Issue 05/2015

ISSN 1862‐5258
Sep / Oct
05 | 2015
Highlights
Fibres / Textiles| 12
Barrier materials | 36
Basics
Land use (update) | 48
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 10
News
PHA from sugar beet | 7
... is read in 92 countries

Back to nature
TELLUS ® urna
a personal farwell
TELLUS ® urna is a beautiful and personalized urn that has been made from Bio-Flex ® ,
a PLA-based compound. Thus, it consists of a large portion of renewable raw
materials and is biodegradable. A Swedish company, Millennium Design has
opted for this material as an alternative to conventional ones. In the end, the
product deteriorates in the ground. This allows a natural and also ecological
pass of mortal remains into the cycle of nature.
“It took me several months to find the right material. I searched for
a material that was both biodegradable and which could provide
a beautiful finish. The goal was to design and manufacture
a burial urn that is both ecological, universal and personal.”
Susanne Appel, designer & CEO, Millennium Design.
www.tellusurna.se
For more information visit
www.fkur.com
www.fkur-biobased.com

Editorial
dear
readers
Organising our first bio!CAR conference on biobased materials for automotive
applications in parallel with the COMPOSITES
EUROPE trade fair was an experiment – and it showed
us that there is room for improvement… All in all, however,
as the inaugural edition of a brand new conference,
bio!CAR 2015 was a success. Read more about
this event on page 8.
The first highlight topic of this issue is Fibres / Textiles
with a number of really interesting articles that run
the gamut from PLA twines to PLA‐fibre recycling,
from piezoelectric fibres to fibres in automotive applications,
and much more.
This edition also includes a comprehensive review of
the challenges and very latest developments regarding
Barrier issues. As the sheer number of articles
reveals, this is a highlight topic that obviously hits the
nerve of the packaging industry.
And because of the many people interested in
biobased plastics who are still concerned that
biobased materials production may compete for
land with food production, we once again address the Basics
topic of Land use. Independent experts confirm that, even with the expected
growth rates for bioplastics, there is more than enough agricultural land
available for both food/feed and materials.
bioplastics MAGAZINE is honoured to present the five finalists of the 10 th Global
Bioplastics Award on pages 10 – 11. The Bioplastics Oskar will be awarded
to the winner during the 10 th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin,
Germany on November 5 th , 2015.
As always, we’ve rounded up some of the most recent news items on materials
and applications in the present issue to keep you on top of the innovations
and ongoing advances in the world of bioplastics.
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 10
ISSN 1862-5258
News
PHA from sugar beet | 7
Sep / Oct
05 | 2015
Highlights
Fibres / Textiles| 12
Barrier materials | 36
Basics
Land use (update) | 48
... is read in 92 countries
Follow us on twitter!
www.twitter.com/bioplasticsmag
We hope you enjoy reading bioplastics MAGAZINE.
Sincerely yours
Michael Thielen
Like us on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/bioplasticsmagazine
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 3

Content
Imprint
05|2015
Sep / Oct
Materials
22 Key milestone for commercial
PHA production
16 PHA 3D printing filaments
28 New LCA
Award
10 The 10 th Bioplastics Award
Basics
48 Land Use (Update)
From Science & Research
18 How much bio is in there
Report
32 3D printing ‐ the sophisticated way
34 A “Made in Europe” Biorefinery
Fibres / Textiles
12 Efficiency boost in PA fibre recycling
13 QMilk fibres close to market launch
14 Improved PLA twines for horticulture
support
15 World’s first piezoelectric fabrics
for wearable devices
16 New biobased fibers for automotive
interior applications
Barrier
36 Barrier... but also biobased and
thermoformable
38 PLA and Cellulose based film laminates
40 Renewable material with superior
barrier performance
42 Cellulose based barrier solutions
44 Improvement of barrier properties on
PLA‐based packaging products
46 A multilayer cellulosic packaging with a
bio‐based barrier
3 Editorial
5 News
24 Material News
30 Application News
50 Glossary
54 Suppliers Guide
57 Event Calendar
58 Companies in this issue
Publisher / Editorial
Dr. Michael Thielen (MT)
Samuel Brangenberg (SB)
Karen Laird (KL)
Head Office
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Caroline Motyka
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fax: +49(0)2161 6884468
cm@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw Media Ltd
Media Sales Representative
phone: +44 (0) 1270 522130
mobile: +44 (0) 7983 967471
Layout/Production
Ulrich Gewehr (Dr. Gupta Verlag)
Max Godenrath (Dr. Gupta Verlag)
Print
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1004 Riga, Latvia
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Total print run: 3,500 copies
bioplastics magazine
ISSN 1862‐5258
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bioplastics MAGAZINE is read in
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daily upated news at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
News
New corporate identity for the Novamont group
“Today we greet the world with a new corporate image, that reflects the DNA of our values, celebrates our evolution over the
years into today’s Novamont, and demonstrates our desire to be promoters of change.”
With these words, Novamont CEO, Catia Bastioli opened the presentation of the new visual identity for Novamont and Mater‐Bi ® ,
the family of products which has made Novamont the world’s leading company in the bioplastics and biochemicals sector.
“We are now no longer a single company. After significant investments, we have become a group of companies, a network
of production and research sites, a sales network that stretches out across the globe and a major joint venture. We are now a
group that has its roots firmly in the local areas but its head in the world. Our new corporate image confirms our drive towards
continuous innovation, which has always been the driving force behind our development,” she added.
Designed by Lorenzo Marini Group, the new corporate image is a blue-green ribbon which wraps around itself in an upward
circular movement, representing the idea of a perpetual drive towards excellence in research, planet Earth and regeneration.
A perfect synthesis of the systemic approach with which Novamont is
revisiting the traditional production-consumption-disposal economic
model from a different standpoint, that of circular economy and supplychains,
with undoubted advantages for the environment and for local
areas.
Tilted sideways, the ribbon becomes the letter M, standing for Mater-Bi, the family of products developed through the
integration of chemistry, the environment and agriculture. The result of over 25 years of research and innovation and of around
1,000 patents, Mater-Bi can provide solutions to specific environmental problems, that of organic waste for example, marking
the present and the future of a truly sustainable development for both the environment and for society. Though different, the
two symbols can transmute into each other, signifying the strength of the bond between the original development model that
Novamont strives towards and the concreteness of demonstration, made possible by the case studies and the integrated supply
chains pioneered by Mater-Bi over the years.
Novamont research has spawned an international industrial reality with Italian roots, but also a platform for interdisciplinary
innovation of great potential, which is able to interconnect different worlds and catalyse new initiatives that can be replicated
in many other contexts.
“With our customary passion and our new brand identity, together with our partners and colleagues we are ready to face
a global market that can no longer ignore the essential and central role of natural resources for mankind”, Catia Bastioli
concluded. KL
www.novamont.com
New ASTM Standard on biodegradability
of plastics in water
Laboratories will soon be able to use a new ASTM International standard to test and better understand biodegradability
of plastics in marine environments. The new standard (soon to be published as D7991, Test Method for Determining Aerobic
Biodegradation of Plastics Buried in Sandy Marine Sediment Under Controlled Laboratory Conditions) provides ways to
simulate how plastics degrade in seawater-soaked sand.
According to ASTM member Francesco Degli Innocenti (director, ecology of products and environmental communication,
Novamont), the recent discovery of major contamination in the oceans has heightened interest in the biodegradability of
plastics. “The environment cannot cope with massive littering, whether it’s biodegradable or not,” says Innocenti, “However,
there are certain products prone to being lost at sea – such as fishing gear – that could have much less environmental impact
by being made with plastics that biodegrade quickly in that environment.”
The standard will provide specific test methods that determine biodegradation rates in different marine habitats simulated
in laboratories. Such tests will help establish parameters to develop plastics that ensure faster biodegradation. The standard
will also advance the understanding of biodegradation when unexpected or uncontrolled releases of plastics occur.
All interested parties are invited to join in the standards developing activities of Subcommittee D20.96 on Environmentally
Degradable Plastics and Biobased Products. In addition to continuing work on standards for biodegradation in water, the
subcommittee is working on proposed standards for biodegradation in soil. MT
www.astm.org
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 5

News
daily upated news at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Bioplastics Organisations Network Europe
(BON Europe) launched
The Bioplastics Organisations Network Europe (BON Europe) is a newly formed collaboration of national bioplastics
organizations from across Europe. BON Europe was launched in summer 2015 with the mission to connect initiatives around
the bioplastics industry on EU level and in the Member States.
The BON Europe partner organizations represent companies that produce, convert or use bioplastics that are biobased,
biodegradable or both, as well as upstream and downstream sectors, such as agriculture and waste management. The founding
members include: Belgian Bio Packaging (Belgium), Club Bio-plastiques (France), Der Verbund kompostierbare Produkte
(Germany), Holland Bioplastics (The Netherlands), and Nordisk Bioplastförening (Nordic countries). European Bioplastics
(EUBP) acts as the umbrella organization and coordinates the BON network.
“The main objective of BON Europe is to push for an economically and politically favorable landscape for bioplastics in
Europe”, says François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics. “This includes promoting legislative measures to encourage
market uptake and eco-design of products, equal access as well as use of responsibly sourced renewable raw materials, as
well as promoting an efficient waste management infrastructure throughout Europe that supports separate biowaste collection
and organic recycling.”
With a current production capacity of almost 1 % of global plastic production and a growth rate of at least 20 % per year,
bioplastics are an economically innovative sector that can drive economic development and employment in Europe. Bioplastics
can contribute to reduce Europe’s dependency on fossil resources and to reduce European greenhouse gas emissions by
driving the development of a biobased circular economy.
“Over the coming years, we will work together on answering vital questions and developing joint statements regarding
standardization, sourcing of biomass, end-of-life-options, and sustainability assessment of bioplastics in order to strengthen
our position in negotiations and lobbying activities on EU and Member State level and to achieve the best possible progress of
the industry”, says Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics. KL
www.european-bioplastics.org.
Newest report on bio-PET market
Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Bio-based Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Market
2015 – 2019” report to their offering. The analysts forecast the global bio-based PET market to grow at a CAGR of 68.25 % over
the period 2014 – 2019.
The report, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from various industry experts. The report
includes a comprehensive discussion on the market, an extensive coverage on various applications, and end-uses and
composition of bio-based PET. The report provides comments on both the existing market landscape and the growth prospects
in the coming years.
Raw materials constitute a major part of the production cost for manufacturers. Vendors are exposed to the volatile prices
and inconsistent availability of raw materials. To secure themselves from any kind of price or availability shocks, companies
often tend to forge long-term sourcing agreements or venture out into acquiring captive sources of raw materials. There is
also a growing trend of textile manufacturers acquiring strategic stakes in the supplier firms to have better control on quality
of input materials.
According to the report, strong advertising campaigns and promotional activities in the Cola sub-segment have helped
this category perform better than the other categories in the segment. Pricing activity will be a key factor in the future as
consumers opt for the best deals.
Further, the report states that volatility in prices of crude and petrochemical intermediaries such as PTA, which is a major
raw material in the production of bio-based PET, is one of the major challenges.MT
www.researchandmarkets.com
6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

News
Important milestones for PHA
Bologna, Italy-based Bio-on recently singed a number
of important contracts to further develop the technology
to produce PHAs. PHA, or polyhydroxyalkanoates, are
bioplastics that can replace a number of traditional
polymers currently made with petrochemical processes
using hydrocarbons. The PHAs developed by Bio-on
guarantee the same thermo-mechanical properties as
oil-based polymers with the advantage of being completely
naturally biodegradable.
PHA from sugar beet (France)
Bio-on and Cristal Union, a French cooperative sugar
producer signed an agreement end of July under which
France‘s first facility for the production of PHAs bioplastic
from sugar beet co-products will be built. The two
companies will work together to build a production site
with a 5,000 tonnes/year output to be subsequently be
expanded to 10,000 tonnes/year.
Requiring a 70 million Euro investment, the facility
will be located at a Cristal Union site and will be the
most advanced biopolymers production site in the world.
The new factory will create 50 new jobs specialized in
fermentation to produce this revolutionary bioplastic.
“We are investing in purchasing the license for this new
technology developed by Bio-on,” says Cristal Union CEO
Alain Commisaire, “because this all-natural bioplastic
is an extraordinary tool that can contribute towards the
growth of the French sugar industry, but with a modern,
eco-compatible and eco-sustainable approach”.
PHA from lignocellulose (Hawai‘i)
In early September an exclusive global research contract
between Bio-on and University of Hawai’i was signed to
further develop the technology to produce PHAs from
lignocellulosic materials derived from wood processing
waste and domestic or agricultural waste.
Bio-on will invest 1.4 million US-Dollars in the Manoa
(HI) laboratories for this project. The Hawai‘i Natural
Energy Institute, a research unit of the School of Ocean
and Earth Science & Technology (SOEST) at University of
Hawai’i at Manoa, will take the lead on the research. The
aim is to create an industrial process in which a wider
selection of waste products can serve as the feedstock for
the production of PHAs.
UH is “pleased to accept Bio-on‘s investment”
according to Robert Bley-Vroman, Chancellor of the
University of Hawai’i Manoa USA. The investment will
“make our scientists key players in the research into the
green chemical industry at global level,” he said. Bioon
Chairman Marco Astorri noted that the newly signed
contract makes the research conducted in the USA on
behalf of Bio-on one of the highest-level collaborations
in existence. “We are committing our funding and our
technicians to support UH scientists in the technological
expansion of the high performing biopolymers produced
with Bio-on technology,” he declared.
PHA from sugar cane (Brazil)
The Brazilian investment company Moore Capital
signed a license agreement with Bio-on in mid September
to build the first Brazil-based facility to produce PHAs
bioplastic from sugar cane co-products.
Requiring an 80 million Euro investment, the new facility
will have an annual production capacity of around 10,000
tonnes of PHA, and be located in either São Paulo or Acre
State. According to the two companies, the new plant will
become the most advanced biopolymers production site in
South America.
“We will create Brazil‘s first PHAs production facility
with a company attentive to ecology and sustainability -
two key ingredients of the chemical industry of the future,”
explained Marco Astorri. The PHA produced at the new
facility will be based on agricultural waste, such as from
sugar cane.
“We have decided to use Bio-on technology,” says Otávio
Pacheco, Management Partner of Moore Capital, “because
it represents an exceptional opportunity for industrial
development in Brazil. This is why we have decided to
invest 5.5 million Euro in acquiring the production license
and another 80 million in constructing the first facility”.
Moore Capital also has an option to build a second plant
in Brazil.
The new production hub will create 60 new jobs, plus
allied industries. Its backers say that it will help to meet
the high demand for this revolutionary biopolymer already
coming in from numerous plastics processors in Brazil.
Bio-on has said that going forward, the company would
also be looking at how to further develop the business of
the high-performing biopolymers produced in Brazil with
Bio-on technology in South America. MT
www.bio-on.it · www. www.cristal-union.fr
www.manoa.hawaii.edu/miro · www.moorecapital.com.br
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 7

