resin, is carried out in
Braskem’s existing plants in the Triunfo Complex. The final
product has the same properties and characteristics as
conventional polyethylene and can be processed by clients’
equipment without the need for any adjustments.
Braskem is also considering implementing a new
green ethylene unit, due to market interest. “Investments
in polymers have underlined Braskem’s confidence in
the country’s growth and its potential for leading the
development of products made from renewable sources,
thanks to its competitive advantages,” Gradin concluded.
www.braskem.com.br

Event
Bioplastics
Business Breakfast
At K’2010, the world‘s biggest trade show for the plastics and rubber industries which is being
held in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 27th to November 3rd, 2010, bioplastics will
certainly have an important role to play.
Visitors to K’2010 can benefit from the huge number of exhibitors presenting products and services
around biobased and biodegradable plastics. In addition bioplastics MAGAZINE offers a unique chance
to get more first-hand information and to talk directly to the experts.
On three days during the show (Oct. 28th, Oct. 29th and Oct. 30th) bioplastics MAGAZINE will host
a Bioplastics Business Breakfast. At these mini-symposia, succinct and to the point, the delegates
will have the chance to listen to, and discuss, high quality presentations, and to benefit from a
unique networking opportunity. Take advantage of this special opportunity, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon,
to pick up detailed information before the show doors open (the trade fair opens at 10 am).
These breakfast meetings, where tea, coffee and croissants will be served, are being held at the
CCD Ost, Messe Düsseldorf, Germany, right on the fairgrounds. Every delegate at the Bioplastics
Business Breakfast will also receive a free ticket for admission to the K’2010 show. (The ticket also
includes free public transportation – except taxis!)
Conference fees start at EUR 199.00 (for subscribers to bioplastics MAGAZINE).
supported by
28. - 30.10.2010
Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
BIOPLASTICS
BUSINESS
BREAKFAST
B 3
Bioplastics in
Packaging
PLA, an Innovative
Bioplastic
Injection Moulding
of Bioplastics
At the World’s biggest trade show on plastics and rubber:
K’2010 in Düsseldorf bioplastics will certainly play an
important role.
www.bioplastics-breakfast.com
Contact: : Dr. Michael Thielen (info@bioplastics-magazine.com)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5
On three days during the show from Oct 28 - 30,
biopolastics MAGAZINE will host a Bioplastics Business
Breakfast: From 8 am to 12 noon the delegates get the
chance to listen and discuss highclass presentations and
benefit from a unique networking opportunity. The trade
fair opens at 10 am.

Event
Programme:
28.10.2010 Bioplastics in packaging
08:00-08:30 Basics of Bioplastics Michael Thielen, bioplastics MAGAZINE
08:30-08:50 Bioplastics ‘Packaging and Legislation’ European Bioplastics, Jöran Reske
08:50-09:10 Sustainable Packaging Nextek, Edward Kosior
09:10-09:20 Q&A
09:20-09:40 PLA Based Packaging Solutions Huhtamaki, Kurt Stark
09:40-10:00 Starch based Packaging Novamont, Stefano Facco
10:00-10:20 Polyester (PBAT) Packaging BASF, Jens Hamprecht
10:20-10:30 Q&A
10:30-10:50 Coffee & Networking
10:50-11:10 Bo-PLA Taghleef, Frank Ernst
11:10-11:30 Green PE and its application in the packaging sector Braskem, speaker t.b.c.
11:30-11:50 End of Life Panel discussion
11:50-12:00 Q&A
29.10.2010 PLA, an innovative bioplastic
08:00-08:30 Basics of Bioplastics Michael Thielen, bioplastics MAGAZINE
08:30-08:50 Basics of PLA Uhde Inventa-Fischer, Andreas Grundmann
08:50-09:10 The Latest in Ingeo Performance Developments NatureWorks, Mark Vergauwen
09:10-09:20 Q&A
09:20-09:40 Processing PLA NaKu, Johann Zimmermann
09:40-10:00 Enabling performance in the PLA industry Purac, Ruud Reichert
10:00-10:20 Barrier Coating of PLA Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung (IKV) Aachen,
Karim Bahroun
10:20-10:30 Q&A
10:30-10:50 Coffee & Networking
10:50-11:10 Bi-oriented PLA Taghleef, Frank Ernst
11:10-11:30 Blown PLA Film - Challenges & Opportunities Huhtamaki, Ingrid Sebald
11:30-11:50 PLA Particle Foam Synbra, Jan Noordegraaf, Peter Matthijsen
11:50-12:00 Q&A
30.10.2010 Injection moulding of bioplastics for durable applications
08:00-08:30 Basics of Bioplastics Michael Thielen, bioplastics MAGAZINE
08:30-08:50 Inj. Moulding Compounds FKuR, Christoph Lohr
08:50-09:10 Machinery Coperion, Uta Kuehnen
09:10-09:20 Q&A
09:20-09:40 Injection Moulding of PLA A.S.T., Bruno Camerlengo
09:40-10:00 Injection Moulding of PHA Telles, Debra Darby
10:00-10:20 Injection Moulding of PBS / bio-EP Mitsubishi Chemical, Dietrich Albrecht
10:20-10:30 Q&A
10:30-10:50 Coffee & Networking
10:50-11:10 Bio-Polyamide for Injection Moulding Evonik, Frank Lorenz
11:10-11:30 Bio-Polyethylene for Injection Moulding Braskem, t.b.c.
11:30-11:50 Hot-runners for use with Bioplastics t.b.c.
11:50-12:00 Q&A
This programme is preliminary.
All topics and speakers are subject to changes
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Cover-Story
Innovative Biodegradable
and Compostable Cling Film
Article contributed by
Stefano Facco
New Business Development Director
Novamont, Novara, Italy
Novamont continues its development with the Second
Generation Mater-Bi ® products: at K’2010 (the international
trade fair for plastics and rubber), taking
place in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 27th to November
3rd, Novamont will be unveiling the first industrial cling film
that is biodegradable and compostable and is made using renewable
resources.
Plastic food packaging film, known as cling film or cling
wrap, has in the past literally revolutionised the food industry. It
has become a major contributor to food safety, both protecting
and preserving it. At the same time it is now regarded as an
essential and cost-effective tool for food presentation.
These films do contribute to food safety, they protect food
from micro-organism and fast deterioration due to uncontrolled
water and oxygen exchange. It also seals in odours to prevent
them from spreading to other foods stored nearby.
Since plastic wrap is difficult to recycle and is rarely reused,
it often contributes to unsorted household waste. New options,
such as possible compostability, do offer new recycling
possibilities by using already well established waste streams,
such as the one for kitchen waste.
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Cover-Story
The demand for this specific application was already raised some 10 years ago, when first
brand owners, retailers and catering companies started to search for a product which had
similar mechanical properties to PVC, a more favourable environmental profile like polyolefines,
and a further end of life option, in this case composting, which would allow these products,
generally highly contaminated with foodstuff, to be recycled aerobically or anaerobically.
The development took quite a long time, as the technical profile of such a product is complex,
taking into consideration various benchmarks which had to be met. First of all, of course, the
optical appearance and transparency, which has to be similar to that offered by the conventionally
used materials. Another important aspect is the balanced mechanical properties at very low
gauge, as such films are mainly used in the gauge of 10 to 12 µm, with extremely high puncture
resistance and excellent elongation values. Another major target which had to be achieved was
the cling property of the film, on itself as well as on glass or ceramic. But one of the most
exciting and outstanding properties achieved was a perfectly tuned water vapour transmission
rate (WVTR) which allows many products to be kept fresh for longer in the fridge.
The stretchy cling film can be used for any kind of foodstuffs, even food that has a high fat
content (oils, sauces, butter, etc.) or that is acidic. This property is not always given for standard
materials, depending on the raw materials and its additives.
The product was developed by Novamont together with its partners and has outstanding
technical characteristics of strength and stretch similar or better than traditional products
developed for domestic use without using any plasticisers or additives that could transfer into
food.
After use it can be disposed of as organic waste as it has been certified as compostable in
accordance with standard EN13432 and is compatible with various kinds of composting plant
technology.
Besides the very peculiar and newly developed extrusion conditions, it is specially formulated to
be easy to tear off without needing a serrated cutting edge, making it safer and more convenient.
As previously described, an intrinsic characteristic of the material is its high permeability to
water vapour, helping to evaporate the condensation that forms particularly with warm food or
in the fridge. This makes it ideal for preserving and protecting foodstuffs.
Mater-Bi is the main product developed by Novamont. While providing the same strength and
performance as traditional plastics, it is made of renewable resources of agricultural origin.
It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of energy and non-renewable
resources, thus completing a virtuous circle: the raw materials of agricultural origin return to
the earth through processes of biodegradation and composting, without releasing pollutants.
www.novamont.com
Photo: Philipp Thielen
Our covergirl Anna thinks: “This is great: biobased and
biodegradable packaging, and now this new compostable
cling film – that is what we have really been waiting for.”
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 11

Fibers | Textiles
The Teijin Group based in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, announced
earlier this year that its BIOFRONT heat-resistant
PLA based bioplastic will be used in silk crepe kimonos
worn by staff at Murasaki, a Japanese restaurant operated
by Kikkoman Corporation in the Japan Industry Pavilion of the
2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China.
The kimono ( 着 物 ) is a Japanese traditional garment (for
着 = ‘pull on’ and 物 = ’thing’) worn by women, men and children ‘in
the old days’. Today a kimono it is worn on special occasions.
The material for the kimonos worn by the staff at the Shanghai
Expo Murasaki restaurant was produced in collaboration with
the city of Kyotango, home of traditional Tango silk crepe, or
chirimen, which is known for its unique water ripple-like texture.
Using special techniques developed by Kyotango artisans, Teijin‘s
advanced eco-friendly Biofront fibers were interwoven with
silk fibers to produce a new material that retains the beautiful
texture and sheen of Tango silk crepe.
Kimono silk crepe fabric using Biofront PLA
(photo: Teijin)
Silk Crepe
Kimonos
made with
PLA Fibers
Under the ‘Tango Biofabrics’ project launched last year, Teijin
has been working with the city of Kyotango to develop new, ecofriendly
applications for Biofront, by combining its advanced PLA
fibers with Kyotango‘s traditional silk craftsmanship.
Biofront, an environmentally friendly bioplastic (PLA) produced
from plant-based feedstock, is superior to conventional
bioplastics in terms of both heat resistance and durability. Its
melting point of 210°C is significantly higher than the 170°C
melting point of conventional PLA, which allows Biofront to
withstand ironing. Other Biofront products can endure hightemperature
processing, such as fabric dyeing and plastic
molding.
The Teijin Group also organized its own exhibit in the Japan
Industrial Pavilion of the 2010 World Expo, aiming to further
promote brand awareness in China, where Teijin has been
operating since 1970s, as well as worldwide. MT
www.teijin.co.jp/english
Teijin‘s Eco-friendly BIOFRONT
bioplastic worn by Japanese
restaurant staff at Japan Industry
Pavilion, Shanghai EXPO
Kimonos worn at the Shanghai Expo Murasaki Restaurant
(photo: Kikkoman)
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Fibers | Textiles
Photos: Philipp Thielen
Proganic filaments
New Filaments for Brushes
The bio-plastic PROGANIC ® , award winner of the first prize for Innovation
for Bio based Material and application of the Year by the nova institute,
has now reached full market maturity and can definitely replace nearly
all conventional plastic products. The new material is now making great headway
with diversification into filaments and fibers.
Furthermore, the fact that Proganic is now temperature stable to 90°C (HDT/B)
without any unnatural additives makes the spectrum of possible applications
nearly infinite. As countless are the tests that are currently ongoing with a
number of global brands as well as one of the worlds leading food packaging
suppliers. “It is our aim to diversify the compound Proganic and make it suitable
for as many practical applications as possible. Since we have perfected form
stability and the process for injection moulding we are well equipped to conquer
most of the plastic dominated markets,” states CEO Oliver Schmid.
The compound has been successfully extruded into filaments of 42 µm
for use in lavatory brushes, 35 µm for dishwashing brushes and 20 µm
for brooms and dustpan brushes. The rigidity of the filament makes them
exceptionally durable and effective in all brush applications. The 20 µm
filaments have treated by a sort of spiralling in order to increase their volume.
This allows for better dust pick up and a fuller looking brush.
The process of extrusion was undertaken by Hahl Gmbh, a division of Lenzing
Plastics, extruders of synthetic filaments for the brush and technical textile
industries. Hahl initially extruded filaments of 40, 80 and 120 µm. The rigidity
and the strength show that the filaments are ideal for brushes where these
characteristics are of importance.
A leading brush manufacturer in Europe has now successfully inserted the
40 micron filaments into a series of newly designed brushes where all of the
plastic elements have been replaced with Proganic. The new series of brushes
will be launched in September/October 2010.
The plan to launch the first Proganic toothbrush is also under way; however
the rigidity of the filaments in this case is proving to be a drawback. The
conventional plastic filaments in toothbrushes have a higher elasticity and this
must replicated with the natural compound so that the brush filaments return
to a vertical position. Toothbrushes are required to undergo the same rigorous
testing as any food safe product so it maybe sometime in development before
they are launched.
Article contributed by
Daniel Ridge
Proganic GmbH
Rain am Lech, Germany
www.proganic.de
Toothbrush prototype
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 13

