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ISSN 1862-5258<br />
Basics<br />
Can additives make plastics<br />
biodegradable? | 41<br />
Jan / Feb<br />
<strong>01</strong> | 2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
Highlights<br />
Automotive | 10<br />
Foam | 32<br />
BENELUX-Special<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 12<br />
... is read in 92 countries
Editorial<br />
dear<br />
readers<br />
I hope you all had a good start to the new year. And, even as I write these lines, our readers<br />
in China are holding their own New Year’s celebrations as they enter the “Year of<br />
the Fire Rooster”.<br />
The new year also marks the start of a new series in bioplastics MAGAZINE. In<br />
each issue, we will devote attention to a different part of the world, in order to<br />
explore how well the concept of bioplastics is known and understood in the various<br />
regions and countries around the globe. To that end, articles will be solicited<br />
for each edition from companies, researchers and other stakeholders from the<br />
region in focus in that issue. In addition, we have devised a simple survey, which<br />
we ourselves will conduct among members of the local population to assess the<br />
prevailing attitudes towards and general perception of bioplastics. This first issue<br />
starts with the BENELUX countries. Other areas to follow this year are Germany/<br />
Austria/Switzerland, China, Scandinavia, North America and Italy/France. More<br />
areas, such as UK, New Zealand/Australia, Spain/Portugal, Poland and the Baltic<br />
States, Thailand and so on to follow later.<br />
The other highlight topics of this issue include Bioplastic Foams and Bioplastics in<br />
Automotive Applications. In the Basics section, we once again examine the general<br />
question of “Can additives make conventional plastics biodegradable?”<br />
I’d also like to draw your attention to our two conferences this year. In early<br />
May, our bio!PAC event will take place for the second time. As the World’s biggest<br />
trade fair on packaging – interpack 2<strong>01</strong>7 – will be hosted in Düsseldorf, Germany,<br />
we decided to organize bio!PAC this time in the same way as we did the Bioplastics Business<br />
Breakfast @K. See pp 8-9 for details. End of September, Stuttgart, Germany will again be the<br />
place to be for all involved in Automotive Applications. The Call for Papers for the second<br />
edition of bio!CAR is already open (see p. 17).<br />
EcoComunicazione.it<br />
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theoriginal_R8_bioplasticmagazine_flagEBC_11.12-2<strong>01</strong>6_210x297_ese.indd 1 18/<strong>01</strong>/17 11:19<br />
r8_03.2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 12<br />
ISSN 1862-5258<br />
Basics<br />
Can additives make plastics<br />
biodegradable? | 40<br />
Highlights<br />
Automotive | 10<br />
Foam | 32<br />
BENELUX-Special<br />
Jan / Feb<br />
<strong>01</strong> | 2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
... is read in 92 countries<br />
Until then, please enjoy reading this latest issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE.<br />
Sincerely yours<br />
Michael Thielen<br />
The BENELUX Union is a politico-economic union of three neighbouring<br />
states in western Europe: Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.<br />
The name Benelux is formed from joining the first two or three<br />
letters of each country‘s name – Belgium Netherlands Luxembourg<br />
– and was first used to name the customs agreement that initiated<br />
the union (signed in 1944). It is now used more generally to refer to the<br />
geographic, economic and cultural grouping of the three countries.<br />
In 1951, these countries joined West Germany, France, and Italy to form<br />
the European Coal and Steel Community, a<br />
predecessor of the European Economic Community (EEC) and<br />
today‘s European Union (EU). (Source: Wikipedia)
Content<br />
Imprint<br />
Events<br />
8 bio!PAC<br />
Automotive<br />
10 Biobased engineering plastic for Mazda’s<br />
Roadstar RF<br />
11 Panels for trucks and buses<br />
12 Responsible Sourcing of Biomaterials for<br />
Epichlorohydrin<br />
14 Biobased materials – The future for the<br />
automotive industry<br />
16 New ABS reinforced with natural fibers<br />
18 New automotive applications for bio-PA<br />
Report<br />
22 25 years of biodegradable testing<br />
39 Bioplastics Survey<br />
From Science and Research<br />
28 How prawn shopping bags could save the<br />
planet<br />
30 Chitosan-based polymer developed to<br />
patch wounds<br />
Book Review<br />
29 Book Review<br />
Foam<br />
32 Starch based particle foam for<br />
biodegradable packaging<br />
33 The biodegradable foam market in China<br />
34 PLA based particle foam<br />
36 New compostable particle foam<br />
Brand Owners<br />
38 Brand Owners Perspective<br />
<strong>01</strong>|2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
Jan / Feb<br />
Basics<br />
40 Can additives make plastics<br />
biodegradable?<br />
Ten Years Ago<br />
41 “Advancing Bioplastics from Down<br />
Under” (Foam 2007)<br />
3 Editorial<br />
5 News<br />
20 Material News<br />
26 Application News<br />
42 Glossary<br />
46 Suppliers Guide<br />
49 Event Calendar<br />
50 Companies in this issue<br />
Publisher / Editorial<br />
Dr. Michael Thielen (MT)<br />
Karen Laird (KL)<br />
Samuel Brangenberg (SB)<br />
Head Office<br />
Polymedia Publisher GmbH<br />
Dammer Str. 112<br />
41066 Mönchengladbach, Germany<br />
phone: +49 (0)2161 6884469<br />
fax: +49 (0)2161 6884468<br />
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Media Adviser<br />
Samsales (German language)<br />
phone: +49(0)2161-6884467<br />
fax: +49(0)2161 6884468<br />
s.brangenberg@samsales.de<br />
Chris Shaw (English language)<br />
Chris Shaw Media Ltd<br />
Media Sales Representative<br />
phone: +44 (0) 1270 522130<br />
mobile: +44 (0) 7983 967471<br />
and Michael Thielen (see head office)<br />
Layout/Production<br />
Kerstin Neumeister<br />
Print<br />
Poligrāfijas grupa Mūkusala Ltd.<br />
1004 Riga, Latvia<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE is printed on<br />
chlorine-free FSC certified paper.<br />
Print run: 3,400 copies<br />
bioplastics magazine<br />
ISSN 1862-5258<br />
bM is published 6 times a year.<br />
This publication is sent to qualified<br />
subscribers (149 Euro for 6 issues).<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE is read in<br />
92 countries.<br />
Every effort is made to verify all<br />
Information published, but Polymedia<br />
Publisher cannot accept responsibility<br />
for any errors or omissions or for any<br />
losses that may arise as a result. No<br />
items may be reproduced, copied or<br />
stored in any form, including electronic<br />
format, without the prior consent of the<br />
publisher. Opinions expressed in articies<br />
do not necessarily reflect those of<br />
Polymedia Publisher.<br />
All articles appearing in bioplastics<br />
MAGAZINE, or on the website<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com are<br />
strictly covered by copyright.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE welcomes contributions<br />
for publication. Submissions are<br />
accepted on the basis of full assignment<br />
of copyright to Polymedia Publisher<br />
GmbH unless otherwise agreed in advance<br />
and in writing. We reserve the right<br />
to edit items for reasons of space, clarity<br />
or legality. Please contact the editorial<br />
office via mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com.<br />
The fact that product names may not be<br />
identified in our editorial as trade marks<br />
is not an indication that such names are<br />
not registered trade marks.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE tries to use British<br />
spelling. However, in articles based on<br />
information from the USA, American<br />
spelling may also be used.<br />
Envelopes<br />
A part of this print run is mailed to the<br />
readers wrapped in BoPLA envelopes<br />
sponsored by Taghleef Industries, S.p.A.<br />
Maropack GmbH & Co. KG, and SFV<br />
Verpackungen<br />
Cover<br />
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daily upated news at<br />
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News<br />
MHG’s updated corporate<br />
identity back into “Danimer“<br />
Meredian Holdings Group Inc., “MHG”, a leading biopolymer<br />
manufacturer, announced in late December that it will do<br />
business as Danimer Scientific, effective immediately. MHG’s<br />
updated corporate identity is a visual salute to their solid,<br />
steadfast origins as a biotechnology company committed to<br />
sustainability and the development of innovative bioplastic<br />
products that do not contribute to global pollution.<br />
Danimer Scientific was originally formed in 2004 and provided<br />
sustainable polymer solutions by developing compostable and<br />
biodegradable plastic alternatives. Following many years of<br />
successful R & D, relationship building, and B-to-B launches<br />
of bioplastic products for use in consumer and business<br />
applications, the Company has decided to reenergize and<br />
emphasize the original corporate identity.<br />
”The adoption of our founding name and logo marks a<br />
significant milestone as we dedicate ourselves to future<br />
product innovation and the development of global-scale<br />
solutions to plastic pollution,” stated CEO Stephen Croskrey.<br />
“The renewal of our corporate identity signals an exciting<br />
time for the company as we intensify our dedication to<br />
the development of dynamic biopolymer solutions, like<br />
our completely biodegradable PHA plastic for widespread<br />
commercial use.”<br />
In 2007, the founders of Danimer Scientific acquired the<br />
intellectual property from Procter & Gamble, “P&G”, for<br />
NodaxTM PHA. Nodax PHA was created by the distinguished<br />
Dr. Isao Noda while at P&G and he is now a Member of<br />
the Board of Directors at Danimer Scientific. Nodax PHA<br />
possesses a full spectrum of physical properties that have<br />
been proven capable of replacing many short-term use<br />
petroleum-based plastics, for both performance and price.<br />
Danimer Scientific’s Nodax PHA received OK Marine<br />
Biodegradable certification from Vinçotte International, the<br />
first such validation awarded to a biopolymer. The exciting<br />
biopolymer also has a total of six Vinçotte certifications<br />
and statements of aerobic and anaerobic compostability<br />
and biodegradability in soil, fresh water, salt water, and<br />
industrial and home compost.<br />
Danimer Scientific currently operates two facilities with<br />
well over 200,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory<br />
and manufacturing/testing space. Recently, the Company<br />
announced the appointment of their new Chief Executive<br />
Officer, Stephen Croskrey, who is pioneering the Company’s<br />
planned eightfold expansion of the current PHA biorefinery. MT<br />
www.danimerscientific.com<br />
JV to produce biosuccinic<br />
acid in China<br />
With an eye to gaining a strong foothold in the world’s<br />
largest succinic acid market, Canada’s BioAmber Inc.<br />
and South Korean-based CJ CheilJedang Corporation<br />
(CJCJ) have announced that they have signed a nonbinding<br />
letter of intent, under which the two companies<br />
will establish a Chinese joint venture.<br />
The goal: to competitively produce bio-succinic acid<br />
in China and rapidly penetrate the Asian market. The<br />
new facility would produce up to 36,000 tonnes of biosuccinic<br />
acid annually and commercialize the output in<br />
Asia to accelerate sales growth.<br />
In the announcement, the companies state that<br />
this can be achieved rapidly, cost effectively and with<br />
limited capital investment by retrofitting an existing<br />
CJCJ fermentation facility with BioAmber’s succinic<br />
acid technology. CJCJ would incur all capital costs<br />
required to retrofit their fermentation facility, including<br />
the capital needed during plant commissioning and<br />
startup, and production would begin in Q1 2<strong>01</strong>8.<br />
If market demand were to subsequently exceed<br />
production capacity, the joint venture could expand<br />
production through debottlenecking and/or additional<br />
investment. The partners would also have a mutual<br />
right-of-first-refusal to retrofit additional CJCJ<br />
fermentation facilities globally.<br />
The joint venture could offer BioAmber a quick route<br />
to the Chinese and broader Asian market, as well as<br />
serve as a blueprint for the build-out of additional<br />
bio-succinic acid production with very limited capital<br />
investment, noted Jean-Francois Huc, BioAmber’s<br />
CEO. For CJCJ, it would provide an opportunity to utilize<br />
their existing fermentation assets more effectively: “In<br />
order to competitively supply the growing market for<br />
bio-succinic acid in Asia,” explained Dr. Hang Duk Roh,<br />
Head of CJ CheilJedang BIO.<br />
CJCJ would own 65% of the JV and BioAmber would<br />
own 35%. The JV would pay BioAmber a technology<br />
royalty for having access to BioAmber’s proven biosuccinic<br />
acid technology, and would pay CJCJ a tolling<br />
fee for producing bio-succinic acid on behalf of the JV.<br />
Both partners would be entitled to a share of the profits<br />
equal to their respective equity ownership positions.<br />
Huc emphasized that the company would remain<br />
focused on ramping up operations at the Sarnia site<br />
and building a second plant in North America. However:<br />
“This JV is an opportunity for BioAmber to accelerate<br />
the deployment of its bio-succinic acid technology on a<br />
global scale without capital investment,” he said.<br />
Fabrice Orecchioni, BioAmber’s COO, added: “CJCJ<br />
has visited our Sarnia facility and we have visited their<br />
intended plant in China. Both partners are confident<br />
that the China plant can be reconfigured to quickly<br />
produce bio-succinic acid, for a fraction of what it cost<br />
us to build our Sarnia facility.” KL<br />
www.bio-amber.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 5
News<br />
daily upated news at<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Avantium announced acquisition of Liquid Light<br />
In early January, Avantium (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), a leading chemical technology company and a forerunner in<br />
renewable chemistry, announced it had acquired Liquid Light Inc. (Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, USA), a company spun<br />
out from Princeton University in 2008 that has developed and patented low-energy electrochemistry technologies to convert<br />
CO 2<br />
into major chemicals. Their patent portfolio includes filings on producing multiple chemical building blocks used in large<br />
existing markets, including oxalic acid, glycolic acid, ethylene glycol, propylene, isopropanol, methyl-methacrylate and acetic<br />
acid for the production of polymers, coatings and cosmetics.<br />
The development of electrochemistry has the potential to use CO 2<br />
as a feedstock for the sustainable production of chemicals<br />
and materials, and is seen as a ’game-changer’ for the chemical industry. The technology behind the process is simple: Take<br />
CO 2<br />
and mix it in a water-filled chamber with an electrode and a catalyst. The ensuing chemical reaction converts CO 2<br />
into a<br />
new molecule, methanol, which can be used as a fuel, an industrial solvent or a starting material for the manufacture of other<br />
chemicals. By adjusting the design of their catalyst, Liquid Light can produce a range of commercially important multi-carbon<br />
chemicals. Additionally, by using ‘co-feedstocks’ along with CO 2<br />
, a plant built with Liquid Light’s technology may produce<br />
multiple products simultaneously.<br />
Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer of Avantium, said: “The acquisition of Liquid Light is an important step in our strategy<br />
to create and commercialize breakthrough technologies in renewable chemistry. It will extend our capabilities beyond catalytic<br />
conversion of biomass. This acquisition will enable the development of a powerful technology platform on the basis of carbon<br />
dioxide feedstock, meaning it turns waste into valuable products such as chemicals and plastics.”<br />
The technology and patent portfolio of Liquid Light will be integrated into Avantium’s Renewable Chemistry business unit and<br />
its existing R&D program in electrochemistry. The combination of Liquid Light’s expertise in electrochemistry with Avantium’s<br />
expertise in catalysis and process engineering will be the basis of an unrivaled technology platform to develop novel production<br />
technologies for converting CO 2<br />
to chemicals and materials.<br />
The integration of the Liquid Light assets into Avantium is complete and effective immediately. Financial details of the<br />
transaction were not disclosed. KL/MT<br />
www.avantium.com<br />
Solegear acquires Lindar Bioplastic Division<br />
The Canada-based producer of plant-based plastics announced end of last year that it was acquiring 100 % of LINDAR<br />
Corporation’s bioplastic division for CAD$ 845,000, comprising 4,225,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price<br />
of $0.20 per share.<br />
Lindar is a leading manufacturer of plastic thermoformed food packaging, trays and products for industrial OEM industries.<br />
Located in Baxter, Minnesota (USA), the company has been producing thermoformed packaging since 1993 and is a leader in<br />
packaging innovations, including single-serve and tamper evident food packaging.<br />
“Lindar was one of the early innovators to embrace the important role packaging design can play in ensuring food safety. By<br />
combining Lindar’s thermoformed packaging know-how with Solegear’s commitment to engineering plant-based materials<br />
with no BPAs or phthalates, this acquisition positions Solegear with the people, infrastructure, products and pricing to further<br />
scale our business at a faster rate.”<br />
For Lindar, the acquisition by Solegear will make it possible to create scale and engage more customers about what is<br />
possible with plant-based packaging. “Something that is much easier to achieve with Solegear than on our own,” said Tom<br />
Haglin, President of Lindar. “As Lindar’s bioplastic division becomes part of the Solegear family, Lindar will be able to capitalize<br />
on this business association by introducing new and expanded products with greater capabilities.”<br />
The purchased assets generated over CAD$1.3 million in revenue in 2<strong>01</strong>5.<br />
Revenues generated from the purchased assets are expected to be accretive to Solegear during the current fiscal year.<br />
Issuance of the Shares to LINDAR is conditional upon execution of the Outsourcing Agreement, and completion of the Asset<br />
Purchase remains subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. The Shares will be issued from treasury and subject to a 24<br />
-month hold period from the signing date of the Outsourcing Agreement. MT<br />
www.solegear.ca<br />
6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
News<br />
Global biodegradable market to show strong<br />
growth through 2021<br />
The bioplastics market continues to show healthy growth. Analysts from technology research company Technavio have now<br />
separately examined the biodegradable plastics market. According to their latest report, the global biodegradable polymers<br />
market can look forward to growth at a CAGR of 21.1 % over the next five years.<br />
The research study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global biodegradable polymers market for 2<strong>01</strong>7-<br />
2021. The study considers revenue generated from the sale of biodegradable polymers market across various geographies to<br />
determine the market size.<br />
By application, this market is segmented into food packaging, foam packaging, biodegradable bags, agriculture, and other<br />
segments. Biodegradable polymers find utility in these areas as they are great in reducing carbon footprint and providing<br />
enhanced sustainability on account of the entire process being cyclic. The global market was valued at USD 2,040.2 million in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>6 and is forecast to reach USD 5,324.4 million by 2021.<br />
Region wise, Western Europe is the market leader in the global biodegradable polymers market with a share of over<br />
41 % (2<strong>01</strong>6 figures). The high levels of consumer awareness and maturity in the region make way for easy adoption of new<br />
technologies and products, which is the main reason behind the segment’s dominance. The key products available in the<br />
Western European market are compostable biobased waste bags and loose-fill packaging materials. North America and ROW<br />
(Rest of World) follow Western Europe.<br />
Technavio analysts point to the following three factors that they say are contributing to the growth of biodegradable polymers:<br />
Eco-friendly packaging leading to enhanced customer appeal<br />
Consumers have shown a clear preference towards sustainable options for plastic bags and food packaging. The preference<br />
for sustainability in these product categories is pushing vendors to adopt greener technologies and strategies for branding and<br />
gaining a larger consumer base. Therefore, the increasing acceptance of sustainable packaging and green products among<br />
consumers is directly driving the biodegradable polymers market.<br />
Government emphasis on efficient plastic waste management<br />
Management of plastic waste is a top priority for most governments as mass consumption of products with short lifespans is<br />
increasing, leading to accumulation of an enormous amount of non-degradable waste. This waste takes up valuable real estate<br />
space and often ends up in landfills or dumping grounds that have grave environmental impacts. To curb this, governments<br />
across the globe are aiding in and pushing for the adoption of biodegradable polymers through various initiatives and reforms,<br />
thus bringing in a steady demand for these products.<br />
Emergence of biobased and renewable raw materials<br />
“The global biodegradable polymers market is driven by the emergence of renewable resources, biomass, and biobased<br />
raw materials such as starch and vegetable crop derivatives. In 2<strong>01</strong>5, biobased plastics accounted for more than 80 % of the<br />
global biodegradable polymers market. The use of bioplastics in numerous applications such as packaging and retail goods<br />
has greatly aided market growth,” says Swapnil Tejveer Sharma, one of the lead analysts at Technavio for plastics, polymers,<br />
and elastomers research. KL/MT<br />
www.technavio.com<br />
Apologies<br />
We sincerely apologize for not mentioning the authors of the article on the<br />
“Fair Mouse” in the recent new issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE. MT<br />
The authors are<br />
Jacek Leciński, Andrea Siebert-Raths<br />
Daniela Jahn and Jessica Rutz<br />
Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites<br />
University of Applied Sciences and Arts<br />
Hannover, Germany<br />
You can read the article online on pp 24<br />
at https://issuu.com/bioplastics/docs/bioplasticsmagazine_1606_<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 7
Events<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE presents:<br />
The second bio!PAC conference on biobased packaging in Düsseldorf, Germany,<br />
organised by bioplastics MAGAZINE together with Green Serendipity is the<br />
must-attend conference for everyone interested in packaging made from renewable<br />
resources. The conference offers high class presentations from top<br />
individuals from raw material and packaging providers as well as from brand<br />
owners already using biobased packaging. The unique event also offers excellent<br />
networking opportunities. Free access to interpack is also included.<br />
Please find below the preliminary programme. Find more details and register<br />
at the conference website. www.bio-pac.info<br />
bio PAC<br />
biobased packaging<br />
conference<br />
4-5-6 may 2<strong>01</strong>5<br />
messe düsseldorf<br />
Preliminary Programme - bio!PAC: Conference on Biobased Packaging<br />
Other than the first edition in 2<strong>01</strong>5 in Amsterdam, this year bio!PAC will be organized within the framework of interpack, the<br />
World‘s biggest trade fair on packaging in Düsseldorf, Germany. And bio!PAC will be organized in the same way as the recent<br />
Bioplastics Business Breakfast @K 2<strong>01</strong>6.<br />
On three mornings during the show from May 4 - 6, bioplastics MAGAZINE in cooperation with Green Serendipity will host<br />