Events
Successful debut of
bio!CAR conference
With a combined attendance of around 70 participants,
the inaugural bio!CAR conference, organized by bioplastics
MAGAZINE together with the nova-Institute,
can truly be termed a success. The new conference, which
focussed exclusively on biobased materials in automotive engineering,
was launched in Stuttgart, Germany on 24 and 25
September, within the framework of COMPOSITES EUROPE
2015. bio!CAR attracted attendees representing the entire
value chain, ranging from raw materials producers to OEMs,
Tier 1 and other suppliers.
The theme of the bio!CAR conference aimed to reflect
the trend towards the increasing use of biobased polymers
and natural fibres in the automotive industry: more and
more manufacturers and suppliers are betting on biobased
alternatives derived from renewable raw materials such as
wood, flax, jute, sisal, cotton or coir, used as reinforcement
materials, as well as reinforced or unreinforced, but biobased
thermoplastics, thermoset or chemical building blocks.
According to the Hürth-based nova-Institute, the European
car industry processed approximately 80,000 tonnes (2012) of
wood and natural fibres into composites. The total volume of
bio-based composites in automotive engineering was 150,000
tonnes.
Bioplastics are equally useful for premium applications
in the auto sector. Castor oil-based polyamides are used in
high-performance components, polylactic acid (PLA) in door
panels, soy-based foams in seat cushions and arm rests, and
biobased epoxy resins in composites.
The bio!CAR conference was filled with a host of expert
presentations on the latest developments, the overall market
situation and the legal frameworks in the field of biobased
materials. Today’s portfolio of these materials ranges from
the conventional plastics filled or reinforced with sophisticated
natural-fibre products to the biobased, drop-in plastics, such
as castor oil-based polyamides, biobased epichlorohydrin for
epoxy resins or biobased EPDM elastomers. And although
one speaker commented that these drop-ins were ‘kind
of boring because they cannot be differentiated from their
fossil-based counterparts’, the majority of attendees agreed
that the fact that these drop-ins are partly or fully biobased
represents a significant advantage. Novel bioplastics, such as
furfuryl alcohol or isosorbide-based bio-polycarbonate, were
also featured.
During a panel discussion, the conference discussed the
questions: “The future of automobile interior parts – Light
weight, easy to recycle, biobased or even biodegradable?
Where does the journey go?”. One aspect that emerged in
the discussion was that performance and sustainability are
key. “Not biobased for the sake of biobased only,” as Maira
Magnani (Ford) put it.
The Get-Together sponsored by bioplastics MAGAZINE
and Fraunhofer WKI afforded attendees the opportunity to
meet and mingle close to the exhibited Bioconcept Car, a
race car that includes a number of different bioplastic and
biocomposite parts.
In addition to the highly acclaimed (by delegates, speakers
and exhibitors) conference, all attendees had free access
to the COMPOSITES EUROPE trade show, which included
a special Biobased Composites Pavilion, featuring over 20
exhibitors. MT
www.bio-car.info
8 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

io CAR
says
THANK YOU...
...to all of the attendees, sponsors, and speakers
who participated in bio!car 2015
www.bio-car.info
supported by
co‐orgnized by
in cooperation with
Media Partner
VK

Award
The Bioplastics
Oskar
Finalists for
the 10 th Global
Bioplastics Award
bioplastics MAGAZINE is honoured
to present the five finalists
for the 10 th Global Bioplastics
Award. Five judges from the academic
world, the press and industry
associations from America, Europe
and Asia have again reviewed many
really interesting proposals. On
these two pages we present details
of the five most promising submissions.
The Global Bioplastics Award
recognises innovation, success and
achievements by manufacturers,
processors, brand owners, or
users of bioplastic materials. To
be eligible for consideration in
the awards scheme the proposed
company, product, or service must
have been developed or have been
on the market during 2014 or 2015.
The following companies/
products are shortlisted (without any
ranking) and from these five finalists
the winner will be announced
during the 10 th European Bioplastics
Conference on November 5 th , 2015
in Berlin, Germany.
Alki (France)
Kuskoa Bi –
the first bioplastic chair
The comfortable and generouslysized
Kuskoa Bi, designed by Jean Louis
Iratzoki is the first chair on the market
to be manufactured in bioplastic. This
biobased polymer is fully recyclable
and its production gives rise to a
significant environmental advantage as
it reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Its particularly enveloping shell, that
has classic simple lines reminiscent of
those seen in the Eames’ DAW Chair, is
cut out in such a way as to optimize back
and arm support, is delicately placed on
a solid wood trestle. A version in a soft
wool‐based upholstery is also available.
The bioplastic used to manufacture the
Kuskoa Bi shell is based on PLA, made
from plant‐based renewable resources
(corn starch, sugarcane, natural fibres,
etc.). It is a fully recyclable material
that has a significant environmental
advantage as it reduces greenhouse gas
emissions.
“We are very much aware that
everything we do, whether as individuals
or groups, has a direct impact on the
surrounding environment,” says Alki’s
artistic director Jean Louis Iratzoki.
This is why the oak used comes from
sustainably managed forests and
most of their upholstery is made from
natural materials (wool, natural fibres,
linoleum, etc.). The approach to the new
project is no different.
Eki Solorzano (Alki’s media
representative): “True to our principles,
we wanted to participate in this
sustainable development approach by
breaking new ground with the pioneering
manufacture of a bioplastic chair.”
www.alki.fr
Tetra Pak (Italy)
Tetra Rex ® Bio‐based ‐ The
world’s first fully renewable
package
Within their ten year business plan
for the environment, this year, Tetra Pak
achieved a significant milestone with
the launch of Tetra Rex Bio‐based, the
world’s first fully renewable liquid food
carton package — solely produced from
renewable, recyclable and traceable
FSC certified packaging and bio‐based
plastic derived entirely from sugarcane
(Braskem’s bio‐PE).
In 2007 Tetra Pak launched the world’s
first FSC labelled cartons. By 2014,
130 Billion FSC labelled packages had
reached consumers. In 2011, caps made
from certified and traceable sugar cane
(bio‐PE) were introduced and within a
year 1 billion bio‐based caps had been
featured on Tetra Pak packages sold
worldwide.
The next step was to combine this
development of certified paperboard
and bio‐plastic into the world’s first
fully renewable carton. This ambition
culminated in the commercial launch
of Tetra Rex Bio‐based in January 2015.
The package is unique within the
industry as it is manufactured solely
from plastics derived from sugar cane
and FSC certified paperboard. As such,
it is fully renewable, fully recyclable
and entirely traceable to source. The
low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) used
to create the laminate film for the
packaging material and the neck of the
opening, together with the high‐density
polyethylene (HDPE) cap, are all derived
from sugar cane.
The product hit shelves first in
Scandinavia and customers reported
that consumer feedback was extremely
positive.
www.tetrapak.com
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Award
MHG Meredia Holdings Group (USA)
First biodegradable fishing lures
MHG strives to create a greener
tomorrow with renewable, sustainable,
biodegradable, and toxin free bioplastics
for people at work and at home. MHG’s
biopolymer resins have helped create a
healthier product marketplace for over
a decade.
MHG recently presented the first
ever certified biodegradable freshwater
fishing lure, which is being produced by
the famous tackle company, Bill Lewis
Lures, the maker of Rat‐L‐Trap. The
new Rat‐L‐Traps is made out of pure
MHG PHA bioplastic.
“Fishing is a seventy three billion
dollar industry and the freshwater
division makes up eighty two percent of
it,” remarked Paul Pereira, CEO of MHG.
“Partnering with Rat‐L‐Trap to make
these popular lures in a biodegradable
form is a big step in reducing plastic
pollution produced by the fishing
industry.”
In addition to performance, there has
been positive feedback regarding the
pilot production of the PHA Rat‐L‐Traps,
including its ability to weld together
better than the traditional plastic that’s
been used. There have been no known
production complications to date. “The
PHA has a lot of potential and I am
very excited about what we’ve seen so
far,” stated Wes Higgins, President of
Bill Lewis Lures, the company who
produces Rat‐L‐Traps. “I’m honored to
have our name associated with research
that could lead to conservation of our
fishing resources.”
Bill Lewis Lures is the producer of the
Original Rat‐L‐Trap lipless crankbait.
The Rat‐L‐Trap has been referred to as
“The Most Influential Fishing Lure” of
all time in Outdoor Life’s Hall of Fame
Fishing Lures article.
www.mhgbio.com
Mitsubishi
Chemical Corp. and Sharp Corp. (Japan)
Crack resistant bio‐based
plastic smartphone screen
Sharp Corporation (Osaka, Japan)
has chosen Mitsubishi Chemical’
(MCC) biobased engineering plastic
DURABIO for the front panel of its new
smartphone, the AQUOS CRYSTAL 2. The
choice marks a world‐first as bio‐based
engineering plastic has ever been used
on the front panel of any smartphone.
Most front panels of smartphones are
made of glass, and their susceptibility to
cracking has been an ongoing problem.
This has led manufacturers to consider
polycarbonate and other plastics for the
front panels because of their light weight
and increased durability compared to
glass. Unfortunately, some traditionally
available plastics offered excellent optical
properties, but were more prone to
cracking upon impact, while others that
were impact‐resistant tended to have poor
optical properties. Therefore, as there was
a need for considerable improvement
in the plastics, the vast majority of
smartphone manufacturers relied on
glass for the front panels of their phones.
MCC‐developed Durabio is a biobased
engineering plastic made from
plant‐derived isosorbide, which features
excellent performance as it offers higher
resistance to impact, heat, and weather
than conventional engineering plastics.
In addition, it has excellent transparency
and low optical distortion.
Conventional Polycarbonate is crackresistant
but not scratch resistant,
whereas PMMA is scratch resistant but
not crack‐resistant. Durabio is both
scratch resistant and crack‐resistant
and it has no yellowing (aging) effect,
like conventional plastics
This application shows that this
bioplastic offers superior performance
characteristics for a durable application
in addition to its renewable source.
www.m‐kagaku.co.jp
A. Schulman Castellon (Spain)
A novel bioresin for compostable
flexible tubes in cosmetics
A. Schulman, together with the
consortium of companies formed by
Germaine de Capuccini, Petroplast,
and the Ainia‐Aimplas alliance, has
successfully developed the first
biodegradable flexible tube for cosmetic
products. In particular, the A. Schulman’s
R&D team suceeded in finding the
appropriate compostable material to
replace conventional polyethylene in
flexible packaging tubes for cosmetics.
The new bioresin is a reinforced
biopolymers alloy, obtained by reactive
extrusion, which can be particularly
processed into a tube using conventional
extrusion blow moulding equipment.
The new bioresin was produced by
reactive extrusion using a blend of
commercially available biopolymers in
A. Schulman compounding facilities.
This mainly includes PLA, PBAT, PHAs,
and PBS. Twin‐screw extrusion was the
methodology to prepare the bioresin
as it represents an ideal compounding
strategy for the preparation of polymer
blends, since it delivers more mixing
and dispersion energy than is provided
by conventional single‐screw extruders.
The new biodegradable packaging
meets the main requirements of the
materials frequently used in flexible tubes
manufactured for the cosmetic industry:
• Presents sufficient flexibility to facilitate
product dosage (squeeze tubes).
• Preserves the properties of beauty
products for over two years
• Offers chemical resistance and compatibility
with the packaged product
• Can be processed by extrusion blow
molding (tube) and injection molding
(caps)
• Sealing stability over time and suitable
for printing
www.aschulman.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 11