Fibers | Textiles
PA11 Fibres
and Polyether
Block Amide
Nonwovens
Bag made from Rilsan PA11 fibres
A
special grade of Rilsan ® Arkema’s 100% bio-sourced
technical polymer PA11 can be applied to spin high
performance fibres. These technical fibres combine a
unique set of characteristics: light weight, soft touch, bacteriostatic
properties, and wear resistance.
With its long-standing experience over more than 60 years,
Arkema today is the world leader in castor oil chemistry, which
produces Rilsan PA11, the first high performance polyamide
entirely derived from a 100% renewable and ecological raw
material.
In addition to its renewable source, Rilsan PA11 production
is characterized by 15% (average) lower fossil energy
requirements than for petroleum-based nylon polyamides 1 .
The CO 2
missions related to the production of Rilsan PA11
are on average 75% lower 1
On the strength of its expertise, Arkema continues its
development work on its bio-sourced polyamide in order
to target new markets in which ecological challenges and
a quest for technical performance have become a genuine
concern as well as a differentiating factor.
Mindful of these expectations, Arkema has developed a
specific PA11 grade that can be extruded into fibres. The most
advanced textile applications using these fibres may currently
be found in the footwear, clothing and luggage markets.
Arkema plans to extend the development to other textile
applications requiring both optimum technical performance
and a vegetable origin.
Rilsan PA11 fibres feature key characteristics such as
pleasant touch, dimensional stability, bacteriostatic activity
without the need for a specific treatment, and outstanding
resistance to wear and abrasion.
The French company SOFILA and the Japanese company
UNITIKA FIBRES offer innovative textile products based on
Rilsan PA11, combining both the environmental and the
technical benefits, for the footwear, clothing and luggage
markets.
Another innovation from Arkema promises to open
up revolutionary opportunities for the design of durable
elastomer nonwovens for superior performance, lighter
weight, and ease of assembly.
Arkema’s high elongation and high energy recovery
polyether block amide Pebax ® nonwoven material is
produced with the meltblown process. As a meltblown web,
Pebax and Pebax Rnew (with its 20 to 90% renewable carbon
content) can be used to make roll goods with a large width
which are then cut into narrow widths. These nonwovens are
suitable replacements for many narrow elastic and spandexcontaining
woven or knit textiles. As potential waistband for
example, 200 g/m² Pebax webs afford total recovery when
stretched 100% repeatedly, and elongation at break of up
of 600%. They also have excellent hot-wash and dryclean
resistance.
Melt spinning of nonwovens is a rapidly growing process,
and is a simple and inexpensive approach to convert polymer
directly into roll goods.
Both Rilsan PA11 textiles as well as Pebax Rnew will be
shown at K’2010 (see separate article). MT
www.arkema.com
1: Source of data for the petroleum-based nylon
polyamides: Plastics Europe
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Fibers | Textiles
Sustainable Fabrics
Can be ‘NICE’
C. L . A . S . S .
( C re a t i v i t y
Lifestyle And
Sustainable Synergy)
demonstrated
that eco-friendly
fabrics are innovative, sustainable, and fashionable at the NICE
(Nordic Initiative Clean and Ethical) Fashion Summit, which took
place last December in Copenhagen in conjunction with the United
Nations Conference on Climate Change.
The event was a pioneering initiative spearheaded by the
Nordic Fashion Association (NFA) to help raise awareness about
sustainability within the fashion industry. C.L.A.S.S was appointed
the official supplier of all the eco-responsible textiles at the event.
In a bid to show key fashion industry decision makers that textiles
can be both aesthetically appealing and sustainably produced,
C.L.A.S.S. provided more than 20 leading Nordic designers from
Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway with a range of
fabrics that were incorporated into 40 garments. The selection of
fabrics included a range of innovative renewable fabrics, recycled
and repurposed textiles, and organic and natural fabrics.
The winner of the design competition was Saara Lepokorpi
from Finland. The winning two-piece outfit featured a 100 percent
Ingeo fiber by Fama Jersey Spa, as well as new milk/wool/viscose
and viscose/silk blends by Olimpias (Piobesi). Ingeo, a biopolymer
manufactured by NatureWorks, is made from renewable plant
material, not oil.
“The fashion industry must be commended on its willingness
to push the boundaries of design by incorporating fabrics that not
only provide comfort and performance, but also offer options for
lowering the carbon footprint of textiles and fibers,” said Eamonn
Tighe, NatureWorks business development manager, Europe.
“Importantly, the fashion industry’s work is spurring designers
in many different fields to adopt synthetics made from renewable
resources.”
Other notable dresses at the fashion summit that used Ingeo
textile included those shown in the pictures.
www.c-l-a-s-s.org
Article: Velo
Composition: 100% Ingeo PLA
Mill: BOSELLI E. & C. SPA
David Andersen
Article: Ecomais
Composition: 100% Ingeo PLA
Mill: FRIZZA SPA
Aan Hernández
Article: Maspun 1007030 RPLA
Composition: 100% Ingeo PLA
Mill: FA-MA JERSEY SPA
Maxjenny
All photos courtesy of
Danish Fashion Institute.
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Fibers | Textiles
Innovative
Floor
Covering
Pietra, from Tandus (Dalton, Georgia, USA), is
the first commercial modular carpet made
with Ingeo biopolymer in an innovative
core and sheath fiber system. Utilizing the first
100% recycled content backing, Pietra contains 45-
59% recycled content and 10% post consumer content
by total product weight. Pietra is 100% closed
loop recyclable and warranted for 15 years in a
commercial application.
Pietra was chosen as the first Tandus style utilizing
Ingeo fibers because of Ingeo’s performance,
carbon footprint, and design versatility. Travertine,
one of the most frequently used stone floorings in
modern architecture, influenced Pietra’s color and
texture. Pietra embodies travertine’s characteristic,
naturally occurring cavities and ‘troughs’, which
express qualities of warmth and craftsmanship.
Packed with grays, earth neutrals, saturated blues,
greens, corals, and rusts, Pietra complements any
space and helps to reduce the carbon footprint of
the organization purchasing it. Ingeo biopolymer is
manufactured by NatureWorks.
www.tandus.com
‘Obama’ dress by Gattinoni
Loving Both
Black dress made from Ingeo PLA fibers
High Fashion
and Nature
Guillermo Mariotto, the artistic director of noted Italian fashion
house Maison Gattinoni, has a passion for finding the balance
between humans and nature. Mariotto said, “I chose
the environment and nature over a fashion that is increasingly aware
of business and not particularly oriented towards the future.” Mariotto
has been exploring the potential of Ingeo PLA fiber for high
fashion. Ingeo manufactured by NatureWorks, is a polymer made
from renewable plant material, not oil.
A stunning dress made from 100% Ingeo fabric highlighted
the Maison Gattinoni’s January 2010 fashion show. A manufacturing
process that includes calendaring is responsible for the bright finish
and silky soft texture of the dress. Creativity Lifestyle And Sustainable
Synergy (C.L.A.S.S), Lei-Tsu, and Boselli E. and C. Spa collaborated
on the development of the fabric.
Another product created by Mariotto is a caftan out of Ingeo fiber.
The dress is the designer’s tribute to U.S. President Barak Obama.
The president’s face is hand painted on the material.
www.gattinoni.net
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 17

Fibers | Textiles
www.fashionhelmet.eu
The Zero
Impact
Collection
The excellence of Italian craftsmanship and
design is recognized across the world.
Italian designer Riccardo Rizieri Broglia
took on a very personal project. Broglia wanted
to create a line of shoes that embodied all of
the qualities of handmade goods with an exceptionally
low carbon footprint. Calling his new
line ‘Zero Imact’, the designer utilized calendered
Ingeo fiber. Ingeo was chosen because it
combines all of the delicacy of silk to the touch,
is versatile, performs well, and is made with
renewable plant material. Broglia believes this
collection reveals a balance between glamour
and innovative materials that is as rare in today’s
fashion industry. Ingeo biopolymer is manufactured
by NatureWorks.
Fashion Helmet
Take a product that has traditionally been sold as a safety necessity
and then build a successful business by transforming
that product into a fashion statement. The products in question
are motorcycle, motor scooter, ski, and bicycle helmets. The
company seizing an opportunity is Italy’s Fashion Helmet.
Fashion Helmet was formed in 2004 by people with more than
20 years of related experience in fashion research and design. The
company’s helmets are hand-crafted and fully compliant with the
highest European safety standards. But it’s what’s on the outside
that captures attention, not only from wearers but from passers by.
The traditional hard outer shell comes in a host of vibrant colors
and designs — some classical, others stunningly modern, all eye
catching.
Recently the company offered a new ‘capsule’ collection of helmet
covers. The collection features Ingeo calendered cloth fashion
covers, as well as covers made with vegetable dyed and tanned
leather. Both fabric and leather covers are made by Conceria Tre
Effe in Italy. Ingeo cloth is a manufactured fiber from NatureWorks
and is made from renewable plant material, not oil.
The company features Ingeo fabric covers because Ingeo matches
the company’s vision to have customers “wear something truly out
of the ordinary.”
www.rizieri.net
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Report
Photovoltaic Panel
www.polymer-pilotplants.com
www.iwmh.fraunhofer.de
Optimized Processing of
Natural Materials in Pilot Scale
The Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Centre for Polymer Synthesis and Processing (PAZ) in Schkopau, Germany, is a joint initiative
of the Fraunhofer Institutes for Applied Polymer Research (IAP) and Mechanics of Materials (IWM) in Halle. Working
together with companies from all over the world tailor-made complete solutions in pilot scale are developed from monomers
by way of synthesis and polymers are used to produce finished and tested components.
In the processing area the development of materials and processes such as compounding and extrusion using, for example,
natural fibres such as wood, flax, sisal or hemp for filling and reinforcement functions are carried out on different industrial
scale twin screw extruders. Custom-designed, highly filled, natural fibre compounds and components produced from them can
be made - for example to increase material strength, stiffness and impact strength. Samples of such compounds in pellet form
can be produced for test purposes in quantities up to a tonne or more.
Optimising of the mechanical properties of wood/plastic composites (WPC) for injection moulding is a core competence of the
Pilot Plant Centre. Typically WPC materials have a high strength and stiffness but they are also very brittle in regard to impact
stress. For instance it has been possible, by the addition of further innovative fibres in small amounts, to increase the impact
strength of materials with a wood fraction of 40% by more than 130%, compared to a ‘standard WPC’ at room temperature. At
a temperature of -25°C the improvement was even more than 160%.
Model system of a polymer based photovoltaic module
For injection moulding processes an injection moulding machine is available with a clamping force of 200 tonnes, or
alternatively two innovative injection moulding compounders (compounding and injection moulding in one process step) with
clamping forces of 1300 and 3200 tonnes. Components with shot weights of 50 up to 9000 grams can be produced. In addition,
to optimise the processing conditions and mechanical properties of natural fibre composites, a further field of research covers
biopolymers such as PLA.
A focus on polyurethane processing (clear coat moulding technology and the manufacture of highly transparent, thin surfaces)
is new at the Pilot Plant Centre. The aliphatic materials being investigated offer a wide spectrum of adjustable mechanical
properties and represent a special field in the processing of polyurethanes. Particularly in regard to photovoltaic applications
the use of bio-based polyurethane is also being investigated. These materials, consisting of a polyol derived from renewable
vegetable oils, can help to reduce the amount of fossil fuel based polyurethane products and improve the environmental profile
of these materials over the whole life cycle. The current investigations address the processing parameters as well as the
resulting properties, e.g. the heat and weather stability.
The Fraunhofer Pilot Plant Centre is available to support the industry, e.g. by producing sample lots and pre-series in pilot
scale up to the point of introduction onto the market, as well as for mould and material testing, for example complex testing
of material and component properties.
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Materials
Extract from Cashew Nut
Shell for Electronic Equipment
The Japanese NEC corporation, with more than 100 years expertise in technological innovation, is newly emphasizing
its responsibility and position as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and
people all over the world.
Anzeige_105x148_BIB:2011-hoch 21.07.2010 12:41 Uhr Seite 1
During the 2013 fiscal year NEC is aiming to realize
mass production of a completely new and significantly
different bioplastic, suitable for a wide range of electronic
www.bio-based.de
equipment.
The new component is primarily based on cellulose
to be combined with cardanol - and both of the
feedstocks are derived from agricultural scrap. Thus
NEC will proudly and effectively side-step the discussion
regarding whether to use plant material as animal feed,
human foodstuffs or fuel, by using plant stems and
cashew nut shells as basic resources whilst avoiding
CNSL (cashew nut shell liquid) which is otherwise a
dangerous pollutant.
The new composite will have a plant composition
ratio of more than 70% as well as outstanding physical
properties such as durability in strength and malleability
twice that of conventional PLA and comparable to CA.
The heat resistance is more than twice as high as PLA
(1.3 times higher than CA) and water resistance is
absolutely on a par with PLA and 3 times more than CA.
The moulding time of this revolutionary new and noncrystalline
bioplastic can be compared to conventional
cellulose or petroleum-based plastics and is less than
50% of PLA. CJ
www.nec.com
iBIB 2011
International Business Directory for Innovative
Bio-based Plastics and Composites
In spring 2011, iBIB 2011 , the first ever international directory of major suppliers of
bio-based plastics and composites, will be published as a means of opening up a
range of new customers to companies in the bio-materials sector.
The aim of iBIB 2011 is to put industrial suppliers and customers in contact with each
other. Two major characteristics of new markets such as bio-based plastics and composites
are ‘insider knowledge’ and a lack of transparency, which prevent the sector
from developing as quickly as it might. The iBIB 2011 will help firms to find the best biobased
solutions available worldwide.
iBIB 2011 : 250 pages • 100 companies, associations, R&D • 20 countries
Book your page(s) now at: www.bio-based.de
Contact:
Dominik Vogt, Phone: +49 (0)2233 4814– 49
dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de
Publisher
nova-Institut GmbH | Chemiepark Knapsack bioplastics | Industriestrasse MAGAZINE 300 [05/10] | D-50354 Vol. Huerth 5 21

Application News
Eco-Packaging for
Salads
Quality and environmental sustainability: these
are the key elements of the non-GMO biodegradable
and compostable Mater-Bi ® packaging for salads,
the result of the collaboration between the Italian
companies Novamont and Ecor. The experimental
project is an absolute first in Italy and the first in
Europe to be used for ready-to-serve salad produce
of the IV range with Demeter certification, attesting
to its biodynamic farming origins.
The idea behind the experimental project was to
find packaging for the IV range of products (fruit and
vegetables ready for consumption) which, besides
being suitable to preserve fresh produce and give it a
longer shelf-life, is also sustainable, i.e. it limits the
environmental impact of the materials used. Added
value which becomes a matter of consistency in the
case of biological and biodynamic products, which
are products obtained by farming that respects the
natural rhythms, increases the humus in the soil
and gives man a product with high organoleptic and
nutritional properties.
Thus the convergence between Ecor, Novamont
and biodynamic agricultural company Filogea
means that a market sector in constant growth such
as that of pre-washed packaged salads can now
offer consumers a 100% compostable pack, the non-
GMO components of which (coated cardboard and
film) are fully compostable. Consumers who choose
the biodynamic ready-to-serve salads produced by
Filogea in stores specialising in biological products
do not need to be concerned about how to dispose
of the pack. Besides using renewable resources and
ensuring the optimal conservation of the product,
the innovative packaging consisting of cartonboard
‘spread’ with Mater-Bi and packaged with Mater-
Bi film can be thrown away along with the kitchen
waste.
www.novamont.com
www.ecor.it
Luxury Perfume Packaging
What do Britney Spears and Clarifoil have in common? The
answer is quite simple: they both know that beautiful packaging
is vitally important. Clarifoil is delighted that its’ cellulose film
has been selected for Britney Spears recently re-packaged
perfume Curious.
Marion Bauer, Marketing Manager, Clarifoil: “The luxury
market of perfume has high expectations from its packaging and
consistently Clarifoil is able to deliver with materials that are
more environmentally
friendly, yet give that
exceptional finish.”
Clarifoil is the
world’s leading producer
of innovative cellulose
acetate films
used for labels, carton
windows and print
lamination.
www.clarifoil.com
New Bio-Based Twist
Film for Europe
(BUSINESS WIRE) Breakthrough Technology Offers Twist Films
Made from 100% Biodegradable/Compostable Material
Cereplast, Inc. El Segundo, California, USA, recently announced
that it has partnered with Sezersan Ambalaj (Sezersan), a
subsidiary of Aşcı Group in Turkey, to produce bio twist films
made from Cereplast Compostables ® resins. The first-of-itskind,
patented product will serve as wrap packaging for a variety
of food products distributed throughout Europe.
The Sezersan bio twist film will be manufactured using Cereplast
Compostables 7003 bio resin, designed to provide high strength,
toughness and process ability for products. Under the terms of
the multi-million dollar agreement, Cereplast will begin monthly
shipments of 100 to 150 tonnes of bio resin in December 2010.
The new bio twist film has substantial form memory capability
(dead-fold behavior) and is heat sealable. The film is also thinner
than other twistable product and may be made into opaque or
semi-transparent,
film-like material.
The bio twist film will
be used as packaging
for a variety of brands
in the food industry in
Europe.
www.cereplast.com
www.sezersan.com.tr
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Applications
PLA cups for AVIANCA airline
Phoenix Packaging Group (PPG) is one of the most important packaging
manufacturing conglomerates in Latin America with sales in
more than 30 countries in the Americas. And as a leader in innovation
the Phoenix Packaging Group is very proud to have presented the
world‘s first Ingeo PLA cup for an airline.
The Colombian airline Avianca for their part is a company very active
with regard to environmental awareness, so it was only a question of time
before these two came together to their mutual benefit - but more about
this later.
Biowaste mixed with ground cup flakes
“Avianca is closing the life cycle - a matter they are very concerned
about - by using thermoplastic PLA cups with an eye on LCIA“, Giovanna
Cruz Nieto, Business Project Leader of Phoenix Packaging Group said to
bioplastics MAGAZINE. The airline uses the thermoformed PLA cups during
national and international flights, to treat the environment with maximum
respect. After use the cups are collected for composting at a composting
facility that belongs to the Colombian Environmental Control Center
(Control Ambiental de Colombia). This company also composts materials
such as market and flower waste and industrial ‘bio‘-residues as well as
food waste.
So, during/after a flight, when any waste is collected, the PLA cups
are separated. Due to legislation, for international flights leaving Bogotá
the complete waste is incinerated at the respective destination. But for
all domestic flights and for those arriving in Bogotá, all PLA cups are
composted, which takes between 6 and 12 weeks. Actually, the cups are
ground into small flakes and mixed with other compostable bio-waste. But
even complete cups can be composted very well and actually test runs are
being perfumed at the moment to verify this.
Left: before drinking - right: after collecting
Always busy and ‘go-ahead’, PPG was approached by NatureWorks in
2005 and did not hesitate to start trials with Ingeo immediately. Finally, in
2009, Phoenix Packaging offered their developments to Avianca, duly aware
of their environmental consciousness and already being their supplier for
other packages at that time.
Avianca presented this fascinating opportunity to their president in
February 2009. “And so, hand in hand with Avianca and in close cooperation
with the Environmental Control Center we came to the point that we
have reached today” Giovanna Cruz Nieto admitted, not only proud of this
business in general, but primarily of the great environmental impact. This
PPG initiative is really different, because this is the first closed life cycle
with post consumer residues.
Ground cup flakes are mixed with biowaste
www.grupophoenix.com
www.avianca.com
Avianca thus can be named as the first and pioneer enterprise in
introducing and permanently using PLA cups, along with KLM who started
to use PLA coated paper cups in June 2009 - mainly for hot beverages
- and ANA in Japan, who carried out a project with PLA cups within the
framework of their ‘e-flight‘ campaign in 2009.
Encouraged by the success enjoted by Avianca‘s PLA cup, Phoenix
Packaging Group looked into other Ingeo products and thus launched
the “We serve the planet” GeoPack ® line earlier this year. With factories
in Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico they will open another new plant in
Virginia (USA) this coming September. - CJ/MT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 23