a bio!PAC Business Breakfast: From 8:00 am to 12:30 pm the delegates get the chance to listen to and discuss high-class<br />
presentations and benefit from a unique networking opportunity. The trade fair interpack opens at 10 am. Register soon to<br />
reserve your seat. Admission starts at EUR 299.00. The conference fee includes a free day-ticket for interpack as well as free<br />
public transportation in the greater Düsseldorf area (except taxi).<br />
The programme is divided into three highlight topics:<br />
• 04 May 2<strong>01</strong>7: Biobased packaging materials & possibilities<br />
• 05 May 2<strong>01</strong>7: Innovations & inspiration by brand owners<br />
• 06 May 2<strong>01</strong>7: Biobased packaging & the Bio-Economy<br />
The preliminary programme below will constantly be amended and updated on the website.<br />
Martin Bussmann, BASF<br />
Patrick Gerritsen, Bio4Pack<br />
Andy Sweetman, Futamura<br />
Emanuela Bardi, Taghleef Industrie<br />
Mariagiovanna Vetere, NatureWorks (t.b.c.)<br />
Hein van den Reek, Billerudkorsnas/Fiberform<br />
Stefan Corbus, Kuraray EVAL Europe<br />
Floris Buijzen, Corbion<br />
Marco Brons, Cumapol<br />
Remy Jongboom, Biotec<br />
Martin Clemesha, Braskem<br />
Ryuichiro Sugimoto, PTT/MCC<br />
Thijs Rodenburg, Rodenburg<br />
Jasper Gabrielse, Seepje<br />
Paul Masselink, O‘Right<br />
Marcea van Doorn, Bunzl<br />
Claudio Gemmiti, Coffee Company<br />
Hasso von Progrell, European Bioplastics (t.b.c.)<br />
Michael Carus, nova-Institute<br />
Florian Graichen, Scion<br />
Sam Deconinck, OWS (t.b.c.)<br />
Erwin Vink, Holland Bioplastics<br />
Jan-Govert van Gilst, NNRGY<br />
Green Serendipity, Caroli Buitenhuis<br />
Compostable food and transport packaging<br />
Biobased and biodegradable laminate structures<br />
State of the art Biolaminate solutions to replace conventional plastics in flexible packaging<br />
BoPLA flexible film applications in food and non-food packaging (t.b.c.)<br />
The latest INGEO packaging applications and developments (t.b.c.)<br />
Formable Paper & Pulp challenge conventional packaging<br />
Plantic Sheet: biobased, biodegradable and barrier solution for sustainable packaging<br />
PLA packaging applications and innovations<br />
Sustainable polyesters such as bio-PET<br />
Bio back to basics<br />
Packaging opportunities with Green PE (t.b.c.)<br />
Biobased and biodegradable PBS for packaging applications<br />
Development of sustainable flexible packaging based on 2 nd generation feedstock<br />
Bumpy road in search for the right sustainable packaging<br />
Tree in a bottle (t.b.c.)<br />
Connecting the sustainable dots<br />
Purpod 100 using biodegradable materials and own waste streams (t.b.c.)<br />
Facts and Myths on biobased plastics packaging(t.b.c.)<br />
biobased packaging and the bio-economy<br />
Biobased packaging - the New Zealand perspective (t.b.c.)<br />
End of life options for biobased packaging<br />
Creation of better conditions for Compostable Packaging<br />
Innovative packaging solutions with locally sourced elephantsgras<br />
Futurelook on biobased and circular packaging<br />
(subject to changes, visit www.bio-pac.info for updates)<br />
8 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
io PAC<br />
organized by bioplastics MAGAZINE<br />
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conference<br />
04-05-06 may 2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
messe düsseldorf<br />
Packaging is necessary for:<br />
» protection during transport and storage<br />
» prevention of product losses<br />
» increasing shelf life<br />
» sharing product information and marketing<br />
BUT:<br />
Packaging does not necessarily need to be made from petroleum<br />
based plastics. Most packaging have a short life and therefore<br />
give rise to<br />
large quantities of waste. Accordingly, it is vital to use the most<br />
suitable<br />
raw materials and implement good ‘end-of-life’ solutions.<br />
Biobased materials have a key role to play in this respect.<br />
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» can help to reduce the depletion of finite fossil resources and<br />
CO 2<br />
emissions<br />
» can offer environmental benefits in the end-of-life phase<br />
» offers incredible opportunities<br />
www.bio-pac.info<br />
Early Bird Discount<br />
in cooperation with<br />
Save 15% on regular prices<br />
before February 28, 2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
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supported by<br />
Media Partner
Automotive Materials<br />
Biobased engineering plastic<br />
for Mazda’s Roadstar RF<br />
DURABIO, developed by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation<br />
(MCC), is a biobased engineering plastic made from plantderived<br />
isosorbide. It features excellent performance, offering<br />
higher resistance to impact, heat, and weather than conventional<br />
engineering plastics. Additional benefits include ease of<br />
coloring – Durabio can be simply mixed with pigment to create<br />
glossy, highly reflective, and rich hue surfaces – as well its hardness,<br />
enhancing durability and scratch resistance. These advantages<br />
eliminate the need for a coating process, thereby reducing<br />
emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints.<br />
MCC and Mazda jointly developed a new grade of Durabio that can<br />
be used for exterior design parts without coating. The new grade has<br />
been used for interior and exterior design parts of Mazda’s CX-9,<br />
Axela, and Demio since 2<strong>01</strong>5, when it was first adopted for<br />
the Roadstar launched in the same year. The Roadstar<br />
RF is the fifth model to use Durabio, and the new grade<br />
will be adopted for more models.<br />
Example of adoption:<br />
Roadstar (top),<br />
Axela (bottom)<br />
Photos by Mazda<br />
MCC will accelerate research and development of<br />
Durabio, with the goal of expanding applications for<br />
automobile interior design parts, of course, but also<br />
expansion of its use in exterior design parts, contributing<br />
to environment-friendly automobile production. MT<br />
www.mcpp-europe.com<br />
Focus: ++ Bio-based Building Blocks & Platform Chemicals ++ Oleochemistry ++ Innovation Award ++ Start-ups ++<br />
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORLDWIDE BIOECONOMY<br />
• Policy and Markets<br />
• Standardisation, Labelling and Certifications<br />
• Innovation Award “Bio-based Material of the Year 2<strong>01</strong>7”<br />
• Bio-based Building Blocks and Platform Chemicals<br />
• Oleochemicals and Bio-based Polymers<br />
• Start-Ups<br />
Organiser<br />
News<br />
Start-ups are invited to apply<br />
for the exciting Start-up<br />
Session!<br />
The 10 th International Conference on Bio-based Materials is aimed at<br />
providing international major players from the bio-based building blocks,<br />
polymers and industrial biotechnology industries with an opportunity<br />
to present and discuss their latest developments and strategies. The<br />
conference builds on successful previous conferences: 300 participants<br />
and 30 exhibitors mainly from industry are expected.<br />
www.nova-institute.eu<br />
Contact<br />
Dominik Vogt<br />
Conference Manager<br />
+49 (0)2233 4814-49<br />
dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de<br />
Find more information at:<br />
www.bio-based-conference.com<br />
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Automotive<br />
Panels for trucks and buses<br />
New biodegradable and flame-retardant panels for trucks and buses<br />
from wastes from the paper industry<br />
AIMPLAS (Valencia, Spain), the Plastics Technology<br />
Centre, has finished the European project BRIGIT<br />
after 48 months of research. In the project, 15 partners<br />
including the University of Cantabria and the Spanish<br />
company Green Source S.A. Thanks to these researches, it<br />
has been obtained a new generation of fire resistant panels<br />
for trucks and buses manufactured from biopolymers from<br />
by-products from the cellulose paste manufacturing for the<br />
paper industry.<br />
The project BRIGIT (EU Seventh Framework Programme)<br />
began in August 2<strong>01</strong>2. During its performance, different<br />
subjects have been tackled, from the obtaining of<br />
biopolymers, their formulation and modification to improve<br />
the fire behaviour to the processing of the resulting<br />
biocomposites for panel manufacturing, which were<br />
installed inside trucks and buses from Solaris and Fiat.<br />
Moreover, the economic and environmental viability of the<br />
new products has been validated.<br />
High added value for the wastes from the<br />
cellulose manufacturing<br />
In order to get these innovative panels, the partners of<br />
the project developed a new process to obtain bioplastics, in<br />
particular PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) and PBS (polybutylene<br />
succinate), more ecologic than the existing ones. They are<br />
obtained from by-products from the cellulose production.<br />
As the main project researcher, Miguel Ángel Valera, says<br />
“the use of by-products from the cellulose manufacturing<br />
process as source of sugars needed to carry out the<br />
fermentation process of the microorganisms producing PHB<br />
and succinate acid, it allows an integration of the processes<br />
needed to obtain the biopolymers used in BRIGIT, therefore<br />
we get a saving in manufacturing costs.”<br />
More recyclable and eco-friendly vehicles<br />
By means of compounding techniques, AIMPLAS mixed<br />
and modified both biopolymers to obtain a biocomposite with<br />
strict requirements. Firstly, it is a processable material by<br />
means of extrusion, with the mechanical and fire resistance<br />
that the transports industry demands, but with the advantage<br />
of being fully biodegradable and also compostable after its<br />
grinding, in contrast with the thermosetting resins currently<br />
used.<br />
Secondly, by means of continuous compression moulding<br />
the multilayer panels formed by biocomposite sheets and<br />
natural fibres (replacing the usual glass fibre) and a light<br />
cork core inside have been manufactured. In addition to<br />
be installed inside trucks and buses as columns and side<br />
panels, these 3D panels could be also used in trains, ships,<br />
vans and other means of transport of goods and people. MT<br />
www.aimplas.net<br />
Solaris Urbino<br />
Magnetic<br />
for Plastics<br />
www.plasticker.com<br />
• International Trade<br />
in Raw Materials, Machinery & Products Free of Charge.<br />
• Daily News<br />
from the Industrial Sector and the Plastics Markets.<br />
• Current Market Prices<br />
for Plastics.<br />
• Buyer’s Guide<br />
for Plastics & Additives, Machinery & Equipment, Subcontractors<br />
and Services.<br />
• Job Market<br />
for Specialists and Executive Staff in the Plastics Industry.<br />
Up-to-date • Fast • Professional<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 11
Automotive Materials<br />
The ABT plant has been operating since 2<strong>01</strong>2 with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year.<br />
Biobased materials derived from plant residues are<br />
opening up exciting opportunities for environmentally-responsible<br />
products. As trendsetters like biobased<br />
epichlorohydrin (ECH), bio-succinic acid and lignin continue<br />
to offer more sustainable alternatives for traditional chemicals,<br />
it is increasingly important that the materials are<br />
sourced responsibly.<br />
Epicerol ® is an ECH based on 100 % renewable glycerine,<br />
a by-product from the transformation of vegetable oils.<br />
Manufactured by Advanced Biochemical Thailand Co., Ltd.<br />
(ABT) using an innovative process developed by Solvay, the<br />
drop-in was developed and commercialised because of<br />
demand for a truly sustainable ECH.<br />
A comparative Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) benchmarked<br />
Epicerol against state-of-the-art propylene-based<br />
processes from cradle-to-gate. It showed that incorporating<br />
one tonne of Epicerol can reduce a product’s carbon footprint<br />
by 2.56 tonnes CO 2<br />
equivalent, which corresponds to a<br />
61 % reduction of the Global Warming Potential (the sum<br />
of GHG emissions and biogenic CO 2<br />
capture). Epicerol also<br />
benefits from a 57 % reduction of non-renewable energy<br />
consumption.<br />
The technology reduces the volume of chlorinated byproducts<br />
from production by over 80 %, while another<br />
distinctive technology enables brine recycling and drastically<br />
reduces liquid effluents.<br />
Epicerol has recently received awards for its environmental<br />
profile. The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) and<br />
the JEC Company have both commended it, in 2<strong>01</strong>6 and<br />
2<strong>01</strong>5 respectively.<br />
Because the glycerine for the process is a by-product from<br />
biodiesel and oleochemicals production, it brings added<br />
value to a material which might otherwise go to waste and<br />
contributes by supporting smallholders. To this end, ABT<br />
works with the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials<br />
(RSB) to manage the impact of its raw materials.<br />
In 2<strong>01</strong>5, ABT became the first biobased chemical operator<br />
in Asia to obtain certification from RSB. To further show its<br />
commitment, ABT joined UN agencies and influential NGOs<br />
in becoming a full member of RSB as well. Members are<br />
experts in rural development, food security, environmental<br />
conservation and industry.<br />
ABT sources it vegetable glycerine from suppliers which<br />
are certified and have a number of their own sustainability<br />
measures in place throughout the value chain. These<br />
include mills that fuel boilers with waste and generate<br />
electricity from captured methane.<br />
Epicerol continues to demonstrate its value as a<br />
commercially-proven drop-in. As with traditional ECH, it is<br />
a chemical used for a wide range of industries, including<br />
the production of epoxy resins for coatings, advanced<br />
composite materials and electronic components. It is also<br />
used in the production of lens monomers for eyewear and<br />
synthetic rubbers for the automotive and printing sectors.<br />
Supplied in industrial quantities to major producers<br />
worldwide, Epicerol continues to be demonstrated as the<br />
most sustainable ECH in terms of carbon footprint and<br />
process environmental performance.<br />
www.solvay.com<br />
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Automotive<br />
Responsible sourcing<br />
of biomaterials for<br />
epichlorohydrin<br />
By:<br />
Thibaud Caulier<br />
Epicerol Business Manager<br />
Solvay Epicerol<br />
Brussels, Belgium<br />
Biobased ECH is used for a wide range of industries.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 13
Automotive Materials<br />
Biobased materials – The future<br />
In December 2009, aiming to develop its expertise into a<br />
sustainable competitive advantage and thus to contribute<br />
to the profitability of the company and enhance customer<br />
satisfaction, Renault established a cross-functional<br />
field dedicated to expertise. One of the strategic areas of<br />
expertise identified was “Polymers, Characterization &<br />
Processes of Transformation”, led by Dr. Liraut.<br />
Renault’s Polymer materials strategy is focused on<br />
providing sustainable mobility for all.<br />
As illustrated in Fig. 1, this strategy is built on 4 axes:<br />
• increase customer value<br />
• improve durability<br />
• reduce costs<br />
• reduce environmental footprint<br />
Biobased materials are one pillar to support this<br />
strategy.<br />
Customer Value<br />
• Decorations (metal, painting, grains)<br />
• Skin TPO, Slush, Leather<br />
• Thermal Comfort<br />
• Light atmosphere<br />
Durability<br />
• Anti scratch<br />
• Anti durst<br />
• UV protection<br />
Reduction of environmental footprint<br />
Since 2005, Renault has been committed to reducing the<br />
environmental impact of its vehicles throughout their lifecycle,<br />
from one generation to the next. In order to ensure<br />
and monitor compliance with this commitment, Renault has<br />
measured the environmental impact of its vehicles throughout<br />
their life-cycle, from the extraction of the raw materials needed<br />
for manufacturing to their end of life, since 2004. Life-cycle<br />
analyses (LCA) are carried out in compliance with international<br />
standards on LCA (ISO 14040 and 14044).<br />
Cost<br />
• Alliance Specifications<br />
• Panel of Materials<br />
• Local Integration<br />
Fig 1: strategy built on 4 axes<br />
Environmental Footprint<br />
• Weight reduction<br />
• Recycled materials<br />
• Biobased materials<br />
• Recycling in existing fields<br />
The results of the life-cycle assessments show that usephase<br />
vehicle emissions account for more than 80 % of the<br />
CO 2<br />
and for most atmospheric pollutants emitted over the life<br />
cycle of an ICE vehicle.<br />
By curbing emissions during the use phase, therefore,<br />
Renault can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of<br />
its vehicles. Improving vehicle fuel efficiency is a crucial part<br />
of this.<br />
A potent lever for better fuel economy is weight reduction.<br />
For example, calculations have shown that reducing vehicle<br />
weight by 10kg cuts CO 2<br />
emissions by 1g/km.<br />
Use of PE+natural fibers<br />
New Megane’s dashboard insert in NAFilean -<br />
APM by the end of 2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
1.270 kg saving<br />
with an additional<br />
cost of € 2.50<br />
per saved kg<br />
The choice of materials impacts directly on vehicle weight.<br />
To reduce weight, all families of materials must be taken<br />
into account: steels with high elasticity; light alloys, such as<br />
aluminum; composites; and plastics.<br />
Renault has taken steps to address this concern, starting in<br />
2<strong>01</strong>6 with the use of PE filled with natural fibers (PE-NF) instead<br />
of talc or glass fibers, in semi-structural parts requiring a high<br />
rigidity, low impact resistance and a good thermal resistance.<br />
The use of PE-NF yields a weight saving of between 6 % and 20 %,<br />
thanks to a reduction of the thicknesses of the parts.<br />
In the new Megane, the use of Nafilean , a natural fiber<br />
composite produced by APM - Automotive Performance<br />
Materials (PE-Hemp 20 %), for a dashboard insert has enabled<br />
a weight reduction of 1.27 kg at an additional cost of 2.5 € per<br />
saved kg.<br />
Studies of other natural fibers, such as Miscanthus or<br />
Woodforce, are still in progress.<br />
The use of these specific biobased materials is also considered<br />
in the light of the end of life perspective. Their recycling process<br />
is taken into account.<br />
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Automotive<br />
for the automotive industry?<br />
Improvement of durability<br />
As an example of a biobased material application to<br />
improve durability, Renault has adopted PA 6.10 and 10.10 for<br />
several under-the-hood parts, such as for the pipes of fuel<br />
supply system or brake system. These Bio-PA grades offer<br />
a good balance between technical and economic benefits, as<br />
well as very good chemical resistance, particularly in a fuel<br />
environment.<br />
Use of PA11, then PA 6.10 or PA 10.10<br />
• Technical and economic interest<br />
• Very good chemical resistance<br />
Under-the-hood parts<br />
Fuel pipe of<br />
fuel supply system<br />
or brake system<br />
Reduction of cost<br />
A good example to illustrate how using a biobased<br />
material can also lead to cost savings is Renault’s use of<br />
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation’s DURABIO . Durabio is<br />
a biobased engineering plastic made from plant-derived<br />
isosorbide. It combines an excellent performance - offering<br />
a better compromise between resistance to impact, heat,<br />
and light ageing than conventional engineering plastics -<br />
with additional benefits, including high reflective surfaces,<br />
hardness, enhanced durability and scratch resistance.<br />
Renault has adopted MCC’s Durabio biobased engineering<br />
plastic for the outer mask of the speedometer-tachometer<br />
combo in the new generation of its Clio cars. It was introduced<br />
on June 6, 2<strong>01</strong>6.<br />
Using Durabio means that no coating process is required,<br />
which represents a cost saving of 0.40 € per part.<br />
This marks the first use of Durabio by a European automaker<br />
(MCC’s press release, August 2 nd , 2<strong>01</strong>6)<br />
Increase of customer value<br />
Renault is striving to enhance the perceived quality of its<br />
new vehicles, was another factor driving the carmaker’s<br />
research into the use of biobased material. Renault is<br />
currently looking closely at biobased materials that could<br />
provide a aesthetics effect and / or an innovative touch<br />
and feel.<br />
For Renault, the use of biobased materials is closely<br />
linked to its polymers strategy. In this context, the<br />
company is not interested in drop-In biobased solutions<br />
to replace conventional plastics. New materials must<br />
provide additional benefits according to the main axes of<br />
the polymers strategy: durability, customer value, cost,<br />
and environment.<br />
The materials engineering department and<br />
biomaterials specialist need to follow up new innovative<br />
development of biobased material. To that end, the<br />
materials engineering department at Renault joined the<br />
Industry and Agro-resource (IAR) Cluster in November<br />
2<strong>01</strong>6, which promotes exchanges and project launches.<br />
The IAR Cluster enables the development and testing<br />
of new technologies and products, based on a renewable<br />
approach. It therefore fosters the emergence of new<br />
markets and boosts companies’ competitiveness in the<br />
area of agro-resources.<br />
Under investigation<br />
• Specific aspect and touch feeling<br />
• Acoustic / thermal comfort<br />
Natural fibres, wood<br />
painting<br />
relatd products of other industries<br />
Use of DURABIO - Mitsubishi Chemical<br />
instead of ABS or ABS-PC + painting<br />
• Avoid the need of painting for durability<br />
• Very good micro scratch & impact resistance<br />
New Clio’s outer-mask<br />
Cost savings: 0.40 € per part<br />
Better high gloss surface<br />
Ecological design<br />
visible by customer<br />
By:<br />
Alexia Delsalle-Roma<br />
Biomaterials Specialist - Materials Innovation Leader<br />
Renault Group<br />
Guyancourt, France<br />
www.renault.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 15
Automotive Materials<br />
New ABS reinforced with<br />
natural fibres<br />
ELIX ABS-NF, an innovative material development from<br />
ELIX Polymers, is a wood-fibre reinforced ABS that was<br />
created as part of the company’s strategy to move towards<br />
a more sustainable product portfolio. Elix Polymers<br />
is a leading manufacturer of ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-<br />
Styrene) resins and derivatives in Europe, headquartered in<br />
Tarragona, Spain<br />
Suitable for injection moulding applications, Elix ABS-NF<br />
offers excellent flowability, making fast and efficient mould<br />
filling possible. Even very thin walls can be produced easily.<br />
Moreover, fibre degradation levels are very low, despite shear<br />
heating.<br />
The selected wood fibre is a certified 100 % biobased<br />
product, non-seasonal and a by-product from an industrial<br />
process with consistent quality performance from batch-tobatch.<br />
Because the new material is based on ABS, it has generated<br />
a great deal of interest, especially from the automotive<br />
industry as, until now, polypropylene (PP) has been the most<br />
commonly used resin reinforced with natural fibres. The<br />
target applications for Elix ABS-NF are visible interior parts<br />
and semi-structural interior parts.<br />
For visible parts, the wood-like appearance offers interesting<br />
options, while when coloured, the material opens up new<br />
design possibilities with different surface textures. Possible<br />
applications are door trim panels and audio speaker covers.<br />
OEMs are looking at surface finishes of this kind especially<br />
for new electric cars; Elix Polymers is already working closely<br />
with the design departments of several automotive OEMs.<br />
For semi-structural parts, such as the center console<br />
carrier, ABS-NF can replace the glass-reinforced ABS that<br />
is currently used by some OEMs for these applications.<br />
ABS-NF’s improved stiffness means that the mechanical<br />
properties of the two materials are very similar. However,<br />