Fibers & Textiles
Efficiency boost
in PLA fibre
recycling
www.erema.at
Figure 1: The newly developed Counter Current core technology of the
INTAREMA ® generation offers major benefits for temperaturesensitive
plastics such as PLA
Figure 2: With Counter Current technology capacity remains at a
constantly high level over a much broader temperature range
Throughput
With Counter Current technology
Without Counter Current technology
Temperature inside Preconditioning Unit
PATENTED
Thanks to the new INTAREMA ® plant generation
launched by EREMA (Ansfelden,
Austria) in 2013, bioplastics can now be recycled
far more efficiently than before. The processing
benefits with fibres are particularly notable.
These are due above all to the innovative
technologies of the preconditioning unit and the
new Counter Current core technology.
Fibres offer a large surface area for dirt and
moisture to adhere to – PLA fibres in particular
are hygroscopic and extremely sensitive to
moisture. In order to protect PLA from hydrolytic
degradation in the course of mechanical
recycling, moisture has to be removed early
on – ideally prior to extrusion. This takes place
in the preconditioning unit of the new Intarema
systems where the material is cut, homogenised,
degassed, heated, dried and additionally
compacted. Due to the low specific weight the
compacting is particularly important so the
extruder can subsequently be fed continuously.
Dr. Gerold Breuer, Erema Head of Marketing
& Business Development explains: The multifunctional
treatment in our recycling system
is so effective that the cut and dried PLA fibres
can be melted, filtered and then pelletised in the
extruder with minimal shear stress. We know
from rheological measurements of recycled
materials that the valuable polymer structure is
retained and there is no viscosity degradation.
The newly developed Counter Current core
technology of the Intarema generation offers
benefits for temperature-sensitive plastics such
as PLA. Counter Current shows its strengths in
the border area between the preconditioning
unit and tangentially connected extruder. Inside
the preconditioning unit the rotation of the rotor
disc which is equipped with tools forms a rotating
spout so that the material is circulating the whole
time (fig. 1). In the Counter Current system this
material spout – unlike the previous technical
standard – moves against the direction of the
extruder. As a result, the relative speed of the
material in the intake zone, i. e. when passing
from the preconditioning unit to the extruder,
increases to such an extent that the extruder
screw acts in the same way as a cutting edge
which now cuts the plastic. The result of this
inverse tangential configuration: the extruder
handles more material in a shorter time. Thanks
to this improved material intake, capacity is not
only increased, it also stays at a constantly high
level (fig. 2) over a much broader temperature
range. The operation range for optimum system
capacity has thus been extended considerably. In
addition to this there is also greater flexibility in
the selection of the optimum operation point. This
is of particular advantage when processing very
(temperature-) sensitive materials and especially
very light materials with low energy content such
as PLA fibres or thin packaging films.
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Fibers & Textiles
QMilk fibres close
to market launch
QMILK fibre is a 100 % natural and renewable textile fibre made of nonmarketable
milk and produced using an eco-friendly process. The
textile fibre is multifunctional, antibacterial, compostable and flame
retardant. Qmilk fibre has a natural, silk-like quality and very good color
absorbency.
Founded in 2011, Qmilch GmbH (Hanover, Germany) now boasts 20
employees who work in a two-shift system; the company operates a
production line with an annual capacity of 1,000 tonnes. Now getting ready to
enter the market with the first fibres the initial focus will be in the technical
sector, followed by the clothing and home textile industry.
As Qmilk fibres are made from casein, they are characterized by their
protein composition. Casein is similar to sheep wool in its structure.
However, unlike in wool keratin, there are no sulfate bridges. Just like wool,
Qmilk fibres have a better thermal insulation capacity than cellulose fibres.
“It is quite important to have knowledge of the general chemical properties
and possibilities for implementation to understand the mode of reaction and
behavior of Qmilk fibres,” says Anke Domaske, founder and CEO of Qmilch.
Casein is a globular protein and consists — in addition to aminodicarboxylic
acids — of diaminocarboxylic acids and cystine. Hence casein exhibits (in
analogy to keratin) amphoteric properties and can bind acids and bases to
form salts.
Even if Qmilk fibres are made from regenerated proteins, they are not
regenerated protein fibres, simply because the proteins were not present in
the form of fibres and can therefore not be regenerated from fibres. In fact,
the proteins are formed into fibres only after they have been dissolved, in the
course of which their initial morphology is destroyed.
Qmilk is not a thermoplastic, but belongs structurally to the thermosets.
This means no fixed melting point of the material can be detected. Therefore,
it shows a high fire protection classification (B1-B2, DIN 4102-1 and DIN
75200) and is not electrostatic. The molecular weights are found in a range
from several thousand to several million units. No spin finishing needs to be
applied during manufacturing.
In comparison to cellulose fibres, Qmilk fibres are highly alkali sensitive,
yet with a greater acid resistance. The fibre can therefore be readily stained
with wool dyes in the acidic range. Qmilk fibres are easily dyeable in the
spinning process, as well as yarn and piece dyed. The fibres can be used in
textile fibre blends, as well as in 100 % Qmilk textiles. The colour crystals
of the milk protein casein provide exceptional colour brilliance. Spun-dyed
processes in particular offer high colour strengths, because the pigment is
incorporated directly into the polymer matrix.
Qmilk uses a side stream of the food industry. About 2 million tonnes of
milk are annually discarded in Germany alone (worldwide about 100 million
tonnes) because they do not meet the legal requirements as a food. The
CO 2
emitted during the production of this non-food milk is bound, as the
milk is further processed into a high quality raw material. The feedstock is
abundant: now that the European milk quota legislation (1984 until March
2015) has been abolished, the production of milk – including all unavoidable
byproducts or waste streams – continues to rise.
Qmilk can be produced from contaminated milk products, process water
in the dairy industry or expired milk. MT
www.qmilk.eu
Fibres exiting the dies
Staple fibres
The fibres are getting texturised
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 13

Fibers & Textiles
Improved PLA twines
for horticulture support
For the growth of a large number of crops in horticulture
support is used in the form of wires. These
so called twines support the fruit and vegetable
plants and should be able to carry a fully grown plant.
Normally polypropylene twines are used in horticulture.
A considerable disadvantage of polypropylene twines is
the waste management after the harvest. The remaining
of the plant including the polypropylene twines is
discarded as waste; however, due to the mixed character
it is impossible to qualify this waste as compost.
Therefore, it is treated as normal waste and is incinerated
or collected and transported to a landfill. Separating
the twines from the plant waste is often too time
consuming and therefore expensive.
The incentive to develop a compostable twine is
2-fold:
• It is cheaper for the grower to dispose his waste,
separation is not necessary.
• Plant waste and twines can be collected and
composted, i. e., less landfill/incineration.
There are already biodegradable alternatives
available in the form of natural fibers (jute, sisal, flax,
hemp); however, these twines tend to degrade too fast
and loose their strength during cultivation and are
therefore not suitable for the growth of all crops.
The development of a compostable twine which can
replace polypropylene twines is challenging. The twine
should have enough tenacity for a period up to 12 months.
Moreover, the twine should survive a high relative humidity,
temperatures above 50 °C and should not be susceptible
to preliminary degradation. Twines that are used outside
should withstand direct sunlight (UV) as well.
PLA is the most suitable raw material from an
economic and technical point of view: it is relatively
cheap, compostable and UV stable. However, PLA suffers
from creep behavior: at a tension below break level it
will elongate until a premature break occurs. This creep
behavior is more pronounced at elevated temperatures
and at higher relative humidities.
The most challenging task was to develop a PLA twine
without the creep behavior. Applied Polymer Innovations
API (Emmen, The Netherlands) succeeded in this task.
The customized melt spin process, is therefore patent
pending. In the graph below the results of a stress test are
shown: the newly developed GreenTwine performs 3 times
better than other PLA based twines.
GreenTwine is currently in the pilot phase and field
tests in the USA, Mexico, Canada, Israel, Finland and
The Netherlands are in progress. The twine is tested
on peppers, eggplants, cucumber and tomatoes. After
evaluation of the field tests Applied Polymer Innovations
will launch the product on the market. MT
api-institute.com
Figure 1: GreenTwine with improved properties as compared to
conventional types.
Figure 2: Field test; GreenTwine as a support for tomatoes
100
90
80
70
Standard PLA yarn
GreenTwine
Creep (%)
60
50
40
30
20
Commercially available
PLA based twine
10
0
0 5 10
Time (h)
15 20
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Fibers & Textiles
World’s first piezoelectric
fabrics for wearable devices
Kansai University (Osaka, Japan) and Teijin Limited (headquartered
in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan) announced earlier
this year that Professor Yoshiro Tajitsu, Faculty of Engineering
Science, Kansai University, and Teijin have developed
the world’s first polylactic acid (PLA) fiber- and carbon-fiberbased
piezoelectric fabrics.
The new piezoelectric fabrics combine Teijin’s polymer and
textile technologies – a Teijin growth strategy to integrate key
existing materials and businesses – with Prof. Tajitsu’s worldleading
knowledge of piezoelectric materials. Development
was supervised by Prof. Tajitsu at Kansai University, with
technological cooperation provided by the Industrial
Technology Center of Fukui Prefecture.
The fabrics comprise a piezoelectric poly-L-lactic acid
(PLLA) and carbon fiber electrode. Plain, twill and satin weave
versions were produced for different applications: plain weave
detects bending, satin weave detects twisting, and twill weave
detects shear and three-dimensional motion, as well as
bending and twisting.
contains lead, applications are being increasingly limited by
the EU directive that restricts the use of certain hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a well-known piezoelectric
polymer. However, it is limited to use in sensors and such, and
it is not suited to industrial-level manufacturing because it
requires poling treatment and exhibits pyroelectricity.
In 2012, Kansai University and Teijin developed a flexible,
transparent piezoelectric film by alternately laminating PLLA
and optical isomer poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA). The all-new
wearable piezoelectric fabric announced in January is the
newest application of this technology. MT
www.teijin.com
www.kansai-u.ac.jp/English/
CAD data can immediately reflect the folding of a piezoelectric fabric.
New piezoelectric fabrics (from left: plain weave, twill weave and
satin weave)
The sensing function, which can detect arbitrary
displacement or directional changes, incorporates Teijin’s
weaving and knitting technologies. The function allows fabric
to be applied to the actuator or sensor to detect complicated
movements, even three-dimensional movements.
Kansai University and Teijin introduced the new piezoelectric
fabric at the 1 st Wearable Expo (Tokyo, January 2015).
Kansai University and Teijin will continue working on ideal
weaves and knits for fabric applications that enable elaborate
human actions to be monitored simply via clothing worn by
people. Such applications are expected to contribute to the
evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) in fields ranging
from elderly care to surgery, artisanal techniques to space
exploration, and many others.
Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain dielectric materials
to generate an electric charge in response to mechanical
stress. It also has the opposite effect – the application of
electric voltage produces mechanical strain in the materials.
Both of these effects can be measured, making piezoelectric
materials effective for both sensors and actuators.
Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) has practical piezoelectric
applications in industry, but as a ceramic material it lacks
transparency and flexibility. In addition, because PZT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 15

Fibers & Textiles
New biobased fibres
for automotive
interior applications
The automotive sector currently generates large volumes
of solid waste, particularly at the end of the
vehicle’s life. By replacing different (petroleumbased)
plastic textile components by more environmentally
friendly solutions, the industry is trying to reduce its
environmental impact as well as to add new, value‐adding
functionalities to new products.
In this context, the BIOFIBROCAR project (funded within
the scope of the 7 th European Framework Programme)
was initiated to explore the feasibility of substituting the
polyester (PET) and polypropylene (PP) fibres currently
applied in car interiors, by PLA‐based fibres. The duration
of the project, which was successfully completed in
June 2015, was 30 months. Nine partners (four research
institutions: Aimplas, Aitex, STFI and ITA, and five SMEs:
Addcomp Holland, Avanzare Innovación Tecnológica,
Perchados Textiles, Weyermann and Canatura) from three
different countries (Spain, Germany and the Netherlands)
made up the project consortium.
Requirements and limitations in the
automotive industry
An average car uses approximately 40 to 50 m 2 of fabric,
which weighs an estimated 9 to 10 kg. Textile fibres are
incorporated into many components, including tires, seat
belts, hoses, interior panels, upholstery, sandwich panels
for passive safety and impact absorption, composites and
many others. According to different studies, the typical
composition of a car by material is approximately 65 %
steel, 6 % aluminium, 10 % plastic, 6 % rubber and 13 %
other materials, such as glass or fibres, which yield too
much waste.
One of the solutions proposed by the project to reduce
the quantity of waste or improve the recyclability of
the different components has been the substitution of
different polyester/polypropylene woven and non‐woven
fabrics found in a vehicle interior, by novel PLA‐based
fibres developed using melt spinning techniques.
1. Sun roofs
2. Roofs
3. Folding roofs
4. Sun blinds
5. Fuel filters
6. Column guards
7. Transmission tunnels
8. Batteries
9. Belts and hoses
10. Composites
11. Air bags
12. Seat belt anchors
13. Seat belts
14. Boot lining
15. Boot flooring
16. Exhaust pipes
17. Tyres
18. Roof interiors
19. Bodywork
20. Seats
21. Upholstery
22. Insulation
23. Window frames
24. Doors
25. Filters
26. Fuel tanks
27. Floor mats
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Fibers & Textiles
By:
Amparo Verdú Solís
Extrusion Department Researcher
AIMPLAS (Technological Institute of Plastics)
Paterna, Spain
PLA has good characteristics, many
of them comparable or even better than
those of conventional plastics derived from
petroleum, which it makes suitable for a
variety of uses. In comparison to PET and
PP, which are the fibres mostly used at the
moment in car interiors, PLA fibre meets
almost all performance specifications of
this application.
The main limitation of conventional PLA
is its thermal resistance; PLA softens at a
temperature of around 52 °C, which limits its
use in applications that require temperature
resistance under pressure and conditions
of environmental and chemical stress. The
interior temperature in modern cars can
easily exceed 80 °C on hot summer days.
Melting temperature (°C)
Modulus (GPa)
260
250
220
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
PCL
PCL
Biopolyester
Biopolyester
PHF
PHF
PLA
PLA
PLA blends
PLA blends
Starch blends
Starch blends
Cellulose
derivatives
Cellulose
derivatives
PE-HD
PE-HD
PP
PP
ABS
ABS
PET
PET
PS
PS
PA 6
PA 6
Project development and results
Throughout the project, different
approaches were followed in the quest to
achieve a material with the desired properties.
Aimplas, with Addcomp and Avanzare
contribution, developed a compound
that is able to fulfill the requirements for
automotive interior applications, including
such aspects as thermal resistance, fogging,
odour emissions, VOCs and antimicrobial
resistance.
The PLA blend formulation and the
processing conditions were key factors
that determined the performance of the
materials, since it has been proven that
crystallization of PLA plays a very important
role in the thermal resistance of this
material. It proved possible to increase the
softening temperature from 57 °C to 102 °C,
without compromising the viscosity of the
material, which could then be processed by
extrusion melt spinning in order to obtain
the fibers.
These fibers were succesfuly converted
into fabrics and non-woven samples in order
to obtain a final prototype of a moulded door
panel. Two non-woven layers and a woven
fabric were combined into a composite
consisting of 100% bio-based material.
www.biofibrocar.aitex.es
www.aimplas.es
Tensile strength (MPa)
Vicat (°C)
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
PCL
PCL
Biopolyester
Biopolyester
PHF
PHF
PLA
PLA
PLA blends
PLA blends
Starch blends
Starch blends
Cellulose
derivatives
Cellulose
derivatives
PE-HD
PE-HD
PP
PP
ABS
ABS
PET
PET
PS
PS
PA 6
PA 6
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 17