Applications
High Performance Composite
Panels from Renewable,
Bio-based Polymers
Article contributed by
Tomasz Czarnecki
Technical Marketing Manager
François de Bie
Head of Sales and Marketing
EconCore NV, Leuven, Belgium
Figure 1: honey comb cores and panels made
from renewable resources
www.econcore.com
EconCore is proud to present the first 100% bio-based
composite panel. Recently EconCore has optimized
the patented ThermHex production technology to produce
honeycomb cores and sandwich panels made from biobased
plastics.
“Today, the exploitation of the economical advantages of
weight reduction has become essential for many industries”,
says François de Bie, EconCore head of sales and marketing.
“Bio-based polymer materials are still relatively expensive
compared to for example polypropylene (PP) alternatives
what has limited the use of these materials in structural
applications. Bio-based sandwich panels can be used in for
example re-usable packaging, furniture, automotive interiors,
separation walls or agricultural applications.”
EconCore provides cutting edge production technology that
enables its customers to produce cores and sandwich panels
at optimal performance and lowest cost.
EconCore’s patented ThermHex technology allows for costefficient
production of hexagonal honeycomb cores from a
range of thermoplastic polymers like for example PP, PE,
PET, PVC, ABS, PC, PPS, PEI, PLA and many others.
Thermoplastic skins of the above mentioned thermoplastic
polymers can be added in a second step in the production line
to form mono-material sandwich panels, but also glass or
carbon fiber composite, CPL, non-woven, aluminum or steel
skins are possible. Another example includes polypropylene
honeycomb faced by wood-flour / polypropylene composite.
This sandwich panel concept, where high modulus but
lightweight and inexpensive skins are laminated on the
honeycomb, exhibits outstanding mechanical performance
level while the solution is fully recyclable and eco-friendly. To
show the benefit, such 20 mm sandwich panel whereby the
skins are only 1 mm thick has bending stiffness equivalent to
that of solid polypropylene at more than 14 mm thickness or
to almost 3 mm thick steel sheet and this at total weight of
less than 4 kg per square meter…
By combining its innovative production technology with
renewable materials, EconCore is able to present a sandwich
panel that has excellent mechanical properties, while still
being cost competitive to traditional sheet materials.
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Figure 2: Hexagonal
Honeycomb core.
The last six months EconCore has optimized its technology
for continuous production to produce PLA (Poly-Lactic Acid)
based hexagonal honeycomb cores. Only moments after the
core is produced skin layers are added in a second step of the
continuous production process. These skins can be made of
unfilled PLA material to make a mono material panel or, in
case a higher performance is required, they can be replaced
with a composite version of e.g. natural fiber reinforced PLA.
The ‘optical’ advantage of the 100% PLA honeycomb sandwich
panel over the composite one will be its level of transparency
and light transmission, surely attracting the designer’s eye!
To give an example of efficiency of sandwich panels, a
100% based PLA ThermHex panel at a thickness of 20 mm
has equivalent bending stiffness to that of 12 mm thick solid
PLA sheet or chipboard, as shown in table 1. Same rigidity is
offered by a 10 mm thick plywood panel, known very well for
its outstanding mechanical performance, but unfortunately
also for its relatively high cost. Looking at weight of the PLA
ThermHex, it is 4 times less compared to its monolithic sister.
The solid wood-based products, used in large volumes in the
furniture and construction market segments, appear to be
‘solid’ also in regard to their weight as they are up to factor of
2 – 3 heavier than the honeycomb board.
The EconCore technologies for automated continuous
production of honeycombs are protected by granted patents.
The company has sold a number of licenses to well established
partners who have successfully introduced panels using the
EconCore patents. The application list started with reusable
packaging but started to grow fast after the first licensee was
installed with its first ThermHex line. Players in the market
segments of automotive, B&C or furniture appeared to be
very attracted by the idea of cost and weight savings.
In general EconCore supports licensees in their application
development and integration of EconCore technologies into
existing production lines. The company offers engineering
services to select and optimize core-skin material
combinations providing maximal mechanical performance at
an optimal compromise between material cost, production
cost and weight saving. “This know-how, combined with the
cutting edge ThermHex technology, allows to maximize cost
saving potential of our customers” says Tomasz Czarnecki,
Technical Marketing Manager at EconCore.
Besides for more traditional polymers EconCore has
recently received a lot of interest from companies that would
like to use bio-based skin materials like natural fiber filled
PP or PLA and natural fiber based non wovens. These skin
materials in combination with renewable core materials would
fit in a range of market segments like automotive, building &
construction, furniture, sign & display and packaging market
segments.
“We are currently looking for partners that would be
interested in bringing these PLA panels to the market”, says
François. “The other possibility would be where EconCore
takes ownership of producing the panels and selling these
to a distributor company that has access to the different
markets where these panels could be used.”
At K’2010 EconCore is present at the booth of ThermHex
Waben GmbH (Hall 08b Stand D79)
100% PLA ThermHex
sandwich panel
(0.8 mm skins / 90kg/m³ core)
Solid PLA panel Chipboard Plywood
Total panel thickness (mm) 20 12.1 12.4 9.8
Relative bending stiffness 1 1 1 1
Total panel weight (kg/m²) 3.7 15.1 9.9 5.9
Table 1: Weight saving potential of PLA ThermHex sandwich panel, compared to solid PLA panel and traditional wood-based materials
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 25

Bioplastics Award
Shortlist
bioplastics MAGAZINE and European Plastics News have decided to team up and jointly present the 5 th Bioplastics Award.
After having received in excess of 20 submissions for the Bioplastics Award 2010 the judging panel have reviewed them all
and now publishes details of the five most promising proposals.
The 5 th Bioplastics Awards recognises innovation, success and achievement by manufacturers, processors and users of
bioplastic materials. There are no separate categories as previously. To be eligible for consideration in the awards the proposed
company, product, or service must have been developed or been on the market during 2009 or 2010.
The following companies/products are shortlisted (without any ranking) and from these the winner will be announced during
the 5 th European Bioplastics Conference on December 1st, 2010 in Düsseldorf Germany:
EconCore – PLA
Honeycomb Sandwich
Structure
Over the last 6 months EconCore has optimized the
production technology to produce PLA based hexagonal
honeycomb cores using a continuous production
process. Only moments after the core is produced skin
layers are added in a second step of the continuous
production process. These skins could be made from
unfilled PLA material to make a mono material panel
or, in case a higher performance is required, could be
replaced with consolidated flax in a PLA matrix.
Key advantages:
• Made from renewable, biobased polymers
• Increased performance at reduced weight
• Reduced production cost versus traditional panels
and materials
• Excellent strength and stiffness
• Good impact resistance
The PLA honeycomb sandwich structure is 100%
renewable, minimizes the use of PLA and is hence
also price competitive with (much heavier) products
made from traditional plastics.
Toyota - The Application
of Bioplastics for the New
Luxury Hybrid Car ‘SAI‘
The Toyota Passenger Vehicle Development Center 2 of
Toyota Motors Corporation has been very active in the area
of bioplastics development since 2003, thus being one of the
world‘s pioneers. The success of the bioplastics applications
in the new luxury Hybrid Car, the ‘SAI‘, is an outstanding
example not only for the wide variety of the material utilization
but also the wide range of the application area.
Parts of Biomassbased
plastics
Scuff Plate, Cowl
Sidetrim, Finish Plate
Tool Box
Ceiling, Front Pillar,
Center Pillar
Roofside trim,
Sunvisor
Baggage Trim,
baggage Sidetrim
baggage Doortrim,
baggage Floormat
Door Trim
Seat Cushon
Materials
Biomass-based Petroleumbased Technology
PolyLactide
(PLA)
Biomass-based
Polyester
PolyLactide
(PLA)
PolyLactide
(PLA) /Kenaf
Caster Oil based
Polyol
Polypropylene
(PP)
Polyethylene
Terephthalate
Polyethylene
Terephthalate
Polyol /
Isocyanate
Compatibilized
Compound
Conjugated
Fiber
Composit
Fiber
Composit
Product
Polyurethane
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Bioplastics Award
Proganic: A New Material
for Injection Moulding of High
Quality Products
Proganic is a bio-polymer based on PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates),
as well as a combination of renewable vegetable oils, waxes and
natural minerals which provide sealing and water resistance. It can
be used as a replacement for a variety of thermoplastics including
PP and ABS. Technically it is most comparable to ABS plastic.
Proganic is tested for the ‘ultimate aerobic biodegradability of
plastic materials in an aqueous medium‘ according to ISO 14851 (by
measuring the oxygen demand) and ISO 14852 (by analysis of evolved
carbon dioxide). It is home compostable in both open and closed composters at 20°C. It conforms to the European Norm EN 71,
Articles 3 and 9 (toys) and it also conforms to the requirements of the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in
the food and beverage industry. Proganic products currently available directly from Propper include watering cans, flower pots,
self adhesive hooks, egg cups and spoons, strainers.
ICO: ‘Green Planet’
Environmentally Friendly Writing
Instruments and Office Supplies
A variety of products are made from the biodegradable material
PLA, derived from corn starch, such as bio-degradable pens,
paperclip holder, letter opener, stapler, perforator and pen stands.
These products decompose in environments with a high humidity
(50-70%), high temperature (60-80°C), microorganisms and oxygen.
Furthermore, there are also recycled paper products in this range,
such as the paper pen and various folders for filing, best illustrated in the attachment.
ICO Stationery Manufacturing JSC has developed a unique product range among the green product manufacturers. Not only
does ICO make ballpoint pens from bio-material – of which there is already a great variety on the market - but they offer a full
range including desk accessories such as pen stands, staplers, perforators and folders. Catalogues and leaflets are issued on
a regular basis to promote these environmentally friendly products.
FKuR / Fujitsu: Eco Keyboard Fujitsu KBPC PX ECO
Fujitsu Technology Solutions is the leading IT infrastructure provider in Europe. In order to provide respective consumer
electronics solutions to the ecologically-aware consumer, the Eco keyboard KBPC PX ECO was developed using the materials
from FKuR Kunststoff GmbH.
45% of the plastics components used in this keyboard
were replaced by materials made from renewable
resources. For the keyboard base Biograde ® C 7500 CL
was chosen. Parts made from Biograde meet the
special requirements for keyboards and in some cases
even exceed the properties of oil-based plastics.
This new Eco-Keyboard underlines Fujitsu’s Green IT
commitment to saving CO 2
emissions, and represents
a further innovation for Green IT.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 27

Materials
New
Biomaterial
BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH
& Co. KG located in Emmerich, Germany, have
added a new material with the brand name
BIOPLAST 200 to their product portfolio of biological natural packaging.
This is a completely new thermoplastic material which is 100% biodegradable
and does not contain any plasticizer. This new starch-based
plastic material is particularly suitable for blown film, sheet film and
profile extrusion, thus also for injection moulding. Unlike thermoplastic
starch (TPS), no plasticizers are added to the potato starch which is used
in its original native condition. This and the consistent abdication of raw
materials stemming from genetically modified organisms (GMO) result
in a material with features fully in line with the increasing
expectations of consumers and end users. Bioplast 200
is registered as a biodegradable material with Vinçotte
(No. O 10-406-A) acc. to EN 13432.
Depending on their thickness, products made from
Bioplast 200 are therefore also compostable. Of course
Bioplast 200 can also be disposed of in a conventional
way, e. g. in waste incineration plants. Due to the high
share of applied renewable, bio-based raw materials of
more than 40% the incineration of Bioplast 200 generates
by far less CO 2
than that of conventional, completely
petroleum-based products. Compared with polyethylene
(PE), more than 50% of climate relevant CO 2
emissions
are saved during the incineration of the material. The
product can be used without any pre-treatment for
flexographic and offset-printing. Its resistance to oils,
greases and water offers a large variety of applications.
Depending on the duration and the kind of application,
Bioplast 200 can also be used in contact with food. All
raw materials used are listed in the European Directive
2002/72/EC. Its lack of odour is a result of the use of
potato starch instead of corn starch.
Since 1992, BIOTEC Biologische Natur-verpackungen
has been developing thermoplastic materials under the
brand name Bioplast which are based on natural raw
materials. Initially designed as a development unit, the
company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers
of bio-compounds and blends. BIOTEC belongs to the
SPhere Group (France) and to BIOME Technologies
plc (UK), two of the most important companies that
manufacture, develop and distribute innovative
Biomaterials.
www.biotec.de
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

5 th
Make it
green !
SaVe tHe Date !
1/2 December, 2010
Hilton Düsseldorf
www.conference.european-bioplastics.org
Conference contact:
conference@european-bioplastics.org
Phone: +49 30 28 48 23 50

K‘2010 Preview
Show
Preview
K’2010 - Oct. 27 - Nov. 03, 2010
At K‘2010, the world’s biggest trade fair for plastics and rubber,
opening its doors from 27 October to 03 November in
Düsseldorf, Germany, about 3,100 companies will showcase
their latest developments for all industry segments. Among them
more than 60 companies that present their products and services in
the field of bioplastics. In this K-show preview bioplastics MAGAZINE
gives an overview of what visitors can expect in terms of
bioplastics. For better orientation see floor plan on pages 34-35.
Biosourced Plastics
in the Limelight
Arkema: Biosourced plastics (as per Arkema’s definition plastics with over
20% of non-fossil carbon) already account for 30% of Arkema’s technical
polymer business and call upon around two thirds of their R&D capability. These
polymers offer the same properties as their oil-sourced counterparts, and even
outperforming them. By exhibiting finished components and prototypes made
from these materials, Arkema will showcase their biosourced polymers, and in
particular: Rilsan ® 11 (polyamide processed entirely from castor oil), Pebax ® Rnew
(up to 90% biosourced elastomer), Rilsan Clear Rnew (transparent polyamide
made from 54% renewable raw materials). Rilsan HT (high temperature polymer
derived from castor oil for engine-compartment automotive applications). The
first office chairs designed by Japan’s n°2 furniture maker will be unveiled for
preview - their main components and textiles are made from Rilsan PA11 and
Pebax Rnew - as will objects made of Rilsan and Pebax Rnew developed with
the Japanese company Sanko Lite, specialised in the use of Urushi natural
lacquer.
SCARPA Ski boots FLASH PRO in PEBAX® Rnew
www.arkema.com 06C57
Sustainable Compounding of
Biodegradable Materials
Coperion/Cabopol: The first compounding plant for biodegradable plastics in Portugal underlines the expertise of the German
Coperion GmbH in biodegradable material processing systems. The extrusion line went into trial operation in January 2010 with
the Portuguese compounding company Cabopol, S. A. Cabopol is now the first manufacturer of biodegradable polymers on the
Iberian Peninsula. Both companies are exhibitors at K’2010.
Biodegradable compounds based on compostable polyesters, with and without starch, are being manufactured.The processing
system includes materials handling for all raw materials – i.e. storage, conveying, weighing and dosing – as well as compounding
with downstream pelletizing and drying. The processing extruder, a ZSK MEGAcompounder PLUS, has a ZS-B twin screw side
feeder and a venting unit. The die discharges into a water bath for strand cooling followed by suction drying of the strand surface
prior to strand pelletizing.
Cabopol procured a ZSK 26 MEGAcompounder laboratory extruder especially for this project and during the optimization of the
screw geometry and process technology was able to make use of know-how from Coperion. It is the formulations that include
starch which represent a particular challenge: The melt zone in the compounding extruder has to not only melt the polymer, but
also plastify the non-melting starch by adding liquid.
www.coperion.com
www.cabopol.com
Coperion 14B33/ Cabopol 8bG45
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