Elix’s ABS-NF boasts a density of only 1.12 g/cm³ , compared<br />
to 1.15 for conventional glass-fibre reinforced ABS, which<br />
translates to a 3 % weight reduction when opting for the new<br />
material. ABS-NF is more easily recycled than ABS-GF, yet<br />
retains its properties better than glass-filled ABS after several<br />
processing cycles, thanks to the lower fibre size reduction.<br />
Compared to other polymers reinforced with natural fibres<br />
Elix ABS-NF has a high heat stability Vicat B50 with over<br />
100 °C and a much better surface quality. Furthermore, the<br />
emissions are very low according to test results VDA 278 VOC<br />
= 2 / FOG = 45 μg/g (ppm), which meets the stringent OEM<br />
requirements.<br />
Having successfully caught the interest of the main<br />
automotive OEM’s with the new ABS-NF, Elix says that<br />
already,several tests are now running at interior Tier1<br />
suppliers and institutes for bioplastics. Driven by consumer<br />
demand for more sustainable products and the desire to<br />
reduce dependency on fossil resources, many other sectors<br />
have also expressed interest in this product, including the<br />
furniture industry, consumer goods, toys and the white goods<br />
industry.<br />
Elix Polymers was awarded the Frost&Sullivan new product<br />
innovation award for Automotive natural fibre composites for<br />
the development of this innovative product. The development<br />
of Elix ABS-NF was facilitated by the European Economic Area<br />
(EEA) and Norway Grants which is the first time in the industry<br />
where a company was supported by a European Grant towards<br />
developing sustainable ABS materials and composites.<br />
Through this, Elix Polymers has not only positioned itself<br />
as a leading supplier of eco-friendly ABS materials, but has<br />
also extended its commitment to develop an environmentally<br />
sustainable product portfolio. Elix Polymers holds a superior<br />
position in sustainability by ensuring an 8.8 % reduction in<br />
energy intensity and 2.56 % reduction in carbon footprint in<br />
manufacturing processes, both from 2<strong>01</strong>4 to 2<strong>01</strong>5. MT<br />
www.elix-polymers.com<br />
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Automotive<br />
bio CAR<br />
organized by bioplastics MAGAZINE<br />
CALL FOR PAPERS<br />
NOW OPEN<br />
biobased materials for<br />
automotive applications<br />
conference<br />
September 2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
Stuttgart<br />
» The amount of plastics in modern cars is constantly increasing.<br />
» Plastics and composites help achieving light-weighting targets.<br />
» Plastics offer enormous design opportunities.<br />
» Plastics are important for the touch-and-feel and the safety of cars.<br />
ANZEIGE<br />
BUT:<br />
consumers, suppliers in the automotive industry and OEMs are more and more looking for biobased<br />
alternatives to petroleum based materials.<br />
That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE is organizing this new conference on biobased materials for<br />
the automotive industry.<br />
co-orgnized by<br />
in cooperation with<br />
www.bio-car.info<br />
supported by<br />
Media Partner
Automotive Materials<br />
By:<br />
Erico Spini<br />
Marketing and Application Development Director Europe<br />
Radici Group Performance Plastics<br />
Chignlo d’Isola (BG), Italy<br />
New automotive<br />
applications<br />
for bio-PA<br />
Air brake pipes and tank breather hose<br />
made of biobased PA 6.10<br />
Fig 1: Extruded air pipe made of Radilon D<br />
40EP25ZW 333 BK for the pneumatic braking system<br />
of a truck (photo: RadiciGroup)<br />
Fig 2: Extruded heat and media-resistant car tank<br />
breather hose (blue) made of partially biobased<br />
PA6.10, in assembled state (photo: RadiciGroup)<br />
A more comprehensive version of this article was<br />
previously published in KUNSTSTOFFE 8/2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
and can be found here<br />
http://tinyurl.com/naturally-effective<br />
In numerous areas of application, materials based on renewable<br />
resources can already replace plastics based on fossil raw materials<br />
and thus contribute to the more sustainable handling of<br />
resources. RadiciGroup Performance Plastics (Chignolo d’Isola,<br />
Italy), has commercialized a range of partially biobased PA 6.10<br />
types that are suitable for a wide variety of applications in many<br />
areas of industry. The examples selected here are an air brake<br />
pipe for trucks (Fig. 1) and a tank breather hose for passenger<br />
cars (Fig. 2) from Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA), (Orbassano, Italy).<br />
Both applications pose particularly high demands on material<br />
testing and approval procedures.<br />
Polyamide from renewable raw materials<br />
PA 6.10 is a partly biobased Polyamide made of petroleum based<br />
hexamethylene diamine and around 64 % biobased sebacic acid.<br />
Sebacic acid is obtained from the beans of the castor oil plant<br />
which is cultivated above all in India and China. Since it grows<br />
primarily on dry soil, it does not compete for the production of<br />
foodstuffs.<br />
Properties<br />
PA6.10 is a semi-crystalline polymer, available as both an<br />
injection molding grade and an extrusion grade. Furthermore,<br />
fillers, stabilizers and additives can be incorporated to finetune<br />
specific properties for a particular application. Among its<br />
outstanding characteristics are low water absorption, high heat<br />
resistance, very good chemical resistance and good mechanical<br />
properties. The water absorption of test bars according to ISO 62 on<br />
exposure to a standard climate (23 °C, 50 % relative humidity) and<br />
on immersion in water is shown in Figure 3. The water absorption<br />
on immersion is around a third of the value obtained with PA6<br />
and PA6.6. At 50 % relative humidity, the moisture absorption is<br />
somewhere between the values for PA6.6 and PA12. The biobased<br />
PA6.10 is thus suitable for most applications that call for good<br />
dimensional stability in moist environments.<br />
The melt and heat deflection temperature (HDT B) are in the<br />
range of PA6, but significantly higher than PA11 and PA12 (Fig.4).<br />
This is particularly important if the material is to be used as a<br />
substitute for PA11 and PA12, for example for applications in which<br />
the temperatures exceed those tolerated by PA12, as is the case with<br />
many diesel fuel lines in new cars. Furthermore, the polymer has<br />
very good chemical resistance (also in the presence of salts such<br />
as zinc chloride and calcium chloride), high hydrolysis resistance<br />
and, compared with PA6 and PA6.6, undergoes smaller changes in<br />
the mechanical properties after the absorption of moisture.<br />
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Automotive<br />
Pneumatic brake lines<br />
For pneumatic brake systems air pipes, RadiciGroup has<br />
developed the extrusion grade Radilon D 40EP25ZW 333 BK<br />
(Fig. 1). The material has particularly high flexibility in order to<br />
facilitate installation of the pipes, which, especially with trucks,<br />
can reach a considerable length. Furthermore, it is heat-stabilized,<br />
which means that components made from it can be exposed to<br />
high temperatures even over a prolonged period.<br />
Based on the burst pressure curve up to a temperature of<br />
125 °C, the material is suitable according to ISO 7628 for lines at a<br />
nominal pressure of up to 10 bar and up to 12.5 bar. Figure 5 shows<br />
the burst pressure after the contact with media that trigger stress<br />
cracking, and after aging in artificial light. The corrosive solution<br />
is made up of 50 % water, copper chloride, sodium chloride,<br />
potassium chloride and zinc chloride. For aging in artificial light,<br />
the pipe was irradiated with xenon lamps for 750 h at 65°C. In this<br />
case, too, the burst pressure must be at least 80 % of the original<br />
value.<br />
Tank breather hoses<br />
As part of a joint project with FCA, RadiciGroup has developed<br />
a material that has similar properties to the material described<br />
above. At the request of the customer, the material is colored<br />
blue and is used for the production of tank breather hoses for<br />
cars (Fig. 2). Such parts are conventionally made of an impactmodified<br />
PA12 incorporating a plasticizer.<br />
During development of the material, particular attention was<br />
placed on the ease of processing via extrusion. Here, low part<br />
tolerances are essential. The corrugated tubes must, especially<br />
in the corrugated areas, comply with strict measuring tolerances<br />
as too thin areas in the wall can lead to failure of the component<br />
during operation.<br />
The part was subjected to a number of tests to determine its<br />
suitability for practical application. The component passed for<br />
example a pressure test at 2.5 bar before and after thermal aging<br />
at 90 °C for 168 h. The specimen also successfully passed the<br />
cold impact strength test using a free falling dart (2 kg weight,<br />
diameter of the hemispherical ended portion of the dart:10 mm)<br />
when dropped from a height of 400 mm and 500 mm after storage<br />
at -40 °C for 4 h. These tests were performed both on fresh new<br />
parts and on others that had been aged in hot air at 90 °C for<br />
168 h. Furthermore, a pull-off test was carried out on the hose<br />
and/ or connections both when new and after aging in fuel vapors<br />
at 60 °C over a period of 168 h. Subsequently, the specimen was<br />
bent by 180 °C in a radius corresponding to five times the outer<br />
diameter of the hose. After this, there was no visible damage, not<br />
even at the fixing points for the connections.<br />
Conclusions<br />
The example of PA6.10 shows that engineering plastics based to<br />
a large extent on renewable raw materials can replace materials<br />
of fossil origin even in technical parts. Specific formulations<br />
geared to the respective application help to meet or even exceed<br />
the requirements for the approval of critical components such as<br />
pneumatic brake pipes and tank breather hoses. Potential new<br />
applications are currently emerging through the demand for<br />
ever higher operating temperatures. Because of its high thermal<br />
resistance compared with materials used until now, additional<br />
possible applications in vehicle fuel systems could thus emerge<br />
for PA6.10.<br />
%<br />
10<br />
9<br />
8<br />
7<br />
6<br />
5<br />
4<br />
3<br />
2<br />
1<br />
0<br />
PA6 PA 6.6 PA6.12 PA6.10 PA12 PA11 PPA<br />
Moisture Absorption<br />
Water Absorption<br />
Fig. 3: PA6.10 has, at 50% relative humidity, a much lower<br />
water absorption than PA6 and PA6.6 and is approximately<br />
the same as PA12 following water immersion<br />
(source: RadiciGroup)<br />
°C<br />
300<br />
250<br />
200<br />
150<br />
100<br />
50<br />
0<br />
PA6 PA 6.6 PA6.12 PA6.10 PA12 PA11<br />
HDT B value (at 0,45 MPa)<br />
Melting temperature<br />
Fig. 4: With PA6.10, the heat deflection temperature and<br />
melt temperature are in the range of PA6 and significantly<br />
higher than PA11 and PA12 (source: RadiciGroup)<br />
bar<br />
80<br />
70<br />
60<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
60<br />
Burst pressure after stress cracking<br />
Minimum 40 bar<br />
for tubes with nominal<br />
pressure of 12.5 bar<br />
Minimum 32 bar<br />
for tubes with nominal<br />
pressure of 10.0 bar<br />
69<br />
Burst pressure after aging in artificial light<br />
Fig. 5: Burst pressure after exposure to media that trigger<br />
stress cracking, and after aging in artificial light (source:<br />
RadiciGroup)<br />
www.radicigroup.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 19
Material-News<br />
New biodegradable plastic<br />
for horticultural applications<br />
Green Dot Bioplastics (Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, USA) has developed a new biodegradable biocomposite for horticultural<br />
applications made from reclaimed biobased feedstocks.<br />
What is more symbolic of sustainability than nurturing a healthy garden? Greenhouses and gardeners can now lessen the<br />
environmental impact of plastic pots with a new high-performing biodegradable plastic from Green Dot Bioplastics.<br />
Made from 80 % reclaimed and 80 % biobased material, Terratek ® BD2114 from Green Dot Bioplastics is a renewable and<br />
biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic pots. Reclaimed plant fibers serve as a visual reminder that this planter will safely<br />
return to nature once its useful life has ended. Biodegradation rates will vary according to environment and part size.<br />
Using biodegradable plantable pots made with Terratek BD2114 can reduce greenhouse water consumption by more than 80 %.<br />
Current compostable planters are most often made from paper, peat or cardboard. These absorbent materials allow water to quickly<br />
evaporate from potting soil, requiring growers to water plants more often. Terratek BD2114 does not absorb water, retaining moisture<br />
in the potting soil.<br />
Plantable pots made with Terratek BD2114 also provide advantages for retailers. The biocomposite plastic is more durable and has<br />
a longer shelf life compared to traditional biodegradable pots. The plastic can be easily colored to enhance product differentiation.<br />
Green Dot Bioplastics CEO, Mark Remmert explained, “Our new Terratek biodegradable biocomposite offers unique functional and<br />
aesthetic attributes with a lighter environmental footprint compared to horticulture containers currently in use.”<br />
Terratek BD2114 from Green Dot is an ideal material to make plantable pots or tree and shrub containers more sustainable. The<br />
company can provide custom formulations of biobased and biodegradable materials to fit all types of horticultural applications. MT<br />
www.GreenDotBioplastics.com<br />
AVALON Industries takes over all biobased<br />
chemistry activities from AVA-CO2<br />
AVALON Industries AG, the new entity of Swiss-based company AVA-CO2 Schweiz AG, announced in mid-December it is<br />
taking over all biobased chemistry activities from AVA-CO2 with immediate effect.<br />
In response to rapid application developments relating to biobased chemical 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and following<br />
increased 5-HMF demand from value chain partners, Avalon Industries was created to take advantage of new market<br />
opportunities and to prepare for future large-scale production in order to meet the huge demand of the rapidly growing market<br />
for biobased chemicals – specifically in the areas of bioplastics as well as biobased resins and adhesives. A subsidiary of AVA-<br />
CO2, Avalon Industries is taking over all operational activities from AVA-CO2 and will focus on the global implementation of<br />
the Hydrothermal Processing (HTP) technology for the industrial-scale production of 5-HMF. This technology was successfully<br />
developed and patented by AVA-CO2 over the last seven years.<br />
AVA Biochem BSL AG, the operator of the ‘Biochem-1’ production plant in Muttenz, Switzerland, becomes an Avalon Industries<br />
subsidiary and will continue to focus on 5-HMF production for the fine chemicals market. With this Avalon Industries is now<br />
taking control of the existing 5-HMF production capacity, as well as the expertise and know-how related to the proprietary HTP<br />
technology. In this constellation, Avalon Industries is fully equipped for the future successful, commercial, industrial-scale<br />
implementation of 5-HMF production.<br />
“We are excited about this new development, which brings us closer towards the large-scale commercialisation of 5-HMF<br />
and its downstream applications such as 2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), Polyethylene Furanoate (PEF) as well as non-toxic,<br />
biobased resins and adhesives,” a spokesperson of Avalon mentioned in a press release. MT<br />
www.avalon-industries.com<br />
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Material-News<br />
Material-News<br />
CO 2<br />
Cyanobacteria<br />
technology now<br />
suitable for PLA<br />
Photanol (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) is a<br />
platform renewable chemicals company that utilises<br />
proprietary engineered cyanobacteria to process carbon<br />
dioxide and sunlight into valuable chemical products.<br />
Photanol’s technology and patents are based on the<br />
genetic modification of cyanobacteria to produce a<br />
broad range of biochemicals. These bacteria are natural<br />
photosynthesizers, drawing energy from abundant and<br />
free sunlight on one hand, and carbon from abundant and<br />
problematic CO 2<br />
on the other.<br />
Biobased chemicals have faced challenges in continued<br />
penetration of the global market, relating to low fossil<br />
fuel prices, land/food discussions and major supply<br />
chain constraints. Cyanobacteria offer a much simpler,<br />
renewable pathway for chemical production and have<br />
the potential to emerge as the sustainable production<br />
platform for next-generation clean chemicals.<br />
Already suitable to produce over 15 chemical<br />
compounds, Photanol has now developed a pathway<br />
to produce Lactic Acid using their CO 2<br />
cyanobacteria<br />
photosynthesis technology which makes it possible to<br />
produce PLA bioplastics with many intrinsic advantages<br />
over feed stocks that are currently in use.<br />
Firstly, Photanol doesn’t require the use of arable land<br />
as the photobioreactor can be placed on waste land or<br />
deserts and is therefore non food-competing. The only<br />
thing needed is sufficient sunlight. Secondly, it absorbs<br />
CO 2<br />
which will not only provide an ecological benefit, it<br />
also creates potential value in terms of carbon credits. In<br />
addition, there will be no feedstock volatility and Photanol’s<br />
technology will be cost competitive with today’s feedstock.<br />
Having finalised the pilot stage, Photanol is preparing the<br />
construction and operation of a 20 tonnes Photobioreactor<br />
Demonstration Plant. Photanol is currently in discussion<br />
with parties in the biochemical and bioplastics industry<br />
and welcomes other value chain parties to join the<br />
Photanol consortium. MT<br />
www.photanol.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 21
Report<br />
By:<br />
Sam Deconinck, Marketing & Sales Manager<br />
Bruno De Wilde, Lab Manager<br />
OWS<br />
Gent, Belgium<br />
25 years of<br />
bioplastics<br />
degradation<br />
testing<br />
A journey<br />
Inside (early days)<br />
OWS (Organic Waste Systems) is one of the world’s leading<br />
experts in biodegradability, compostability and ecotoxicity<br />
testing of different types of materials, including<br />
bioplastics. The Belgium-based company, with some 80<br />
employees and various laboratories, is housed in a beautifully<br />
restored building in the old harbour of Gent. The journey<br />
started in 1990 - right around the time when the first modern<br />
bioplastics entered the market.<br />
Slow but steady start<br />
Novon Polymers, Procter & Gamble and Novamont were<br />
OWS’s very first customers. Testing was performed at two<br />
laboratories compliant with the principles of Good Laboratory<br />
Practice (GLP), one at the head office in Gent, Belgium, the<br />
other located in Dayton, Ohio in the United States.<br />
As a result, OWS became one of the pioneers of the<br />
bioplastics industry. The company’s intensive participation in a<br />
number of standardization organizations, both at the national<br />
(ASTM and DIN) and international (CEN and ISO) level, led<br />
to the co-development over the past 25 years of several test<br />
methods and standard specifications on biodegradability<br />
and compostability. This resulted, among other things, in<br />
the publication of ISO 14855 and ISO 16929: test methods to<br />
determine the biodegradation and disintegration respectively<br />
under industrial composting conditions.<br />
Outside (today)<br />
Even though no specific standard specification on industrial<br />
compostability had yet been finalized at the time, Vinçotte,<br />
the Belgium-based certification institute, had already<br />
certified the first compostable material in 1995 under their<br />
OK Compost certification program. Two years later, European<br />
Bioplastics (then IBAW) and DIN CERTCO jointly introduced<br />
the Seedling logo. The Biodegradable Plastics Institute<br />
(BPI), the US counterpart of Vinçotte and DIN CERTCO,<br />
introduced its logo in 1999. Certification bureaus in Japan,<br />
Australia, Korea, Canada, etc. soon followed suit; OWS has<br />
been recognized by all certification bureaus worldwide now<br />
for many years.<br />
Early on, the focus was mainly on niche markets for which<br />
biodegradability and/or compostability was an asset, such as<br />
biowaste collection bags. This would rapidly change with the<br />
introduction of EN 13432.<br />
Significant growth<br />
It had taken several years and a substantial amount of<br />
time and the combined efforts of a number of parties, but in<br />
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Report<br />
February 20<strong>01</strong>, the European standard EN 13432 on industrial<br />
compostability was published. The US equivalents ASTM<br />
D6400 and ASTM D6868 were introduced in, respectively,<br />
1999 and 2003. This resulted in a significant growth of the<br />
bioplastics industry, which ultimately led to OWS’s decision to<br />
concentrate its knowhow at a single site. The company closed<br />
down the laboratory in the US, invested in the laboratory<br />
in Gent and switched from GLP compliance to ISO 17025<br />
accreditation.<br />
With the expansion of the industry came also the next<br />
step in the market development. Biodegradable and<br />
compostable materials were now also being used for organic<br />
food packaging, matching the image of organic farming.<br />
Shortly after, bioplastics producers also began to target fast<br />
food restaurants, festivals, sport events, etc. as potential<br />
customers.<br />
At the same time, simple products like bags and single<br />
layer packaging were further optimized, resulting in more<br />
complex structures. Compostable materials started being<br />
used for pizza boxes, frozen food packaging and yoghurt<br />
cups; today, all kinds of short-life packaging are produced<br />
from compostable materials. Yet this also served to raise<br />
new issues. While EN 13432 perfectly prescribes what<br />
compostability entails, it no longer provided answers to<br />
questions such as: Do blends of already certified components<br />
need to undergo full testing? What to do with multi-layered<br />
structures? And what about inks, additives and adhesives?<br />
As a result, certification committees were introduced during<br />
which experts, including OWS, discuss how these new<br />
complex products needed to be tested to comply with EN<br />
13432. These are the so-called by-laws.<br />
Today, OWS has a team of 16 people working exclusively on<br />
biodegradability, compostability and ecotoxicity testing.<br />
Biodegradation in other environments<br />
However, in addition to compostability tests, OWS<br />
performed other kinds of tests as well. One of the first<br />
applications tackled by the industry was mulching films.<br />
A test method to quantify soil biodegradation had been<br />
developed in 1996 at ASTM level (ASTM D5988). Although it<br />
subsequently took until 2003 for the international equivalent,<br />
ISO 17556, to be published, the first certificates for soil<br />
biodegradable products were granted in 2000 by Vinçotte<br />
under their OK Biodegradable Soil certification program.<br />
Today, DIN CERTCO also has a similar certification scheme<br />
and accompanying certificate and logo.<br />
Similarly, certification schemes were also developed<br />
for materials and products that are home compostable or<br />
biodegradable in fresh water (for example, wet tissues and<br />
wrappers of dishwasher tablets). In recent years, however,<br />
marine degradation has received the most attention. Even<br />
though the only available test method (ASTM D7081) has been<br />
withdrawn, companies continue to work on developments in<br />
this field.<br />
What to expect in the next years<br />
Short-life packaging and consumer goods will further drive<br />
the compostable plastic industry in the coming years. Coffee<br />
capsules, for instance, are a very hot product nowadays and<br />
OWS has tested several tens of different coffee capsules from<br />
different companies in the past two to three years. Other<br />
products generating interest include multi-layered stand-<br />
Taking a test reactor out of the incubator<br />