From Science & Research
How much bio is in there?
Can stable isotopes be used to determine
the bio-based content of products?
By:
Lambertus van den Broek, Maarten van der Zee
Wageningen UR Food & Biobased Research
Grishja van der Veer
RIKILT Wageningen UR
Wageningen, The Netherlands
Resource supply and environmental aspects are considered
to be of increasing importance to industrial
production. Products like building blocks, intermediates,
materials and chemicals based on renewable
resources can contribute to both economically and ecologically
efficient solutions. Therefore, it is of interest to
determine and communicate information on the content
of biomass resources of an individual product. Currently,
the bio-based content of products is usually determined
on the basis of the quantification of 14 C carbon (radiocarbon
dating). This is based on the radio-active decay of 14 C,
which can be used to estimate the age of organic materials
up to roughly 60,000 years. Radiocarbon dating for
estimating the bio-based content is based on the near absence
of 14 C in fossil-based materials such as oil and gas,
whereas bio-based materials contain modern concentrations
of 14 C. These methods focus on carbon, and consequently
only determine the bio-based carbon content,
thereby neglecting the fact that bio-based products also
contain large quantities of other elements, like oxygen, nitrogen
and hydrogen. Consequently, measured bio-based
carbon content can deviate significantly (higher as well as
lower) from the actual biomass content (table 1).
Stable isotope approach
Previous studies have hinted towards the potential
application of stable isotope analysis as an additional
means to determine the bio-based content of materials
and products. This relies on the observation that the
stable isotope composition of some bio-based materials
and products is on average different from that of their
fossil-based analogues. For example, the carbon isotope
ratio (δ 13 C) reported for bio-ethanol from maize has delta
values between -13 and -11 ‰, whereas synthetic ethanol
has delta values varying between -32 and -25 ‰. Although
no stable isotope based methods have been used for
determination of the bio-based content of products so far,
the potential to use stable isotope analysis for this purpose
attracted the attention of standardisation committee CEN/
TC 411 and was evaluated in detail in the framework of the
KBBPPS project 1 .
Stable isotopes
Isotopes have the same number of protons and electrons
but have different numbers of neutrons. Therefore,
isotopes of the same element have the same atomic
number but different masses. Hydrogen for example has
three isotopes, two of which are stable and one which
is unstable (radio-active) (figure 1). To determine the
bio-based content the focus is on the stable isotopes of
carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, which together
with sulphur make up the bulk of organic material.
Fortunately all these elements have at least two stable
isotopes and this allows to determine their respective
ratios in a material or product. The stable isotope
composition is often expressed as a ratio of the heavier
isotope to the lighter which is then expressed relative to
the ratio in some defined reference material with known
isotope composition. The isotope ratios are quoted as
delta (δ) values and reported in units of per mill (‰). If a
sample has more of the heavier isotope than the reference
material it is considered enriched (positive δ-value). If
the sample has less of the heavier isotope compared to
the reference material it is depleted and has a negative
δ-value.
Table 1: Examples of differences in bio-based carbon content and
biomass content of specific products.
Figure 1: Isotopes of hydrogen: protium ( 1 H), deuterium ( 2 H) and
tritium ( 3 H).
Bio-based carbon
content (%)
Biomass
content (%)
Plastic composite:
70 % PE / 30 % cellulose
18 30
‘Plant based’ PET 20 31
PVC based on bioethylene 100 43
Cellulose triacetate
(oil based acetic acid)
50 55
Coating (with bio-based resin) 76 15
e
Protium Deuterium Tritium
P
P n
n
P n
e
e
P Proton n Neutron e Electron
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

From Science & Research
Stable isotope composition
The stable isotope composition of
organic materials and compounds
on Earth is variable and depends
on the initial composition of source
materials/compounds as well as
different fractionation processes that
takes place during formation. For
example, the stable hydrogen and
oxygen composition of plants and algae,
as well as the compounds produced
by these organisms, is related to the
isotopic composition of source water
as well as fractionation that occurs
during evaporation and biosynthesis.
The isotopic composition of the source
water is again related to the isotopic
composition of local precipitation, which
follows a global pattern of successive
depletion from the equator to the poles
(illustrated in figure 2). For carbon
and nitrogen similar type of processes
cause a considerable variation in the
δ 13 C and δ 15 N composition of organisms
and compounds hereof. Transformation
of biogenic matter to organic matter
in sediments (e. g. coal or crude oil)
involves further isotope fractionation.
This means that the isotopic
composition of a particular material or
product depends on the source, type,
and geographical origin of the (biomass)
feedstock, and the applied processing
technologies.
Requirements
To successfully apply stable isotopes
for determining the bio-based content
of materials and products, the following
requirements should be met:
1. The average isotopic composition
of the bio-based fraction should be
different from the average isotopic
composition of the fossil-based
fraction.
2. The isotopic composition of the biobased
and the fossil-based fraction
should be known with sufficient
precision and the range of variation
in both fractions should be limited.
3. The range of variation in the isotopic
composition of the bio-based fraction
should not overlap with that of the
fossil-based fraction.
To determine whether, and up to what
extent these requirements can be met in
practice, an inventory was made of the
natural range of variation of the stable
isotope composition of various major
groups of organisms such as plants and
algae, including their main constituents
like carbohydrates, lipids and proteins.
Vapour = -13 %
Evaporation
Ocean = ~0 ‰
Precipitation = -3 ‰
←Low latitudes & altitudes + coastal
n-Alkyl lipids
Palm oil
Bacterial methane
Vapour = -15 % Vapour = -17 %
Continent
Crude oil
Crude oil aromatics
Bulk C12-C27 n-alkanes
Thermogenic methane
Precipitation = -5 ‰
High latitudes & altitudes + inland→
Figure 2: Simplified example of the effect of successive rain-out which causes a successive
depletion of δ 18 O values in precipitation (and consequently in biomass of plants
taking up this water) from the equator to higher latitudes and inland.
Figure 3: Indicative ranges of δ 2 H values in different materials and compound classes
(bio-based and fossil-based). The ranges in grey boxes are indicative world-wide
estimates, ranges in solid black lines are indicative ranges based on limited data
sets with limited geographical coverage, and ranges in dotted black lines are
incomplete ranges based on limited data sets and assumptions.
-400 -360 -320 -280 -240 -200 -160
Bacterial methane
Ethane
Lipids
δ 2 H VSMOW (‰)
Thermogenic methane
Propane
Butane
C3-plants
Carbohydrates
Proteins
C3-cellulose
C4-cellulose
Polyisoprenoid lipids
Olive oil
Marine algea
Coal
Crude oil saturates
Fresh water and marine phytoplankton
Crude oil
Coal
-108 -104 -100 -48 -44 -40 -36 -32 -28 -24
δ 13 C VPDB (‰)
-120 -80 -40 0
Figure 4: Indicative ranges of δ 13 C values in different materials and compound classes
(bio-based as well as fossil-based). Ranges in grey boxes are generally accepted
ranges (C3- and C4-plants) or indicative world-wide estimates, ranges in
solid black lines are indicative ranges based on limited data set with limited
geographical coverage or on a data set with limited geographical coverage, ranges
in dotted black lines are incomplete ranges based on the generally accepted
values for C3- and C4-plants and assumptions.
C4-plants
Sea gras
-20 -16 -12 -8 -4 0
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 19

From Science & Research
In addition, fossil residues of living matter such as crude
oil, natural gas and coals were also taken into account. As
an example, a summary of the stable isotope ratio ranges
of δ 2 H and δ 13 C values for these material and compound
classes are shown in figure 3 and 4, respectively. In general
it was found that the range of variation of the isotopic
composition of living matter and its major constituents
shows a considerable overlap with the range of variation
observed in materials of fossil origin such as coal and
oil (e. g. figure 3 and 4). Only C4-plants, especially their
carbohydrates and proteins, are less depleted with regard
to their δ 13 C composition than raw materials of fossil
origin (figure 4). The photosynthetic pathway of C4-plants
(e. g. maize, sugar cane) differs from that of the common
C3-plants (e. g. sugar beet, potato, grain).
Conclusions
Based on an extensive literature overview of the δ 2 H, δ 13 C,
δ 15 N and δ 18 O values of bio-based as well as fossil-based
and fossil energy-based materials and compounds, it is
shown that stable isotope ratios of these elements are in
general not suitable for determining the bio-based content
of products 1 . This is due to the large range of variation
observed in the isotopic composition of these materials
and compounds, leading to large uncertainties in the
estimate of the bio-based content. Moreover, information
about the isotopic composition of many relevant materials
and compounds is currently lacking. The stable isotope
approach could therefore only be feasible in specific cases
provided that manufacturers would manage to tightly
control the isotopic composition of their raw materials.
In addition more data about the isotopic composition of
materials and compounds should come available.
1
This research was carried out within the KBBPPS
project (“Knowledge Based Bio-based Products’ Pre-
Standardization”, see also www.kbbpps.eu) and has
received funding from the European Union’s Seventh
Framework Programme for research, technological
development and demonstration under grant
agreement No. 312060.
www.kbbpps.eu
www.wageningenUR.nl/en/fbr
Microplastic
in the environMent
Sources, Impacts & Solutions
The microplastic conference will:
• Identify sources of microplastics and quantify the amount
ending up in nature
• Reveal impacts on marine ecosystems and human beings
• Propose solutions for current problems, such as prevention,
recycling and substitution with biodegradable plastics & other
materials
23 - 24 November 2015
Maternushaus, Cologne, Germany
The conference will provide plenty of scope for discussion between
producers, consumers, scientists, environmental organisations,
governmental agencies and other interested stakeholders.
Your Contact:
Dominik Vogt
Conference Management
+49 (0)2233 4814 - 49
dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de
nova-Institut GmbH
Chemiepark Knapsack
Industriestr. 300
50354 Huerth, Germany
+++ More than 200 participants expected +++
+++ Free exhibition booths for participants +++
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10
www.microplastic-conference.eu

Polylactic Acid
Uhde Inventa-Fischer has expanded its product portfolio to include the innovative stateof-the-art
PLAneo ® process. The feedstock for our PLA process is lactic acid, which can
be produced from local agricultural products containing starch or sugar.
The application range of PLA is similar to that of polymers based on fossil resources as
its physical properties can be tailored to meet packaging, textile and other requirements.
Think. Invest. Earn.
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Holzhauser Strasse 157–159
13509 Berlin
Germany
Tel. +49 30 43 567 5
Fax +49 30 43 567 699
Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG
Via Innovativa 31
7013 Domat/Ems
Switzerland
Tel. +41 81 632 63 11
Fax +41 81 632 74 03
marketing@uhde-inventa-fi scher.com
www.uhde-inventa-fi scher.com
Uhde Inventa-Fischer