K‘2010 Preview
A New Leader
in Biopolymers
Production
NATIVIA the first melt (Courtesy Taghleef Industries)
BOPLA Film Production
Brückner Maschinenbau from Siegsdorf, Germany offers
concepts for new lines or the modification of existing lines,
such as:
• Special raw material handling systems for the hygroscopic
material PLA
• A specially adapted extruder screw design for PLA
ensuring gentle plastification
• Special adaptation of all melt leading components
ensuring gentle handling of the acidic PLA
• A temperature control system specially adapted and
aligned for PLA for machine and transverse stretching of
the material given the fact that PLA must be stretched with
considerably lower temperatures than other polymers
• Units for film surface treatment adapted to the material
Taghleef Industries and Brückner recently created a
concept to modify one of Taghleef’s existing BOPP lines in
Italy in order to produce BOPLA - based on Taghleef’s own
researches and the long track record of Brückner’s tests on
its laboratory line in its German headquarters. The startup
of this modified line will be in the 4 th quarter of 2010
(see p. 6).
Braskem: Having presented its landmark project of
building the first plant to produce green ethylene from sugar
cane ethanol at the 2007 K’show, the Brazilian petrochemical
company Braskem will have had its plant running for exactly
three years when the K’2010 takes place in Düsseldorf,
Germany. Built in record time, Braskem’s plant started
production of ‘Green Polyethylene’ from sugar cane based
ethanol as of the end of September. Its nominal production
capacity is 200,000 tonnes/year, which will equal to the same
amount of green polyethylene.
Ethylene is the raw material for polyethylene - the most
commonly-used plastic in the world. The green polyethylene
has the same properties and provides the same performance
as traditional resin, but with the huge advantage of being
made from a renewable resource (see p. 52). The final
product, as with polymers made from naphtha or natural
gas, can be used by a wide variety of industries, ranging
from the automobile industry, through the cosmetics, tools,
domestic utensils, and food packaging industries, to the toy
manufacturing business.
www.braskem.com 06D27 / 06.1W01
www.brueckner.com 03C73
The World’s Most Advanced
and Versatile Bio Resin
The bioresins.eu division of A&O FilmPAC is using the K’show as the opportunity to launch and present the ECOMANN range of
biodegradable/compostable PHA resins. Ecomann PHA is said to be currently the world’s most advanced and versatile bio resin. A
number of different well proven resin grades exist for film and sheet, rigid and flexible injection mouldings, rigid and flexible foam
and bio elastomers. Ecomann resin products have obtained all of the certifications relevant to the bio resins industry. Numerous
new applications arise all the time in this very dynamic industry with a high growth rate. A&O FilmPAC’s team of multi-lingual
application experts will show product samples and discuss customer projects at the K show.
A&O FilmPAC, based in the UK, represents Ecomann in the EU, Turkey, the Middle East and some East African countries.
www.bioresins.eu 07.1A48
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 31

K‘2010 Preview
New High Performance
Thermoplastic
Copolyester
DSM: Following the successful introduction of EcoPaXX,
a bio-based Polyamide 4.10, DSM Engineering Plastics will
be launching Arnitel ® Eco at K 2010. Arnitel Eco is a high
performance thermoplastic copolyester (TPC) with a 20%-
50% content derived from renewable resources, depending
on the hardness of the grade. The new material is specifically
suited for applications in Consumer Electronics, Sports &
Leisure and Automotive Interiors.
According to DSM there is a clear customer need for biobased
engineering plastics which combine performance
with a reduced carbon footprint. LCA calculations based on
Arnitel Eco show a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions,
cradle to gate, of up to 50% versus oil based thermoplastic
copolyesters. Arnitel Eco is a first generation product, which
is currently not yet suitable for high temperatures. However,
additional generations of the product are envisaged for the
future.
www.dsmep.com 06B11
The Broadest Portfolio
of Renewably-sourced
Materials
DuPont: The strategy of DuPont Performance Polymers
is to offer polymers that are at least 20% renewably
sourced and have equal or better performance than
the entirely petrochemical-based materials that they
replace. DuPont has the industry’s broadest range of highperformance,
renewably-sourced polymers, including
DuPont Sorona ® EP thermoplastic polymers, which exhibit
moulding characteristics similar to high-performance
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), DuPont Hytrel ® RS
thermoplastic elastomers, which contain 35% to 65%
of renewably sourced material and provide the same
established performance characteristics as the original
Hytrel® and, thirdly, the family of DuPont Zytel ® RS long
chain nylons – initially consisting of Zytel RS polyamide 1010,
which is 98% renewably sourced, and Zytel RS polyamide
610, which is more than 58% by weight renewably sourced.
Renewably sourced materials from DuPont can help reduce
dependence on petroleum and reduce the net production of
greenhouse gases.
Consumer Awareness
Boosts Demand for
Bio-polyamides
EMS GRIVORY: The interest in bio-based products from
EMS-GRIVORY has been growing steadily. Specifiers in various
industries chose GreenLine polymers for new applications
in response to increasing environmental awareness by
consumers.
In 2009 EMS-GRIVORY introduced various series of biopolyamides
- Grilamid 1S PA1010, 2S PA610, Grilamid BTR
(amorphous, transparent) and Grivory HT3 PPA.
GreenLine products show performance levels directly
comparable to, or higher than, those of long established
polymers. New Grilamid 1S and 2S formulations have
successfully conquered applications in consumer products
from hand-held electronics to sports goods, Grilamid BTR
allows the production of high quality optics and Grivory HT3
helps improve connecting devices in the E&E sector.
GreenLine products are made completely or partially from
derivatives of castor oil. Thus GreenLine products allow
users of engineering plastics to significantly reduce the CO 2
and GWP footprint of their products.
GreenLine products are not at all biodegradable but
fully recyclable, carrying the potential for further footprint
reduction thanks to material recycling alongside the lifetime
of the application.
www.emsgrivory.com 06E61
New ‘Wave of
TPU Specialties’
Merquinsa, the TPU Specialty Company, will be exhibiting
for the first time in Hall 6, one of the main fair halls.
Under the motto ‘Everything You Can Imagine’, in line with
its thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) specialties and
sustainability focus, Merquinsa on this occasion will unveil
a New ‘Wave of TPU Specialties’. Among other Pearlthane ®
products visitors will find Pearlthane ECO, renewable-sourced
Bio TPUs (see also p. 50). Recognized global brands now make
‘Green Shoes’, ‘Green Cars‘ and ‘Green Electronics’ from
Merquinsa´s Bio TPU polyester and polyether-based product
ranges. Several new commercial Renewable-sourced Bio
TPU applications will be exhibited at K2010.
www.merquinsa.com 06A31
www.dupont.com 06D33
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

K‘2010 Preview
Innovations in Bioplastics Allow
for New Applications
FKuR: The results of the combined research activities of FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
and Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Oberhausen in Germany are principally new special
grades which are based on PLA or cellulose. Besides the already well-established
applications in the agricultural and hygiene sectors, it is now possible to produce
films for deep freeze and various multilayer applications made from Bio-Flex ® .
Also at K’2010, innovations in the area of injection mouldable cellulose acetate
compounds will be presented. With the Biograde ® product line, FKuR sets new
standards within the bioplastics range. Thanks to an excellent heat resistance (with
values up to 115 °C) it is now possible to realise applications in consumer electronics
and household appliances made from bioplastics.
Mouse made from Biograde ® C 9550
(Source: FKuR)
www.fkur.com 06B66
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH produces and markets special customized biopolymers
under the brand names Bio-Flex (polylactic acid/copolyester compounds), Biograde
(cellulose ester compounds) and Fibrolon ® (natural fibre reinforced polymers). The
close cooperation of the company with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT ensures
outstanding know-how and quality standards.
Make It Possible
PolyOne will feature reSound
biopolymer compounds, which
incorporate up to 50% bio-derived
content by weight and offer increased
sustainability without sacrificing
performance. PolyOne’s exclusive
reSound biopolymer compounds
combine engineering thermoplastic
resins with bio-derived polymers such
as PLA, PHB, PHBV and biopolyesters.
reSound compounds have a unique
balance of temperature, impact and cost
performance that enables manufacturers
to reduce the environmental impact
of their products while delivering
exceptional performance equal to or
better than conventional engineering
resins. Potential applications and market
opportunities that can benefit from the
performance properties of reSound
compounds, while improving the carbon
footprint, include:
• Consumer durable goods
• Electronics equipment
• Medical devices and equipment
• Interior automotive components
‘Make It Possible’, PolyOne’s theme,
showcases the customer-focused
approach to developing innovative and
responsible solutions that help its
customers differentiate their products,
win new business, reduce operating
costs and meet sustainability goals.
www.polyone.com 08G46
Masterbatches Based on
Biodegradable Carrier Polymers
Lifocolor present their BIO masterbatches based on biodegradable carrier polymers using
environmentally friendly colouring systems. The products, from the German company based in
Lichtenfels, are suitable for colouring cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA), polymer starch, polyhydroxybutyrate
(PHB) and further renewable raw materials. Lifocolor BIO colorants will allow end
products to be specified as biodegradable according to the internationally accepted standard EN
13432 for the compostability of packaging materials.
www.lifocolor.de 7.1C30
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 33

Special concepts for
BOPLA film production
Visit PolyOne at
Hall 08b / G46
ask about our new
durable biopolymers
Hall 3 Booth C73
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Holzhauser Strasse 157–159
13509 Berlin
Germany
info@uhde-inventa-fi scher.com
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com
Hall 7
B13 CRODA
B49
Hall 7a
C05 Marubeni Europe
D12
C22 Nippon Gohsei Europe
D40
D06 Kuraray Europe
F21
D18 Mitsui Chemicals Europe
G32
D32 Kaneka Corporation
H28
D32 Mitsui & Co. Deutschland
H39
J11
Hall 7.1
K48
A48 bioresins.eu
B05 Synbra Technology
C12 Ravago
C20 CONSTAB (Kafrit)
C30 Lifocolor Farben
C48 Fukan
E01-2 Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical
Hall 8a
Fachagentur Nachwachsende
Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR)
A. Schulmann
Snetor
Gehr Kunststoffwerk
Uhde Inventa-Fischer
Sukano
Rhodia Polyamide
Clariant International
The Dow Chemical Company
EMS-GRIVORY has widened its range of
bio-polyamides in the GreenLine Series.
GR Jpg K_9,5x4,95mm_#7771BB.fh 17.09.2010 15:13 Uhr Seite 1
Visit us at K 2010 Hall 6 Both E61 or www.emsgrivory.com
robedruck
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Hall 6
A31 Merquinsa
A42 API
A75-1 Bayer MaterialScience
B11 DSM Engineering Plastics
B28 Evonik Industries
B42 AKRO-PLASTIC
B66 FKuR Kunststoff
B66 Fraunhofer UMSICHT
B68 GRAFE Advanced Polymers
C43 Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
C57 Arkema
D27 Braskem
W01 Braskem
D33 DuPont de Nemours Intl.
E09 Novamont
E61 EMS - Chemie
E80 Clickplastics
Hall 5
B18 Biesterfeld Plastic
C18-1 Addiplast
C18-8 Biosphere
C21 BASF
D10-6B Telles
D10-6B Metabolix
E04 M-Base engineering and Software
bioplastics MAGAZINE,
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Hall 07, C09
1
C54
C73
E91
E91
C25
Hall 03
Roll-o-Matic
Brückner Maschinenbau
Fraunhofer Insitut für Grenzflächen
und Bioverfahrenstechnik
Fraunhofer Institut für chemische Technologie
Hall 01
D-M-E Europe
e-mail:
martin.snijder@greengran.com
address:
GreenGran BV, Galvanistraat 1,
6716 AE Ede, Netherlands
Producer and supplier
of granules:
1) Natural fiber (NF) reinforced
plastics such PE, PP
2) Bio-based compounds of a mix
of NF with PLA,PHA, Ecoflex
3) Flame retardant , non halogen,
as to V0 1,5 mm standards
4) Powder and granules PHA/PHB
for films, foams, hot melts
Bioplastics Consulting
Tel. +49 2161 664864
info@polymediaconsult.com
www.polymediaconsult.com

organized by
Show
Guide
28. - 30.10.2010
Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
A30
A61
D79
E83
F81
G45
G46
H63
H67
Hall 8b
Natureplast
Albis Plastic
EconCore (at ThermHex Waben)
Teknor Apex
Technamation Technical Europe
Cabopol
PolyOne
Roquette Frères
Toray industries
A48
D05
D60
C54
Hall 9
BKG Bruckmann & Kreyenborg
Granuliertechnik
NGR - Next Generation
Recyclingmaschinen
Mann+Hummel ProTec GmbH (SOMOS)
Hall 11
VTT Technical Research
Centre of Finland
Hall 12
A51-59 SUPLA (at Intype Enterprise)
B33
Hall 14
Coperion
Bioplastics
Business
Breakfast
B 3
B27
Hall 15
KraussMaffei Berstorff
A55
D22
F22
Hall 16
FAS Converting Machinery
IFA Tulln (bei Battenfeld)
Leistritz Extrusionstechnik
Hall 17
A21/C22 Reifenhäuser
www.bioplastics-breakfast.com
Contact: Dr. Michael Thielen (info@bioplasticsmagazine.com)
Bioplastics in
Packaging
PLA, an Innovative
Bioplastic
Bioplastics
Business
Breakfast
B 3
28. - 30.10.2010
Injection Moulding
of Bioplastics
THE CREATIVE AGENCY
FOR BIOPLASTICS
WWW.WIRKSTOFFGRUPPE.DE
At the World’s biggest trade show on plastics and rubber:
K’2010 in Düsseldorf bioplastics will certainly play an
important role.
On three days during the show from Oct 28 - 30,
biopolastics MAGAZINE will host a Bioplastics Business
Breakfast: From 8 am to 12 noon the delegates get the
chance to listen and discuss highclass presentations and
benefit from a unique networking opportunity. The trade
fair opens at 10 am.
Like Mission: Sustainable. Naturally. Organic.

K‘2010 Preview
Roll-Bag Solution
for Bio-Bags
Next Generation
Recycling Machines
NGR: An effective new technology for recycling bioplastics
has been successfully developed by NGR (Next Generation
Recyclingmaschinen) with its headquarters in Feldkirchen/
Donau, Austria. The specialists have long believed that
plastics made from biomaterials cannot be recycled; NGR
shows otherwise at K’2010.
Roll-o-Matic, Denmark, has developed a new Delta
converting line, the DELTAmax, which has longer sealing
sections than the conventional Delta. In this way it is possible
to reach the optimum combination of long sealing time and
high sealing pressure at zero-tension, as required for high
capacity, top quality converting of the medium/large size
star sealed bio-bags.
The DELTAmax can in this way reduce production cost
and provide producers of bio-bags with new business
opportunities.
Valuable raw material... NGR has set its sights from the
outset on ‘one-step technology’, in which plastics going
through the recycling process are not subjected to high
temperatures. And it is above all for the recycling of valuable
bioplastics that this factor is now of enormous significance.
This is because so-called natural plastics made from
renewable growing resources are three to four times as
expensive to produce as those based on petroleum. Moreover
the typical NGR ‘one-step technology’ also offers high energy
efficiency that is seen in operation via low electricity costs.
...feeding back into the production cycle. NGR regranulating
technology for biological plastics is now to be
demonstrated to a specialist public…
www.ngr.at 9D05
“With the right converting equipment, we expect that the
market for medium and large size star-sealed bio-bags will
expand rapidly, and we are pleased to offer our customers
the possibility to open up new business opportunities,”
comments Mr. Birger Sørensen, Managing Director at Rollo-Matic,
Denmark.
The DELTAmax with the star sealed T-shirt capabilities
can be seen in operation at Roll-o-Matic’s stand.
www.roll-o-matic.com 03C54
GRAN recycling unit from NGR.
www.ngr.at 9D05
Biodegradable Polyester Resin
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd: BiocosafeTM is the trade name of a biodegradable polyster resin
manufactured by Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd (in short XINFU). Besides being a global leading manufacturer
of Vitamin B5 XINFU specialises in the fields of biochemicals, fine chemicals and Eco-materials.
Biocosafe is a kind of biodegradable macromolecular polymer synthesised from diacid and diols through a direct process of
condensation polymerization catalyzed with a highly effective non-toxic catalyzer that has been developed by XINFU. Biocosafe has
already obtained EN13432 and ASTM D6400 certification.
Three different grades are available for various applications:
Biocosafe 2003 is a high shear strength and impact grade, suitable for film and bag applications. The 1803 grade offers HDT
above 60°C and an elongation at break of over 600%. Suitable for tube, and straw applications. And finally Biocosafe 1903 with an
HDT above 85°C and high impact strength. This grade is suitable for injection and extrusion
www.xinfupharm.com 07.1E01-2
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