Investigating the content of a composting bin<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 23
Report<br />
up pouches, fruit stickers and agricultural products used for<br />
tree and root protection.<br />
Legislation is another very important driver. In March<br />
2<strong>01</strong>6, France introduced national legislation requiring home<br />
compostability for all single use plastic bags (< 50µm). Food<br />
service ware has since been included in this legislation, and<br />
is required to be home compostable as of 2020. As a result,<br />
OWS has seen an exponential growth in home compostability<br />
testing requests, specifically for the French market.<br />
Also, at the European level, discussions are ongoing to<br />
incorporate specific requirements on soil biodegradation<br />
in the updated Soil Fertilizer Regulation. For instance, all<br />
major producers of controlled-release fertilizer coatings<br />
must therefore start investing in the development of soil<br />
biodegradable coatings. Today, OWS has already started<br />
working for some of the largest producers of controlledrelease<br />
coatings in the world, and is in contact with several<br />
other producers as well.<br />
“A compostable picnic”<br />
Anaerobic digestion plant<br />
Things are also changing in the US. Transparent certification<br />
schemes and by-laws have been in place in Europe for many<br />
years, but are unknown in the US. At the end of 2<strong>01</strong>6, BPI<br />
established a Standards and Procedures Committee, with as<br />
first priority: the development of a certification scheme and<br />
set of by-laws. OWS is a member of this committee.<br />
Shift to “AD-able” plastics?<br />
Compostable products and their end-of-life characteristics<br />
perfectly match the European (bio)waste management scene.<br />
For many years, source-separated biowaste has been treated<br />
via industrial composting. EN 13432 compliant products<br />
can be processed by these systems and do not hinder the<br />
composting process. Furthermore, the separate collection of<br />
municipal biowaste is also expected to develop further.<br />
However, there is a clear shift in Europe from industrial<br />
composting to anaerobic digestion when it comes to the<br />
biological treatment of organic household waste. Anaerobic<br />
digestion is a form of organic recycling, just like industrial<br />
composting. Yet, with the production of biogas, which can be<br />
converted to electricity, it is also a form of energy recycling.<br />
As a result, more and more industrial composting plants<br />
are looking at the possibility of expanding their capacity<br />
with an anaerobic digestion plant, both in Europe and in the<br />
US, where they seem to switch directly from landfilling to<br />
anaerobic digestion.<br />
While industrial composting is a fairly simple and robust<br />
treatment, anaerobic digestion is complex and has several<br />
varying parameters which can influence the conditions (wet<br />
vs. dry, mesophilic vs. thermophilic temperature, one stage<br />
vs. two stages, etc.). For instance, OWS’s patented DRANCO<br />
technology is a dry, thermophilic one stage process. As a<br />
result, not all compostable plastics (bio)degrade under these<br />
conditions. This could be a problem. Therefore, as part of the<br />
European FP7 project Open-Bio (see link below), OWS codeveloped<br />
a test method and standard specification for so<br />
called “AD-able” plastics. A representative test method has<br />
been defined, and criteria have been set. Both documents<br />
have been transferred to CEN, and, once validated, could add<br />
an extra driver to this already rapidly growing industry.<br />
www.ows.be<br />
www.biobasedeconomy.eu/research/open-bio<br />
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
ioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 25
Application News<br />
The world’s first biocomposite car<br />
Students from Netherlands-based Eindhoven University of<br />
technology have built a 4-seat electric car weighing a slender<br />
300 kg – made from a flax sandwich material with a PLA core.<br />
It is the first time a car body structure has been made from a<br />
biocomposite.<br />
As reducing vehicle weight took over as a priority in the<br />
design and production of new cars, carmakers have increasingly<br />
resorted to the use of light materials, such as aluminium and<br />
carbon-fiber composites, for the body chassis structural parts.<br />
The TU/ecomotive team of students responsible for the design<br />
of the car called Lina, however, chose a different solution. Using<br />
sandwich panels comprised of flax-based composite with a PLA<br />
honeycomb core for Lina’s chassis, they have shown that biobased<br />
materials can deliver the required strength, without the<br />
weight, needed for an energy-efficient, light-weight, modern-day<br />
connected urban minicar.<br />
They call their approach, characterized by their drive to<br />
consume the least possible about of energy during production<br />
through the use of sustainable materials, “reduction during<br />
production”. Efficient and practical, Lina offers a sustainable<br />
choice, from cradle to grave.<br />
A redesigned battery pack from Nova will make swapping<br />
batteries easy and convenient, while paving the way for new<br />
battery technologies. In response to the recent car sharing trend,<br />
the latest NFC technology has also been incorporated into Lina:<br />
users gain access to the car using a smartphone or a card with<br />
an NFC chip. The car will recognize the user by the unique NFC<br />
code, and activate his or her personal user settings, such as<br />
playlists, frequent destinations or telephone contacts.<br />
Visualisation by DD COM (www.ddcom.nl)<br />
The next step is to put Lina through her paces out on the street. To that end, the car will undergo an inspection at the RDW<br />
Netherlands Vehicle Authority to receive a licence number, which will enable the car to be driven on the public roads. Lina will<br />
be presented some time before the summer of 2<strong>01</strong>7. KL<br />
www.tuecomotive.nl<br />
Toothbrush handle from PLA compound<br />
The latest toothbrush handles made by Morbach, Germanybased<br />
SWAK Experience UG are produced from a biobased<br />
plastic developed by the Junior Research Group at the<br />
Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites of the University<br />
of Applied Sciences and Arts Hanover, Germany. Here, a team<br />
of scientists have successfully modified a PLA-based plastic,<br />
such that it is now suitable for daily use in dental care.<br />
The handle is produced mainly from renewably-sourced<br />
materials from GMO-free feedstocks, thus meeting all the<br />
requirements of SWAK, the manufacturer of the toothbrush<br />
and a company that aims, wherever possible, to provide their<br />
customers with sustainable options to promote oral health.<br />
For better handling, the injection moulded handle is slightly<br />
angled, similar to the dental instruments used by dentists.<br />
While the handle is intended to last as long as possible,<br />
the brush heads must be regularly changed. These are<br />
made from the wood of the toothbrush tree, also called<br />
Miswak (Salvadora persica), which has been used in the Arab<br />
world for centuries to clean teath. Miswak wood is a natural<br />
source of fluoride and other minerals that are beneficial to<br />
dental health.<br />
The scientists of the Junior Research Group are working<br />
in close consultation with company of SWAK to optimize the<br />
handle material and the production process. The goal is to<br />
increase the biobased content of the material of the handle,<br />
as well as to explore the use of natural fibres. MT<br />
www.fng.ifbb-hannover.de | www.swak.de<br />
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Application News<br />
Shellfish chemistry to create<br />
new biodegradable adhesive<br />
Compostable black<br />
lids for hot drinks<br />
A new type of adhesive that combines the bonding chemistry of<br />
shellfish with a bio-based polymer has been shown to perform as well as<br />
commercially available products and can be easily degraded, representing<br />
a potential non-toxic alternative.<br />
“Adhesives releasing toxins including carcinogenic formaldehyde are<br />
almost everywhere in our homes and offices. The plywood in our walls,<br />
the chairs we sit on, and the carpet beneath our feet are all off-gassing<br />
reactive chemicals” said Jonathan Wilker, a professor of chemistry and<br />
materials engineering at Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana,<br />
USA). “Most of these glues are also permanent, preventing disassembly<br />
and recycling of electronics, furniture and automobiles. In order to<br />
develop the next generation of advanced adhesives we have turned to<br />
biology for inspiration.”<br />
Mussels extend hair-like fibers that attach to surfaces using plaques<br />
of adhesive. Proteins in the glue contain the amino acid DOPA, which<br />
harbors the chemistry needed to facilitate the cross-linking of protein<br />
molecules, providing strength and adhesion. Purdue researchers have<br />
now combined this bonding chemistry of mussel proteins with PLA The<br />
adhesive was created by harnessing the chemistry of compounds called<br />
catechols, contained in DOPA.<br />
“We found the adhesive bonding to be appreciable and comparable to<br />
several petroleum-based commercial glues,” Wilker said.<br />
“Results presented (in a research paper published online Jan. 4 in<br />
the journal Macromolecules) show that a promising new adhesive system<br />
can be derived from a renewable resource, display high-strength bonding,<br />
and easily degrade in a controlled fashion,” Wilker said. “Particularly<br />
unique was the ability to debond this adhesive under mild conditions.”<br />
“The detrimental health and environmental effects of synthetic glues<br />
are becoming more of a concern, with alternatives being developed,”<br />
Wilker said. “Renewable, nontoxic, and removable adhesives are thus in<br />
great demand to decrease our exposure to pollutants as well as waste in<br />
landfills.” A YouTube video is available at https://youtu.be/v4cdfWPCi8o.<br />
The researchers tested the adhesive by measuring the force needed<br />
to pull apart metal and plastic plates bonded together, finding that it<br />
compared favorably with various commercial products. Unlike synthetic<br />
glues, however, the adhesive can be easily degraded in water. MT<br />
Vegware, headquartered in Edinburgh,<br />
Scotland, is a manufacturer and visionary<br />
brand, and the only completely compostable<br />
packaging company operating globally. End of<br />
last year Vegware launched compostable black<br />
lids for hot cups.<br />
“We made the lids to meet demands of the<br />
artisan coffee market and contract caterers<br />
for a black lid that looks great, but doesn’t<br />
compromise on eco credentials, Our customers<br />
have been asking for compostable black lids<br />
for years – we’re delighted to launch them.”<br />
Vegware’s Sales Director, Teresa Suter, says.<br />
Sleek and stylish, the matte-finish lids can<br />
withstand heat up to 85°C. Made from plantbased<br />
CPLA (crystallised PLA), the black lids<br />
are certified compostable and 67 % lower in<br />
embodied carbon than conventional plastic lids.<br />
The new black lids are available in two<br />
sizes to fit 8 – 20oz cups. Like all of Vegware’s<br />
packaging, they’re designed to be recycled with<br />
food waste. MT<br />
www.vegware.com<br />
Purdue graduate student Heather Siebert tests the adhesive.<br />
(Purdue University photo/Erin Easterling)<br />
www.purdue.edu<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 27
From Materials Science and Research<br />
How prawn shopping bags<br />
could save the planet<br />
Bioengineers at The University<br />
of Nottingham (UK) are trialling<br />
how to use shrimp shells<br />
to make biodegradable shopping bags,<br />
as a green alternative to oil-based plastic,<br />
and as a new food packaging material<br />
to extend product shelf life.The new material<br />
for these affordable eco-friendly bags is being optimised<br />
for Egyptian conditions, as effective waste management<br />
is one of the country’s biggest challenges.<br />
An expert in testing the properties of materials, Dr Nicola<br />
Everitt from the Faculty of Engineering at Nottingham, is<br />
leading the research together with academics at Nile<br />
University in Egypt.<br />
“Non-degradable plastic packaging is causing<br />
environmental and public health problems in Egypt,<br />
including contamination of water supplies which<br />
particularly affects living conditions of the poor,” explains<br />
Dr Everitt.<br />
Turning the problem into the solution<br />
This new project aims to turn shrimp shells, which are a<br />
part of the country’s waste problem into part of the solution.<br />
Dr Everitt said: “Use of a degradable biopolymer made of<br />
prawn shells for carrier bags would lead to lower carbon<br />
emissions (…). It could also make exports more acceptable<br />
to a foreign market within a 10-15-year time frame. All<br />
priorities at a national level in Egypt.”<br />
Degradable nanocomposite material<br />
The research is being undertaken to produce an<br />
innovative biopolymer nanocomposite material which is<br />
degradable, affordable and suitable for shopping bags and<br />
food packaging.<br />
Chitosan is a man-made polymer derived from the organic<br />
compound chitin, which is extracted from shrimp shells,<br />
first using acid (to remove the calcium carbonate backbone<br />
of the crustacean shell) and then alkali (to produce the long<br />
molecular chains which make up the biopolymer). The dried<br />
chitosan flakes can then be dissolved into solution and<br />
polymer film made by conventional processing techniques.<br />
Chitosan was chosen<br />
because it is a promising<br />
biodegradable polymer<br />
already used in pharmaceutical<br />
packaging due to its antimicrobial,<br />
antibacterial and biocompatible<br />
properties. The second strand of the<br />
project is to develop an active polymer film that<br />
absorbs oxygen.<br />
Enhancing food shelf life and cutting food waste<br />
This future generation food packaging could have the<br />
ability to enhance food shelf life with high efficiency and<br />
low energy consumption, making a positive impact on food<br />
wastage in many countries. If successful, Dr Everitt plans<br />
to approach UK packaging manufacturers with the product.<br />
Additionally, the research aims to identify a production<br />
route by which these degradable biopolymer materials for<br />
shopping bags and food packaging could be manufactured.<br />
Acknowledgement<br />
The project is sponsored by the Newton Fund and the<br />
Newton-Mosharafa Fund grant and is one of 13 Newtonfunded<br />
collaborations for The University of Nottingham. MT<br />
www.nottingham.ac.uk<br />
Chitosan film made from shrimp shell in the early developmental<br />
phase (picture courtesy of University of Nottingham)<br />
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Book Review<br />
Keratin-based<br />
Biomaterials<br />
and<br />
Bioproducts<br />
Soy-based<br />
Bioplastics<br />
One of the most economical and practical approaches<br />
to develop bioproducts including bioplastics is to<br />
use abundant low-cost agricultural byproducts and<br />
coproducts. Residues left after harvesting food crops, byproducts<br />
generated during production of biofuels, and<br />
conversion of animals and plants into food are some of the<br />
readily available raw materials suitable for development of<br />
bioproducts.<br />
Keratins are unique biopolymers that have distinct<br />
structure, properties and applications. Keratins are the<br />
major constituents in hairs, feathers, claws, hooves<br />
and other parts in humans and animals. Unlike many<br />
body parts, keratins are dispensable and are removed<br />
periodically. Examples include hairs and nails. Although<br />
keratins have unique functionality and structure, there are<br />
limited industrial uses of keratin. Keratin is<br />
being used commercially<br />
in cosmetics and some<br />
medicines. However,<br />
substantial amounts of<br />
keratinaceous materials<br />
are being disposed as waste<br />
in landfills.<br />
This book presents the<br />
structure and properties of<br />
keratin and their possible<br />
applications. Information<br />
in this book will be useful<br />
to researchers in academia<br />
and industry working on<br />
bioproducts and also on tissue<br />
engineering and drug delivery.<br />
Brief information on the products developed has also<br />
been included. Researchers, students, agriculturists,<br />
and farmers will be able to understand the potential of<br />
developing various keratin-based bioproducts.<br />
You can buy the books<br />
through us:<br />
http://tinyurl.com/bm2<strong>01</strong>7<strong>01</strong><br />
Soy and its coproducts are rapidly emerging as one of<br />
the most prominent sustainable plastics of the 21 st<br />
century. The relative abundance of soy and its functional<br />
and thermoplastic properties, low cost, and biodegradable<br />
characteristics have made it a material of great<br />
interest for widespread use in the plastics industry. As most<br />
of the functional properties of the final products are directly<br />
related to the physico-chemical properties of the raw material,<br />
a detailed knowledge of the inherent characteristics<br />
of soy-based materials is essential for understanding and<br />
manipulating their properties for better end-user applications.<br />
This book summarises in a most comprehensive<br />
manner the recent technical research accomplishments<br />
in the area of soy-based bioplastics. The prime aim and<br />
focus of this book is to<br />
present recent advances<br />
in the processing and<br />
applications of soybased<br />
biopolymers as<br />
potential bioplastics.<br />
It reflects recent<br />
theoretical advances and<br />
experimental results,<br />
and opens new avenues<br />
for researchers as well<br />
as readers working in<br />
the field of plastics and<br />
sustainable materials.<br />
The different topics<br />
covered in this book<br />
include: structural<br />
analysis of soy-based materials; soy/biopolymer blends;<br />
films, fibres, foams, and composites; and different<br />
advanced applications. In addition, several critical issues<br />
and suggestions for future work are comprehensively<br />
discussed in the hope that the book will provide a deep<br />
insight into the state of the art of soy-based bioplastics.<br />
The book is unique, with contributions from leading<br />
experts in the bioplastics research area, and is a useful<br />
reference for scientists, academics, research scholars, and<br />
technologists.<br />
www.smithersrapra.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 29
From Materials Science and Research<br />
Chitosan-based polymer<br />
developed to patch wounds<br />
Remember Shrilk, anyone? The chitosan bioplastic<br />
made from natural insect cuticle, such as that found<br />
in the rigid exoskeleton of a housefly or grasshopper,<br />
first developed in 2<strong>01</strong>1 by a team of researchers from the<br />
Wyss Institute at Harvard? Well, they’ve done it again, but<br />
this time it’s an innovative, chitosan-based wound closure<br />
technique.<br />
Moving on from bioplastic, Wyss Institute Founding<br />
Director Donald Ingber and Javier Fernandez have devoted<br />
efforts to extending chitosan’s usefulness into the clinical<br />
realm. “What’s good for the environment is also good<br />
for us,” said Javier Fernandez, who first developed a<br />
chitosan bioplastic called ‘Shrilk’ with Ingber back in 2<strong>01</strong>4<br />
(see bM 03/2<strong>01</strong>4).<br />
The researchers recently unveiled a new study in the<br />
journal Tissue Engineering that demonstrates biodegradable<br />
chitosan bioplastics can be used to bond bodily tissues to<br />
repair wounds or even to hold implanted medical devices in<br />
place. As chitosan is already approved for clinical use and<br />
it has antimicrobial properties, the approach could one day<br />
be utilized to immediately seal tissue tears or other serious<br />
injuries, preventing infection from setting in before a patient<br />
can be moved to a hospital for more in-depth care.<br />
“This work really spans the entire mission of the Wyss,<br />
as we have developed a biomaterial that could be used in<br />
sustainable consumer products and packaging or, as we<br />
now show, be adapted for clinical uses,” said Fernandez, the<br />
first author on the new study, who is a former Wyss Institute<br />
Postdoctoral Fellow and is currently an Assistant Professor<br />
at Singapore University of Technology and Design. “The<br />
material is non-toxic and biodegradable, leaving behind no<br />
trace once it has served its purpose.”<br />
To adapt chitosan to seal wounds and surgical incisions,<br />
Ingber and Fernandez searched for a way to quickly and<br />
tightly bond chitosan materials to living tissues. They<br />
zeroed in on transglutaminase (TG), a naturally occurring<br />
enzyme found in the body – where it keeps skin strong and<br />
strengthens blood clots – that has also been adopted to<br />
bond proteins together during commercial food processing.<br />
“As we started thinking about going in vivo, we faced<br />
the challenge of how to adhere chitosan to living tissues,”<br />
said senor author Ingber, M.D., Ph.D. “We explored using<br />
different formulations of transglutaminase to bond various<br />
forms of chitosan materials, including sheets, foams and<br />
sprays, to many different types of tissues.”<br />
A sheet of chitosan may be applied with a transglutaminase<br />
powder to patch wounds, as the team demonstrated using<br />
an ex vivo porcine intestine with a large hole in it. A pressure<br />
test revealed that the chitosan patch was even stronger<br />
than the native intestinal tissue.<br />
For the spray, a stream of liquid chitosan and liquid<br />
transglutaminase combine during application to quickly<br />
bond chitosan to tissue and close wounds. The team used<br />
this approach to seal a porcine lung that had sustained a<br />
puncture wound while it was cyclically insufflated with air<br />
to mimic inspiration and expiration. The spray application<br />
could also be useful for covering large areas of vulnerable<br />
tissue, like might be found on someone whose skin had<br />
sustained serious burns.<br />
To treat even larger and more traumatic wounds like those<br />
that might occur on the battlefield or during a motor vehicle<br />
accident, Ingber and Fernandez formulated a chitosan foam<br />
that could potentially be used to fill and seal larger wound<br />
cavities until a patient can be transported to a hospital for<br />
surgical intervention.<br />
The team’s findings also suggest that their approach<br />
could be tailored to bond inorganic surfaces – which make<br />
up crucial components of many different kinds of biomedical<br />
implants and microfluidic devices – to tissue or chitosan.<br />
“Right now our approach is very general, but we could<br />
theoretically take this concept and adapt it into almost any<br />
form imaginable for a broad number of possible uses,” said<br />
Fernandez.<br />
Looking ahead, the team hopes to develop an array of<br />
specific applications through collaboration with clinical<br />
partners.<br />
Additional co-authors on the study include Wyss Institute<br />
researchers Suneil Seetharam, Christopher Ding, and<br />
Edward Doherty. KL<br />
In this image of chitosan foam bonded to a one-centimeter-long<br />
defect in explanted porcine muscle, the foam is so well adhered to<br />
the muscle that it is notably difficult to distinguish the transition<br />
between chitosan foam and native tissue. (photo: Wyss Institute at<br />
Harvard University)<br />
www.wyss.harvard.edu<br />
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
ioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 31
Foam<br />
Starch based particle foam for<br />
biodegradable packaging<br />
Thanks to a new processing technique, foamable particles<br />
that are based on renewable resources can be processed<br />
into individual molded parts, e. g. for utilization<br />
as packaging material. Subsequent to use, the foam parts<br />
are compostable.<br />
Due to their product properties – light-weight, insulating,<br />
form-fitting – particle foams can be utilized, among<br />
other areas, in the automotive, logistics, and packaging<br />
sectors. Conventional foams, made of – for example – EPS<br />
(expanded polystyrene) or EPP (expanded polypropylene), are<br />
based on fossil source materials and are manufactured in<br />