Materials
Key milestone for commercial
PHA production
TerraVerdae BioWorks, an industrial biotechnology
company developing advanced bioplastics and
environmentally sustainable biomaterials, has announced
that it has successfully achieved key milestones
for the economic, commercial production for its line of
PHA-based biomaterials.
These include 10,000-liter production runs of the
firm’s line of biodegradable, natural microspheres for
use in personal care and cosmetic products, as a direct
replacement for synthetic, non-degradable plastic
microbeads.
TerraVerdae BioWorks has facilities located in Canada
and the UK and collaborates with a range of leading
commercial, technology, and research organizations
in Canada, UK, and USA. The company has developed a
carbon-neutral bioprocess that uses bacteria to produce a
range of high-value products, including a PHA biopolymer
that the bacteria naturally produce as a carbon storage
reserve. TerraVerdae draws on its specialized expertise in
metabolic engineering, industrial bioprocess optimization/
scale up and biopolymer development – including
proprietary genetic, protein expression and bioprocessing
capability- to develop and manufacture high-value
performance biomaterials and biocomposites from waste.
Now, supported by a grant from Innovate UK, and
in collaboration with researchers at facilities in the
UK’s Centre for Process Innovation, the company
has successfully scaled-up its biodegradable and
biocompatible materials technology from laboratory pilot
scale to 10,000+ liter capabilities, validating process scale
up and production economics for commercial deployment.
“Developing the technologies needed to produce
commercial scale quantities of our biomaterial products
in an economic and efficient process is a milestone for
the company, and potentially the industry,” said William
Bardosh, CEO and founder of TerraVerdae BioWorks.
“Our first product developed using this technology,
biodegradable and biocompatible microspheres to replace
synthetic microbeads in personal care products, addresses
a strong global need to remove plastic contamination from
water supplies.”
“Innovate UK is excited to fund this ambitious and
complex project that achieved its final goal of running a
large-scale fermentation at the High Value Manufacturing
Catapult’s National Industrial Biotechnology Facility,”
said Merlin Goldman, Lead Technologist – High Value
Manufacturing at Innovate UK. “TerraVerdae produced
significant quantities of purified PHA material for product
testing with partners and other potential customers. We
hope to see the company complete its ambition of building
a biorefinery facility in the north-east of the UK.”
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Materials
“We are also fortunate to have collaborated on this
technology with the UK’s Centre for Process Innovation,”
continued Bardosh. “They are one of the world’s leading
facilities for process innovation in the industrial bioprocess
arena and their support has been invaluable.”
“The project with TerraVerdae has been a great
opportunity for us to collaborate with a pioneer in the
industry,” said Pete Carney, Business Development
Manager at The Centre for Process Innovation. “CPI has
used its bioprocessing scale up expertise to take the
process from lab scale to commercialization.’’
A key advantage of the technology developed by
TerraVerdae is that it uses non-food based feedstocks,
such as green methanol, derived from municipal and
agricultural waste, and stranded biogenic methane,
produced by municipal landfills, agricultural waste and by
the oil and gas industry as feedstocks for its bioprocess. It
therefore neither impacts the food supply nor raises land
use issues, while offering significant life cycle and carbon
footprint improvements over traditional processes for
petroleum-derived materials. According to the company,
its process could reduce greenhouse gas emissions
by over 800,000 tonnes and mitigate over 450 tonnes of
carbon monoxide, 65 tonnes of non-methane volatile
organic compounds, and 135,000 tonnes of methane per
year.
TerraVerdae’s newly developed natural microspheres
are a PHA‐based biomaterial produced using a non‐GMO,
non-toxic, plant-associated process. TerraVerdae’s
microspheres are intrinsically biocompatible and meet
industry standards for biodegradation in a marine
environment. TerraVerdae can produce microspheres
in a range of sizes, in both smooth and coarse finishes,
that feature high optical clarity and the mechanical
characteristics to meet all requirements for cosmetic
formulations. In addition to microspheres, other targeted
application areas for TerraVerdae’s PHA include the
biomedical industry, films for specialty coating and active
packaging, automotive parts and electronic devices, to
name but a few. KL
www.terraverdae.com
www.innovateuk.org
www.uk-cpi.com
Info
Videoclip: http://bit.ly/1JUe5W7
organized by
supported by
20. - 22.10.2016
Messe Düsseldorf, Germany
Bioplastics in
Packaging
BIOPLASTICS
BUSINESS
BREAKFAST
B
3
PLA, an Innovative
Bioplastic
Bioplastics in
Durable Applications
Subject to changes
Call for Papers now open
www.bioplastics-breakfast.com
Contact: Dr. Michael Thielen (info@bioplastics-magazine.com)
At the World‘s biggest trade show on plastics and rubber:
K‘2016 in Düsseldorf bioplastics will certainly play an
important role again.
On three days during the show from Oct 20 - 22, 2016 (!)
bioplastics MAGAZINE will host a Bioplastics Business
Breakfast: From 8 am to 12 noon the delegates get the
chance to listen and discuss highclass presentations and
benefit from a unique networking opportunity.
The trade fair opens at 10 am.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 23

Material news
Flexible foams with algae
Algix LLC (Meridian, Mississippi, USA), the world’s leading
producer of algae bio-products, and Effekt LLC (San Diego,
California, USA), an environmentally minded product and material
development company, recently announced the creation of the
world’s first flexible foams using algae derived products as a filler.
“Flexible foams have been overwhelmingly made out of nonrenewable
petrochemicals for decades,” says Rob Falken, Effekt’s
and Bloom Holding’s Managing Director. “Over the past year we’ve
worked really hard to create a suitable algae biomass alternative
that doesn’t compromise performance and that delivers tried–and–
true characteristics for all sorts of demanding applications” he
continued.
The foam is produced in a patented process that utilizes Algix’s
dried algae biomass (GMO-free) which is solely collected from
waste streams across the US and Asia. Algal blooms have become
prevalent worldwide due to a rise in global temperatures and a
subsequent increase in water temperatures. They’ve also been
impacted by increased human population growth and from activities
like overfishing, which have increased nutrient loading in waterways.
The algae biomass is first collected in custom built mobile
harvesting platforms. A harvester is deployed to ponds or lakes
where it converts the green water into an algae dense slurry.
From there the slurry is dewatered and tertiary thermal drying is
employed. Once sufficiently dried, the algae biomass is ready for
compounding (in amounts of 15 – 60 %) with a base resin (such as
PVA, PE, TPE etc.) into pellets before it is eventually expanded into a
flexible foam with additional foaming compounds.
As a feedstock, algae biomass is a non-food resource, requiring
no pesticides to grow and is found in abundance globally. This
ensures a consistent and stable raw material supply for years to
come. “We are literally turning a negative into a positive,” stated
Falken.
Utilizing an examined approach, Bloom Holdings LLC (a JV of
both companies) has already secured an independent Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) for the flexible foams, as well as numerous
certificates of environmental validation.
The brand name for this new flexible foam is aptly called BLOOM.
Manufacturing will commence in early 2016 in both the US and Asia.
Several ideal applications for Bloom foam are footwear, yoga mats,
sporting goods, and toys just to name a few. MT
www.bloomfoam.com · www.algix.com · www.effektchange.com
Coffee Based
3D Printer
Filament
Filament manufacturer 3Dom USA has
released a new bio-material made from coffee.
Called Wound Up, the filament is a continuing
partnership with Fargo, North Dakota based
bio-composite company, c2renew.
The material is made using waste byproducts
from coffee. Wound Up uses those coffee leftovers
to create a special 3D printing material
with visibly unique print finishes. The filament
produces products with a rich brown color and
a noticeable natural grain. Now a cup printed
with Wound Up is a true “coffee cup.”
This is the first in a line of intriguing
materials from 3Dom USA called the c2renew
Composites. More distinctive bio-based
products will be released in the near future.
Wound Up filament can be printed on any
machine capable of printing with PLA and
comes perfectly spooled on the 100 % biobased
Eco-Spool. Beautifully packed and
vacuum-sealed to keep moisture out. Each
spool of Wound Up has the diameter and
ovality metrics posted right on the box, so you
know that tolerances are tight. MT
www.3domusa.com
Info
Videoclip: http://bit.ly/1OrjKr3
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Material news
New biobased polyol for 2K polyurethanes
BASF has announced that it has added a new product to
its range of bio-based polyols, sold under the Sovermol
trademark. These products are used for manufacturing
extremely low-emission 2K polyurethane coatings for interior
and exterior applications.
The newest member of the Sovermol portfolio – Sovermol
830 – is targeted at indoor floorings, e. g. in industrial
warehouses or sports halls, providing excellent hardening and
mechanical characteristics even under difficult conditions. As
the resin is produced from renewable raw material (castor oil
with a renewable content of more than 90 %) and contains no
volatile organic compounds (VOC), it greatly contributes to the
production of more sustainable coatings with particularly high
levels of stability and durability.
Due to a specific chemical modification, the complex
polyether-ester polyol has excellent water-repellent
properties. It exhibits excellent curing properties, even in
challenging curing environments with high humidity and
temperature. Due to its high filling levels and low processing
viscosity, Sovermol 830 helps to lower the overall cost of
a formulation. In addition, the shore D hardness of this
thermoplastic material exceeds 60. Despite the extended
processing time of Sovermol 830, the material can be walked
on after one day only, which ensures shorter downtimes and,
consequently, lower costs.
The polyol can be used in coatings for industrial floorings,
coatings exposed to potable water and semi-structural
adhesives. Apart from its excellent abrasion and impact
resistance, the product shows outstanding flexibility even at
low temperatures, which prevents cracks from spreading in
the substrate. It is therefore the ideal solution for durable
coatings.
BASF offers coatings producers appropriate highperformance
additives that can be combined with Sovermol
830. In addition, the company’s portfolio comprises suitable
cross-linkers and co-binders that enable customers to
achieve the required mechanical properties.KL
www.basf.com
PLA production using alternative energies
and no metal catalyst
Reflecting the ongoing growing demand for more
sustainable solutions, production capacities for bioplastics
are also expanding in order to keep pace with market
developments. Currently, however, metal-containing catalysts
are needed to improve the polymerisation rate of lactones,
posing a potential hazard to health and the environment.
The Plastics Technology Center, AIMPLAS (Valencia,
Spain), along with eleven other enterprises and technological
European centres, has launched the InnoREX project, which
is being financed by the 7 th Framework Program funds and
coordinated by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical
Technology - ICT.
This ambitious project seeks to develop a new technology
to improve the homogeneity of PLA and to find an alternative
to the use of the metallic catalysts that have been necessary
until now. Moreover, the new process being studied within
the scope of the project is expected to yield energy savings;
an additional goal is the development of a single monolayer
packaging able to be processed using both extrusion and
injection moulding technology.
To ensure short market entry times, commercially wellestablished
co-rotating twin screw extruders will be used as
reaction vessels. The reason commercial polymerisations are
not yet carried out in twin screw extruders is the short residence
time and the static energy input of the extruder, which allows
no dynamic control of the reaction. These obstacles will be
overcome in InnoREX: the project will use the rapid response
time of microwaves, ultrasound and laser light to achieve a
precisely-controlled and efficient continuous polymerisation of
high molecular weight PLA in a twin screw extruder. Significant
energy savings will be achieved by combining polymerisation,
compounding and shaping in one production step.
The project also includes a detailed analysis of the packaging
life cycle. The prototype obtained as a result will be a single thinwalled
monolayer packaging (wall thicknesses of a millimetre
or less) intended for the food sector, processed through injection
or extrusion to obtain a thermoforming and film packaging to be
used when lower wall thicknesses are required.
The role of AIMPLAS within the project is mainly related
to the study of processability (injection and extrusion) of
developed PLA grades. Mechanical, physical and thermal
characterisation of prepared packages by injection moulding,
and extrusion cast-sheet and thermoforming. It will also
include an extensive development of additivation strategies.
The project, which started in December 2012, will run until
May 2016. In addition, Aimplas will organize on October 20 th
a workshop at their premises, addressed to suppliers of raw
materials, end users, researcher centres and universities
and it will be focused on the project main objectives and its
developments.
www.aimplas.net · www.innorex.eu
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 25

Materials
PHA
3D printing
filaments
Compost heap
3D Printing
Hydrogen
Flexible
CO 2 emissions
Cycle of
PHAbulous Philaments
PHAbulous
Philaments
Greenhouse gas
Rigid
Microbe
O
O
Poly(3HB)
n+1
Polyhydr
yhydroxy-
alkanoates (PHA)
With the explosive growth of the global 3D printing
industry, a new market for plastic materials has
opened up. In fact, it is estimated that by 2020,
there will be over 115,000 tonnes of plastics used by 3D
printers worldwide. However, a considerable proportion
will never make it into a product, but will be consigned
to the waste heap known as failed prints. The question is,
where will all the plastic come from? And more importantly,
where will it end up?
An Austrian start‐up called Saphium Biotechnology
(Kapfenstein, Austria) thinks that it has come up with
the answer. The company, formed by a group of friends
who met the University of Graz is developing a new type
of 3D printer filament, called “PHAbulous Philaments”.
According to the Saphium Biotechnology team, PHAbulous
Philaments are all‐natural and compostable 3D printing
filaments, which, unlike many others on the market,
contain no toxic additives and are manufactured with
natural colors only. Compostability certification (according
to EN 13432) will be applied for soon.
As the name suggests, the new filament is made of a
bioplastic belonging to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
family. PHAs are biopolyesters that are produced and
stockpiled by microbes as an energy storage material. This
material can be harvested from the bacteria producing it
and processed into pellets – and now, apparently, also
into filament. By adjusting the conditions under which the
bacteria are cultivated, it is possible to optimize the PHA
produced by the bacteria for the production of 3D printing
filament. PHAbulous Philaments stands as one of the first
generations of pure PHA filaments on the market.
Since PHAs are biological in origin, they can also
be completely broken down by microorganisms in the
environment. According to the company, their filament
will degrade within 60 days when buried in soil, without
leaving a trace. “Consumers will no longer have to throw
their flawed prints into the bin any more, but we expect
that they will be able to dispose of them in their compost
pile,” as Christof Winkler‐Hermaden, CSO of Saphium
explained to bioplastics MAGAZINE. “The microorganisms in
the compost will digest the plastic and the resulting humic
substances will fertilize the soil.
Yet while the biodegradability of PHA is a major plus
point, especially in the light of the fight against plastic
waste, just as important is the fact that their production
is biological and based on renewable resources. The
bacteria, which are grown in large steel fermentation
tanks, are fed on hydrogen that is produced by electrolysis
using the energy of solar panels and carbon dioxide. “The
carbon dioxide is a waste product of industry,” Christof
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Materials
explained. “Big industries have to pay to emit their carbon
dioxide emissions into the air, but we can take them
cheaply and convert them into bioplastics.”
Saphium developed a simple and cost effective way to
extract and purify PHA. “We have established a microbe
strain that secretes those PHAs into the surrounding
culture media, where we can collect it easily,” said Christof
Winkler-Hermaden. “Once the PHA leaves the microbes, it
is perfectly fit for use.” And because the material degrades
back into carbon dioxide, the production process is carbon
neutral.
The PHA used to make the new filaments has other
advantages as well, says Saphium Biotechnology.
Water and UV resistant, its mechanical properties are
comparable to those of polypropylene. The material offers
a lower melting temperature (145 – 150 °C) and, due to a
glass transition temperature under 0 °C, flexibility.
After launching the first prototypical PHAbulous
Philament samples on a test market, the Saphium aims to
develop filaments with different properties ranging from
flexible to rigid, in order be able to provide materials for
every 3D printing application.
As CEO Reinmar Eggers recently explained it in an
interview with Simon Cocking of Irish Tech News: “Right
now the earth’s oceans and ecosystems are being destroyed
every single day with all the plastic waste we produce. We
can’t turn back time and we can’t abolish plastics since
they are an important part of everyday life, but Saphium can
make them non-toxic and compostable.” KL/MT
www.saphium.eu
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 27