K‘2010 Preview
A New Commercial Bioplastic Material
with Broad Performance Capabilities
Telles: Mirel bioplastics have made major strides forward this year. The
Clinton, Iowa, USA production facility is now in operation. Mirel is available
in a series of resin grades, including injection molding, thermoforming, film
(cast and blown), and sheet extrusion. Mirel is ideal for a wide variety of
applications, including single-use disposables; food service and packaging;
compost, yard waste, and retail bags; agriculture mulch films; horticulture
and marine products; and many consumer items. It is durable in use, shelfstable,
heat-resistant up to 120°C, moisture-resistant, tough, and tearresistant.
Mirel enables alternative waste management options including
anaerobic digestion, home composting, industrial composting, soil and
marine environments. Mirel offers biobased and biodegradable solutions
that can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
www.mirelplastics.com 05D10-6A
www.natureplast.eu 08bA30
Bioplastics Services
Natureplast specializes in supporting plastics converters or outsourcers who want to
develop and integrate products or packaging in bioplastic.
Their expertise is based on three complementary and inseparable activities to develop
a successful product :
• Natureplast has privileged access to all raw materials and additive bioplastics all over
the world. They are even able to recommend specifications on the material best suited
to the customer’s needs.
• If none of the biopolymers on the market today correspond to the client’s expectations,
Natureplast’s structure and network can set customized grades of material in order to
meet product and process constraints.
• Natureplast has also developed audit services, consulting and training to accompany
you on your whole project.
Beginning in 2011, Natureplast is proud to announce the opening of a laboratory
completely dedicated to bioplastic research and development (compounding, injection
moulding and characterisation). New grades of bioplastic will be developed to respond to
industrial needs.
New BioFoam Pallet
Besides their standard EPS and EPP materials Synbra will be
showcasing several items produced with their newly developed
BioFoam ® material. This material is an expanded PLA, 100% biobased
and biodegradable, and is C2C certified. BioFoam has comparable
properties with EPS and within certain limits all EPS parts could also
be made with this new material. Processing is done on traditional EPS
equipment, however as a blowing agent CO 2
is used, which makes the
processing a carbon neutral operation. At its end-of-life BioFoam can
be disposed of in all the traditional ways, but PLA has some additional
disposal options, namely industrial composting, anaerobic digestion
and feedstock recycling.
Wood/Biopolymer compound injection moulding demonstration
www.biofoam.nl 07.1B05
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 37

K‘2010 Preview
Innovative Biodegradable and
Compostable Cling Film
Novamont continue their development with the Second Generation Mater-Bi ®
products: at K’2010 they will be unveiling the first industrial cling film that is
biodegradable and compostable and is made using renewable resources.
The stretchy cling film can be used for any kind of foodstuffs, even food that has
a high fat content (oils, sauces, butter, etc.) or that is acidic. After use it can be
disposed of as organic waste as it has been certified as compostable in accordance
with standard EN13432 and is compatible with various kinds of composting plant
technology (for more details see separate article on page 10).
www.novamont.com 06E09
Mater-Bi is the main product developed by Novamont. While providing the
same strength and performance as traditional plastics, it is made from renewable
resources of agricultural origin. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and the
consumption of energy and non-renewable resources, thus completing a virtuous
circle: the raw materials of agricultural origin return to the earth through processes
of biodegradation and composting, without releasing pollutants.
Bio Goes Functional
Sukano: In order to establish long-term success,
bioplastics need to provide the same processing and
application performance as oil-based plastics. For such a
demanding task Sukano offers highly attractive solutions
with its innovative bioconcentrates for film extrusion and
biobased polymer alloys for injection moulding
By using SUKANO ® Bioconcentrates visual and functional
properties can be ideally adapted to meet the requirements
of various cut film and thermoformable film applications.
Bioconcentrates contain a high amount of additives well
dispersed in a biopolymer carrier and are dosed in small
amounts during the film extrusion process.
For use in injection moulding applications, such
as housings, biopolymers require a good balance of
processability and impact properties. Focused on the needs
of manufacturers and end users, these bio-based polymer
alloys are compounded with the aim of achieving the desired
optical or functional properties. A major emphasis was
placed on good processing properties. SUKANO ® BIOLOY’s
are supplied pre-dried in aluminium-coated bags.
www.sukano.com 8AH28
Biobased Polymer Alloys
are ideally suited as
alternatives to PS or ABS
in housing applications
Resins For Paper
Coating and Shrink Film
BASF will be showing two new applications based on their
innovative Ecovio FS: firstly there are paper cups treated with
Ecovio FS Paper, the new Ecovio grade specially developed
for coating paper, and then there is the new shrink film
material, Ecovio FS Shrink Film.
The new Ecovio FS plastic material biodegrades even
more rapidly than its predecessor and contains a higher
proportion of material from renewable resources. This
brings Ecovio FS Shrink Film‘s renewable content to 63%
and that of Ecovio FS Paper to as much as 75 %. Ecovio FS
Paper exhibits excellent adhesion to paper - even where thin
coatings are used. Ecovio FS Shrink Film on the other hand
allows a targeted balance between shrink performance and
cohesion so that the mechanical loading of a film only 25
µm thick is greater than that of a 50 µm thick PE film.
In addition to the above the company will be showing
other applications of Ecovio and Ecoflex in the packaging
and agricultural industries.
www.basf.com 05C21/D21
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

K‘2010 Preview
WPC Fully Biodegradable and Biobased
Fasal Wood KG, Vienna, Austria, and the Institute for Natural Materials Technology
(IFA-Tulln, Austria) will present their new development, Fasal BIO 322, at the Wittmann
Battenfeld booth in Hall 16.
At the energy-efficient BIOCELL small containers will be produced as give-aways for
interested visitors. Thanks to its servo hydraulic drive, up to 40% of energy can be saved.
The material Fasal BIO 322 is fully biodegradable and based on renewables: the wood
particles come from PEFC certified producers.
In a joint research project this novel compound was developed on an injection moulding
machine provided by Wittmann Battenfeld. The Institute for Natural Materials Technology
is specialised in compounding, injection moulding, profile extrusion and testing of
biomaterials and industrial by-products in combination with (bio)plastics. Fasal‘s
general manager, Ing. Kresimir Hagljan, works closely with his customers right from the
preparation of product drawings through tool making to manufacture of finished parts.
www.ifa-tulln.ac.at
www.wittmann-group.com
16D22
Material Data Center
The Internet information portal Material Data Center will
be presented at the exhibition in the latest version. It includes
a comprehensive biopolymer database which originates
from a research project between M-Base (Aachen, Germany)
and the University of Applied Science Hannover, Germany,
supported by the German Agency for Renewable Resources
(FNR).
A Flame Retardant
PLA Blend
Based on the development of a heat resistant PLA blend
with 99 wt% content of PLA (see bM 01/2010) SUPLA Co Ltd
from Tainan Shien, Taiwan, has developed a flame retardant
PLA blend (SUPLA C1003) which meets the V0 standards of
UL-94 Vertical Burning Test in 1/8”, 1/16” and even 1/32”,
while its PLA content is kept as high as 90 wt% and its heat
resistance (HDT) is kept to over 100 degrees C. The additive in
SUPLA C1003 is halogen free. Therefore, this is the greenest
flame retardant PLA blend available.
SUPLA Co Ltd, whose name has just been changed to
SUPLA Material Technology Inc., focuses on developing high
biomass content PLA blends, answering various demands of
bioplastics. SUPLA will be present at K’2010 at the booth of
Intype Enterprise Co.
The system offers the complete set of CAMPUS ® data and
material data from other sources, which covers the complete
international market. Additionally an application database, a
trade name directory and a growing selection of searchable
literature sources are offered. Comprehensive and easy to
use navigation tools are available.
Material Data Center offers designers specific functionality,
such as suitable programs for the determination of material
parameters for different models (e.g.viscosity), a toolbox for
calculating cooling times, flow length and design elements
(snap fits) and CAE interfaces.
www.materialdatacenter.com 5E04
www.supla-bioplastics.com 12A51-59
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 39

K‘2010 Preview
Soft Biodegradable
Bioplastic
Api: The APINAT family of soft biodegradable thermoplastic
compounds from Api Spa, Italy, has been available since
June 2008. These products are recyclable and biodegradable
under aerobic conditions in accordance with EN 13432, EN
14995 and ASTM D6400 standards.
More Colorful
Bioplastics Thanks to
New Masterbatches
New masterbatches made at a Clariant facility in Spain
have been certified ‘OK compost’ by AIB Vinçotte. They
have been formulated for biopolymer applications requiring
compliance with standards governing compostability and
ecotoxicity, including the harmonized EN 13432:2000
standard. Incorporating conventional additives and pigments,
the new RENOL ® -compostable color masterbatches and
CESA ® -compostable additive masterbatches bring a broader
choice of colors and additive functionality to bioplastic
products and packaging.
The masterbatches for compostable polymers are the
result of a development program that began 15 years ago
with the introduction of masterbatches for Mater-Bi and
PLA. In 2007, Clariant introduced RENOL-natur and CESAnatur
masterbatches, which use only natural, renewable
colors and additives. This third option combines the color
and functionality of conventional ingredients and the
compostability of biopolymers.
With the aim offering a wider range of bioplastic materials
that can help the reduction of CO 2
emissions, API has recently
created a new formula based on renewable raw materials.
The content of these renewable resources can vary between
15 - 40% of the total components.
The product range includes:
• APINAT DP1888 series: a petroleum-based biodegradable
bioplastic.
• APINAT DP2125
series: a new
product made from
vegetable oils (nonfood
sources).
These products are
biodegradable and
have a renewable
content in the range
between 15 - 40%
depending on the
hardness of the
material. (for more
details see article on
page 44.
www.apipllstic.com 6A42
www.clariant.com 08a J11
Semi-finished
Bioplastics Products
www.gehr.de 8a-F21
GEHR Kunststoffwerk: ECOGEHR ® - Bio-based plastics, unifies
today nine different materials with a content of renewable resources
of 45-100%.
The medium-sized company Gehr Kunststoffwerk from Mannheim,
Germany has more than 75 years of experience in the processing of
plastics. With Ecogehr the company has already shown highlights
with semi-finished thermoplastic products based on renewable raw
materials at the K’2007 exhibition. Gehr is now further developing
this product line and offers their customers a product portfolio of
sheets, rods, tubes and profiles. This year highlights are calendered
sheets which will be mainly used in the areas of thermoforming and
deep-drawing/vacuum-forming.
As an innovative company Gehr focuses on sustainability. Their
efforts in environmental management were confirmed with the ISO
14001 certificate in September 2010.
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

ioplastics MAGAZINE
Polymedia Publisher: Of course will bioplastics MAGAZINE
be one of the exhibitors at K’2010. Come and meet the staff
and discuss potential editorial contributions or the different
marketing opportunities, such as advertizing, bannerplacement
and more. Or just have a coffee and chat with us.
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com 07C09
Other companies exhibiting at K’2010, that are involved in
bioplastics but who were unfortunately unable to provide us
with detailed information in time for this issue are:
A. Schulmann 08aD12
Akro-Plastic 06B42
Bayer MaterialScience 06A75-1
Biesterfeld Plastic 05B18
Biosphere 05C18-8
BKG Bruckmann & Kreyenborg Granuliertechnik 09A48
Carolex 08aF26
CONSTAB Polyolefin Additives 07.1C20
CRODA 07B13
D-M-E Europe 01C25
Evonik Industries 06B28
FAS Converting Machinery 16A55
Fraunhofer Insitut für Grenzflächen und
Bioverfahrenstechnik 03E91
Fraunhofer Institut für chemische Technologie 03E91
Fukan 07.1C48
GRAFE Advanced Polymers 06B68
Kaneka Corporation 07aD32
KraussMaffei Berstorff 15B27
Kuraray Europe 07aD06 07aD06
Leistritz Extrusionstechnik 16F22
Marubeni Europe Plc., Chemical Group 07aC05
Mitsui Chemicals Europe 07aD18
Mitsui & Co. Deutschland 07aD32
Nippon Gohsei Europe 07aC22
Ravago Distribution Center 07.1C12
Reifenhäuser 17A21/C22
Rhodia Polyamide 08aH39
Roquette Frères 08bH63
Snetor 08aD40
Technamation Technical Europe 08bF81
Teknor Apex 08bE83
The Dow Chemical Company 08aK48
Toray industries 08bH67
Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy 06C43
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 08aG32
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland 11C54
Photos: TFZ/Sporrer, Fraunhofer IAP/Armin Okulla, Henkel AG
Cooperation Forum
Biopolymers
Perspectives – Technologies – Markets
Herzogschloss Straubing,
Bavaria/Germany
11 November 2010
Visit of Companies and Institutes
10 November 2010
Information and Registration:
www.bayern-innovativ.de/biopolymere2010
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 41

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
New Biobased Polyurethane
from Lignin and Soy Polyols
M. Özgür Seydibeyoğlu
Manjusri Misra
Amar Mohanty
Bioproducts Discovery &
Development Centre
Department of Plant Agriculture,
University of Guelph,
Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Figure 1: Lignin Particles
(Electron Microscopy Images)
Lignin being the second most abundant polymer in the
world is undervalued which is a by-product in the pulppaper
and lignocellulosic industries [1]. Lignin with high
e-modulus value (5-6.7 GPa) offers many new materials as a
polymer and as a reinforcing phase. Lignin particles are shown
in Figure 1 (Electron microscopy Hitachi S-570 at 10 kV).
On the other side, biobased polyurethane materials take a lot
of attention to replace petroleum based polyurethanes (Figure
2 showing lignin incorporated polyurethane structure) [4].
Polyurethane has two important components, the isocyanate
and the polyol. These two reactants have many different forms
creating a wealth of different of products and applications.
Recent research is focused on replacing petroleum based
polyol with plant based polyols [5-7]. One of the most commonly
used polyol is the castor oil due its high hydroxyl numbers [6].
Another commonly used soy polyol is obtained from soybean
oils. However the use of soy polyol based polyurethanes is
limited due to lower mechanical properties. There are studies
to reinforce biobased polyurethanes with glass fibers and hemp
fibers to overcome the low mechanical properties [8, 9].
In this study, lignin was used as reinforcement for soy polyol
based polyurethanes. The lignin (Protobind 2400 from ALM
Private Limited, Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India) with a hydroxyl value
of 400 mg KOH/g was blended with soy polyol with hydroxyl value
of 166 mg KOH/g. Afterwards, the polyol blend was reacted with
different isocyanates at 150ºC and cured for 8 hours. Three
different isocyanates were used from Huntsman Chemicals,
PMDI (polymeric diphenyl methane diisocyanate (pMDI, Rubinate
M)), MDI (diphenyl methane diisocyanate, Rubinate 9511),
and modified MDI (Rubinate 9271). Tensile testing was done
to understand the ultimate strength, e-modulus and percent
elongation of the materials synthesized.
The lignin was incorporated at 5 wt % in soy polyol based
polyurethanes prepared with three different isocyanates. For
all the polyurethanes, the lignin showed reinforcing effect.
The tensile strength was improved by 70%, 57%, and 118% for
PMDI, MDI, and MMDI based polyurethanes respectively. The
percent elongation values were 13.50%, 87.30%, and 105.00%
respectively. Figure 3a and Figure 3b shows two different
polyurethanes obtained with lignin and soy polyol reacted with
different isocyanates representing different elongation values
obtained.
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
Figure 3: Biobased
Polyurethane with Lignin (left
stiff type, right elastic type)
The lignin had significant effect for the improvement of
modulus of elasticity (E-modulus) value of these biobased
materials. For the PMDI based polyurethane, lignin
incorporation at 5 wt % increased the E-modulus values around
12 fold. For the MMDI based polyurethane, the increase in the
E-modulus values was 37 fold with the addition of 5 wt %
lignin. In this study, it was shown that a new biobased polymer
with various properties can be synthesized with polyols
obtained from soybean oil and lignin. The biobased material
has biological material content of 67.4 % and this group of
polymers can find numerous applications. This discovery
will enable wide usage of soy and other plant based polyols
in the polyurethane materials due to reinforced properties.
The most important aspect of these findings is to find new
applications for lignins. Lignins are generally produced as a
side product and they are mostly burned and used as energy
source at a low price. By this way, new value added products
can be manufactured from lignin with reinforcing the soy
polyol based polyurethanes. It is reported that these new
value added products from lignin (price increasing from $100
to $1500 per ton) helps to decrease the price of bioethanol by
creating new economic value [1].
References
[1] M.N.S. Kumar, A.K. Mohanty, L. Erickson,
M. Misra, J. Biobased Mater. Bioenergy 3, 1
(2009).
[2] W. J. Cousins, R. W. Armstrong,W. H.
Robinson, J. Mater. Sci. 10, 1655 (1975).
[3] T. Elder, Biomacromolecules 8, 3619 (2007).
[4] S. Husic, I. Javni, Z.S. Petrovic, Compos. Sci.
Technol. 65, 19 (2005).
[5] Sharma,V.; Kundu, P.P.; Prog. Polym. Sci. 33,
1199 (2008).
[6] Güner, F.S.; Yağcı, Y.; Erciyes, A.T.; Prog.
Polym. Sci. 31, 633 (2006).
[7] G. Oertel. Polyurethane Handbook, Hanser
Gardner Publications; (1994), p1.
[8] J.P. Latere Dwan’Isa, A.K. Mohanty, M. Misra,
L.T. Drzal, M. Kazemizadeh, J. Mater. Sci. 39,
2081 (2004).
[9] J.P. Latere Dwan’Isa, A.K. Mohanty, M. Misra,
L.T. Drzal, M. Kazemizadeh J. Mater. Sci.
2004, 39, 1887.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the Ministry of Research and
Innovation (MRI) of Ontario, Canada for the post-doctoral
research fellowship. Financial support from NSERC-Discovery
Grants program individual (Mohanty) is greatly appreciated.
Arkema is acknowledged for donations of soy polyols.
H
H
H
O
H
H
C
N
C
N
C
O C C
O
H
H H H
Isocyanate
group
Polyol
group
R 1
R 2
OH
Lignin group
Figure 2: Biobased Polyurethane Chemical
Structure with Lignin Incorporated
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 43