molding machines with the help of steam and the effects of<br />
temperature and pressure. Jointly with the project partners<br />
Loick Biowertstoff and Storopack Deutschland as well as<br />
the Institute for Food and Environmental Research (ILU),<br />
Fraunhofer UMSICHT has developed an alternative that<br />
consists primarily of vegetable starch and water. Additional<br />
additives can supplement the formulation.<br />
“Our task was to manufacture starch particles that are as<br />
sustainable and biodegradable as possible that correspond<br />
to conventional, petro-chemically based particles in their<br />
properties’ profile,” explained Stephan Kabasci, Head of the<br />
Department Biobased Plastics at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. With<br />
an eye on the existing packaging market, the pricing also<br />
had to be taken into consideration in the selection of the<br />
components of the formulation.<br />
Temperature-controlled slab press<br />
In multiple series of tests with the novel starch particles,<br />
different foaming processes were tested. In direct comparison,<br />
a temperature-controlled slab press provided for the best<br />
results. For this, the starch particles are filled into a forming<br />
tool and fixated between two slabs for a specified time under<br />
pressure. So-called injection compression molds and/or<br />
die tools that feature a punch protruding into the negative<br />
mold are being utilized. This allows for a direct build-up of<br />
pressure in the direction of the particles located in the mold.<br />
For the expansion effect of the material, the pressure is a<br />
decisive factor in addition to the correct temperature-control<br />
that effects the formation of steam.<br />
Then the distance between the two slabs is being increased<br />
and the cooling off of the die tool is being initiated. This<br />
cooling-down process is carried out under counter-pressure<br />
so that the starch particles can expand, however not beyond<br />
the desired geometry of the molded part. “This way, we<br />
can manufacture compact molded parts with a closed and<br />
flat surface,” said Kabasci. Through water pressure and<br />
contact pressure, multiple molded parts can be glued to one<br />
another and additional geometries can be realized through<br />
cutting. Areas of use are, for example, edge protection for<br />
the transport of goods that are sensitive to shock, productprotecting<br />
spacers in packaging, or the replacement of<br />
polystyrene-based floral arrangement foams.<br />
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de<br />
Molded foam parts glued together with water.<br />
Bisected molded foam part made of starch particles.<br />
fill conclude press expand remove<br />
(Photos and graph by Fraunhofer UMSICHT<br />
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Foam<br />
The biodegradable foam<br />
market in China<br />
By:<br />
John Leung<br />
Consultant, Biosolutions<br />
Hongkong<br />
(source:Fotolia)<br />
Although biodegradable plastics first appeared on the<br />
market over 15 years ago, these plastics still only<br />
have a share of less than 1 % of the total plastics<br />
market. The reality is that the cost of some biodegradable<br />
plastics is more than double that of conventional plastics,<br />
while their general performance is 20 % lower than comparable<br />
plastics. Despite strong governmental support in<br />
some countries, the major market for biodegradable plastics<br />
is limited to bio-waste collection bags for food waste<br />
and garden waste. At the end of life, these bags can be<br />
industrially composted or processed via anaerobic digestion,<br />
to produce biogas and organic fertilizer. Biodegradable<br />
plastics are also used for nursery pots used to transplant<br />
seedlings, as clearing non-degradable plastic containers<br />
from the soil after harvest is very expensive and the complete<br />
removal of these containers is impossible. From the<br />
above, it can be concluded that, if biodegradable plastics<br />
are to break through, applications should be found which<br />
are cost competitive with existing products and can provide<br />
better performance.<br />
One such application is a biodegradable foam cup to replace<br />
existing LDPE-coated paper cups. The market price of a<br />
13 oz. (385 ml) paper cup with LDPE lamination is RMB 0.2<br />
(EUR 0.027) a piece. Made from biodegradable foam, the<br />
weight of this same 13 oz. cup can be reduced to 5 g, and the<br />
cost to RMB 0.16 (EUR 0,02) a piece - but with the following<br />
comparative advantages.<br />
Plastic foam is an excellent insulation material; cups<br />
containing hot liquids made from plastic foam are therefore<br />
far more comfortable for customers to hold. In addition, hot<br />
beverages can be kept hot – and ice cream for example can be<br />
kept cold - for a much longer time.<br />
The PLA-based foam referred to in the above application is<br />
biodegradable according to the European standard EN13432<br />
and has a biobased content that is higher than 80 %.<br />
In the past, the Chinese government has supported<br />
biodegradable mulch film projects in the provinces of Yunnan<br />
and Xinguang. The provinces of Hainan and Jinlin have special<br />
legislation in place for the application of biodegradable<br />
shopping bags. A rubbish classification system has been<br />
initiated in every city in China and at least five cities have already<br />
launched trial scale anaerobic digestion lines. Those five cities<br />
are Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan.<br />
Although China today accounts for less than 1 % of the global<br />
consumption of biodegradable products, its strong economic<br />
growth, huge population and clear government ambition make<br />
it the biggest potential market for biodegradable products.<br />
China’s Legal and Reforms Committee have watched the<br />
biodegradable market for more than 10 years. They are highly<br />
interested in the biodegradable foam technology presented<br />
and expect to replace PS foam trays in supermarkets and<br />
single use serviceware.<br />
Guizhou Province will be enacting laws that make the use<br />
of biodegradable foam for serviceware compulsory in tourist<br />
regions. Since Guizhou Province is one of the poorest areas in<br />
China, the China Poverty Relief Fund will fund 100 % of cost of<br />
a model factory in Guizhou. lt will provide over 150 permanent<br />
job positions.<br />
Due to the different political system, legislation processes<br />
can be very fast in China.<br />
Biodegradable foam products are expected to enter the<br />
market in the course of 2<strong>01</strong>7.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 33
Foam<br />
PLA based particle foam<br />
The first CO 2<br />
neutral foam in the world with Cradle to Cradle certification.<br />
Synbra Technology is currently finalising the certification of<br />
the world’s first particle foam to receive a Carbon Neutrality<br />
verification in compliance with the PAS 2060 standard.<br />
BioFoam ® is a fully biobased particle foam made from<br />
renewable resources (PLA based). Already starting up in 2006,<br />
Synbra Technology invented, developed and patented this<br />
unique material. Through its converting companies, Synbra<br />
Group wants to become the leading supplier of sustainable and<br />
biodegradable particle foam.<br />
Synbra Group companies, such as IsoBouw, Synprodo,<br />
Plastimar and Styropack, are already using the BioFoam<br />
material in series production for the white goods sector, ice<br />
cream packaging and the pharmaceutical sector, amongst<br />
others. Besides its own production facilities, Synbra is setting<br />
up a network of pioneering partner companies in the USA, the<br />
UK, Italy and is seeking coverage in other strategic markets.<br />
The existing distribution and production network already offers<br />
BioFoam moulded products as a valuable and sustainable<br />
addition to the existing range of particle foam products.<br />
About PLA & BioFoam:<br />
Based on renewable resources, BioFoam is extremely<br />
environmentally friendly. After use BioFoam can be either reformed<br />
into a new foam product or recycled into solid PLA.<br />
Besides that it’s got the unique possibility to be fully composted.<br />
Since 2009 BioFoam is a C2CCM (Silver) certified foam – the<br />
first foam to obtain this certification. It is already used in many<br />
applications and has become a driver for product innovation<br />
within many industries (see also the cases below). Some recent<br />
applications are Alabastine (Akzo Nobel) trays for tubes (DIY<br />
market), Zandonella ice-cream box (Germany), Greeny icecream<br />
box (Italy), Cryostore (cold chain boxes), IsoBouw (Deco-<br />
Bio) and Termokomfort (BioFoam pearls).<br />
BioFoam and LCA – Life Cycle Analysis<br />
The peer reviewed BioFoam LCA was originally prepared<br />
by Akzo Nobel Sustainable Development in October 2<strong>01</strong>0.<br />
It was updated by thinkstep AG in September 2<strong>01</strong>6 (see<br />
Table 1). Through the use of biomass, short-cycle CO 2<br />
is used<br />
for the growth of plants, and this contributes to the reduction<br />
of the greenhouse effect, which constitutes in itself again a<br />
compensation for a part of the emissions further in the chain.<br />
This production chain includes transport, fermenting lactic<br />
acid and lactide production and PLA polymerisation, where<br />
electricity, gas and oil are used. The entire chain is, therefore,<br />
still not Carbon Neutral. It is exactly known how much emission<br />
takes place, and in which manufacturing step it takes place. This<br />
applies to CO 2<br />
emission, but also for other emission sources,<br />
which are important for a Life-Cycle-Analysis<br />
In the development process, Synbra Technology has always<br />
aimed at the most sustainable solutions possible. And with a high<br />
interest from both large retail chains and producers, Synbra has<br />
put extra effort into making BioFoam CO 2<br />
neutral. Please note<br />
for sake of clarity, it is not emission neutral. But the emissions<br />
related to CO 2<br />
emissions of gas are compensated annually with<br />
CO 2<br />
certificates and in this way the emissions related to the<br />
BioFoam productions becomes neutral. The emissions related<br />
to CO 2<br />
emissions remaining in the value chain and which does<br />
not fall under their direct influence, Synbra compensates for the<br />
full 100 %. The certificates are available in different quality levels.<br />
Synbra has chosen the highest level: Gold Standard certificates.<br />
Electricity used is derived from hydropower.<br />
Environmentally friendly and CO 2<br />
-neutral<br />
During composting, biodegradable blends of fossil and<br />
biobased plastics on the market, still may release fossil CO 2<br />
,<br />
this is not the case for BioFoam, which is fully biobased. It was<br />
the first foam to be awarded the Cradle to Cradle CM certificate<br />
and has also received a material health certificate from EPEA -<br />
Hamburg, Germany certifying that BioFoam is free from any<br />
CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic) substance.<br />
Unlike any other particle foam on the market, only CO 2<br />
(taken<br />
from the atmosphere) is used as a blowing agent. No VOC’s are<br />
emitted during production. BioFoam is a certified food-approved<br />
Application example: white goods buffer.<br />
Application example: colorFabb 3D printing reel<br />
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Foam<br />
Buss Laboratory Kneader MX 30-22<br />
Foam<br />
By:<br />
Jan Noordegraaf - Synbra Technology, Etten Leur, The Netherlands<br />
Peter de Bruijn - Synprodo, Wijchen,The Netherlands<br />
Anette Priess Gade - Styropack, Glejbjerg, Denmark<br />
material. Without addition of a flame retardant it meets the<br />
Euro class E fire standard.<br />
New product developments<br />
In December 2<strong>01</strong>6 BioFoam E-PLA has been approved<br />
as a material that can be used in the entire range of a large<br />
furniture retail chain and has also been approved as filler<br />
protection in furniture products. In January 2<strong>01</strong>7 it was<br />
approved as a buffer protection material by several white<br />
goods producers.<br />
ColorFabb, Venlo, The Netherlands, Europe’s leading<br />
and most innovative 3D wire printing producer has chosen<br />
to introduce BioFoam reels instead of the much heavier<br />
polycarbonate injection moulded reels. This reduced the reel<br />
weight by 80 %, saving weight in internet shipping. In addition<br />
after its use the reel can be composted or brought back to a<br />
distribution hub for regrinding and re-extrusion into 3D wire.<br />
Synbra is working actively on further breakthrough<br />
developments in substrates, fish boxes and leisure<br />
applications.<br />
www.biofoam.nl | www.synbra-technology.nl<br />
www.synprodo.nl | www.styropack.dk<br />
indicator<br />
Non-Renewable<br />
Energy Use, MJ<br />
Renewable Energy<br />
Use MJ<br />
Carbon Footprint, kg<br />
CO 2<br />
-Equiv.<br />
Acidification,kg SO 2<br />
-<br />
Equiv.<br />
Photochemical<br />
Oxidant Formation,<br />
kg Ethene-Equiv.<br />
Eutrophication, kg<br />
Phosphate-Equiv.<br />
1 kg of moulded<br />
BioFoam<br />
1 kg of moulded<br />
BioFoam<br />
(compensated)<br />
35.6 35.6<br />
56.8 56.8<br />
1.74 0.00<br />
0.0337 0.0337<br />
0.00262 0.00262<br />
0.<strong>01</strong>07 0.<strong>01</strong>07<br />
Table 1: The CO 2<br />
offsetting is not included in the GABI LCA<br />
i-report. In the Technical Specification “ISO/TS 14067:2<strong>01</strong>3<br />
Greenhouse gases -- Carbon footprint of products<br />
-- Requirements and guidelines for quantification and<br />
communication” it is stated that “The CFP (Carbon Footprint)<br />
and the partial CFP shall not include offsetting.” (chapters<br />
3.1.1.4. and 6.3.4.1.). Also for example in the PCR (Product<br />
Category Rules) of the German EPD system (IBU) it is specified<br />
that “IBU does not allow CO 2<br />
certificates to be included in<br />
the quantification of the global warming potential.” (chapter<br />
5.5.8, see attachment p.17). Based on these methodological<br />
guidance documents thinkstep does not recommend to include<br />
the offsetting into the calculations but to communicate it in<br />
a qualitative way to show your commitment. The table below<br />
summarises this in a transpararent way.<br />
Buss Kneader Technology<br />
Leading Compounding Technology<br />
for heat and shear sensitive plastics<br />
For more than 60 years Buss Kneader technology<br />
has been the benchmark for continuous preparation<br />
of heat and shear sensitive compounds –<br />
a respectable track record that predestines this<br />
technology for processing biopolymers such<br />
as PLA and PHA.<br />
> Uniform and controlled shear mixing<br />
> Extremely low temperature profile<br />
> Precise temperature control<br />
> High filler loadings<br />
Buss AG<br />
Switzerland<br />
www.busscorp.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 35
Foam<br />
New<br />
compostable<br />
particle foam<br />
BASF presents ecovio ® EA with high<br />
bio-based content for packaging<br />
solutions<br />
During K-fair 2<strong>01</strong>6, BASF launched its new innovative expandable<br />
ecovio ® EA particle foam. This product is predominantly<br />
biobased (>70 %) and, like all of the grades<br />
under the ecovio brand, it supports the biological cycle through<br />
its certified compostability.<br />
ecovio EA is a patented product made out of BASF’s<br />
biodegradable polyester ecoflex ® type and Polylactic acid (PLA).<br />
It is the first expandable, closed cell particle foam developed<br />
as a drop-in solution for Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) and<br />
Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) customers. By utilizing an<br />
innovative continuous process, the ecovio polymer is charged<br />
with the blowing agent pentane to produce expandable beads.<br />
These expandable ecovio EA beads are shipped globally using<br />
a standard EPS octabin packaging. Under ambient storage<br />
conditions, these beads have a shelf-life of more than 6 months<br />
without any quality impairment.<br />
BASF<br />
Convertors OEM‘s<br />
End of life<br />
steam<br />
steam<br />
Expandable beads<br />
Foam beads<br />
Shape molded parts<br />
Compostable<br />
Drop-in processing solution for EPS customers<br />
The major advantage of this product is that the convertors can<br />
use their existing machineries to process ecovio EA.<br />
ecovio EA enables trouble-free pre-expansion of the beads<br />
on conventional EPS pre-expanders. The foam density can be<br />
adjusted by simply tuning the steaming time and temperature.<br />
The minimum density of 23 g/l can be achieved in a one-step<br />
and above 16 g/l in a two-step expansion. It also expands at<br />
least three times faster than EPS, which leads to significantly<br />
lower steam consumption and faster production cycle times. The<br />
subsequent shape moulding can also be done using EPS or EPP<br />
machines. The innovative blend recipe with modified ecoflex acts<br />
as an in-situ hot melt adhesive which facilitates superior bead<br />
fusion of shape moulded parts and leads to good surface quality.<br />
In some cases, the mould needs to be adapted/modified to<br />
process ecovio EA foam beads due to different shrinkage than<br />
EPS and EPP. The major requirement of the mould is to provide a<br />
sufficient number of filling injectors as to achieve good filling and<br />
evenly distributed steam holes add to a perfect part appearance<br />
and performance. By doing so, high quality ecovio foam products<br />
can be produced continuously on standard commercial machines.<br />
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Foam<br />
By:<br />
Bangaru Sampath<br />
Global Technical Marketing Manager<br />
BASF SE<br />
Ludwigshafen, Germany<br />
Biobased content between 60% and 80%<br />
The major benefits for the convertors/moulders<br />
include<br />
• Utilization of their existing machineries (no major<br />
investment needed)<br />
• Low transportation cost due to shipment and storage of<br />
high density beads (density 700 g/l)<br />
• Foaming to all desired density ranges whenever required<br />
• Full flexibility in terms of density and complex dimension<br />
of shape moulded parts<br />
• Less energy consumption during foam processing<br />
Performance and applications<br />
ecovio EA foam offers better thermal and chemical<br />
resistance in comparison to EPS and its outstanding<br />
mechanical properties boast very good energy absorption<br />
and resilience even when subjected to multiple, heavy<br />
impacts. These excellent properties make it particularly<br />
suitable for transport packaging for heavy, high-value or<br />
delicate goods (e.g. washing machines, television screens)<br />
where a high level of impact resistance and robustness is<br />
vital. The foam application can also be extended for its use in<br />
the food packaging sector due to its good thermal insulation<br />
performance. For example, to maintain the cooling chain at<br />
all times for temperature-sensitive goods such as packaged<br />
vegetables, fruit, meat, frozen goods or even drugs. This<br />
effectively prevents the goods from being spoiled. Soon, a<br />
new ecovio EA food contact grade will be launched and this<br />
will extend the range of applications to all of the areas in<br />
which foam is in direct contact with processed food.<br />
End of life<br />
ecovio EA is highly durable under normal environmental<br />
conditions but degrades very quickly within five weeks under<br />
industrial composting conditions. Prior to composting, the<br />
foam material may also be recycled to alternate plastic<br />
products (e.g. with injection moulding technology) in<br />
customised recycling processes. The high biobased content<br />
and the certified compostability make ecovio EA particularly<br />
attractive wherever a fossil packaging solution no longer<br />
meets customers’ requirements for a biobased and<br />
biodegradable packaging solution. Due to its high biobased<br />
content the CO 2<br />
footprint is much lower as compared to<br />
completely fossil based foam products.<br />
www.ecovio.com<br />
Physical properties of ecovio EA for packaging<br />
Properties Test standard Unit Test result Test result<br />
Density DIN EN ISO 845 kg/m 3 25 30<br />
Thermal conductivity<br />
Compressive stress<br />
at 10°C<br />
at 35°C<br />
at 60°C<br />
at 10 % strain<br />
at 25 % strain<br />
at 50 % strain<br />
DIN EN 12667<br />
ISO 844<br />
mW/(m·K)<br />
kPa<br />
32 - 33<br />
36 - 37<br />
40 - 41<br />
95<br />
127<br />
180<br />
32 - 33<br />
36 - 37<br />
41 - 42<br />
Specific cushioning<br />
factor, C*<br />
ISO 4651 2.7 2.7<br />
Bending strength DIN EN 12089 kPa 210 - 230 250 - 270<br />
Tensile strength DIN EN ISO 1798 kPa 224 258<br />
Elongation at break DIN EN ISO 1798 % 10 8.5<br />
Short term<br />
resistance to heat<br />
deformation<br />
°C 100 100<br />
124<br />
161<br />
227<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 37
Brand Owner<br />
Brand-Owner’s perspective<br />
on bioplastics and how to<br />
unleash its full potential<br />
“As the world’s leading supplier of carton packaging,<br />
we believe using renewable resources, when managed<br />
responsibly, is a more sustainable source of raw materials.<br />
A renewable resource is a resource that can replenish<br />
itself naturally over time and, therefore, be used again.<br />
Our ambition is to achieve fully renewable packaging using<br />
100% renewable materials – helping us to ensure a supply of<br />
packaging material that both protects the food they contain,<br />
as well as the resources they were sourced from.<br />
By introducing biobased polymers made from sugar cane<br />
we are taking an important step towards sustainable sourcing<br />
in our packaging. Today the source is Brazilian sugar cane,<br />
the only commercially available, fully traceable source for<br />
renewable polyethylene (PE). It is important for us to source<br />
renewable materials for packaging by focusing on three key<br />
areas: traceability, certification and recyclability.<br />
We started from a strong foundation with a package that is made<br />
from over 70% paperboard, which is made from wood. Adding to<br />
that, we have introduced the first biobased caps in our sector,<br />
MARIO ABREU, VP ENVIRONMENT, TETRA PAK<br />
and now leading the way with the use of certified biobased<br />
plastic coatings and biobased adhesive layers which brings<br />
us closer to our long term ambition by taking the biobased<br />
content of a package to over 80%. And we will continue to<br />
innovate and look for ways to incorporate more renewable<br />
materials into our packages towards our ambition for fully<br />
renewable packaging.”<br />
www.tetrapak.com<br />
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Report<br />
Bioplastics Survey<br />
By:<br />
Michael Thielen<br />
As you may have noticed, we have started a new series<br />
“Special focus on certain geographical areas”. ‘As part<br />
of this new series we will also focus on the attitudes towards<br />
and general perception of bioplastics across the world.<br />
With the help of a simple survey, we want to try to explore<br />
how well the concept of bioplastics is known and understood<br />
throughout the various countries.<br />
We have kicked off with a report on a visit to a shopping<br />
center in the Netherlands, where we conducted our survey<br />
among a (non-representative) sample of normal people.<br />
Of those we interviewed, 63 % were male and 37 % were<br />
female. About 23 % were aged between 20 and 40, while<br />
77 % were between the ages of 40 and 60. This represents<br />
the average distribution of people browsing this particular<br />
shopping center on this Saturday morning.<br />
When asked whether they knew what bioplastics were,<br />
around one third responded with yes (and went on to back<br />
this up by correctly defining these as materials of biobased<br />
origin and/or with biodegradable features). The other 67 %<br />
all indicated that they were interested in learning about<br />
what bioplastics were. We briefly explained that conventional<br />
plastics were made from oil, a scarce and depletable resource …<br />
that burning petroleum-based products would affect climate …<br />
that biobased plastics can be made from renewable resources<br />
or waste streams, such as corn, sugar beet, sugar cane<br />
or e.g. waste starch from the potato industry … and that<br />
biodegradable/compostable plastics (whether biobased or<br />
otherwise) can offer significant benefits, depending on the<br />
application.<br />