Materials
New LCA
NatureWorks and Thinkstep adhere to ISO
standards for revision of Ingeo eco profile
In the first update of the Ingeo eco profile since 2010, Nature‐
Works partnered with Thinkstep (PE INTERNATIONAL) and
followed ISO 14040 and 14044 standards to ensure accurate
calculations. Subsequently, NatureWorks submitted a paper
on the revised eco profile for peer review. The paper, “Life Cycle
Inventory and Impact Assessment Data for 2014 Ingeo
Polylactide Production,” was recently published in Industrial
Biotechnology magazine (and can be downloaded from
bit.ly/1FcKPv4).
“The peer reviewed paper provides a detailed description
of the different steps in the Ingeo production chain and
how the final data were calculated,” said Erwin T. H. Vink,
Environmental Affairs Manager, NatureWorks. The article
documents the energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) inputs
and outputs of the Ingeo PLA production system, the
revised eco‐profile, and the calculation and evaluation of a
comprehensive set of environmental indicators. The paper
also addresses other topics such as land use, land use
change, and water use.
While the Ingeo manufacturing process remains the
same since the last calculation of the profile, the life cycle
assessment (LCA) software modeling tools have changed
and now provide extensively broadened LCA databases and
datasets. With this new data, a more up‐to‐date and accurate
picture of GHG emissions, energy consumption, and other
commonly used indicators in an LCA can be drawn.
NatureWorks based the update on Thinkstep´s GaBi6.3
modeling software. Thinkstep subsequently reviewed the
methodology used and determined that the LCA process
was scientifically and technically valid and consistent with
ISO 14040 and 14044 standards for conducting LCAs.
Cradle‐to‐gate greenhouse gas emissions
The charts compare the GHG emissions (including biogenic
carbon uptake in the case of Ingeo) for Ingeo manufacture
with the emissions resulting from the manufacture of a
number of different polymers produced in the USA and
Europe using the latest available industry assessments
for each as well as non‐renewable energy consumption for
those polymers. The numbers represent the totals for the
first part of the life cycle of the polymers, starting with fossil
or renewable feedstock production up to and including the
final polymerization step.
Primary energy of non‐renewable resources
To help brand owners and researchers directly use this
life cycle assessment data, NatureWorks has developed
and made available on their website an in‐depth analysis of
environmental benefits calculation, which provides extensive
background and links to additional sources of information.
NatureWorks has also developed an online calculator for
comparing the net GHG emissions and the nonrenewable
energy use of products made with different plastic types. The
online calculator provides an intuitive interface from which
manufacturers and brands can input product data details
and receive instantaneous feedback on the environmental
impact of the materials they are using 1 . MT
www.natureworksllc.com
1
The tool provides a good qualitative insight into how two polymers
compare. For a definite, quantitative comparison, the LCA tool
should be applied to compare finished products made from those
polymers.
Figure 1: Production greenhouse gas emissions including biogenic
carbon uptake
Figure 2: Primary energy of non‐renewable resources
Ingeo PLA
0.62
US producers
EU producers
Ingeo PLA
PVC
40.20
58.97
55.50
US producers
EU producers
PP
1.86
1.63
PP
LDPE
75.90
77.10
83.50
81.50
PET
2.15
2.73
HDPE
PET
70.15
69.00
78.20
GPPS
2.25
3.24
GPPS
HIPS
82.26
95.05
96.05
86.43
ABS
3.81
3.80
ABS
104.69
PC
103.90
0 1 2
kg CO 2
eq./kg polymer
3
4
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
MJ/kg polymer
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Materials
Tomorrow is NOW!
First 30 60 120 180
30
day days
60
days
120 180
days days
Bioplastic for Paper Coating
Naturally Compost . Recycle
Excellent Heat
sealability
Heat resistance up to
100 C
Runs well with
LDPE machine
*This test was conducted under natural condition in Bangkok, Thailand.
Paper packaging coated with BioPBS can be disposed of along with organic waste. It is compostable
without requiring a composting facility, and it has no adverse effects on the environment.
BioPBS is revolutionary in its two-fold bio properties. Being essentially bio-based, BioPBS excels in
biodegradability and compostability, providing green non-process changing solution to achieve better
results in your manufacturing needs. Environmentally friendly, printable without pre-treatment and heat
resistant while retaining the same material quality and machine processing speed as conventional
materials. BioPBS improves the quality of your product while causing no harm to the environment. BioPBS
is the long awaited ideal material for product containers and packaging.
BioPBS coated paper is recyclable and repulpable at 96% yield certified by Western Michigan University.
For more information
info@pttmcc.com
www.pttmcc.com
PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd. A Joint Venture Company of PTT and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
555/2 Energy Complex Tower, Building B, 14th Floor, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
T: +66 (0) 2 140 3555 I F: +66(0) 2 140 3556 I www.pttmcc.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 29

Application News
Biodegradable
fishing lures
MHG (Bainbridge, Georgia, USA)
recently announced the presentation
of the first ever certified biodegradable
freshwater fishing lure at a tradeshow
in Orlando. The fishing lure is being
produced by the company Bill Lewis
Lures, the maker of Rat-L-Trap.
“Fishing is a seventy three billion
dollar industry and the freshwater
division makes up 80 % of it,” remarked
Paul Pereira, CEO of MHG. “Partnering
with Rat-L-Trap to make these popular
lures in a biodegradable form is a
big step in reducing plastic pollution
produced by the fishing industry.”
In addition to performance, there has
been positive feedback regarding the
pilot production of the PHA Rat-L-Traps,
including its ability to weld together
better than the traditional plastic that’s
been used. There have been no known
production complications to date.
“The PHA has a lot of potential and
I am very excited about what we’ve seen
so far,” stated Wes Higgins, President of
Bill Lewis Lures, “I’m honored to have
our name associated with research that
could lead to conservation of our fishing
resources.” MT
www.mhgbio.com
Undulae bioplastic lamps
Designed by Architect Taeg Nishimoto from San Antonio, Texas, USA,
Undulae is a series of table and pendant lamps made of cornstarch-based
bioplastic tubes. Using the characteristics of shrinking and undulating when
the bioplastic is in the drying process, the formal manipulation is left for
each tube to form itself.
There are two types of the application of this bioplastic tubes as a lighting
fixture. One is a table lamp that uses the singular tube standing upright
above a disk that contains the light bulb. The other is a pendant lamp that
hangs multiple tubes from a disk above that contains the light bulb at the
center.
Bioplastic is made from the mixture of cornstarch, water, vinegar and
glycerin with particular proportion and mixing process. The color at the edge
of tubes is applied through adding a food colorant to the bioplastic mix.
The bioplastic mixture is spread on a sheet of parchment paper with
another sheet on top to make a sandwiched unit. This unit is held with two
pipes along the longitudinal edges another inside which keep the drying unit
in place by gravity.
When the bioplastic is left to dry, the bioplastic’s nature of shrinking creates
a condition on parchment paper with a crease pattern in one direction,
which in turn becomes the texture of the surface of bioplastic tubes. The
longitudinal sides that are exposed to the air also create unique undulating
pattern along the edges while drying. MT
www.cargocollective.com/taegnishimoto/Undulae
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Application News
Packs for children’s health
products
A conscientious South African company KiddieKix, who produce all‐natural
children’s health products, found NatureFlex the best solution to wrap its
cereals and dried fruit snacks.
From their facilities in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, Alison McDowell,
KiddieKix founder and her team continue to research the latest trends in
children’s health and nutrition, to ensure their range delivers products
that have been specifically developed with the needs of growing children in
mind. Sourcing high quality ingredients that are also free from additives and
preservatives is a top priority.
McDowell states, “At KiddieKix our aim is take care of our children’s
future, which means creating an entirely eco‐sustainable product, including
the packaging. We sampled many compostable materials for our inner
packaging and nothing compared to NatureFlex. In terms of feel, quality,
strength, durability and barrier protection NatureFlex came out streets
ahead of any other product.”
The use of NatureFlex flexible packaging film ensures that KiddieKix’s
product philosophy is strengthened because it matches the company’s core
messages. These films are certified compostable and made from renewable
resources. They also offer a host of advantages for packing and converting
such as high seal strength and integrity, excellent gas, aroma, UV light and
mineral oil barrier, grease and chemical resistance, dead fold and anti‐static
properties, enhanced printing and conversion.
Peter van Belle, Innovia Films’ Sales Account Manager explained, “We are
delighted that we were able to assist KiddieKix in meeting their packaging
aspirations while enhancing shelf life and reducing waste.”MT
www.innoviafilms.com
www.kiddiekix.co.za
Innovia Films’
renewable and
compostable
NatureFlex
packaging film has
been chosen to wrap
Kiddiekix all‐natural
children’s health
products.
Nonwoven PLA
floor polishing
pads
Treleoni, Manning, South Carolina,
USA, designs and manufactures
cleaning and polishing pads for
industrial floor cleaning machines
and hand wipes for industrial cleaning
services. The newest addition to the
company’s product inventory is the
Provito (For Life) line of polishing pads
made entirely with Ingeo nonwoven
PLA fibers. These burnishing pads are
used to enhance the gloss of softer floor
finishes.
Provito earned the United States
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA)
Biobased Product Certification label.
The certification verifies that the amount
of renewable biobased ingredients in
the Ingeo‐based pads meets or exceeds
levels set by the USDA. Biobased
products are finished or intermediate
materials composed in whole or in
significant part of agricultural, forest,
or marine ingredients. This certification
means that Provito burnishing floor
pads will be given preference in many
U.S. government purchasing decisions.
Provito pads have been nominated for
the 2015 International Sanitary Supply
Association (ISSA) Innovation Award. MT
www.treleoni.com
www.natureworksllc.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 31