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
Unique Soft Bioplastics
Article contributed by
Marco Meneghetti, Laboratory &
Bioplastics Product Manager
Paola Scopel, Technical Development,
Polyurethanes
API Applicazioni Plastiche Industriali
S.p.A., Mussolente, Italy
Fig. 3: Examples of hard/soft composite articles
In addition to TPE’s, TPU’s and masterbatches API S.p.A. now produces
APINAT, the first and unique soft and biodegradable thermoplastic, which
is now also available made from renewable raw materials
The Apinat family of soft biodegradable thermoplastic compounds has been
available since June 2008. These products are recyclable and biodegradable
under aerobic conditions in accordance with EN 13432, EN 14995 and ASTM
D6400.
With the aim of offering a wider range of bioplastic materials that can help
the reduction of CO 2
emissions, API has just created a new formula based
on renewable raw materials (from agricultural origin). The content of these
renewable resources can vary between 15 and 40% of the total components.
The product is the result of a more comprehensive R&D project at the API
laboratory which leads to the creation of a complete range of polymers derived
from renewable raw materials, from non-food sources. Bioplastics such as
Apinat can help commercial companies, associations, local municipalities
and governments engaged in greenhouse gas reduction to achieve the targets
set by the Kyoto Protocol by reducing the whole environmental impact of the
products.
Bioplastics and Biodegradability
It is of the utmost importance to point out once again that bio-based plastics
are not always biodegradable and biodegradable plastics are not always biobased.
Biodegradability is directly linked to the chemical structure rather
than the origin of the raw materials. As a result, there are some special
synthetic polymers which are certified as biodegradable: fossil raw materials
can be used to produce biodegradable polymers and plastic products (oilbased
bioplastics). This distinguishes them from conventional standard
plastics which are neither biodegradable nor compostable. (e.g. PE, PP, PS,
PET, PA, ABS, EVA or PVC).
Further to the question of biodegradation/compostability there are other
degradation mechanisms (oxo-degradation, UV-degradation) acting on
specially modified plastics with additives (oxo-polymers). Plastics with this
kind of degradation mechanism are not biodegradable because it is not
scientifically proven that they are completely assimilated by mircroorganisms
as an energy source and that they do not leave toxic residues. They do not
meet the standards set for biodegradability/compostability (EN 13432/EN
Fig.: 1 - Biodegradation
120
100
biodegradation (%)
80
60
40
20
Apinat
Cellulose
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Days
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
Fig. 2: Before degradation Degradation in soil Compost at the end
14995). At present there are no standards or certifications for
oxo- or UV-degradable plastics or plastic products.
According to EN 13432/EN 14995 standards, in order to
be defined as biodegradable the material must degrade by
at least 90% within 6 months (180 days). Figure 1 shows the
biodegradability of Apinat (Apinat shown in blue, Cellulose -
used here as a reference - shown in green).
2. Grades and Properties
Figure 2 shows the effect of the biodegradation of an Apinat
plate under controlled composting conditions.
Apinat behaves in the same way as many other thermoplastic
elastomers and does not degrade in air or water.
The evaluation of ultimate aerobic biodegradability of
Apinat in an aqueous medium by measuring the evolution of
carbon dioxide (according to a modified Sturm test, ISO 9439-
1999) gives a value of less than 10% (i.e. non biodegradable).
The test is performed at 20-25°C in an aqueous medium
containing microbes and mineral salts.
Apinat is different from most other biodegradable materials
so far available on the market because it is exceptionally
soft and is classified as an elastomer (Shore A scale). The
hardness is in the range between 55-90 ShA (ASTM D2240)
and flexural modulus 45-110 MPa (ASTM D790).
It possesses physical and mechanical properties which are
very similar to the best traditional thermoplastics and it can
be easily processed using all standard equipment for plastics
(injection moulding, extrusion, co-extrusion and hard/soft
overmoulding).
Specific Apinat hard grades have been developed for coinjection/overmoulding
applications. These products have a
hardness between 35 and 85 ShD (ASTM D2240) and flexural
modulus in the range 100-3000 MPa (ASTM D790). The final
hard/soft product is completely biodegradable according to
EN 13432:2000 and EN 14995:2006 norms (see Figures 3 and
4).
Apinat products are generally supplied in neutral colour
pellets, however API SpA has also developed Apicolor B, tailormade
colour masterbatches for the Apinat range. This is a
special series of biodegradable and non-toxic masterbatches
which does not contain heavy metals and other dangerous
substances, in full compliance with EN 13432 norm. These
masterbatches are also compatible with other commercially
available bioplastics.
3. A new ‘Green TPU’
API launches a new development in the TPU market, BIO-
APILON 52 from renewable raw materials. This new family
(not biodegradable) is a bioplastic with a renewable content
of between 30 and 60% and can compete with traditional oilbased
TPU in terms of quality and processability, opening the
green future of plastics.
The product range now includes the BIO-APILON 52 DB
series, which is a polyester TPU obtained from vegetable
oil based polyols. Its hardness is in the range between 40
and 50 ShD (ASTM D2240) and the tensile strength is about
30-50 MPa (ASTM D638). The BIO-APILON 52 TB series, a
polyether TPU, is obtained from vegetable oil based polyols.
The hardness of this type is in the range between 90 ShA and
50 ShD (ASTM D2240) and tensile strength was measured at
40-50 MPa (ASTM D638).
API has been a member of European Bioplastics since 2009.
www.apiplastic.com
Fig. 4: Examples of hard/soft composite articles
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 45

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
Bio-based ‘Cold Weather’
Thermoplastic Elastomer
Article contributed by
Frederic L.G. Malet
PebaxR Research Manager
ARKEMA
Serquigny, France
O
║
— C — (CH 2
) 11
— N —
|
H
Polyamide 12
HO — CH 2
— CH 2
— CH 2
— CH 2
— O — H
n
Figure 1 Structure of Pebax copolymers
based on PA12 and PTMG blocks
Polyehter
Pebax ® polyether block amides are plasticiser-free thermoplastic
elastomers which belong to the technical polymer family. They are
used in high value added applications, in particular top-level sports.
However, society’s growing demands in terms of performance required a
total rethink of the polymer’s composition and hence the material’s physical
structure. To achieve better performances, ARKEMA’s team turned to raw
materials of renewable origin in order to formulate eventually a material
with superior properties than the original material.
A few years ago, the partner with whom this development was carried out
unveiled its new Hurricane long-distance ski boot at a tradefair.
Not only do these boots rigidify less at cold temperature than if they were
based on the original material, but additionally the customer noted superior
processability of the polymer, while keeping excellent impact strength in
cold weather. The commercial launch was therefore a success.
In search of new performance
Pebax is a range of thermoplastic elastomers; segmented block
copolymers prepared by reacting together functionalised polyether and
polyamide building blocks. However, it is only when Deleens et al. discovered
that the tetra-alkoxide catalyst family was efficient for the reaction that
production of high molecular weight materials could be achieved, leading to
the introduction on the markets in the early 1980’s.
They own their unique properties to a phase-separated microstructure,
with a hard phase consisting mostly of the polyamide blocks together
with the soft phase consisting mostly of the polyether blocks. Since both
blocks are chemically bonded by ester links, a complete macroscopic phase
separation is thus prevented.
The winter sports shoe market is a market with increasingly extreme
demands, in particular in competitive sports. Skiers expect new, much
more rigid models that therefore help them control their movements more
accurately and more effectively. However, increased rigidity must not mean
loss of resistance at cold temperature for the boot. This compromise is not easy
to achieve as increasing a material’s rigidity leads to reducing performance
in the flexible phase, which contributes to this cold resistance.
The use of standard grades of Pebax can offer a good rigidity / cold
resistance compromise, though this was not sufficient to accommodate
increasingly extreme conditions. Indeed, the polyether blocks currently in use
are oligomers of polytetramethylene glycol, with a very low glass transition
temperature close to –80°C, and thus responsible for the remarkable
mechanical properties at cold temperature. However, very rigid grades,
therefore with low polyether content, will start to show some limit.
The rigidity of Pebax copolymers is closely related to the amount of soft
polyether blocks present in the material. Thanks to Kerner and Jordhamo’s
work, a model can be build up in order to follow the evolution of the rigidity
46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
with the polyether content. One of the key parameters is the
modulus of the corresponding polyamide homopolymer.
The modulus of polyamide homopolymers increases with
the amide / methylene ratio. Indeed, a higher concentration
of amide groups will lead to higher crystallinity and hence
a more rigid material. Unfortunately, melting point of the
material will also increase, together with moisture uptake
and density. Absorption of water will have a significant impact
on mechanical properties, for instance the modulus of PA6
can be reduced by half under moist conditions. Increasing
the density does not help towards designing lighter materials
for demanding athletes. Another hurdle is that the solubility
parameter of polyamide increases with the amide / methylene
ratio, increasing the gap with the solubility parameter of the
polyether, leading to a higher enthalpy of mixing. Mixing of
the two blocks will thus be more difficult, leading to slower
polymerisation, if any.
Among the possible polyamides, the odd ones, meaning
having an odd number of carbons, do have peculiar
properties, as the positioning of the amide groups in the
chain is important for structural order and packing efficiency.
Among these polyamides, PA11 rapidly became the centre of
our attention. Indeed, being an odd polyamide, its elementary
lattice can theoretically lead to either a parallel or an antiparallel
configuration of the chains with every amide group
able to be engaged with another one through hydrogen bonds.
Depending on the cooling procedure, crystals will either have
a hexagonal arrangement or triclinic one. Usually, both are
co-existing. A very interesting phenomenon is that the triclinic
phase can change into a pseudo-hexagonal one under
thermal or mechanical stress. Thus, the amount of energy
needed to perform the crystalline transition will decrease
the energy dissipated within the material, thus explaining the
outstanding strain hardening behaviour of PA11 vs. PA12. In
the case of PA12, an anti-parallel configuration of the chains
is only observed because of the even number of carbon and
the extra twist of the chains, necessary to optimise hydrogen
bonding, leads to a γ-monoclinic structure. On a mesoscopic
scale, the two materials exhibit noticeable differences:
ringed spherulites can be observed for PA11, whereas coarse
spherulites are the typical form for PA12.
The next step was then to try and see whether it was
possible to transpose the remarkable mechanical properties
to a multi-segment block structure comprising a PA11 block
with a very low molecular mass.
Traction Modulus (MPa)
1500
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
PEBAX ® Rnew 70R53
PEBAX ® 7033
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Figure 2 Evolution of the traction modulus of Pebax
copolymers depending on polyether content
PA12
PA11
Figure 3 Differences in the crystallite structure
between PA12 and PA11.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 47

40
30
Normalized Equivalent CO 2
emissions
Stress (MPa)
20
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Strain (%)
PEBAX ® Rnew 70R53
PEBAX ® 7033
Figure 4 Tensile test at 23°C of 70 Shore D hardness Pebax,
based on PA12 (7033, blue) and PA11 (70R53, green)
Resiliency (kJ/m²)
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Temperature (°C)
PEBAX ® Rnew 70R53
PEBAX ® 7033
Figure 5 Impact strength (notched Charpy) depending on temperature
for 70 Shore D Pebax grades based on PA12 (blue) and PA11 (green).
Normalized fossil Energy
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
120.0
100.0
80.0
60.0
40.0
20.0
Comparison of Normalized Fossil Energy Requirement
97
74
69
7033 70R53 7033 70R53
Industrial Scenario 1
Equivalent CO 2
emision
-32%
50
-29%
100
100
71
Industrial Scenario 2
-25%
75
Having an amide / methylene ratio very close to PA12,
and thus very similar solubility parameter, allowed the
polymerisation of PA11 based Pebax copolymers to run as
smoothly as with PA12 based ones.
Moreover, the substitution of PA12 blocks by PA11 blocks
in the Pebax formula did lead to significant improvement of
the mechanical properties. Indeed, as can be seen during a
tensile test, PA11 based Pebax show greater elasticity, with
no observation of yield. Creep resistance is also improved.
When cold properties were assessed, a major differential
in the ductile – fragile transition could be noted for one of
the most rigid grade, having a Shore D hardness of 70, with a
shift by almost 10°C.
All these results mean that the cristallinity of PA11 blocks
in Pebax is the same as that of the homopolymer and the gain
in mechanical strength was validated successfully in very
demanding ski boot applications, hence the development of a
new eco-designed range.
An Eco-designed product
On top of its mechanical advantages, PA11 has also the
particularity to lean on the chemistry of Amino-11, which is
a unique monomer produced from natural vegetal oil. This
natural vegetal oil comes from a non-edible crop, castor
oil, and thus does not compete with food production. The
use of a PA of renewable origin indeed allows a significant
improvement in the environmental balance of Pebax, as
shown below.
The graph on the left quantify the environmental gain from
the synthesis of the Pebax Rnew 70R53 grade, containing
about 89% carbon from renewable origin. Calculated ‘from
cradle to granules’ according to ISO 14040-14043, the two
calculations (scenario 1 and scenario 2) correspond to two
industrial production lines. It can be seen that using this
innovation helps reduce the amount of fossil energy required
for the synthesis by 29% (compared to the same product but
made from fossil materials), and the amount of CO 2
equivalent
released by 25 to 32%.
What about subsequent developments ?
It should be noted that, although the polyamide rigid block
has been successfully replaced by a block of renewable
origin, the same does not apply to the flexible block. For the
latter, there was no renewable alternative to PTMG when the
project was launched. To gain the few remaining percents,
studies are now looking into the substitution of PTMG by a
bio-sourced grade.
0.0
7033 70R53 7033 70R53
www.arkema.com
Industrial Scenario 1
Industrial Scenario 2
Figure 6 Eco-profile of 70 Shore D hardness Pebax based
on PA12 (7033) or PA11 (70R53).
48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Polyurethanes | Elastomers
Figure 1: Image of a transparent film
(30 µm) produced with Pearlthane ® ECO.
www.merquinsa.com
Same
Performance
just Greener…
Article contributed by
Maria Josep Riba, Bio TPU Application
Development Manager
Merquinsa SL, Montmeló (Barcelona), Spain
The challenge faced today by manufacturers subject to
consumer pressure driven by sustainable forces and
the current trend of use of bio-based materials, is to
offer end consumers a bioplastic that not only provides 100%
recyclability and other environmentally-friendly benefits, but
also complies with demanding technical requirements.
A clear example of a renewably-based material achieving
both is Merquinsa´s Bio TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).
First-to-market Bio TPU at K’2007, Merquinsa received
the prestigious Frost & Sullivan 2008 Global Thermoplastic
Urethane (TPU) Product Innovation Green Excellence of the
Year.
Bio TPU contributes up to 40% less global warming
emissions with its manufacturing process compared to that
of standard 100% petrochemically-based TPU. It features low
density and maintains equivalent top mechanical and thermal
properties like standard petrochemically-based TPU. And is
suitable for a wide range of processing techniques (injection
moulding, extrusion, compounding etc.).
At K’2010, Merquinsa will highlight several new commercial
applications in consumer, footwear and industrial markets.
Bio TPU Film Application Example
The new Bio TPU product ranges –Pearlthane ® ECO &
Pearlbond ® ECO- developed by Merquinsa with a bio content
ranging from 20% to 90% (carbon content according to ASTM
D 6866) expand the limits of high performance elastomeric
materials allowing for their use in different moulded or
extruded TPU parts; even in applications processed under
the most demanding conditions such as the extrusion of
blown films or T-die extrusion.
The Pearlthane, Pearlcoat ® and Pearlbond TPU product
ranges (comprising both TPU from renewable sources as
well as standard 100% petrochemically-based TPU) are
easily adhered to coextruded polar substrates, such as PVC,
ABS, PC, leather, cotton and polyurethane foam. Apart from
offering high chemical resistance and UV protection, other
advantages of Bio TPU include excellent abrasion resistance
and a wide range of service temperature (from -45ºC a
+110ºC), depending on the grade.
Extruded Bio TPU is highly transparent so as to comply with
even the most stringent requirements regarding transparency
(see fig. 1).
Renewable-sourced Bio TPU Pearlthane ECO not only offers
the same benefits as standard TPU, it is also a sustainable
option based on fully recyclable material (see fig. 2).
Pearlbond ECO D900 is a Bio TPU grade which offers
an environmentally-friendly sustainable solution for film
manufacturers and among other advantages offers: Excellent
adhesion to difficult substrates, Fast crystallization speed
(allowing for high productivity results), OEKO TEX Class I
compliancy, and very good thermoplasticity.
Conclusion
Bio TPU has a bright future because of its simple and
sustainable value proposition: “Same Performance, just
Greener”. Merquinsa will continue to invest in new sustainable
technologies for a better world.
120
100
Pearlthane ® ECO D12T95
Figure 2: Bio TPU from renewable
sources is fully recyclable.
Tensile retention (%)
80
60
40
20
0
0 25 50 75 100 125
Recycled amount (%)
50 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Polylactic Acid
Uhde Inventa-Fischer extended its portfolio to technology and production plants for PLA,
based on its long-term experience with PA and PET. The feedstock for our PLA process is lactic acid
which can be produced from local agricultural products containing starch or sugar.
The application range is similar to that of polymers based on fossil resources. Physical properties of
PLA can be tailored to meet the requirements of packaging, textile and other applications.
Think. Invest. Earn.
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Holzhauser Strasse 157–159
13509 Berlin
Germany
Tel. +49 30 43 567 5
Fax +49 30 43 567 699
Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG
Via Innovativa 31
7013 Domat/Ems
Switzerland
Tel. +41 81 632 63 11
Fax +41 81 632 74 03
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com
Visit us at
Hall 8a
Booth G 32
Uhde Inventa-Fischer