After this brief explanation, almost all of those interviewed<br />
expressed the opinion that bioplastics were beneficial for the<br />
environment and for the climate, or at least “less bad”, as one<br />
young man was at pains to point out.<br />
Asked whether they would buy products made of bioplastics,<br />
if they should happen to see them on display at the store, 93%<br />
confirmed that they would. Yet “only” 73 % reported that they<br />
would be willing to pay more for such products, with most<br />
responding: “a little more, yes”, or “but not twice as much”…<br />
In sum, not many consumers know about or are aware<br />
of bioplastics and their potential. However, the results<br />
of this survey reveal that given the knowledge and the<br />
chance, consumers – at least those we interviewed- would<br />
opt for products using bioplastics and even be willing to<br />
pay a small premium. This indicates an obvious need for<br />
comprehensive end consumer education. Consumer behavior<br />
can make a significant impact on the ways products affect the<br />
environment. Educating consumers about bioplastics offers<br />
a huge opportunity to promote these materials and to effect<br />
positive changes in the shopping choices people make.<br />
Please note that this was not a representative survey. Our survey did not ask<br />
about factors such as educational background, family status, urban or rural<br />
residency, etc. but was merely conducted in order to gain a first, rough idea.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 39
10<br />
Years ago<br />
From Science & Research<br />
Controlled (soil) biodegradation<br />
Published in<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE<br />
In Jan 2<strong>01</strong>7, Kate Parker (Zealafoam) says:<br />
“The ten years since first introducing our PLA foaming<br />
technology have been an exciting and busy period for the<br />
Biopolymer Network Limited (BPN) team from New Zealand.<br />
Over that time BPN has continued working on their patented<br />
process for making Zealafoam ® , a PLA based alternative to<br />
expanded polystyrene (EPS), which uses CO 2<br />
as a green blowing<br />
agent to produce low density particle PLA foam. Advances<br />
have been made in base material with work focussed<br />
on optimisation of PLA grades, blends and additives<br />
(bM <strong>01</strong>/13). Cost-effective biomass fillers have shown<br />
excellent results in producing novel foams. A focus on<br />
commercialisation has led to a multitude of industry<br />
trials worldwide (bM <strong>01</strong>/11) allowing us to prove our<br />
technology on a range of existing foaming and moulding<br />
machines. This has enabled us to address issues around<br />
commercial production. It has also led to foams of lower density<br />
with moulded products under 20 g/l being achieved. Applications<br />
today include products ranging from loose bead (used in furniture<br />
and loose fill packaging), to fish boxes and cycle helmets. The next<br />
stages for the research team include leveraging this technology for<br />
other product lines including foamed cups and thin, lightweight<br />
labelling film (bM <strong>01</strong>/16).”<br />
Advancing Bioplastics from Down-Under:<br />
CO 2 production in bioplastic-additive degradation trials<br />
mmol CO 2<br />
8.00<br />
7.00<br />
6.00<br />
5.00<br />
4.00<br />
3.00<br />
2.00<br />
1.00<br />
0.00<br />
Fig 1<br />
Impact Resistance (kJ/m 2 )<br />
4.5<br />
4.0<br />
3.5<br />
3.0<br />
2.5<br />
2.0<br />
1.5<br />
1.0<br />
0.5<br />
0.0<br />
PLA<br />
Fig 2<br />
Bioplastic with<br />
various additives<br />
Bioplastic only<br />
www.scionresearch.com<br />
PLA 1<br />
PLA 2<br />
New Developments in Environmentally Intelligent<br />
Bioplastic Additives & Compounds<br />
Advancing Bioplastics from Down-Under:<br />
Time (days)<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17<br />
Impact strength PLA compounds<br />
Article contributed by<br />
Dr. Alan Fernyhough, Unit Manager of the Bioplastics<br />
Engineering Group, Scion, Rotorua, New Zealand<br />
PLA 3<br />
Scion, based in Rotorua, New Zealand, is a research organisation<br />
with approx. 390 employees firmly focused on a biomaterials<br />
future and has been working with bioplastics for about<br />
10 years.<br />
Scion recognised at an early stage that bioplastics represented<br />
a huge opportunity for New Zealand, with its traditional<br />
strengths in all aspects of the agriculture, horticulture, and<br />
forestry industries’ value chains. Each year large volumes of a<br />
wide range of biomasses are processed for an increasing range<br />
of end uses in New Zealand. Such resources, and the residues<br />
from the harvesting and downstream processing, represent valuable<br />
sources of fibres, fillers, polymers and functional chemical<br />
additives for use in industrial biopolymer products, such as<br />
bioplastics.<br />
The core focus of Scion has been on additives and compounding<br />
formulations for enhanced performance in commercial bioplastics.<br />
One of the early areas of research was the compatibilised<br />
combination of wood and other natural fibres with a range<br />
of commercial bioplastics such as MaterBi, Solanyl, Biopol<br />
(PHA), PLA and others. Scion then developed a novel technology<br />
for wood-fibre (as opposed to wood flour) pellet manufacture for<br />
bioplastics compounding and moulding- showing markedly superior<br />
performance to wood flour and to agri-fibre reinforced bioplastics.<br />
A database of properties and formulations for a wide<br />
range of biobased additives, fillers/fibres, compatibilisers etc<br />
was established with data on mechanical properties, processability,<br />
water and biodegradation responses, durability/weathering<br />
(UV/humidity) and other properties such as flame retardancy.<br />
Now the database comprises in excess of 300 formulations<br />
with such data, using major commercial bioplastics, variously<br />
compounded with novel (biobased) additives, or combinations of<br />
additives, sourced primarily from readily available biomasses.<br />
With moulders and compounders Scion is developing several<br />
applications in New Zealand, ranging from controllably degradable<br />
plant pots, erosion control products, underground temporary<br />
fixtures, office furniture and stationery products. The<br />
knowhow in enhancing bioplastics performance, together with<br />
an ability to control the degradation (accelerate or decelerate)<br />
profiles of commercial bioplastics, in soil and aqueous media, is<br />
now being applied to such product developments. Most interest<br />
has been for injection moulding, but there is increasing interest<br />
in extrusions and thermoforming. Examples of some of Scion’s<br />
developments are:<br />
Controlled Degradation Compounds<br />
The biodegradation of PLA and other bioplastics in soil<br />
media can be controlled by (biobased) additive technologies,<br />
while maintaining processability and mechanical integrity. For<br />
example Figure 1 shows examples of different biodegradation<br />
profiles, in soil, of PLA compounds with the addition of biomass<br />
additive systems, selected from the database.<br />
High Impact PLA<br />
Another outcome from Scions screening work has been<br />
clues to improving the impact resistance of brittle bioplastics,<br />
such as PLA. While it is relatively straightforward to improve<br />
stiffness and strength in PLA, for example by compatibilised<br />
addition of natural fibres or fillers, it is less easy to improve<br />
impact strength at the same time. However, researchers at<br />
Scion have identified some approaches which can do this.<br />
Figure 2 shows example data on impact strength for some<br />
injection moulded PLA formulations.<br />
Visualising Biopolymers in Natural Fibres<br />
A unique approach to ‘track’ biopolymers in moulded compounds<br />
has been developed by Dr Grigsby and Armin Thumm.<br />
Natural fibres differ from glass and carbon fibres in that they<br />
are permeable, and have cell walls and hollow centres of<br />
various dimensions (lumen). Confocal microscopy has been<br />
applied (Figure 3) to visualise differences in interfacial behaviours,<br />
at a fibre cell wall level. Use of selected flow modifiers,<br />
and/or certain processing conditions can lead to lower<br />
instances of voids between the biopolymer and fibre, and, can<br />
promote (or reduce) lumen filling. The implications of such<br />
differences on properties are being evaluated.<br />
New Functional Additives for Bioplastics<br />
Scion continues to screen biomass streams for functional<br />
Biofoam Developments<br />
Work on biofoams has focused on a new PLA foaming technology<br />
which uses carbon dioxide as blowing agent. Dr Witt<br />
has led this work and developed novel routes to the manufacture<br />
of very low density moulded blocks (~20g/l; Figure 4). Scion<br />
also works with a major foam moulder in New Zealand to<br />
further develop their bioplastic foaming technology for packaging<br />
products. Much of this is undertaken within Biopolymer<br />
Network Ltd, a JV between Scion and two other NZ research<br />
institutes, AgResearch and Crop & Food Research.<br />
About Scion<br />
Scion was established in 1947 as the New Zealand Forest<br />
Research Institute. From its forestry science roots, the government-owned<br />
Institute branched out into other areas of<br />
research: exploring the potential of trees, and other plants,<br />
crops and biomass residues to produce new bio-based materials.<br />
To mark this shift in emphasis, the organisation changed<br />
its trading name to “Scion”, which refers to a piece of plant<br />
material that is grafted onto an established rootstock. This<br />
new name symbolises the growth of research towards a future<br />
world where bio-based materials are required to replace<br />
non-renewable synthetics.<br />
This article could only give a condensed and incomplete<br />
overview of Scions activities. In future issues bioplastics MAG-<br />
AZINE will address one or the other activity in more detail.<br />
Fig 3 all pictures: Scion<br />
Fig 4<br />
additives of potential use in bioplastics. Scion has developed<br />
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/07] Vol. 2<br />
extractions, fractionations and derivatisations of such extracts<br />
and has developed novel ways of using them. For example,<br />
they can be used as components in high performance<br />
adhesive formulations and as functional additives for bioplastic<br />
compounds.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/07] Vol. 2 35<br />
tinyurl.com/foam2007<br />
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Basics<br />
Can additives make plastics<br />
biodegradable?<br />
By:<br />
Constance Ißbrücker<br />
European Bioplastics<br />
Berlin Germany<br />
Biodegradability is an inherent property of a material<br />
or product resulting from the action of naturally<br />
occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi,<br />
and algae. The process produces water, carbon dioxide,<br />
and biomass. No additives are needed and no fragments<br />
remain in the environment. In the case of industrial<br />
composting, the requirements are clearly defined in internationally<br />
agreed standards such as EN13432, or ISO<br />
18606. For biodegradation in other environments other<br />
standards can and should regulate the framework conditions<br />
and pass/fail criteria.<br />
So-called oxo-degradable plastics are commonly<br />
fossil-based, non-biodegradable polyolefins or<br />
polyesters (e.g. PE or PET) supplemented with salts<br />
of transition metals. These additives are supposed<br />
to enable the biodegradation of apparently nonbiodegradable<br />
plastics. However, to date no reproducible<br />
study could provide satisfactory evidence for this, for<br />
example by measuring a significant amount of carbon<br />
dioxide evolvement, which is the standard indicator of<br />
and verification method for biodegradation. Publications<br />
in support of oxo-degradable plastics have claimed<br />
about 60% biodegradation in two years, leaving the fate<br />
of the remaining 40% up to speculation. Apart from the<br />
comparatively long time span (EN 13432 requires 90%<br />
disintegration in 12 weeks and biodegradation of 90%<br />
within six months), there are serious implications: It is<br />
assumed that oxo-degradable materials only disintegrate<br />
and finally visibly disappear under the influence of light<br />
(UV radiation) and oxygen. If no real biodegradation takes<br />
place simultaneously and subsequently, the process of<br />
disintegration results in the formation of invisible plastic<br />
fragments, contributing to the ubiquitous environmental<br />
and health hazard of microplastics in the environment.<br />
Another group of plastic materials supplemented with<br />
additives that are supposed to support biodegradation<br />
are so-called enzyme-mediated plastics. Naturally<br />
occurring biodegradation relies on enzymatic reactions<br />
initiated by naturally present organisms. The producers of<br />
enzyme-mediated plastics intend to emulate the process<br />
of biodegradation by adding enzymes to conventional<br />
polyolefins. So far no independent study or publication<br />
shows any positive results for such materials with regard<br />
to biodegradation, even though most of the producing<br />
companies are claiming that their plastics are 100%<br />
biodegradable or even compliant with accepted composting<br />
standards. These claims are often made not on the basis of<br />
conversion to carbon dioxide, but instead on the basis of mass<br />
loss, which is no scientific proof of biodegradation taking place.<br />
It is important to clearly differentiate between different<br />
concepts in this context: Enzyme-mediated plastics should not<br />
be confused with recent promising research efforts focussing<br />
on a kind of enzymatic recycling. In the latter case waste of<br />
conventional plastics (e.g. PET or PU) waste are depolymerised<br />
through tailor-made enzymes. The obtained monomers then<br />
can function as raw material for the production of bioplastics<br />
such as PHA, which is biodegradable in numerous environments<br />
without the use of any supporting additives.<br />
www.european-bioplastics.org<br />
Home Compostable*<br />
Mailing Film<br />
* According to OK Compost Home and NF T51-800 (11-2<strong>01</strong>5)<br />
NEW<br />
Bio4Pack GmbH • PO Box 5007 • D-48419 Rheine • Germany<br />
T +49 (0) 5975 955 94 57 • www.bio4pack.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 41
Basics<br />
Glossary 4.2 last update issue 02/2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
In bioplastics MAGAZINE again and again<br />
the same expressions appear that some of our readers<br />
might not (yet) be familiar with. This glossary shall help<br />
with these terms and shall help avoid repeated explanations<br />
such as PLA (Polylactide) in various articles.<br />
Bioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics<br />
e.V.) is a term used to define two different<br />
kinds of plastics:<br />
a. Plastics based on → renewable resources<br />
(the focus is the origin of the raw material<br />
used). These can be biodegradable or not.<br />
b. → Biodegradable and → compostable<br />
plastics according to EN13432 or similar<br />
standards (the focus is the compostability of<br />
the final product; biodegradable and compostable<br />
plastics can be based on renewable<br />
(biobased) and/or non-renewable (fossil) resources).<br />
Bioplastics may be<br />
- based on renewable resources and biodegradable;<br />
- based on renewable resources but not be<br />
biodegradable; and<br />
- based on fossil resources and biodegradable.<br />
1 st Generation feedstock | Carbohydrate rich<br />
plants such as corn or sugar cane that can<br />
also be used as food or animal feed are called<br />
food crops or 1 st generation feedstock. Bred<br />
my mankind over centuries for highest energy<br />
efficiency, currently, 1 st generation feedstock<br />
is the most efficient feedstock for the production<br />
of bioplastics as it requires the least<br />
amount of land to grow and produce the highest<br />
yields. [bM 04/09]<br />
2 nd Generation feedstock | refers to feedstock<br />
not suitable for food or feed. It can be either<br />
non-food crops (e.g. cellulose) or waste materials<br />
from 1 st generation feedstock (e.g.<br />
waste vegetable oil). [bM 06/11]<br />
3 rd Generation feedstock | This term currently<br />
relates to biomass from algae, which – having<br />
a higher growth yield than 1 st and 2 nd generation<br />
feedstock – were given their own category.<br />
It also relates to bioplastics from waste<br />
streams such as CO 2<br />
or methane [bM 02/16]<br />
Aerobic digestion | Aerobic means in the<br />
presence of oxygen. In →composting, which is<br />
an aerobic process, →microorganisms access<br />
the present oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere.<br />
They metabolize the organic material<br />
to energy, CO 2<br />
, water and cell biomass,<br />
whereby part of the energy of the organic material<br />
is released as heat. [bM 03/07, bM 02/09]<br />
Since this Glossary will not be printed<br />
in each issue you can download a pdf version<br />
from our website (bit.ly/OunBB0)<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE is grateful to European Bioplastics for the permission to use parts of their Glossary.<br />
Version 4.0 was revised using EuBP’s latest version (Jan 2<strong>01</strong>5).<br />
[*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive article previously published in bioplastics MAGAZINE)<br />
Anaerobic digestion | In anaerobic digestion,<br />
organic matter is degraded by a microbial<br />
population in the absence of oxygen<br />
and producing methane and carbon dioxide<br />
(= →biogas) and a solid residue that can be<br />
composted in a subsequent step without<br />
practically releasing any heat. The biogas can<br />
be treated in a Combined Heat and Power<br />
Plant (CHP), producing electricity and heat, or<br />
can be upgraded to bio-methane [14] [bM 06/09]<br />
Amorphous | non-crystalline, glassy with unordered<br />
lattice<br />
Amylopectin | Polymeric branched starch<br />
molecule with very high molecular weight<br />
(biopolymer, monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09]<br />
Amylose | Polymeric non-branched starch<br />
molecule with high molecular weight (biopolymer,<br />
monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09]<br />
Biobased | The term biobased describes the<br />
part of a material or product that is stemming<br />
from →biomass. When making a biobasedclaim,<br />
the unit (→biobased carbon content,<br />
→biobased mass content), a percentage and<br />
the measuring method should be clearly stated [1]<br />
Biobased carbon | carbon contained in or<br />
stemming from →biomass. A material or<br />
product made of fossil and →renewable resources<br />
contains fossil and →biobased carbon.<br />
The biobased carbon content is measured via<br />
the 14 C method (radio carbon dating method)<br />
that adheres to the technical specifications as<br />
described in [1,4,5,6].<br />
Biobased labels | The fact that (and to<br />
what percentage) a product or a material is<br />
→biobased can be indicated by respective<br />
labels. Ideally, meaningful labels should be<br />
based on harmonised standards and a corresponding<br />
certification process by independent<br />
third party institutions. For the property<br />
biobased such labels are in place by certifiers<br />
→DIN CERTCO and →Vinçotte who both base<br />
their certifications on the technical specification<br />
as described in [4,5]<br />
A certification and corresponding label depicting<br />
the biobased mass content was developed<br />
by the French Association Chimie du Végétal<br />
[ACDV].<br />
Biobased mass content | describes the<br />
amount of biobased mass contained in a material<br />
or product. This method is complementary<br />
to the 14 C method, and furthermore, takes<br />
other chemical elements besides the biobased<br />
carbon into account, such as oxygen, nitrogen<br />
and hydrogen. A measuring method has<br />
been developed and tested by the Association<br />
Chimie du Végétal (ACDV) [1]<br />
Biobased plastic | A plastic in which constitutional<br />
units are totally or partly from →<br />
biomass [3]. If this claim is used, a percentage<br />
should always be given to which extent<br />
the product/material is → biobased [1]<br />
[bM <strong>01</strong>/07, bM 03/10]<br />
Biodegradable Plastics | Biodegradable Plastics<br />
are plastics that are completely assimilated<br />
by the → microorganisms present a defined<br />
environment as food for their energy. The<br />
carbon of the plastic must completely be converted<br />
into CO 2<br />
during the microbial process.<br />
The process of biodegradation depends on<br />
the environmental conditions, which influence<br />
it (e.g. location, temperature, humidity) and<br />
on the material or application itself. Consequently,<br />
the process and its outcome can vary<br />
considerably. Biodegradability is linked to the<br />
structure of the polymer chain; it does not depend<br />
on the origin of the raw materials.<br />
There is currently no single, overarching standard<br />
to back up claims about biodegradability.<br />
One standard for example is ISO or in Europe:<br />
EN 14995 Plastics- Evaluation of compostability<br />
- Test scheme and specifications<br />
[bM 02/06, bM <strong>01</strong>/07]<br />
Biogas | → Anaerobic digestion<br />
Biomass | Material of biological origin excluding<br />
material embedded in geological formations<br />
and material transformed to fossilised<br />
material. This includes organic material, e.g.<br />
trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, algae and<br />
waste of biological origin, e.g. manure [1, 2]<br />
Biorefinery | the co-production of a spectrum<br />
of bio-based products (food, feed, materials,<br />
chemicals including monomers or building<br />
blocks for bioplastics) and energy (fuels, power,<br />
heat) from biomass.[bM 02/13]<br />
Blend | Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at<br />
least two microscopically dispersed and molecularly<br />
distributed base polymers<br />
Bisphenol-A (BPA) | Monomer used to produce<br />
different polymers. BPA is said to cause<br />
health problems, due to the fact that is behaves<br />
like a hormone. Therefore it is banned<br />
for use in children’s products in many countries.<br />
BPI | Biodegradable Products Institute, a notfor-profit<br />
association. Through their innovative<br />
compostable label program, BPI educates<br />
manufacturers, legislators and consumers<br />
about the importance of scientifically based<br />
standards for compostable materials which<br />
biodegrade in large composting facilities.<br />
Carbon footprint | (CFPs resp. PCFs – Product<br />
Carbon Footprint): Sum of →greenhouse<br />
gas emissions and removals in a product system,<br />
expressed as CO 2<br />
equivalent, and based<br />
on a →life cycle assessment. The CO 2<br />
equivalent<br />
of a specific amount of a greenhouse gas<br />
is calculated as the mass of a given greenhouse<br />
gas multiplied by its →global warmingpotential<br />
[1,2,15]<br />
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Basics<br />
Carbon neutral, CO 2<br />
neutral | describes a<br />
product or process that has a negligible impact<br />
on total atmospheric CO 2<br />
levels. For<br />
example, carbon neutrality means that any<br />
CO 2<br />
released when a plant decomposes or<br />
is burnt is offset by an equal amount of CO 2<br />
absorbed by the plant through photosynthesis<br />
when it is growing.<br />
Carbon neutrality can also be achieved<br />
through buying sufficient carbon credits to<br />
make up the difference. The latter option is<br />
not allowed when communicating → LCAs<br />
or carbon footprints regarding a material or<br />
product [1, 2].<br />
Carbon-neutral claims are tricky as products<br />
will not in most cases reach carbon neutrality<br />
if their complete life cycle is taken into consideration<br />
(including the end-of life).<br />
If an assessment of a material, however, is<br />
conducted (cradle to gate), carbon neutrality<br />
might be a valid claim in a B2B context. In this<br />
case, the unit assessed in the complete life<br />
cycle has to be clarified [1]<br />
Cascade use | of →renewable resources means<br />
to first use the →biomass to produce biobased<br />
industrial products and afterwards – due to<br />
their favourable energy balance – use them<br />
for energy generation (e.g. from a biobased<br />
plastic product to →biogas production). The<br />
feedstock is used efficiently and value generation<br />
increases decisively.<br />