Report
By:
Sander Strijbos
Helian Polymers
Venlo, The Netherlands
3D printing – the
sophisticated way
Additive technologies appear to be here to stay. In recent years, 3D
printing has become a daily staple of news publications around
the world. Creating objects by building up successive layers of
molten plastics, a fraction of a millimeter at a time, has captured the
imagination of hobbyists, designers, architects and prototypers everywhere.
In discussions about 3D printing, a recurring topic is that of the dearth
of materials that are available for use. Currently, the two commodities
that tend to be most frequently used in 3D printing filament are ABS
and PLA. It was this latter material, a well-known biopolyester, that
opened the door for a company called Helian Polymers to enter the
world of 3D printing.
Founded in 2011 by Ruud Rouleaux as a sister company of the trading
company Peter Holland BV, Helian Polymers is located in Venlo, The
Netherlands. The focus of the new company was on innovative projects
related to (bio)plastics and additives, one of the first of which became
3D printing. After becoming intrigued by a self-built Ultimaker 3D
printer around Christmas 2011, Rouleaux bought a small extrusion
machine in 2012. An expert in bioplastics, he wondered why PLA was
used so often, in the light of its comparably poor functional properties.
And not content with the general consensus that “it prints well”,
Rouleaux, who was not one to shy away from a challenge, set out to
find a better solution.
By early 2013, and after much trial and error, Rouleaux had come up
with an ideal blend of two bioplastics: PLA and PHA. A stroke of luck was
that, as the owner of a trading company specializing in masterbatches
and additives, he also had ready access to a wide pallete of colors for
his new filament material, which he therefore opted from the very
beginning to market in almost 30 colors – an almost unheard of range.
In February 2013, the colorFabb brand of 3D printing filament was
born. After the initial launch at the RapidPro trade show in Veldhoven
Bicycle-Components 3D-printed with carbon fibre reinforced XT-CF20 filament
(non-bio co-polyester)
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Report
(the Netherlands), the webshop went live in March. The first
resellers, thirsty for something new, signed up in April and
by May, the single extrusion line was already at full capacity
– and has been ever since.
In hindsight, 2013 was a pilot year for the new brand,
during which the webshop grew, lessons were learned and
the number of employees doubled to six. That first year,
too, colorFabb attended the 3D Print Show in November in
London where a new grade of wood filament based on the
company’s proprietary PLA/PHA compound was showcased.
Branded as woodFill, the filament is made with actual wood
fibers, giving printed objects the texture and smell of wood
and an old-school DIY look. It was an immediate success,
and colorFabb understood that the future of 3D printing
filaments was in special filaments. “The best way to predict
the future is to invent it”, as Ruud Rouleaux put it.
As colorFabb went from strength to strength, meanwhile
expanding and relocating to the Blue Innovation Center in
Venlo, it also signed a joint development agreement with
Eastman Chemical company, under which the company
would develop filaments based on the co-polyesters made
by the US chemical giant. This resulted, in September 2014,
in the launch of colorFabb XT, made with Eastman Amphora
3D Polymer, a more functional material for desktop 3D
printing.
In the eyes of the 3D printing community, however, color‐
Fabb’s most spectacular product had been released a few
months earlier, in May 2014. Called bronzeFill, it is a PLA/
PHA based composite 3D printing filament with 80 % (by
weight) bronze particles and was launched to great acclaim
at the Fabcon trade fair in Erfurt, Germany.
What sets bronzeFill apart is the fact that objects can be
post-processed – polished, tumbled etc. – to bring out the
true bronze qualities of the material. Appearance, weight
and feel are all that of a real bronze object – at a fraction
of the cost.
As compounding PLA/PHA with specially-sourced bronze
particles requires very specific skills and processes,
colorFabb sought out and partnered with Witcom BV,
a Dutch specialist in engineering plastics compounds
whose expertise has long proven invaluable for colorFabb’s
specialty filaments. The collaboration has yielded an
innovative suite of products for FDM printing, including
bronzeFill.
Since then, colorFabb has further expanded its offerings
to include bambooFill, which is pre-compounded by Willich,
Germany-based bioplastics producer FKuR, and copperFill,
a new metal filament composed of 20 % PLA/PHA material
and 80 % micronized copper particles, that, like bronzeFill,
can be sanded and polished after printing. These were soon
followed by the release of yet another metal-filled PLA/
PHA-based material, called brassFill, the most complex
filament to date in terms of processing and printing.
While these specialty filaments were mainly
decorative in nature, meanwhile, colorFabb
has also delivered on the side of functionality.
Earlier this year, the company released
its XT-CF20 filament, a new product
compounded by Witcom on the basis of
Eastman’s Amphora 3D Polymer with 20 %
carbon fiber, to add stiffness, functionality
and dimensional stability to prints and for construction
parts. As proof of concept, an intern at colorFabb has even
printed bicycle parts with this material.
With in-house bioplastics expertise and all capabilities
under one roof to develop and test materials of every kind
on different brands of 3D printers, colorFabb is fast fulfilling
its mission to bring innovative and unique materials to the
market – and the possibilities for the future are sheer
endless. Moreover, the close cooperation with material
partners FKuR and Eastman, combined with the flexible
and highly dedicated colorFabb team enable colorFabb, to
bring a new product to market sometimes in a matter of
mere weeks.
In fact, at any given time, several materials are in various
stages of testing at colorFabb’s print lab, as colorFabb
continues to innovate with more and more materials.
At Helian Polymers new developments are in the works
regarding bioplastics. More on that in the next issue of this
magazine.
www.colorfabb.com
www.fkur.com
www.witcombv.nl
www.eastman.com/3d
brassFill –
post-processed
and polished
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 33

Report
A “Made in Europe” biorefinery
Matrìca, a 50:50 joint venture between Novamont
and Versalis (Eni), is the result of the reconversion
of a petrochemical site in Porto Torres (Sardinia)
into an integrated biorefinery that today, using innovative
and low-impact processes, produces a range of chemical
products (biochemicals, building blocks for bioplastics,
bases for lubricants, bioadditives for rubbers and plasticizers
for polymers) from agricultural raw materials and
vegetable scraps.
The new site is one of the most innovative integrated
biorefineries of its kind. Using vegetable European
renewable resources as feedstock, the site is currently
iproducing Azelaic Acid, a C9 dicarboxylic acid, and
Pelargonic Acid, a C9 monocarboxylic acid, at industrial
scale. As well, other minor streams, like a C5-C9 blend.
The production of this new site aims at the world market
of biochemicals. This sector is forecast to exhibit growth of
17 % a year, with production estimated at up to 8.1 million
tons in 2015 (Source: Lux Research Study, September
2010). The project, which started in 2012, will ultimately
represent a total investment of approximately 180 million
EUR, including the construction of various plants, of which
the first three just recently have come on on-stream. The
production site covers a total area of about 27 hectares.
Matrìca produces various products, including monomers
for bioplastics, additives for lubricants, plasticizers for
PVC and ingredients for cosmetics, based on Novamont’s
research and technology, all obtained from renewable
sources. Plasticizers have been and still are a key raw
material for different polymers.
Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI), the
public/private partnership between the European Union
and a consortium of bio-based industries (BIC, Bio-based
Industries Consortium), recently allocated a 17 million
EUR grant to the project FIRST2RUN, coordinated by
Novamont, with Matrìca as the key partner.
The FIRST2RUN project is aimed at demonstrating the
technical, economic and environmental sustainability of
today’s highly innovative, integrated biorefineries. The
project involves the extraction of vegetable oils from low
input oilseed cultures, such as thistle, and their conversion
into bio-monomers (primarily pelargonic and azelaic
acids) and esters for the formulation of bioproducts such
as biolubricants, cosmetics, plasticisers and bio-plastics.
By-products resulting from these manufacturing processes
will be further enhanced to obtain animal feed, other
value-added chemicals and energy in order to increase
the sustainability of the value chain. Standardisation,
certification and dissemination will be integral aspects
of the project, as well as a study into the social impact of
products deriving from renewable resources.
Matrìca is merely the first example of industrial
development to have successfully been brought to such
a positive result. More projects are meant to follow,
based on various innovative technologies, such as the
production of 1.4 BDO derived directly from sugar, through
a fermentation process. The project shows that the added
value behind the use of renewable raw materials in terms
of investments, job creation and industrial reconversion is
not based on the unique use of agricultural nonfood crops
for energy purposes, but is especially generated in the
area of intermediates, chemicals and specialties. This is
no news, though it has already been experienced with the
traditional petrochemical industry.
www.matrica.it
By:
Stefano Facco
New Business Development Director
Novamont SpA
Novara, Italy
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Barrier
Barrier… but also bio-based
and thermoformable!
Like its precursor Wheylayer ® , the barrier biomaterial
featured in a past issue of this publication [1], ThermoWhey
is a barrier coating based on whey protein.
As a by-product of cheese manufacturing, whey is available
in abundance, which means there is no direct competition
with food resources. Wheylayer [2] offers an excellent
barrier against oxygen. Although it has the potential to
replace current synthetic barrier layers, such as ethylene
vinyl alcohol copolymers – EVOH – used in food packaging,
it is mainly aimed at plastic laminates (e. g. pouches,
tubes, lids, etc.). While it is able to be thermoformed, as
demonstrated by the production of blisters, this is limited
to a small stretch ratio unless performed right after the
coating application. Indeed, upon storage, the flexibility
and thermoformability of the coating decreases due to the
formation of different new intermolecular interactions in
the protein network [3].
Thermoforming is one of the dominant and growing
technologies in the packaging market. However, the
limited thermoformability of Wheylayer may well have
stood in the way of certain applications, such as trays,
for which there is an actual need. Indeed, despite having
existed on the market for years, bio-based trays do not
meet the barrier properties required for sensitive food
products (e.g. for products packed in modified atmosphere
– MAP). Therefore, selected partners from Spain (IRIS,
Serviplast) and Germany (Fraunhofer IVV, MLANG), who
had participated in the previous project, decided to work
together with a tooling company (GEBA) to improve the long
term thermoformability of whey protein-coated packaging,
with an ultimate goal the production of jars, cups, etc. To
this end, during the first year of the Thermowhey project
[4], the researchers performed different modifications of
the whey proteins and adjusted the coating formulation
to obtain materials with a more thermoplastic-like
behavior, i. e. displaying both stable processability and
barrier properties versus storage time. After this had
been successfully carried out, different deep trays were
produced under optimized processing conditions from
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polystyrene (PS) to
which the Thermowhey coating was applied. Further tests
will be performed on bioplastic substrates. Over the next
year, the production of the material will be industrialized
by the participating SMEs and resulting packaging will
also be validated in contact with selected food products.
The ThermoWhey project is expected to have a very
positive impact on the environment, as it solves multiple
challenges: finding a new commercial use for a cheese byproduct
that is currently discarded, replacing petroleumbased
plastics with natural biopolymers that allow
packaging recycling or composting while safeguarding
their performance.
The author wishes to acknowledge the European
Community‘s Seventh Framework Programme for
Research, technological development and demonstration
for co-funding the Thermowhey project under the Manunet
programme through the Catalan Agency ACCIÓ (grant
agreement RDNET 13-3-005) and the Federal Ministry of
Education and Research of Germany (managed by the KIT
Project Management Agency Karlsruhe).
www.thermowhey.eu
References:
[1] E. Bugnicourt, M. Schmid, “Films with excellent barrier properties”,
bioplastics MAGAZINE; Vol. 8, p44; 2013.
[2] For more info, see www.wheylayer.eu
[3] M. Schmid, K. Reichert, F. Hammann, A. Stäbler; Storage timedependent
alteration of molecular interaction - property relationships
of whey protein isolate-based films and coatings; Journal of materials
science, 50(12), June 2015, pp. 4396 – 4404
[4] For more info, see www.thermowhey.eu
By:
Elodie Bugnicourt
Group Leader EcoMaterials
Innovació i Recerca Industrial i Sostenible (IRIS)
Castelldefels, Spain
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

PP EPDM PE
PVC
PET
Propylene MEG
PBAT
PMMA
PBT
Vinyl Chloride Ethylene Teraphtalic acid
SBR
PET-like
Methyl Metacrylate
Ethanol p-Xylene
PU
Sorbitol
Isobutanol
THF
Isosorbide
PC
Glucose
PHA
1,4 Butanediol
1,3 Propanediol
PTT
Lactic acid
Succinate
Adipic
PLA
Acid
Starch
Saccharose
HMDA
3-HP
PU
Lysine Lignocellulose
Acrylic acid
Natural Rubber
PA
Caprolactam
Plant oils
Fructose
Glycerol
Fatty acids
HMF
Natural Rubber
Starch-based Polymers
Lignin-based Polymers
Cellulose-based Polymers
Epoxy resins
Epichlorohydrin
PU
PU
Polyols
Diacids (Sebacic acid)
PA
FDCA
PHA
PU
PBS
PEF
Superabsorbent Polymers
Other Furan-based polymers
Market study on
Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers in the World
Capacities, Production and Applications: Status Quo and Trends towards 2020
Fast Growth Predicted for Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers in the World –
Production Capacity will triple towards 2020
The new comprehensive 500 page-market study
and trend reports on “Bio-based Building Blocks and
Polymers in the World – Capacities, Production and
Applications: Status Quo and Trends Towards 2020” has
been released by German nova-Institut GmbH. Authors
are experts from the nova-Institute in cooperation with
ten renowned international experts.
Bio-based polymers: Evolution of worldwide production capacities
from 2011 to 2020
million t/a
20
15
http://bio-based.eu/markets
actual data
forecast
Constant Growth of Bio-based Polymers is expected:
Production capacity will triple from 5.1 million tonnes
in 2013 to 17 million tonnes in 2020, representing a 2%
share of polymer production in 2013 and 4% in 2020.
Bio-based drop-in PET and the new polymers PLA and
PHA show the fastest rates of market growth. The biobased
polymer turnover was about € 10 billion worldwide
in 2013. Europe looses considerable shares in total
production to Asia.
What makes this report unique?
■ The 500 page-market study contains over 200 tables
and figures, 96 company profiles and 11 exclusive
trend reports written by international experts.
■ These market data on bio-based building blocks
and polymers are the main source of the European
Bioplastics market data.
■ In addition to market data, the report offers a complete
and in-depth overview of the bio-based economy,
from policy to standards & norms, from brand
strategies to environmental assessment and many
more.
■ A comprehensive short version (24 pages) is available
for free at http://bio-based.eu/markets
To whom is the report addressed?
■ The whole polymer value chain: agro-industry,
feedstock suppliers, chemical industry (petro-based
and bio-based), global consumer industries and
brands owners
■ Investors
■ Associations and decision makers
©
10
5
2011
-Institut.eu | 2015
2012
Epoxies
PE
2013
2% of total
polymer capacity
2014
PUR
PBS
2015
CA
PBAT
Content of the full report
This 500 page-report presents the findings
of nova-Institute’s market study, which is
made up of three parts: “market data”,
“trend reports” and “company profiles”
and contains over 200 tables and figures.
The “market data” section presents market
data about total production capacities and
the main application fields for selected biobased
polymers worldwide (status quo in
2013, trends and investments towards
2020). This part not only covers bio-based
polymers, but also investigates the current
bio-based building block platforms.
The “trend reports” section contains a total
of eleven independent articles by leading
2016
PET
PA
2017
PTT
PHA
2018
PEF
Starch
Blends
2019
EPDM
PLA
2020
Full study available at www.bio-based.eu/markets
experts in the field of bio-based polymers.
These trend reports cover in detail every
important trend in the worldwide bio-based
polymer market.
The fi nal “company profiles” section
includes 96 company profiles with specific
data including locations, bio-based
polymers, feedstocks and production
capacities (actual data for 2011 and 2013
and forecasts for 2020). The profiles also
encompass basic information on the
companies (joint ventures, partnerships,
technology and bio-based products). A
company index by polymers, with list of
acronyms, follows.
Two years after the fi rst market study on bio-based
polymers was released, Germany’s nova-Institute is
publishing a complete update of the most comprehensive
market study ever made. This update will expand the
market study’s range, including bio-based building blocks
as precursor of bio-based polymers. The nova-Institute
carried out this study in collaboration with renowned
international experts from the field of bio-based building
blocks and polymers. The study investigates every kind
of bio-based polymer and, for the first time, several major
building blocks produced around the world, while also
examining in detail 112 companies that produce biobased
polymers.
Order the full report
The full report can be ordered for 3,000 €
plus VAT and the short version of the report
can be downloaded for free at:
www.bio-based.eu/markets
Contact
Dipl.-Ing. Florence Aeschelmann
+49 (0) 22 33 / 48 14-48
florence.aeschelmann@nova-institut.de
Bio-based Building Blocks and
Polymers in the World
Capacities, Production and Applications:
Status Quo and Trends towards 2020
Florence Aeschelmann, Michael Carus, Wolfgang Baltus, Howard Blum,
Rainer Busch, Dirk Carrez, Constance Ißbrücker, Harald Käb,
Kristy-Barbara Lange, Jim Philp, Jan Ravenstijn, Hasso von Pogrell