Basics
Basics of Bio-Polyolefins
Polyethylene
H H
| |
— C — C —
| |
H H
n
Plastic Fuel Tank made from bio-PE
(Photo: Courtesy Braskem)
Ethylene
H H
\ /
C ═ C
/ \
H H
As it has almost become a habit, let’s start our ‘basics’ article with a look
into Wikipedia: A polyolefin is a polymer produced from a simple olefin
(also called an alkene with the general formula C n
H 2n
) as a monomer.
For example, polyethylene (C 2
H 4
)n (PE) is the polyolefin produced by polymerizing
the olefin ethylene H 2
C=CH 2
. Polypropylene (PP) is another common polyolefin
which is made from the olefin propylene. In some cases PE is produced
as a copolymer using butene, hexene or octene as comonomer.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene or polythene (IUPAC name polyethene or poly(methylene)) is the
most widely used plastic, with an annual production of approximately 80 million
metric tons (2008). Its primary use is within packaging [1]. And in bioplastics
MAGAZINE 01/2008 Dr. Thomas Isenburg wrote: Polyethylene is a plastic material
that has been known for more than 100 years. It is found in millions of applications
from simple film, through containers, to toys or technical components such as
plastic fuel tanks for cars.
Polyethylene was discovered by the chemist Hans von Pechmann in 1898. In
1933 polyethylene was successfully produced, at a pressure of 1400 bar and
a temperature of 170°C, at the ICI laboratories. For a large scale industrial
process these conditions were, however, difficult to produce and were highly
energy intensive. In 1953 polymer chemistry saw a major breakthrough. The
chemists Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta succeeded in synthesising polyethylene
from ethylene at normal pressure using catalysts.
Ethylene
So it all starts with ethylene…
Ethylene is a chemical intermediate used to produce many different products,
besides polyethylene (PE), for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS) can be named. Its current world
production capacity is around 115,000 tons per year, mainly (>98%) through the
petrochemical route based on steam cracking (thermal pyrolysis) of petroleum
liquids (naphtha, condensate, and gas oils) and natural gas feedstocks (ethane,
propane, and butane).
However, before the boom of petroleum started in the early 1950s, ethylene
was produced from ethanol. Interestingly, the first report that was published in
the literature about the catalytic dehydration of ethanol to ethylene dates from
1797.
Applying the catalytic dehydration of ethanol to produce ethylene is again
becoming more and more important. Especially in Brazil, with the building
of large-scale plants motivated by the Brazilian sugarcane based ethanol
competitiveness and by the low carbon footprint of the product obtained by this
route. Just a few weeks before publication of this issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE
Braskem started the manufacture of polyethylene on a large scale based on
Brazilian renewable ethanol.
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Article contributed by
Antonio Morschbacker
Responsible for Green Polymers Technology
Braskem S.A. São Paulo, Brazil
and Michael Thielen
Ethanol
We all know very well that bio-ethanol has been used
as engine fuel since the beginning of the last century. In
the mid 1970s, the Brazilian National Alcohol Program led
to a significant increase in the Brazilian ethanol capacity.
About thirty years later the United States started to grow
their capacity very fast so that eventually they became the
world leader in manufacture. With 23 billion liters (USA)
and 21 billion liters (Brazil) in 2007 these two countries are
currently by far the global leaders in ethanol production. In
the meantime the Brazilian production reached 25 billion in
2009 and 28 billion estimated for 2010.
Under optimal climate conditions, like in tropical regions,
sugarcane is relatively inexpensive to grow. Sugarcane offers
a high agricultural productivity and relatively simple harvest
methods. The growing season for sugarcane (6 to 7 months)
is longer than that of other crops. It is harvested year by year
during at least four years with no necessity to plant it again
during this cycle. The poor mechanical harvesting methods
of about 10 years ago are much more efficient today and still
do not emit carbon dioxide in consequence of the sugarcane
burning. In Brazil, the water requirement for its production
is to a large extent rainfed. The World Bank and the FAO
have confirmed that Brazilian ethanol has not raised sugar
prices significantly and that it is the only biofuel competitive
with petroleum-based diesel or gasoline and which saves
greenhouse gases [2]. And once again it needs to be explained:
In Brazil the rainforests are in the north of the vast country,
whereas most of the the sugarcane plantations are in the
southeast. In addition, land and climate in the north – the
rainforest area - aren’t appropriate for sugarcane production
(see bM 04/2009).
If a sugar source, mainly sugarcane juice and molasses
(as in Brazil) and hydrolyzed starch from corn grains (as in
the United States) is fermented, ethanol can be obtained. In
some regions other crops can be used, such as potato, wheat,
manioc, and sugar beets. The use of hydrolyzed cellulose and
hemicellulose from low-cost biomass is a potential way to
obtain cheaper ethanol but until now this technology is under
development and its commercial production started at the
end of the last year in a small unity [3].
To produce the ethanol through fermentation, sugar is
extracted from sugarcane by crushing the raw cane with
water to extract the sugars (mostly sucrose). In a similar
Sugarcane (Photo: Courtesy Braskem)
Braskem Green PE Plant
(Courtesy Braskem - Photo by Mathias Cramer)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 53

Ethanol
Evaporation
Steam
Furnace
Water
Raw
ethylene
Cruede
ethylene
Aqueous
NaOH
Chemical
grade
ethylene
Light
contaminants
Polymer
Grade
Ethylene
REACTION
Aqueous
effluent
QUENCH
Caustic
effluent
SCRUBBING
DRYING
Heavy
contaminants
DISTILLATION AND
STRIPPING
Representation of a generic process diagram of an ethanol-based ethylene plant.
way, starch is obtained from corn by dry milling, then slurried
with water, and hydrolyzed to glucose. The resulting solution
of fermentable sugars obtained by both ways is fermented
typically in batch or fed-batch by Saccharomyces cerevisiae
yeast to produce a broth with 6 to 8% by weight of ethanol. The
fermentation of the sugarcane juice is quite simple, because
it can be fermented directly, and faster, taking in general less
than 16 hours.
By distilling the broth containing ethanol hydrated ethanol,
about 93% by weight, is produced. The stillage, the bottom
by-product stream of the distillation, is rich in nitrogen and
potassium and is commonly recycled to the sugarcane crop
by a practice called ferti-irrigation.
Energy for the process
A large amount of lignocellulosic material is also produced
from the sugarcane feedstock. For an average yield of 80–
85 metric tons per hectare and 14% by weight of sugars, it
produces, and in addition, 28% by weight of dry lignocelluloses
fibers as bagasse and leaves. These fibers can be used to
supply renewable heat and electricity to the ethanol process.
Cosmetic Bottle (Courtesy Braskem)
Its surplus of about 20–40% is used normally to co-generate
renewable electricity to the grid and may also be used in other
processes when integrated with the ethanol manufacture. If
in the future the hydrolysis of hemicelluloses and celluloses
would be economically competitive these fibers may be used
as an additional source of sugars.
As a consequence of these many aspects the energy
balance of the sugarcane based ethanol is very favorable.
This number is obtained dividing the fossil fuel energy input
required by the entire manufacturing process, since the crop
plantation, by the energy content of the biofuel output. For
the Brazilian sugarcane ethanol the input/output energy
balance is 1:9, while for the US corn ethanol this relationship
is 1:1.5.
Ethanol to Ethylene
To generate ethylene from ethanol, you simple need to take
the water out (dehydration).
C 2
H 5
OH → C 2
H 4
+ H 2
O
Well, in real life, it is not that simple.
The dehydration of alcohols, mainly ethanol, has been
studied during the last centuries with different technologies
and using a large variety of catalysts such as alumina, silica,
silica-alumina, zeolites, clays, metal oxides, phosphoric acid,
and phosphates.
While older technologies were based on supported
phosphoric acid, later activated alumina became predominant
as a catalyst.
The dehydration reaction is endothermic which means
that energy has to be put into the process. The most
accepted mechanism for the ethanol dehydration considers
a simultaneous reaction:
2 CH 3
CH 2
OH → CH 3
CH 2
OCH 2
CH 3
+ H 2
O → 2 H 2
C=CH 2
+ H 2
O
Ethanol Ether Ethylene Water
2 CH 3
CH 2
OH ─────────────── → 2 H 2
C=CH 2
+ 2 H 2
O
Ethanol Ethylene Water
Diethyl ether is considered an intermediate and not a
byproduct. Its formation is favored mainly between 150°C
and 300°C, while ethylene formation is predominant between
320°C and 500°C.
54 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

A simplified generic process diagram of an ethanol-based
ethylene plant, based on an isothermal or an adiabatic
process, is represented by the schematic on the left.
The first of the commercial plants to produce ethylene from
ethanol was built and operated at Elektrochemische Werke
G.m.b.H at Bitterfeld in Germany in 1913. It was a very
small-scale plant that used alumina catalyst in isothermal
conditions to produce ethylene for the preparation of pure
ethane that was used in refrigeration. From 1930 until
the Second World War, ethanol dehydration plants were
the unique source of ethylene in Germany, Great Britain,
and the United States. The process based on supported
phosphoric acid was the basis for very primitive plants for
all polyethylene production in England until 1951
Polypropylene
While the production of biobased polyethylene is now
starting on industrial scale, biobased polypropylene is still
under development.
Polypropylene is a plastic used in a wide range of everyday
products, from food containers, drinking straws, and water
bottles to washing machines, furniture, and car bumpers. It
is the second most widely used thermoplastic with a global
consumption in 2008 of 44 million metric tons. The market is
estimated to be USD 66 billion, with an annual growth rate
of 4%.
Today, polypropylene is primarily derived from oil, but
Braskem produced in 2008 in bench scale what is considered
the first biobased polypropylene of the world. At the end
of 2009, Braskem and the Danish company Novozymes
started a partnership to develop a green alternative based
on Novozymes’ core fermentation technology and Braskem’s
expertise in chemical technology and thermoplastics. The
initial development phase will run for at least five years.
Conclusion
Whilst biobased polypropylene is still a development project,
biobased polyethylene is a reality and is already available on
industrial scale in grades of high density (HDPE) and linear
low density (LLDPE).
To make it very clear: Biobased polyethylene (and, once
available polypropylene) are NOT biodegradable. On the
contrary: biobased PE and PP do not at all differ from
petroleum based polyolefins. They have the same chemical
structure and can be polymerized the same way. The same
grades (film, injection or blow moulding etc) can be created
and so on.
The only difference is the origin of the carbon. Biobased
polyolefins consist of renewable carbon. This can be tested
and proven by the radio carbon method ( 12 C versus 14 C) as
described in ASTM 6866.
Sustainable Banco Imobiliario, a sustainable version of the Monopoly
game (Courtesy Braskem)
[1] www.wikipedia.org
[2] Morschbacker, A. Bio-Ethanol Based Ethylene.
Journal of Macromolecular Science®, Part C:
Polymer Reviews, 49:79-84, 2009
[3] www.inbicon.com
www.braskem.com
First products from bio-PP shown at BioJapan 2008.
Carpet made of PP homopolymer fibers and stretch blow moulded
bottles made of bioPP random copolymer with bio ethylene
(Courtesy Braskem)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 55