Catalyst | substance that enables and accelerates<br />
a chemical reaction<br />
Cellophane | Clear film on the basis of →cellulose<br />
[bM <strong>01</strong>/10]<br />
Cellulose | Cellulose is the principal component<br />
of cell walls in all higher forms of plant<br />
life, at varying percentages. It is therefore the<br />
most common organic compound and also<br />
the most common polysaccharide (multisugar)<br />
[11]. Cellulose is a polymeric molecule<br />
with very high molecular weight (monomer is<br />
→Glucose), industrial production from wood<br />
or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and<br />
fibres [bM <strong>01</strong>/10]<br />
Cellulose ester | Cellulose esters occur by<br />
the esterification of cellulose with organic<br />
acids. The most important cellulose esters<br />
from a technical point of view are cellulose<br />
acetate (CA with acetic acid), cellulose propionate<br />
(CP with propionic acid) and cellulose<br />
butyrate (CB with butanoic acid). Mixed polymerisates,<br />
such as cellulose acetate propionate<br />
(CAP) can also be formed. One of the most<br />
well-known applications of cellulose aceto<br />
butyrate (CAB) is the moulded handle on the<br />
Swiss army knife [11]<br />
Cellulose acetate CA | → Cellulose ester<br />
CEN | Comité Européen de Normalisation<br />
(European organisation for standardization)<br />
Certification | is a process in which materials/products<br />
undergo a string of (laboratory)<br />
tests in order to verify that the fulfil certain<br />
requirements. Sound certification systems<br />
should be based on (ideally harmonised) European<br />
standards or technical specifications<br />
(e.g. by →CEN, USDA, ASTM, etc.) and be<br />
performed by independent third party laboratories.<br />
Successful certification guarantees<br />
a high product safety - also on this basis interconnected<br />
labels can be awarded that help<br />
the consumer to make an informed decision.<br />
Compost | A soil conditioning material of decomposing<br />
organic matter which provides nutrients<br />
and enhances soil structure.<br />
[bM 06/08, 02/09]<br />
Compostable Plastics | Plastics that are<br />
→ biodegradable under →composting conditions:<br />
specified humidity, temperature,<br />
→ microorganisms and timeframe. In order<br />
to make accurate and specific claims about<br />
compostability, the location (home, → industrial)<br />
and timeframe need to be specified [1].<br />
Several national and international standards<br />
exist for clearer definitions, for example EN<br />
14995 Plastics - Evaluation of compostability -<br />
Test scheme and specifications. [bM 02/06, bM <strong>01</strong>/07]<br />
Composting | is the controlled →aerobic, or<br />
oxygen-requiring, decomposition of organic<br />
materials by →microorganisms, under controlled<br />
conditions. It reduces the volume and<br />
mass of the raw materials while transforming<br />
them into CO 2<br />
, water and a valuable soil conditioner<br />
– compost.<br />
When talking about composting of bioplastics,<br />
foremost →industrial composting in a<br />
managed composting facility is meant (criteria<br />
defined in EN 13432).<br />
The main difference between industrial and<br />
home composting is, that in industrial composting<br />
facilities temperatures are much<br />
higher and kept stable, whereas in the composting<br />
pile temperatures are usually lower,<br />
and less constant as depending on factors<br />
such as weather conditions. Home composting<br />
is a way slower-paced process than<br />
industrial composting. Also a comparatively<br />
smaller volume of waste is involved. [bM 03/07]<br />
Compound | plastic mixture from different<br />
raw materials (polymer and additives) [bM 04/10)<br />
Copolymer | Plastic composed of different<br />
monomers.<br />
Cradle-to-Gate | Describes the system<br />
boundaries of an environmental →Life Cycle<br />
Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities<br />
from the cradle (i.e., the extraction of raw materials,<br />
agricultural activities and forestry) up<br />
to the factory gate<br />
Cradle-to-Cradle | (sometimes abbreviated<br />
as C2C): Is an expression which communicates<br />
the concept of a closed-cycle economy,<br />
in which waste is used as raw material<br />
(‘waste equals food’). Cradle-to-Cradle is not<br />
a term that is typically used in →LCA studies.<br />
Cradle-to-Grave | Describes the system<br />
boundaries of a full →Life Cycle Assessment<br />
from manufacture (cradle) to use phase and<br />
disposal phase (grave).<br />
Crystalline | Plastic with regularly arranged<br />
molecules in a lattice structure<br />
Density | Quotient from mass and volume of<br />
a material, also referred to as specific weight<br />
DIN | Deutsches Institut für Normung (German<br />
organisation for standardization)<br />
DIN-CERTCO | independant certifying organisation<br />
for the assessment on the conformity<br />
of bioplastics<br />
Dispersing | fine distribution of non-miscible<br />
liquids into a homogeneous, stable mixture<br />
Drop-In bioplastics | chemically indentical<br />
to conventional petroleum based plastics,<br />
but made from renewable resources. Examples<br />
are bio-PE made from bio-ethanol (from<br />
e.g. sugar cane) or partly biobased PET; the<br />
monoethylene glykol made from bio-ethanol<br />
(from e.g. sugar cane). Developments to<br />
make terephthalic acid from renewable resources<br />
are under way. Other examples are<br />
polyamides (partly biobased e.g. PA 4.10 or PA<br />
6.10 or fully biobased like PA 5.10 or PA10.10)<br />
EN 13432 | European standard for the assessment<br />
of the → compostability of plastic<br />
packaging products<br />
Energy recovery | recovery and exploitation<br />
of the energy potential in (plastic) waste for<br />
the production of electricity or heat in waste<br />
incineration pants (waste-to-energy)<br />
Environmental claim | A statement, symbol<br />
or graphic that indicates one or more environmental<br />
aspect(s) of a product, a component,<br />
packaging or a service. [16]<br />
Enzymes | proteins that catalyze chemical<br />
reactions<br />
Enzyme-mediated plastics | are no →bioplastics.<br />
Instead, a conventional non-biodegradable<br />
plastic (e.g. fossil-based PE) is enriched<br />
with small amounts of an organic additive.<br />
Microorganisms are supposed to consume<br />
these additives and the degradation process<br />
should then expand to the non-biodegradable<br />
PE and thus make the material degrade. After<br />
some time the plastic is supposed to visually<br />
disappear and to be completely converted to<br />
carbon dioxide and water. This is a theoretical<br />
concept which has not been backed up by<br />
any verifiable proof so far. Producers promote<br />
enzyme-mediated plastics as a solution to littering.<br />
As no proof for the degradation process<br />
has been provided, environmental beneficial<br />
effects are highly questionable.<br />
Ethylene | colour- and odourless gas, made<br />
e.g. from, Naphtha (petroleum) by cracking or<br />
from bio-ethanol by dehydration, monomer of<br />
the polymer polyethylene (PE)<br />
European Bioplastics e.V. | The industry association<br />
representing the interests of Europe’s<br />
thriving bioplastics’ industry. Founded<br />
in Germany in 1993 as IBAW, European<br />
Bioplastics today represents the interests<br />
of about 50 member companies throughout<br />
the European Union and worldwide. With<br />
members from the agricultural feedstock,<br />
chemical and plastics industries, as well as<br />
industrial users and recycling companies, European<br />
Bioplastics serves as both a contact<br />
platform and catalyst for advancing the aims<br />
of the growing bioplastics industry.<br />
Extrusion | process used to create plastic<br />
profiles (or sheet) of a fixed cross-section<br />
consisting of mixing, melting, homogenising<br />
and shaping of the plastic.<br />
FDCA | 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, an intermediate<br />
chemical produced from 5-HMF.<br />
The dicarboxylic acid can be used to make →<br />
PEF = polyethylene furanoate, a polyester that<br />
could be a 100% biobased alternative to PET.<br />
Fermentation | Biochemical reactions controlled<br />
by → microorganisms or → enyzmes (e.g.<br />
the transformation of sugar into lactic acid).<br />
FSC | Forest Stewardship Council. FSC is an<br />
independent, non-governmental, not-forprofit<br />
organization established to promote the<br />
responsible and sustainable management of<br />
the world’s forests.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 43
Basics<br />
Gelatine | Translucent brittle solid substance,<br />
colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless<br />
and odorless, extracted from the collagen inside<br />
animals‘ connective tissue.<br />
Genetically modified organism (GMO) | Organisms,<br />
such as plants and animals, whose<br />
genetic material (DNA) has been altered<br />
are called genetically modified organisms<br />
(GMOs). Food and feed which contain or<br />
consist of such GMOs, or are produced from<br />
GMOs, are called genetically modified (GM)<br />
food or feed [1]. If GM crops are used in bioplastics<br />
production, the multiple-stage processing<br />
and the high heat used to create the<br />
polymer removes all traces of genetic material.<br />
This means that the final bioplastics product<br />
contains no genetic traces. The resulting<br />
bioplastics is therefore well suited to use in<br />
food packaging as it contains no genetically<br />
modified material and cannot interact with<br />
the contents.<br />
Global Warming | Global warming is the rise<br />
in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere<br />
and oceans since the late 19th century<br />
and its projected continuation [8]. Global<br />
warming is said to be accelerated by → green<br />
house gases.<br />
Glucose | Monosaccharide (or simple sugar).<br />
G. is the most important carbohydrate (sugar)<br />
in biology. G. is formed by photosynthesis or<br />
hydrolyse of many carbohydrates e. g. starch.<br />
Greenhouse gas GHG | Gaseous constituent<br />
of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic,<br />
that absorbs and emits radiation at<br />
specific wavelengths within the spectrum of<br />
infrared radiation emitted by the earth’s surface,<br />
the atmosphere, and clouds [1, 9]<br />
Greenwashing | The act of misleading consumers<br />
regarding the environmental practices<br />
of a company, or the environmental benefits<br />
of a product or service [1, 10]<br />
Granulate, granules | small plastic particles<br />
(3-4 millimetres), a form in which plastic is<br />
sold and fed into machines, easy to handle<br />
and dose.<br />
HMF (5-HMF) | 5-hydroxymethylfurfural is an<br />
organic compound derived from sugar dehydration.<br />
It is a platform chemical, a building<br />
block for 20 performance polymers and over<br />
175 different chemical substances. The molecule<br />
consists of a furan ring which contains<br />
both aldehyde and alcohol functional groups.<br />
5-HMF has applications in many different<br />
industries such as bioplastics, packaging,<br />
pharmaceuticals, adhesives and chemicals.<br />
One of the most promising routes is 2,5<br />
furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), produced as an<br />
intermediate when 5-HMF is oxidised. FDCA<br />
is used to produce PEF, which can substitute<br />
terephthalic acid in polyester, especially polyethylene<br />
terephthalate (PET). [bM 03/14, 02/16]<br />
Home composting | →composting [bM 06/08]<br />
Humus | In agriculture, humus is often used<br />
simply to mean mature →compost, or natural<br />
compost extracted from a forest or other<br />
spontaneous source for use to amend soil.<br />
Hydrophilic | Property: water-friendly, soluble<br />
in water or other polar solvents (e.g. used<br />
in conjunction with a plastic which is not water<br />
resistant and weather proof or that absorbs<br />
water such as Polyamide (PA).<br />
Hydrophobic | Property: water-resistant, not<br />
soluble in water (e.g. a plastic which is water<br />
resistant and weather proof, or that does not<br />
absorb any water such as Polyethylene (PE)<br />
or Polypropylene (PP).<br />
Industrial composting | is an established<br />
process with commonly agreed upon requirements<br />
(e.g. temperature, timeframe) for transforming<br />
biodegradable waste into stable, sanitised<br />
products to be used in agriculture. The<br />
criteria for industrial compostability of packaging<br />
have been defined in the EN 13432. Materials<br />
and products complying with this standard<br />
can be certified and subsequently labelled<br />
accordingly [1,7] [bM 06/08, 02/09]<br />
ISO | International Organization for Standardization<br />
JBPA | Japan Bioplastics Association<br />
Land use | The surface required to grow sufficient<br />
feedstock (land use) for today’s bioplastic<br />
production is less than 0.<strong>01</strong> percent of the<br />
global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares.<br />
It is not yet foreseeable to what extent an increased<br />
use of food residues, non-food crops<br />
or cellulosic biomass (see also →1 st /2 nd /3 rd<br />
generation feedstock) in bioplastics production<br />
might lead to an even further reduced<br />
land use in the future [bM 04/09, <strong>01</strong>/14]<br />
LCA | is the compilation and evaluation of the<br />
input, output and the potential environmental<br />
impact of a product system throughout its life<br />
cycle [17]. It is sometimes also referred to as<br />
life cycle analysis, ecobalance or cradle-tograve<br />
analysis. [bM <strong>01</strong>/09]<br />
Littering | is the (illegal) act of leaving waste<br />
such as cigarette butts, paper, tins, bottles,<br />
cups, plates, cutlery or bags lying in an open<br />
or public place.<br />
Marine litter | Following the European Commission’s<br />
definition, “marine litter consists of<br />
items that have been deliberately discarded,<br />
unintentionally lost, or transported by winds<br />
and rivers, into the sea and on beaches. It<br />
mainly consists of plastics, wood, metals,<br />
glass, rubber, clothing and paper”. Marine<br />
debris originates from a variety of sources.<br />
Shipping and fishing activities are the predominant<br />
sea-based, ineffectively managed<br />
landfills as well as public littering the main<br />
land-based sources. Marine litter can pose a<br />
threat to living organisms, especially due to<br />
ingestion or entanglement.<br />
Currently, there is no international standard<br />
available, which appropriately describes the<br />
biodegradation of plastics in the marine environment.<br />
However, a number of standardisation<br />
projects are in progress at ISO and ASTM<br />
level. Furthermore, the European project<br />
OPEN BIO addresses the marine biodegradation<br />
of biobased products.[bM 02/16]<br />
Mass balance | describes the relationship between<br />
input and output of a specific substance<br />
within a system in which the output from the<br />
system cannot exceed the input into the system.<br />
First attempts were made by plastic raw material<br />
producers to claim their products renewable<br />
(plastics) based on a certain input<br />
of biomass in a huge and complex chemical<br />
plant, then mathematically allocating this<br />
biomass input to the produced plastic.<br />
These approaches are at least controversially<br />
disputed [bM 04/14, 05/14, <strong>01</strong>/15]<br />
Microorganism | Living organisms of microscopic<br />
size, such as bacteria, funghi or yeast.<br />
Molecule | group of at least two atoms held<br />
together by covalent chemical bonds.<br />
Monomer | molecules that are linked by polymerization<br />
to form chains of molecules and<br />
then plastics<br />
Mulch film | Foil to cover bottom of farmland<br />
Organic recycling | means the treatment of<br />
separately collected organic waste by anaerobic<br />
digestion and/or composting.<br />
Oxo-degradable / Oxo-fragmentable | materials<br />
and products that do not biodegrade!<br />
The underlying technology of oxo-degradability<br />
or oxo-fragmentation is based on special additives,<br />
which, if incorporated into standard<br />
resins, are purported to accelerate the fragmentation<br />
of products made thereof. Oxodegradable<br />
or oxo-fragmentable materials do<br />
not meet accepted industry standards on compostability<br />
such as EN 13432. [bM <strong>01</strong>/09, 05/09]<br />
PBAT | Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is<br />
an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester that has the<br />
properties of conventional polyethylene but is<br />
fully biodegradable under industrial composting.<br />
PBAT is made from fossil petroleum with<br />
first attempts being made to produce it partly<br />
from renewable resources [bM 06/09]<br />
PBS | Polybutylene succinate, a 100% biodegradable<br />
polymer, made from (e.g. bio-BDO)<br />
and succinic acid, which can also be produced<br />
biobased [bM 03/12].<br />
PC | Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyester,<br />
petroleum based and not degradable, used<br />
for e.g. baby bottles or CDs. Criticized for its<br />
BPA (→ Bisphenol-A) content.<br />
PCL | Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil<br />
based), biodegradable bioplastic, e.g. used as<br />
a blend component.<br />
PE | Polyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised<br />
from ethylene. Can be made from renewable<br />
resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol) [bM 05/10]<br />
PEF | polyethylene furanoate, a polyester<br />
made from monoethylene glycol (MEG) and<br />
→FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid , an intermediate<br />
chemical produced from 5-HMF). It<br />
can be a 100% biobased alternative for PET.<br />
PEF also has improved product characteristics,<br />
such as better structural strength and<br />
improved barrier behaviour, which will allow<br />
for the use of PEF bottles in additional applications.<br />
[bM 03/11, 04/12]<br />
PET | Polyethylenterephthalate, transparent<br />
polyester used for bottles and film. The<br />
polyester is made from monoethylene glycol<br />
(MEG), that can be renewably sourced from<br />
bio-ethanol (sugar cane) and (until now fossil)<br />
terephthalic acid [bM 04/14]<br />
PGA | Polyglycolic acid or Polyglycolide is a biodegradable,<br />
thermoplastic polymer and the<br />
simplest linear, aliphatic polyester. Besides<br />
ist use in the biomedical field, PGA has been<br />
introduced as a barrier resin [bM 03/09]<br />
PHA | Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or the<br />
polyhydroxy fatty acids, are a family of biodegradable<br />
polyesters. As in many mammals,<br />
including humans, that hold energy reserves<br />
in the form of body fat there are also bacteria<br />
that hold intracellular reserves in for of<br />
of polyhydroxy alkanoates. Here the microorganisms<br />
store a particularly high level of<br />
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Basics<br />
energy reserves (up to 80% of their own body<br />
weight) for when their sources of nutrition become<br />
scarce. By farming this type of bacteria,<br />
and feeding them on sugar or starch (mostly<br />
from maize), or at times on plant oils or other<br />
nutrients rich in carbonates, it is possible to<br />
obtain PHA‘s on an industrial scale [11]. The<br />
most common types of PHA are PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate,<br />
PHBV and PHBH. Depending<br />
on the bacteria and their food, PHAs with<br />
different mechanical properties, from rubbery<br />
soft trough stiff and hard as ABS, can be produced.<br />
Some PHSs are even biodegradable in<br />
soil or in a marine environment<br />
PLA | Polylactide or Polylactic Acid (PLA), a<br />
biodegradable, thermoplastic, linear aliphatic<br />
polyester based on lactic acid, a natural acid,<br />
is mainly produced by fermentation of sugar<br />
or starch with the help of micro-organisms.<br />
Lactic acid comes in two isomer forms, i.e. as<br />
laevorotatory D(-)lactic acid and as dextrorotary<br />
L(+)lactic acid.<br />
Modified PLA types can be produced by the<br />
use of the right additives or by certain combinations<br />
of L- and D- lactides (stereocomplexing),<br />
which then have the required rigidity for<br />
use at higher temperatures [13] [bM <strong>01</strong>/09, <strong>01</strong>/12]<br />
Plastics | Materials with large molecular<br />
chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced<br />
by chemical or biochemical reactions.<br />
PPC | Polypropylene Carbonate, a bioplastic<br />
made by copolymerizing CO 2<br />
with propylene<br />
oxide (PO) [bM 04/12]<br />
PTT | Polytrimethylterephthalate (PTT), partially<br />
biobased polyester, is similarly to PET<br />
produced using terephthalic acid or dimethyl<br />
terephthalate and a diol. In this case it is a<br />
biobased 1,3 propanediol, also known as bio-<br />
PDO [bM <strong>01</strong>/13]<br />
Renewable Resources | agricultural raw materials,<br />
which are not used as food or feed,<br />
but as raw material for industrial products<br />
or to generate energy. The use of renewable<br />
resources by industry saves fossil resources<br />
and reduces the amount of → greenhouse gas<br />
emissions. Biobased plastics are predominantly<br />
made of annual crops such as corn,<br />
cereals and sugar beets or perennial cultures<br />
such as cassava and sugar cane.<br />
Resource efficiency | Use of limited natural<br />
resources in a sustainable way while minimising<br />
impacts on the environment. A resource<br />
efficient economy creates more output<br />
or value with lesser input.<br />
Seedling Logo | The compostability label or<br />
logo Seedling is connected to the standard<br />
EN 13432/EN 14995 and a certification process<br />
managed by the independent institutions<br />
→DIN CERTCO and → Vinçotte. Bioplastics<br />
products carrying the Seedling fulfil the<br />
criteria laid down in the EN 13432 regarding<br />
industrial compostability. [bM <strong>01</strong>/06, 02/10]<br />
Saccharins or carbohydrates | Saccharins or<br />
carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family.<br />
Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar<br />
units. For example, there are known mono-,<br />
di- and polysaccharose. → glucose is a monosaccarin.<br />
They are important for the diet and<br />
produced biology in plants.<br />
Semi-finished products | plastic in form of<br />
sheet, film, rods or the like to be further processed<br />
into finshed products<br />
Sorbitol | Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction<br />
of glucose changing the aldehyde group<br />
to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is used as<br />
a plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch.<br />
Starch | Natural polymer (carbohydrate)<br />
consisting of → amylose and → amylopectin,<br />
gained from maize, potatoes, wheat, tapioca<br />
etc. When glucose is connected to polymerchains<br />
in definite way the result (product) is<br />
called starch. Each molecule is based on 300<br />
-12000-glucose units. Depending on the connection,<br />
there are two types → amylose and →<br />
amylopectin known. [bM 05/09]<br />
Starch derivatives | Starch derivatives are<br />
based on the chemical structure of → starch.<br />
The chemical structure can be changed by<br />
introducing new functional groups without<br />
changing the → starch polymer. The product<br />
has different chemical qualities. Mostly the<br />
hydrophilic character is not the same.<br />
Starch-ester | One characteristic of every<br />
starch-chain is a free hydroxyl group. When<br />
every hydroxyl group is connected with an<br />
acid one product is starch-ester with different<br />
chemical properties.<br />
Starch propionate and starch butyrate |<br />
Starch propionate and starch butyrate can be<br />
synthesised by treating the → starch with propane<br />
or butanic acid. The product structure<br />
is still based on → starch. Every based → glucose<br />
fragment is connected with a propionate<br />
or butyrate ester group. The product is more<br />
hydrophobic than → starch.<br />
Sustainable | An attempt to provide the best<br />
outcomes for the human and natural environments<br />
both now and into the indefinite future.<br />
One famous definition of sustainability is the<br />
one created by the Brundtland Commission,<br />
led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister<br />
G. H. Brundtland. The Brundtland Commission<br />
defined sustainable development as<br />
development that ‘meets the needs of the<br />
present without compromising the ability of<br />
future generations to meet their own needs.’<br />
Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic,<br />