Personality
Mark Verbruggen
bM: What is your education?
bM: When and where were
you born?
MV: I was born in a little
town close to Antwerp,
Belgium, in July 1959.
bM: Where do you live today
and since when?
MV: I’ve lived in the US for
nearly 10 years now.
MV: I received a PhD in aerospace engineering from the
University of Delft, the Netherlands, although I never worked
in an aerospace company.
bM: What is your professional function today?
MV: I am president and CEO of NatureWorks LLC.
bM: How did you ‘come to’ bioplastics?
MV: In 2008, I was president of North American carbon
fiber operations for Teijin, a shareholder in NatureWorks.
The managing board of directors asked me to become CEO
of NatureWorks. Bioplastics and carbon fibers are both fast
growing businesses that need very large asset bases - and of
course big plants.
So I joined NatureWorks in the summer of 2008. Teijin left
the joint venture a year later because NatureWorks no longer
fit into its business portfolio.
bM: What do you consider more important: ‘biobased‘ or
‘biodegradable‘?
MV: Actually, what we consider most important is first
enabling a compelling family of consumer products which
perform well in use - that has to be a given! Now, with that
established, from an environmental point of view, biobased
(the renewable aspect, and the ultra low carbon footprint that
this yields) is most important to governments, brand owners,
retailers, consumers and environmental organizations
because it’s a common denominator across every single
market segment we sell into. Compostability is important, but
secondary, and much specific to certain end-markets. Ingeo
is compostable, which makes it ideal for food contaminated
service ware and packaging for instance.
bM: What is your biggest achievement (in terms of bioplastics)
so far?
MV: Simply put, it’s the diversity of the end markets into
which we sell Ingeo – and in turn, what this means about
the strength of our business – as evidenced by NatureWorks
coming out of the global recession in better financial shape
than when the downturn began. To realize that we kept all
our customers on board through the economic downturn is
a clear proof point of the value proposition offered by Ingeo
plastics and fibers.
bM: What are your biggest challenges for the future?
MV: Our biggest challenge short term is to create economy
of scale throughout the value chain. On the upstream side,
we are proud to have a 140.000 tons Ingeo capacity, but it is
even more important today to work on the economy of scale of
the downstream processes, the compounding and converting
(film, nonwovens etc), thus to achieve competitive costing all
the way thru to finished consumer products.
In the longer run, the challenge will in bringing to bear
different feedstocks (e.g. incorporating cellulosic feedstocks
into the biopolymer production in an economic way), and in
sorting out what the 2 nd and 3 rd generation of biopolymers
will look like. On this last point, I always emphasize that
NatureWorks is not a ‘One-Trick-Pony’ i.e. Ingeo will not
represent ‘PLA-only’ and NatureWorks, will look different in
2020.
bM: What is your family status?
MV: I am happily married to my wife Stephanie Balest.
When we first met, she found my last name impossible to
pronounce so she decided to keep her maiden name. She
lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she runs two restaurants.
We have no children, making our weekends a little easier.
bM: What is your favourite movie?
MV: Comedy: The Big Lebowski by the Coen brothers in
1998.
bM: What is your favourite book?
MV: I do not really have one due to lack of time - but I enjoy
reading The New York Times, which is my connection to the
world outside bioplastics.
bM: What is your favourite (or your next) vacation location?
MV: While we would love to spend more time in Europe,
we usually cannot spend more than 4 or 5 days together
for a vacation. Then we really enjoy going to Florida or the
Bahamas - and we strictly stay away from telephones!
bM: What do you eat for breakfast on a Sunday?
MV: Traditionally American with a slight European touch.
Growing up in Belgium, we often had soft-boiled eggs for
breakfast as well as lots of chocolate. Up to this day, I stick
with both for my Sunday breakfast. If I can be in Knoxville for
the weekend, Stephanie makes the greatest omelettes
bM: What is your ‘slogan’?
MV: FOCUS - see, keep and travel a clear and straight path
towards the big picture!
bM: Thank you very much.
MT
56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Opinion
Sustainability Counts
Through the Life Cycle
By Heeral Bhalala
Coordinator, Sustainable
Biomaterials Collaborator
Institute for Local Self-Reliance
Washington, DC , USA
Fossil-fuel-derived plastics are non-renewable, often
threaten public health, have devastating impacts on
marine life, and increase reliance on imported fossilfuel-based
feedstocks in many countries. The development
of bioplastics holds great promise to mitigate many of these
sustainability problems by offering the potential of renewability,
biodegradation, and a path away from harmful additives.
They are not, however, an automatic panacea.
Harvesting of forest biomass can be done in ways that
jeopardize the health of the forest and ecosystem. Modern
industrial agriculture creates a host of health, environmental,
social issues including the use of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) in the field, toxic pesticides, high fossil fuel
energy use, and the loss of family farms. Farming can also
degrade water and soil quality and endanger natural habitat
and biodiversity. Increased demand for agricultural products
may well exacerbate problems posed by modern agriculture
while increasing pressure on ecologically sensitive land and
raising food security concerns. The manufacture, use and
discard of products made from bioplastics can also result in
hazardous emissions, particularly if the bioplastic is mixed
with fossil fuel-based chemicals. While many bioplastic
products are certified compostable, challenges remain
in developing the collection services and the composting
infrastructure to ensure products are actually composted
at the end of their intended use. At the same time, some
bioplastic products may be recyclable but similarly lack the
necessary infrastructure, while posing concerns for existing
recycling systems.
The Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative (SBC) is
a network of organizations working together to spur the
introduction and use of biomaterials that are sustainable
from cradle to cradle. The Collaborative seeks to advance
the development and diffusion of sustainable biomaterials
by creating sustainability guidelines, engaging markets, and
promoting policy initiatives. It is broadly focused on the entire
lifecycle of biomaterials from production in the fields, to green
manufacturing, to product use, and recycling or composting
at the end of product life. We define sustainable biomaterials
as those that: (1) are sourced from sustainably grown and
harvested cropland or forests, (2) are manufactured without
hazardous inputs and impacts, (3) are healthy and safe for
the environment during use, (4) are designed to be reutilized
at the end of their intended use, such as via recycling or
composting, and (5) provide living wages and do not exploit
workers or communities throughout the product lifecycle.
Starting at the Source
An assessment of the sustainability of bioplastics begins
at the source, looking at how feedstocks are grown and
harvested. While bioplastics are made from a wide variety
of agricultural and forest-based materials, most of the
bioplastics available today are derived from corn and other
commodity crops, crops that have clear and significant
impacts on our natural environment. But agriculture can also
improve water and soil health, provide refuge and food for
wildlife and increase biodiversity and economic prosperity for
farmers, their families and communities.
The SBC is working to further develop and implement an
innovative market-based approach that allows bioplastic
users to support environmental stewardship on agricultural
lands. The Working Landscapes Certificates (WLC) program
is currently focused on corn-based plastics, but could
expand to other feedstocks. WLCs are a purchasable offset
for companies presently using bioplastics that want to
support sustainable farming practices. This payment is used
to financially support farmers who agree to raise the crop
under prescribed sustainability criteria. For corn this means
not using GMO seed, eliminating carcinogenic chemical
and atrazine use, and other practices that promote better
environmental quality.
The program is now poised for major expansion.
Negotiations are nearly complete with a major national
company to grow the WLC program over five-fold this year
with more growth in later years.
58 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

Opinion
Making the Product
By paying attention to the principles of green chemistry,
manufacturers can increase process safety to protect worker health,
and minimize hazardous emissions into the environment. Biobased
producers could avoid problematic blends that contain large quantities
of petroleum plastic, thus easing reclamation of the product. Avoiding
persistent, bioaccumulative, and other toxic chemicals is important.
Consider use of nanomaterials with caution as not all have been
comprehensively tested for health or safety impacts.
Design for Recovery
Bioplastics are just another burden on the landfill unless they are
recovered for recycling or composting. In the US, waste incineration
is broadly opposed, while anaerobic digestion for methane recovery
is becoming more widely accepted. Without the technology and
infrastructure in place to handle discarded biobased products,
bioplastics are likely to end up trashed rather than recovered. While
the composting infrastructure is developing, systems for recycling
bioplastics are virtually non-existent and have many challenges to
their widespread implementation. For example, who will capitalize
the equipment to sort PLA from PET? Will compostable plastic bags
contaminate the recycling of conventional polyethylene bags? Product
labeling is a critical issue to inform citizens how best to handle
products once used. Biodegradation in the marine environment is also
increasingly being recognized as important.
Industry Challenge
Developing the technology and markets for sustainable bioplastics
will require time. The Collaborative has defined a progression of
intermediate steps towards reaching sustainable biobased products
(see sidebar ‘Steps to Best Practice‘). We encourage companies to
evaluate their current practice and make public commitments toward
these goals. Please visit our website for more information.
www.sustainablebiomaterials.org
www.workinglandscapes.org
Steps to Best Practices
for Each Life Cycle Stage
1) Biological Feedstock Production
a) Eliminate hazardous chemicals of
concern
b) Avoid use of genetically modified seeds
c) Conserve, protect and build soil
d) Conserve nutrient cycles
e) Protect air and water access and quality
f) Promote biological diversity
g) Reduce impacts of energy use
h) Reduce transportation impacts
i) Develop and certify a comprehensive
sustainable agriculture plan
j) Protect workers
2) Processing and Manufacturing
a) Support sustainable feedstock
production
b) Reduce impacts of energy use
c) Avoid problematic blends and additives
and encourage recycling
d) Maximize process safety and minimize
hazardous emissions
e) Continuous improvement
f) Protect workers
3) Product Distribution and Use
a) Reduce quantity used
b) Avoid unhealthy exposures
c) Create opportunities for sustainability
education
d) Label material content
e) Prefer local
4) End of Product
a) Ensure safe and rapid biodegradation
b) Design product for recycling or
composting
c) Producer and converter industry
participate in planning for complete life
d) Protect workers
Source: Guidelines for Sustainable Bioplastics,
www.sustainablebiomaterials.org, 2009
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 59

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 p42]
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 p42]
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 p34, bM 01/2007 p38]]
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]
60 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] 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 [05/10] Vol. 5 61

Suppliers Guide
1. Raw Materials
3.1.1 cellulose based films
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
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
Showa Denko Europe GmbH
Konrad-Zuse-Platz 4
81829 Munich, Germany
Tel.: +49 89 93996226
www.showa-denko.com
support@sde.de
1.1 bio based monomers
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
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
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
Shenzhen Brightchina Ind. Co;Ltd
www.brightcn.net
www.esun.en.alibaba.com
bright@brightcn.net
Tel: +86-755-2603 1978
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
Jean-Pierre Le Flanchec
3 rue Scheffer
75116 Paris cedex, France
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 23 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 53 65 81 99
biosphere@biosphere.eu
www.biosphere.eu
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
Division of A&O FilmPAC Ltd
7 Osier Way, Warrington Road
GB-Olney/Bucks.
MK46 5FP
Tel.: +44 1234 714 477
Fax: +44 1234 713 221
sales@aandofilmpac.com
www.bioresins.eu
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
2. Additives /
Secondary raw materials
Sukano AG
Chaltenbodenstrasse 23
CH-8834 Schindellegi
Tel. +41 44 787 57 77
Fax +41 44 787 57 78
www.sukano.com
3. Semi finished products
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
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
Taghleef Industries SpA, Italy
Via E. Fermi, 46
33058 San Giorgio di Nogaro (UD)
Contact Frank Ernst
Tel. +49 2402 7096989
Mobile +49 160 4756573
frank.ernst@ti-films.com
www.ti-films.com
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
Postbus 26
7480 AA Haaksbergen
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 616 121 843
info@bio4pack.com
www.bio4pack.com
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. +385 31 7005 011
Fax +385 31 705 012
info@ecocortec.hr
www.ecocortec.hr
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
62 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5

NOVAMONT S.p.A.
Via Fauser , 8
28100 Novara - ITALIA
Fax +39.0321.699.601
Tel. +39.0321.699.611
Info@novamont.com
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
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
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
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
9. Services
Suppliers Guide
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
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
4.1 trays
5. Traders
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.
5.1 wholesale
6. Equipment
6.1 Machinery & Molds
FAS Converting Machinery AB
O Zinkgatan 1/ Box 1503
27100 Ystad, Sweden
Tel.: +46 411 69260
www.fasconverting.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
COMPOSTABLE
PACKAGING
TECHNOLOGIES
• 100% BIODEGRADABLE
EcoWorks ®
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
Wirkstoffgruppe Imageproduktion
Tel. +49 2351 67100-0
luedenscheid@wirkstoffgruppe.de
www.wirkstoffgruppe.de
10. Institutions
10.1 Associations
• 100% COMPOSTABLE
• RENEWABLE CONTENT (5-70%)
• CONTAINS NO POLYETHYLENE
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
BPI - The Biodegradable
Products Institute
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415
New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel. +1-888-274-5646
info@bpiworld.org
www.CortecVCI.com
info@CortecVCI.com
1-800-4-CORTEC
St. Paul, MN 55110
USA
Q
U
A
EXCELLENCE
I
T
Y
®
CORPORATION
Environmentally Safe VpCI ® /MCI ® Technologies
E N V I R O N M E N T A
L
S Y
S T
E M
R
E G
I S
T E R E D
BioPlastics 2010.indd 1
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] Vol. 5 63
2/1/10 9:11:30 AM

Companies in this issue
Company Editorial Advert
A&O Filmpac 31 62
AIB Vincotte 40
Alesco 62
API 40, 44
Arkema 14, 30, 46
Avianca 23
BASF 5, 38 62
Bayern Innovativ 41
Bio4Pack 62
bioplastics24 28
Biotec 28
Boselle E. & Cie. 16, 17
BPI 63
Braskem 5, 7, 31, 52 19
Britney Spears 22
Brückner 6, 31 34
C.L.A.S.S. 16
Cabopol 30
Cereplast 22 62
Chinaplast 49
Clariant 40
Clarifoil 22
Coperion 30
Cortec 62, 63
Daimler 5
DSM 32
DuPont 32
EconCore 24, 26
Ecor 22
EMS GRIVORY 32 34
European Bioplastics 29, 63
Fama Jersey 16
FAS Converting 63
Fasal Wood 39
Fashion Helmet 18
FH Hannover 39 63
Fischerwerke 5
FKuR 6, 27, 33 2, 62
Fraunhofer PAZ 20
Fraunhofer UMSICHT 63
Frizza 16
Fujitsu 27
Gattinoni 17
GEHR Kunststoffwerk 40
Grace Bio 62
Green Gran 34
Hallink 63
Huhtamaki 62
ICO Staionery Manufacturing 27
Innovia Films 62
Inst. for Self-Relienace 58
Kikkoman 12
Lei-Tsu 17
Lificolor 33
Company Editorial Advert
Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients 62
Mann + Hummel 63
M-Base 39
Merquinsa 32, 50
Michigan State University 63
Minima Technology 62
Murasaki 12
Natureplast 37
NatureWorks 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 56
Natur-Tec 62
NEC 21
NGR Recycling Machines 36 34
Nordic Fashion Association 16
nova Institut 21
Novamont 10, 22, 38 1, 62, 68
Phoenix Packaging Group 23
Plastic Suppliers 62
plasticker 6
Polymediaconsult 63
PolyOne 33 34
President Packaging 63
Procter&Gamble 5
Proganic 13, 27
PSM 15, 62
Purac 7, 62
Rizieri 18
Robert-Bosch 5
Roll-o-Matic 36 34, 63
Saara Lopokorpi 16
Saida 63
Sezersan 22
Shenzen Brightchina 62
Sidaplax 62
Sukano 38 34, 62
SUPLA 39
Sustainable Biomaterials Collaboration 58
Synbra 37
Taghleef Industries 6, 31 62
Tandus 17
Teijin 12
Telles 37 62, 67
ThermHex Waben 24
Tianan Biologic 62
Toyota 26
Transmare 62
TU Braunschweig 5
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 34, 51, 63
Universität Stuttgart 6
University of Guelph 42
Wei Mon 57, 63
Wirkstoffgruppe 63
Wuhan Huali (PSM) 15
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 36
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
Nov / Dec Dec. 06, 2010 Films / Flexibles / Bags Consumer Electronics Recycling K‘2010 Review
New:
Follow us on twitter:
http://twitter.com/bioplasticsmag
Like us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/bioplastics-MAGAZINE/103745406344904
64 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/10] Vol. 5

ioplastics MAGAZINE [04/10] Vol. 5 65

Event Calendar
Event Calendar
Oct. 11-13, 2010
5th Annual Biopolymer Symposium
The Westin Tabor Center
Denver, Colorado, USA
www.biopolymersummit.com
Oct. 13-15, 2010
19th Annual BEPS Meeting
POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT:
EMERGING GREEN TECHNOLOGIES & SCIENCE
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
www.beps.org
Oct. 18-20, 2010
Sustainable Cosmetics Summit
Paris / France
www.sustainablecosmeticssummit.com
Oct. 19-21, 2010
EuropaBio‘s 3rd annual
European Forum for Industrial Biotechnology 2010
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh, Scotland
www.efibforum.com
Oct. 26-28, 2010
4th International Conference on Technology &
Application of Biodegradable/Biobased Plastics (ICTABP4)
Shang Hai Tongji University (Jiading Campus), Shanghai, China
www.degradable.org.cn
Oct. 27 - Nov. 03, 2010
Visit us at
K‘ 2010 - International trade Fair No.1
for Plastics & Rubber Worldwide
Booth 7C09, Düsseldorf, Germany
www.k-online.de
Oct. 28 - 30, 2010
Bioplastics Business Breakfast (@ K‘2010)
Three meetings - succinct and to the point -
before the fair doors open
www.bioplastics-breakfast.com
November 11, 2010
Biopolymers: Perspectives – Technologies – Markets
Cooperation Forum, Visit of Companies and Institutes
Herzogschloss Straubing, Bavaria/Germany
www.bayern-innovativ.de/biopolymere2010
Nov. 16-17, 2010
The Second China (Shenzen) International
Exhibition and Forum of Biological Plastic
Great China International Exchange Square Shenzen, China
www.szhowell.net
Nov. 22-24, 2010
Agricultural Film 2010
Fira Palace Hotel, Barcelona, Spain
www2.amiplastics.com
Dec. 1-2, 2010
5th European Bioplastics Conference
Hilton Hotel, Düsseldorf, Germany
www.conference.european-bioplastics.org
Feb. 01-03, 2011
Bioplastics - Reshaping an Industry
Cesar‘s Palace, Las Vegas; USA
www.reshapinganindustry.com
April 12 - 13, 2011
4. BioKunststoffe 2011
Tagungsveranstaltung
Hannover
www.hanser-tagungen.de
March 29-30, 2011
Bioplastics Compounding and Processing 2011
International conference on the profitable use of bioplastics
Hilton Downtown Miami, Miami, Florida
www2.amiplastics.com
May 1-5, 2011
ANTEC ® 2011
Sponsor: Society of Plastics Engineers
Boston Marriott Copley Place and Hynes Convention Center Boston,
MA USA
www.antec.ws
Sept. 25-29, 2011
8th European Congress of Chemical Engineering and
1st European Congress of Applied Biotechnology
(together with ProcessNet Annual Meeting 2011 and
DECHEMA‘s Biotechnology Annual Meeting)
Berlin, Germany
www.dechema.de
Oct. 17-19, 2011
GPEC 2011 (SPE‘s Global Plastics Environmental Conference)
The Atlanta Peachtree Westin Hotel, Atlanta, GA, USA
www.4spe.org
You can meet us!
Please contact us in advance by e-mail.
66 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/10] 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.