social, institutional and environmental<br />
aspects of human society, as well as the nonhuman<br />
environment).<br />
Sustainable sourcing | of renewable feedstock<br />
for biobased plastics is a prerequisite<br />
for more sustainable products. Impacts such<br />
as the deforestation of protected habitats<br />
or social and environmental damage arising<br />
from poor agricultural practices must<br />
be avoided. Corresponding certification<br />
schemes, such as ISCC PLUS, WLC or Bon-<br />
Sucro, are an appropriate tool to ensure the<br />
sustainable sourcing of biomass for all applications<br />
around the globe.<br />
Sustainability | as defined by European Bioplastics,<br />
has three dimensions: economic, social<br />
and environmental. This has been known<br />
as “the triple bottom line of sustainability”.<br />
This means that sustainable development involves<br />
the simultaneous pursuit of economic<br />
prosperity, environmental protection and social<br />
equity. In other words, businesses have<br />
to expand their responsibility to include these<br />
environmental and social dimensions. Sustainability<br />
is about making products useful to<br />
markets and, at the same time, having societal<br />
benefits and lower environmental impact<br />
than the alternatives currently available. It also<br />
implies a commitment to continuous improvement<br />
that should result in a further reduction<br />
of the environmental footprint of today’s products,<br />
processes and raw materials used.<br />
Thermoplastics | Plastics which soften or<br />
melt when heated and solidify when cooled<br />
(solid at room temperature).<br />
Thermoplastic Starch | (TPS) → starch that<br />
was modified (cooked, complexed) to make it<br />
a plastic resin<br />
Thermoset | Plastics (resins) which do not<br />
soften or melt when heated. Examples are<br />
epoxy resins or unsaturated polyester resins.<br />
Vinçotte | independant certifying organisation<br />
for the assessment on the conformity of bioplastics<br />
WPC | Wood Plastic Composite. Composite<br />
materials made of wood fiber/flour and plastics<br />
(mostly polypropylene).<br />
Yard Waste | Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings,<br />
garden residue.<br />
References:<br />
[1] Environmental Communication Guide,<br />
European Bioplastics, Berlin, Germany,<br />
2<strong>01</strong>2<br />
[2] ISO 14067. Carbon footprint of products -<br />
Requirements and guidelines for quantification<br />
and communication<br />
[3] CEN TR 15932, Plastics - Recommendation<br />
for terminology and characterisation<br />
of biopolymers and bioplastics, 2<strong>01</strong>0<br />
[4] CEN/TS 16137, Plastics - Determination<br />
of bio-based carbon content, 2<strong>01</strong>1<br />
[5] ASTM D6866, Standard Test Methods for<br />
Determining the Biobased Content of<br />
Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using<br />
Radiocarbon Analysis<br />
[6] SPI: Understanding Biobased Carbon<br />
Content, 2<strong>01</strong>2<br />
[7] EN 13432, Requirements for packaging<br />
recoverable through composting and biodegradation.<br />
Test scheme and evaluation<br />
criteria for the final acceptance of packaging,<br />
2000<br />
[8] Wikipedia<br />
[9] ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases -- Part 1:<br />
Specification with guidance..., 2006<br />
[10] Terrachoice, 2<strong>01</strong>0, www.terrachoice.com<br />
[11] Thielen, M.: Bioplastics: Basics. Applications.<br />
Markets, Polymedia Publisher,<br />
2<strong>01</strong>2<br />
[12] Lörcks, J.: Biokunststoffe, Broschüre der<br />
FNR, 2005<br />
[13] de Vos, S.: Improving heat-resistance of<br />
PLA using poly(D-lactide),<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE, Vol. 3, <strong>Issue</strong> 02/2008<br />
[14] de Wilde, B.: Anaerobic Digestion, bioplastics<br />
MAGAZINE, Vol 4., <strong>Issue</strong> 06/2009<br />
[15] ISO 14067 onb Corbon Footprint of<br />
Products<br />
[16] ISO 14021 on Self-declared Environmental<br />
claims<br />
[17] ISO 14044 on Life Cycle Assessment<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 45
Suppliers Guide<br />
1. Raw Materials<br />
AGRANA Starch<br />
Bioplastics<br />
Conrathstraße 7<br />
A-3950 Gmuend, Austria<br />
technical.starch@agrana.com<br />
www.agrana.com<br />
Jincheng, Lin‘an, Hangzhou,<br />
Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China<br />
China contact: Grace Jin<br />
mobile: 0086 135 7578 9843<br />
Grace@xinfupharm.comEurope<br />
contact(Belgium): Susan Zhang<br />
mobile: 0032 478 991619<br />
zxh0612@hotmail.com<br />
www.xinfupharm.com<br />
1.1 bio based monomers<br />
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.<br />
No.33 Kefeng Rd, Sc. City, Guangzhou<br />
Hi-Tech Ind. Development Zone,<br />
Guangdong, P.R. China. 510663<br />
Tel: +86 (0)20 6622 1696<br />
info@ecopond.com.cn<br />
www.ecopond.com.cn<br />
FLEX-162 Biodeg. Blown Film Resin!<br />
Bio-873 4-Star Inj. Bio-Based Resin!<br />
Simply contact:<br />
Tel.: +49 2161 6884467<br />
suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Stay permanently listed in the<br />
Suppliers Guide with your company<br />
logo and contact information.<br />
For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you<br />
can be present among top suppliers in<br />
the field of bioplastics.<br />
For Example:<br />
Showa Denko Europe GmbH<br />
Konrad-Zuse-Platz 4<br />
81829 Munich, Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 89 93996226<br />
www.showa-denko.com<br />
support@sde.de<br />
PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.<br />
info@pttmcc.com / www.pttmcc.com<br />
Tel: +66(0) 2 140-3563<br />
MCPP Germany GmbH<br />
+49 (0) 152-<strong>01</strong>8 920 51<br />
frank.steinbrecher@mcpp-europe.com<br />
MCPP France SAS<br />
+33 (0) 6 07 22 25 32<br />
fabien.resweber@mcpp-europe.com<br />
Corbion Purac<br />
Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21<br />
4200 AA Gorinchem -<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Tel.: +31 (0)183 695 695<br />
Fax: +31 (0)183 695 604<br />
www.corbion.com/bioplastics<br />
bioplastics@corbion.com<br />
62 136 Lestrem, France<br />
Tel.: + 33 (0) 3 21 63 36 00<br />
www.roquette-performance-plastics.com<br />
1.2 compounds<br />
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH<br />
Siemensring 79<br />
D - 47 877 Willich<br />
Tel. +49 2154 9251-0<br />
Tel.: +49 2154 9251-51<br />
sales@fkur.com<br />
www.fkur.com<br />
GRAFE-Group<br />
Waldecker Straße 21,<br />
99444 Blankenhain, Germany<br />
Tel. +49 36459 45 0<br />
www.grafe.com<br />
39 mm<br />
Polymedia Publisher GmbH<br />
Dammer Str. 112<br />
41066 Mönchengladbach<br />
Germany<br />
Tel. +49 2161 664864<br />
Fax +49 2161 631045<br />
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
DuPont de Nemours International S.A.<br />
2 chemin du Pavillon<br />
1218 - Le Grand Saconnex<br />
Switzerland<br />
Tel.: +41 22 171 51 11<br />
Fax: +41 22 580 22 45<br />
www.renewable.dupont.com<br />
www.plastics.dupont.com<br />
API S.p.A.<br />
Via Dante Alighieri, 27<br />
36065 Mussolente (VI), Italy<br />
Telephone +39 0424 579711<br />
www.apiplastic.com<br />
www.apinatbio.com<br />
Green Dot Bioplastics<br />
226 Broadway | PO Box #142<br />
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA<br />
Tel.: +1 620-273-8919<br />
info@greendotholdings.com<br />
www.greendotpure.com<br />
Sample Charge:<br />
39mm x 6,00 €<br />
= 234,00 € per entry/per issue<br />
Sample Charge for one year:<br />
6 issues x 234,00 EUR = 1,404.00 €<br />
The entry in our Suppliers Guide is<br />
bookable for one year (6 issues) and<br />
extends automatically if it’s not canceled<br />
three month before expiry.<br />
Tel: +86 351-8689356<br />
Fax: +86 351-8689718<br />
www.ecoworld.jinhuigroup.com<br />
ecoworldsales@jinhuigroup.com<br />
BIO-FED<br />
Branch of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH<br />
BioCampus Cologne<br />
Nattermannallee 1<br />
50829 Cologne, Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 221 88 88 94-00<br />
info@bio-fed.com<br />
www.bio-fed.com<br />
NUREL Engineering Polymers<br />
Ctra. Barcelona, km 329<br />
50<strong>01</strong>6 Zaragoza, Spain<br />
Tel: +34 976 465 579<br />
inzea@samca.com<br />
www.inzea-biopolymers.com<br />
www.facebook.com<br />
www.issuu.com<br />
www.twitter.com<br />
www.youtube.com<br />
Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe<br />
Polyester Co., Ltd.<br />
No. 316, South Beijing Rd. Changji,<br />
Xinjiang, 831100, P.R.China<br />
Tel.: +86 994 2713175<br />
Mob: +86 13905253382<br />
lilong_tunhe@163.com<br />
www.lanshantunhe.com<br />
PBAT & PBS resin supplier<br />
Global Biopolymers Co.,Ltd.<br />
Bioplastics compounds<br />
(PLA+starch;PLA+rubber)<br />
194 Lardproa80 yak 14<br />
Wangthonglang, Bangkok<br />
Thailand 10310<br />
info@globalbiopolymers.com<br />
www.globalbiopolymers.com<br />
Tel +66 81 9150446<br />
PolyOne<br />
Avenue Melville Wilson, 2<br />
Zoning de la Fagne<br />
5330 Assesse<br />
Belgium<br />
Tel.: + 32 83 660 211<br />
www.polyone.com<br />
46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12
Suppliers Guide<br />
1.6 masterbatches<br />
Tecnaro GmbH<br />
Bustadt 40<br />
D-74360 Ilsfeld. Germany<br />
Tel: +49 (0)7062/97687-0<br />
www.tecnaro.de<br />
1.3 PLA<br />
GRAFE-Group<br />
Waldecker Straße 21,<br />
99444 Blankenhain, Germany<br />
Tel. +49 36459 45 0<br />
www.grafe.com<br />
GRANCH BIOPACK CO., LTD<br />
Huanggang, Hubei, China<br />
Tel: +86-(0)713-4253230<br />
Robin.li@salesgh.com<br />
http://xsguancheng.en.alibaba.com<br />
Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey<br />
Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic<br />
Container Industry<br />
284 Pinebush Road<br />
Cambridge Ontario<br />
Canada N1T 1Z6<br />
Tel. +1 519 624 9720<br />
Fax +1 519 624 9721<br />
info@hallink.com<br />
www.hallink.com<br />
JIANGSU SUPLA BIOPLASTICS CO., LTD.<br />
Tel: +86 527 88278888<br />
WeChat: supla-168<br />
supla@supla-bioplastics.cn<br />
www.supla-bioplastics.cn<br />
Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co.,Ltd.<br />
No.97 Waisha Rd, Jiaojiang District,<br />
Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China<br />
Tel: +86-576-88827723<br />
pla@hisunpharm.com<br />
www.hisunplas.com<br />
PolyOne<br />
Avenue Melville Wilson, 2<br />
Zoning de la Fagne<br />
5330 Assesse<br />
Belgium<br />
Tel.: + 32 83 660 211<br />
www.polyone.com<br />
2. Additives/Secondary raw materials<br />
Minima Technology Co., Ltd.<br />
Esmy Huang, COO<br />
No.33. Yichang E. Rd., Taipin City,<br />
Taichung County<br />
411, Taiwan (R.O.C.)<br />
Tel. +886(4)2277 6888<br />
Fax +883(4)2277 6989<br />
Mobil +886(0)982-829988<br />
esmy@minima-tech.com<br />
Skype esmy325<br />
www.minima.com<br />
6.2 Laboratory Equipment<br />
MODA: Biodegradability Analyzer<br />
SAIDA FDS INC.<br />
143-10 Isshiki, Yaizu,<br />
Shizuoka,Japan<br />
Tel:+81-54-624-6260<br />
Info2@moda.vg<br />
www.saidagroup.jp<br />
7. Plant engineering<br />
1.4 starch-based bioplastics<br />
BIOTEC<br />
Biologische Naturverpackungen<br />
Werner-Heisenberg-Strasse 32<br />
46446 Emmerich/Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 (0) 2822 – 92510<br />
info@biotec.de<br />
www.biotec.de<br />
Grabio Greentech Corporation<br />
Tel: +886-3-598-6496<br />
No. 91, Guangfu N. Rd., Hsinchu<br />
Industrial Park,Hukou Township,<br />
Hsinchu County 30351, Taiwan<br />
sales@grabio.com.tw<br />
www.grabio.com.tw<br />
GRAFE-Group<br />
Waldecker Straße 21,<br />
99444 Blankenhain, Germany<br />
Tel. +49 36459 45 0<br />
www.grafe.com<br />
3. Semi finished products<br />
3.1 films<br />
Infiana Germany GmbH & Co. KG<br />
Zweibrückenstraße 15-25<br />
913<strong>01</strong> Forchheim<br />
Tel. +49-9191 81-0<br />
Fax +49-9191 81-212<br />
www.infiana.com<br />
4. Bioplastics products<br />
Natur-Tec ® - Northern Technologies<br />
42<strong>01</strong> Woodland Road<br />
Circle Pines, MN 55<strong>01</strong>4 USA<br />
Tel. +1 763.404.8700<br />
Fax +1 763.225.6645<br />
info@natur-tec.com<br />
www.natur-tec.com<br />
NOVAMONT S.p.A.<br />
Via Fauser , 8<br />
28100 Novara - ITALIA<br />
Fax +39.0321.699.6<strong>01</strong><br />
Tel. +39.0321.699.611<br />
www.novamont.com<br />
EREMA Engineering Recycling<br />
Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH<br />
Unterfeldstrasse 3<br />
4052 Ansfelden, AUSTRIA<br />
Phone: +43 (0) 732 / 3190-0<br />
Fax: +43 (0) 732 / 3190-23<br />
erema@erema.at<br />
www.erema.at<br />
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH<br />
Holzhauser Strasse 157–159<br />
D-13509 Berlin<br />
Tel. +49 30 43 567 5<br />
Fax +49 30 43 567 699<br />
sales.de@uhde-inventa-fischer.com<br />
Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG<br />
Via Innovativa 31, CH-7<strong>01</strong>3 Domat/Ems<br />
Tel. +41 81 632 63 11<br />
Fax +41 81 632 74 03<br />
sales.ch@uhde-inventa-fischer.com<br />
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com<br />
1.5 PHA<br />
TianAn Biopolymer<br />
No. 68 Dagang 6th Rd,<br />
Beilun, Ningbo, China, 315800<br />
Tel. +86-57 48 68 62 50 2<br />
Fax +86-57 48 68 77 98 0<br />
enquiry@tianan-enmat.com<br />
www.tianan-enmat.com<br />
Bio4Pack GmbH<br />
D-48419 Rheine, Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 (0) 5975 955 94 57<br />
info@bio4pack.com<br />
www.bio4pack.com<br />
President Packaging Ind., Corp.<br />
PLA Paper Hot Cup manufacture<br />
In Taiwan, www.ppi.com.tw<br />
Tel.: +886-6-570-4066 ext.5531<br />
Fax: +886-6-570-4077<br />
sales@ppi.com.tw<br />
6. Equipment<br />
6.1 Machinery & Molds<br />
9. Services<br />
Osterfelder Str. 3<br />
46047 Oberhausen<br />
Tel.: +49 (0)208 8598 1227<br />
Fax: +49 (0)208 8598 1424<br />
thomas.wodke@umsicht.fhg.de<br />
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de<br />
Metabolix, Inc.<br />
Bio-based and biodegradable resins<br />
and performance additives<br />
21 Erie Street<br />
Cambridge, MA 02139, USA<br />
US +1-617-583-1700<br />
DE +49 (0) 221 / 88 88 94 00<br />
www.metabolix.com<br />
info@metabolix.com<br />
BeoPlast Besgen GmbH<br />
Bioplastics injection moulding<br />
Industriestraße 64<br />
D-40764 Langenfeld, Germany<br />
Tel. +49 2173 84840-0<br />
info@beoplast.de<br />
www.beoplast.de<br />
Buss AG<br />
Hohenrainstrasse 10<br />
4133 Pratteln / Switzerland<br />
Tel.: +41 61 825 66 00<br />
Fax: +41 61 825 68 58<br />
info@busscorp.com<br />
www.busscorp.com<br />
Institut für Kunststofftechnik<br />
Universität Stuttgart<br />
Böblinger Straße 70<br />
7<strong>01</strong>99 Stuttgart<br />
Tel +49 711/685-62814<br />
Linda.Goebel@ikt.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 47
Suppliers Guide<br />
www.pu-magazine.com<br />
K2<strong>01</strong>6, hall 15,<br />
booth B27 / C 2 4 / C 27 / D2 4<br />
Engineering Passion<br />
05/2<strong>01</strong>6 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER<br />
www.kraussmaffei.com/experts<br />
Lightweight<br />
construction/<br />
Composites<br />
Automoti<br />
tive<br />
inte<br />
ri<br />
ors<br />
Surf<br />
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>> METERING MACHINES<br />
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69. Jahrgang, November 2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
We focus on solving your individual problems<br />
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consistency – that is what we provide.<br />
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Industriestraße 6, 86643 Rennertshofen (Germany)<br />
Phone +49 8434 9402-0, Fax +49 8434 9402-38<br />
info@kettlitz.com, www.kettlitz.com<br />
Plasticizers, Processing Aids<br />
Activators, Silanes<br />
Desiccants, Antitack Agents<br />
Heat Transfer Fluids<br />
Volume 11, November 2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
tpe-e modification<br />
hard-soft composites<br />
new styrene-ethylene copolymer<br />
low-density tpu foam<br />
polytriazines as fire/flame retardant synergists<br />
TPE-TPO<br />
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Volume 8, November 2<strong>01</strong>6<br />
narocon<br />
Dr. Harald Kaeb<br />
Tel.: +49 30-28096930<br />
kaeb@narocon.de<br />
www.narocon.de<br />
9. Services (continued)<br />
BPI - The Biodegradable<br />
Products Institute<br />
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415<br />
New York, NY 10<strong>01</strong>9, USA<br />
Tel. +1-888-274-5646<br />
info@bpiworld.org<br />
Michigan State University<br />
Dept. of Chem. Eng & Mat. Sc.<br />
Professor Ramani Narayan<br />
East Lansing MI 48824, USA<br />
Tel. +1 517 719 7163<br />
narayan@msu.edu<br />
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10.3 Other Institutions<br />
For Example:<br />
nova-Institut GmbH<br />
Chemiepark Knapsack<br />
Industriestrasse 300<br />
50354 Huerth, Germany<br />
Tel.: +49(0)2233-48-14 40<br />
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www.biobased.eu<br />
European Bioplastics e.V.<br />
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Tel. +49 30 284 82 350<br />
Fax +49 30 284 84 359<br />
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Green Serendipity<br />
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The Netherlands<br />
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www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
39 mm<br />
Bioplastics Consulting<br />
Tel. +49 2161 664864<br />
info@polymediaconsult.com<br />
10. Institutions<br />
10.1 Associations<br />
IfBB – Institute for Bioplastics<br />
and Biocomposites<br />
University of Applied Sciences<br />
and Arts Hanover<br />
Faculty II – Mechanical and<br />
Bioprocess Engineering<br />
Heisterbergallee 12<br />
30453 Hannover, Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 5 11 / 92 96 - 22 69<br />
Fax: +49 5 11 / 92 96 - 99 - 22 69<br />
lisa.mundzeck@hs-hannover.de<br />
www.ifbb-hannover.de/<br />
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POLYURETHANES MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL<br />
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Biobasierte Polyolformulierungen<br />
Fachmagazin für die Polymerindustrie<br />
Ersatz von RFL-Systemen<br />
Lkw-Reifenrecycling<br />
Devulkanisation von S-vernetztem SBR<br />
Kühlmittelbeständigkeit von<br />
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Magazine for the Polymer Industry<br />
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48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12<br />
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MATER-BI has unique,<br />
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It is biodegradable and compostable<br />
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www.innoplastsolutions.com/<br />
SPC BIOPLASTICS CONVERGE<br />
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Mention the promotion code ‘watch‘ or ‘book‘<br />
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [<strong>01</strong>/17] Vol. 12 49 57
Companies in this issue<br />
Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert<br />
Advanced Biochemical Thailand 12<br />
Agrana 46<br />
Aimplas 11<br />
Akzo Nobel 34<br />
API Appl. Plastiche Industriali 46<br />
AVA-CO2 20<br />
Avalon 20<br />
Avantium 6<br />
BASF 8, 36 9<br />
Beoplast 47<br />
Billerudkorsnas/Fiberform 8<br />
Bio4Pack 8 41, 47<br />
BioAmber 5<br />
Bio-Fed Zweign. der Akro-Plastic 46<br />
Biopolymer Network 40<br />
Biosilutions 33<br />
Biotec 8 9, 47<br />
BPI 22 48<br />
Braskem 8 9<br />
Bunzl 8<br />
Buss 35, 47<br />
CJ CheilJedang 5<br />
Coffee Company 8<br />
ColorFABB 35<br />
Corbion 8 9, 46<br />
Cryostore 34<br />
Cumapol 8<br />
Danimer Scientific 5<br />
DIN Certco 22<br />
Dr. Heinz Gupta Verlag 48<br />
DuPont Performance Materials 8 46<br />
Eindhoven Univ. 26<br />
Elix Polymers 16<br />
EPEA 34<br />
Erema 47<br />
European Bioplastics 8, 9, 22, 40 48<br />
Fiat 11, 18<br />
Fiat Chrysler Automobile 18<br />
FKuR 2, 46<br />
FNR 9<br />
Fraunhofer UMSICHT 32 47<br />
Frost & Sullivan 16<br />
Futamura 8<br />
GRABIO Greentech Corporation 47<br />
Grafe 46, 47<br />
Granch Biopack 47<br />
Green Dot Bioplastics 20 46<br />
Green Serendpity 8, 9 48<br />
Green source 11<br />
Greeny 34<br />
Hallink 47<br />
Holland Bioplastics 8<br />
Infiana Germany 47<br />
Inst. F. Bioplastics & Biocomposites 7, 26 48<br />
Inst. F. Food & Env. Research 32<br />
Inst. Of Chemical Engieers 12<br />
IsoBouw 34<br />
JEC 12<br />
Jinhui Zhaolong 46<br />
Kingfa 46<br />
Kuraray EVAL Europe 8<br />
K-Zeitung 9<br />
Lindar 6<br />
Liquid Light 6<br />
Loick Biowertstoffe 32<br />
Mazda 10<br />
Meredian 5<br />
Metabolix 47<br />
MHG 5<br />
Michigan State University 48<br />
Minima Technology 47<br />
Mitsubishi Chemical 10, 15<br />
narocon 48<br />
NatureWorks 8<br />
Natur-Tec 47<br />
Nile Univ. 28<br />
NNRGY 8<br />
nova-Institute 8 10, 25, 31, 48<br />
Novamont 22 47, 52<br />
Novon Polymers 22<br />
Nurel 46<br />
O‘Right 8<br />
Organic Waste Systems 22<br />
OWS 8<br />
packaging europe 9<br />
Photanol 21<br />
plasticker 9 11<br />
Plastics in Packaging 9<br />
Plastimar 34<br />
polymediaconsult 48<br />
PolyOne 46, 47<br />
President Packaging 47<br />
Procter & Gamble 22<br />
PTT/MCC 8 46<br />
Purdue Univ. 27<br />
RadiciGroup 18<br />
Renault 14<br />
Rodenburg 8<br />
Roquette 46<br />
Saida 47<br />
Scion 8, 40<br />
Seepje 8<br />
Showa Denko 7 46<br />
Singapore Univ. 30<br />
Smithers-Rapra 29<br />
Snyprodo 34<br />
Solaris 11<br />
Solegear 6<br />
Solvay Epicerol 12<br />
Storopack Deutschland 32<br />
Styropack 34<br />
Supla 47<br />
Sustainability Consult 9<br />
Sustainable Packaging Coalition 9<br />
Swak Experience 26<br />
Synbra Group 34<br />
Taghleef Industrie 8<br />
Tecnaro 47<br />
Termo Komfort 34<br />
Tetra Pak 38<br />
thinkstep 34<br />
TianAn Biopolymer 47<br />
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 47<br />
Univ. Cantabria 11<br />
Univ. Nottingham 28<br />
Univ. Stuttgart (IKT) 47<br />
VDI 121<br />
Vegware 27<br />
Vinçotte 5, 22<br />
Wyss Institute (Harvard) 30<br />
Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe Polyester 46<br />
Zandonella 34<br />
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 46<br />
Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials 38, 47<br />
<strong>Issue</strong><br />
Editorial Planner<br />
Month<br />
02/2<strong>01</strong>7 Mar<br />
Apr<br />
03/2<strong>01</strong>7 May<br />
Jun<br />
04/2<strong>01</strong>7 Jul<br />
Aug<br />
05/2<strong>01</strong>7 Sep<br />
Oct<br />
06/2<strong>01</strong>7 Nov<br />
Dec<br />
Publ.<br />
Date<br />
edit/ad/<br />
Deadline<br />
2<strong>01</strong>7<br />
03 Apr 17 05 Mar 17 Thermoforming<br />
Rigid Packaging<br />
05 Jun 17 05 May 17 Injection<br />
moulding<br />
Edit. Focus 1 Edit. Focus 2 Edit. Focus 3 Basics<br />
Bioplastics in<br />
agriculture /<br />
horticulture<br />
07 Aug 17 07 Jul 17 Blow Moulding Biocomposites<br />
incl. Thermoset<br />
02 Oct 17 <strong>01</strong> Sep 17 Fiber / Textile /<br />
Nonwoven<br />
04 Dec 17 03 Nov 17 Films/Flexibles/<br />
Bags<br />
Germany/Austria<br />
Switzerland<br />
Special<br />
“Biodegradability/<br />
compostability”-<br />
standards & certification<br />
Trade-Fair<br />
Specials<br />
interpack &<br />
Chinaplas<br />
preview<br />
Food packaging China Special FAQ (update) interpack &<br />
Chinaplas<br />
review<br />
Beauty &<br />
Healthcare<br />
Polyurethanes/<br />
Elastomers/<br />
Rubber<br />
Scandinavia<br />
Special<br />
North America<br />
Special<br />
Italy/France<br />
Special<br />
"biobased" - standards<br />
and certification<br />
(C14; mass balance)<br />
Land use for bioplastics<br />
(update)<br />
Blown film extrusion<br />
Composites<br />
Europe<br />
Preview<br />
Subject to changes
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BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE BIOPLASTIC<br />
CONTROLLED, innovative, GUARANTEED<br />
EcoComunicazione.it<br />
QUALITY OUR TOP PRIORITY<br />
Using the MATER-BI trademark licence<br />
means that NOVAMONT’s partners agree<br />
to comply with strict quality parameters and<br />
testing of random samples from the market.<br />
These are designed to ensure that films<br />
are converted under ideal conditions<br />
and that articles produced in MATER-BI<br />
meet all essential requirements. To date<br />
over 1000 products have been tested.<br />
THE GUARANTEE<br />
OF AN ITALIAN BRAND<br />
MATER-BI is part of a virtuous<br />
production system, undertaken<br />
entirely on Italian territory.<br />
It enters into a production chain<br />
that involves everyone,<br />
from the farmer to the composter,<br />
from the converter via the retailer<br />
to the consumer.<br />
USED FOR ALL TYPES<br />
OF WASTE DISPOSAL<br />
MATER-BI has unique,<br />
environmentally-friendly properties.<br />
It is biodegradable and compostable<br />
and contains renewable raw materials.<br />
It is the ideal solution for organic<br />
waste collection bags and is<br />
organically recycled into fertile<br />
compost.<br />
r8_03.2<strong>01</strong>6