Barrier
PLA and cellulose
based film laminates
NatureWorks and Innovia Films have collaborated to develop
the next big step forward in sustainable multilayer
film materials. By combining the complimentary
technologies of their bio-materials, they have created a biobased
commercially compostable packaging structure that
can be used across a wide range of packaging and lidding
formats. When laminated, the high-barrier properties of cellulose
based NatureFlex combined with Ingeo PLA make
for a truly high-performance packaging film.
Potential Application with NatureFlex & Ingeo
By focusing on the functional attributes of each individual
film, along with the combination of the materials, Innovia and
NatureWorks, in concert with their collaborative partners
Bi-Ax International, H. B. Fuller and Clemson University,
developed one of a kind bio-laminations that not only meet
the functional requirements of packaged products, but also
address renewable content, end of life for flexible materials
and reduce the amount of carbon in the overall package.
Package functionality is paramount. In many cases, these
newly developed structures would be replacing traditional,
petro-chemical derived materials that meet the fit for use
requirements for the product packaged. The bio-laminations
needed to meet the key criteria of appearance, barrier and
sealability. NatureFlex film from Innovia meets barrier criteria
while Evlon film from Bi-Ax International incorporates an Ingeo
sealant layer. During the design phase of the collaboration,
two very common flexible structures were identified as
candidates to compare bio-laminate alternatives. The first
incumbent structure is a widely used secondary package
across multiple segments and package formats; 12 µm PET/
Adh/46 µm PE. The other candidate went to the other side of
the spectrum with a high barrier foil lamination; 12 µm PET/
Adh/7 µm Alu /Adh/46 µm PE.
Compared to all other package formats, flexible packaging
is a sustainable solution. For example, just over the past 20
years, packaged retail coffee has evolved from glass to steel
to rigid plastic and now flexible laminations. Comparatively,
each step throughout the package evolution has resulted in a
more sustainable product than the predecessor. By focusing
on “what’s next?” in the evolution of flexible materials,
Innovia and NatureWorks designed materials that address
the two major downsides of using flexible laminates, namely
Stick pack HFFS VFFS Pouches Sachets Lidding
Dry beverages
(coffee/tea)
Dry goods/breads
Nutritional bars
Salted snacks
Confections
Cultured dairy/
cheese
Pet food/treats
Liquid applications
• Recommended • Evaluation needed • Not applicable
renewable content and end-of-life. Comparatively, the petrochemical
derived materials have zero renewable content,
which essentially means that these materials are using 100 %
finite fossil resources as the primary raw material. Conversely,
the flexible laminates designed by the collaboration of
NatureWorks and Innovia have very-high renewable carbon.
Additionally these bio-laminations provide an alternative
and valuable end of life option. Beyond just landfill which is
the principal final resting place of mixed-material, flexible
laminates in many countries, these bio-laminates offer up
the prospect of carbon-neutral incineration with renewable
energy recovery and they are also designed to decompose in
Industrial Composting facilities where such facilities exist.
Each film used in the construction has been fully certified
(ASTM D 6400) by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)
for compostability.
Advancements in processing within manufacturing of the
base materials has greatly reduced the amount of greenhouse
gas emissions in packaging. Petro-chemical laminates are
already at a very low base compared to rigid packaging but
bio-laminations allow to reduce these levels even further,
especially as the scale and adoption of renewable materials
are commercialized.
The next generation of flexible packaging is here. Innovia
Films and NatureWorks, along with their development
partners, have succeeded in developing individual materials,
when combined, make a sustainable packaging solution for
brands and converters. By meeting the package requirements,
having renewable content and an alternate end-of-life, the
next generation of flexible packaging is here and addresses
the “What’s next?” question for flexible laminates. MT
www.natureworksllc.com - www.innovia-films.com
Raw material
End of life
Raw material
End of life
Conventional pack
12µm PET/Adh/50µm PE
0 % RRM
fossil
derived
Incinerate
or landfill
Footprint
0.3 kg
CO 2
eq/m 2
MVTR ~11
OTR

Barrier
By:
Warwick Armstrong
General Manager
Business Development and Marketing
Plantic Technologies
Altona, Victoria, Australia
Renewable material
with superior barrier
performance
As part of the Kuraray group (headquartered in Chiyoda,
Prefecture Tokio, Japan) the world leader in
barrier materials, Plantic Technologies Ltd (Altona,
Victoria, Australia) brings to the barrier technology family
naturally sourced, environmentally beneficial bio-plastics.
PLANTIC is a generation of packaging materials developed
by Plantic Technologies. The products are certified by
Vincotte as 3 star rated biobased materials corresponding
to 60 % to 80 % renewably resourced materials.
A unique high barrier material, Plantic combines a
number of features and unique properties to deliver an
outstanding packaging material for extending the shelf life
of fresh products such as meat, chicken, fish & seafood,
small goods, fresh pasta and cheese.
The unique features of Plantic include:
• High renewable content
• Outstanding gas barrier performance
• Excellent barrier to taint and odour
• Sealable to most currently used top lidding
• Enhanced hot tack and seal strength
• Excellent surface gloss
Independent studies have confirmed the exceptional
barrier performance of this material by extending the shelf
life of fresh meat products by 15 – 40 %. Used by some of
the world’s leading processors and retailers Plantic has
already substituted conventional barrier materials in
fresh packaging applications globally.
Plantic grades include high barrier rigid, semi rigid
and flexible materials for applications such as form
fill & seal packaging, barrier preformed trays, vacuum
skin packaging, stand up pouches and easy peel pack
packaging applications for fresh food packaging markets.
The grades are a multilayer structure comprising a
core layer of Plantic biopolymer – which is certified as
biodegradable and compostable. The outer layers provide
moisture protective skins, and these can be produced
with bio-based or petrochemical plastics, including 100 %
biobased polyethylene derived from sugar cane.
Plantic is manufactured using state of the art laminating
technology whereby thin layers of plastics, such as
polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate
are coated to a core layer of renewably sourced, high
barrier Plantic sheet. The Plantic core provides exceptional
gas barrier, with the skin layers providing moisture/water
vapour barrier properties to the structure. The barrier
sheet can be thermoformed into trays using industry
standard equipment, including automatic form, fill, seal
machines.
Plantic have won numerous awards for innovative
technology including the 2005/6 DuPont Australia and
New Zealand Performance Materials and Chairman’s
Award and the bronze winner of the PCA Sustainable
Packaging Design Award.
The key ingredient in Plantic is a non-genetically
modified corn starch. This unique and patented
technology means that Plantic material is created with
50 % less energy than that of the similar petrochemical
plastics and combined with the benefit of plant based
raw materials impart reduced environmental impacts.
What is Plantic?
Plantic is unique as the world’s first truly renewable
Ultra Barrier material. Plantic has extended the range
of gas barrier materials to launch a new category of
Ultra Barrier materials, materials with an Oxygen
Transmission Rate (OTR) below 1.0 cm³/m 2 /day. The
excellent barrier properties are unique to Plantic, and
derived from a proprietary process which allows the
natural occurring polymer in starch to be used as a
packaging material.
Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide used
as an energy store in green plants. Larger amounts of
starch are particularly found in cereal crops (such as
corn, wheat and rice) and also tubers (such as potato and
cassava). The polymer component of starch is comprised
of a linear polymer known as amylose and a highly
branched polymer amylopectin.
The starch used in Plantic has a very high proportion
of amylose (>70 %), which gives it similar processing and
properties to Poly PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Exceptional Barrier Performance.
Plantic offers exceptional barrier performance,
superior to that available with conventional barrier
resins, including PVDC, MXD6 and EVOH.
Table 1 presents a comparison of the Oxygen Barrier
performance of a number of conventional polymers with
Plantic.
Figure 1 shows the effect of changes in environmental
Relative Humidity on the gas barrier properties of
commercial barrier films. Similar to the other hydrophilic
polymers shown here, Plantic film will absorb moisture
from the external environment, which causes a decrease
in the barrier performance.
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Barrier
The rate of moisture absorption in Plantic is controlled
and limited due to the water resistance of the barrier skin
materials. Independent tests have shown that the barrier
performance remains below instrument detection limits
(typically 0.05 cm³/m 2 /day) for more than 7 days. Figure 2
demonstrates this for a Plantic sample, equilibrated at
75 % RH, and then exposed to 90 % RH. After 8 days there
is no measurable change in the OTR, which remains below
the instrument detection limit.
The barrier performance of Plantic is even better at
lower temperatures, as shown in figure 3. There is a factor
of 3 decrease in the OTR at 50 % RH as the temperature
is reduced from 20 °C to 5 °C. This is an important factor
in the extended shelf life of fresh meat and poultry stored
under refrigerated conditions.
PLANTIC eco Plastic extends the shelf life of fresh
food.
Plantic have conducted a number of external trials
at certified, independent laboratories to determine the
actual shelf life of fresh meat, such as mince, chicken and
fish compared to conventional polypropylene (PP) barrier
trays currently used in the market. The same top web was
used for all samples in both Plantic and PP trays.
The results also indicated that samples packed in
Plantic trays maintained the original colour for both
chicken and sausage meat for longer than those packed
in conventional PP trays. Shelf life extension was based
on a combination of factors, including Total Plate Count,
Coliform, pH, odour and colour assessment according to
NATA regulations.
The chicken packed in Plantic trays demonstrated a
40 % increase in shelf life and sausage meat packed in
eco Plastic trays demonstrated 15 % increase in shelf life.
Both products maintained their originally packaged colour
(less browning due to oxidation) for longer in eco Plastic
trays than those packed in PP trays.
www.kuraray.co.jp/en
www.plantic.com.au
3·25µ/m 2·day·atm]
OTR [cm
Figure 1: Effect of relative humidity on oxygen transmission rate for
a selection of commercial barrier polymers.
OTR cm 3 /m 2 /day
100.0
10.0
1.0
0.1
0
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
-0.01
-0.02
0
EVOH-32 %
EVOH-44 %
MXD6
Plantic
20 40 60 80 100
% RH
Specimen A, 0.46 mm
Specimen B, 0.47 mm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Days after RH change
Figure 2: Effect of a change in external relative humidity from 75 %
to 90 % on the barrier performance of Plantic.
(Test Method: ASTM F1927-98: 23 °C (± 0.2 °C),
RH as specified ± 3 %, Test gas 100 % Oxygen)
Table 1: Comparative barrier performance of packaging film
materials.
Material
OTR
cm³/m²/day
25 µm, 23 °C, 50 % RH
WVTR
g/m²/day
25 µm, 38 °C, 90 % RH
LDPE 6,500 18
HDPE 2,300 6
PP 2,300 11
PLA 600 300
PVC 200 46
PET 40 20
Nylon 6 32 160
MXD6 2.0 80
PVDC 2.0 3
EVOH 44 % 1.0 20
EVOH 32 % 0.2 60
Plantic 0.5 150
Figure 3: Effect of temperature on the barrier performance of
Plantic.
OTR [cc·25µ/m 2·day·atm]
1
0.1
0.01
0
5 °C
10 °C
15 °C
20 °C
20 40 60 80
% RH
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 41

Barrier
Cellulose‐based
barrier solutions
By:
Andy Sweetman
Marketing Manager Packaging & Sustainability
Innovia Films
Wigton, Cumbria, UK
Selecting the right barrier is the single most important
requirement in packaging. Whether this is to oxygen,
aroma, water, gas, UV, light, mineral oil or, depending
on the product being packaged, “All of the Above”.
Innovia Films’ has a range of cellulose‐based filmic barrier
solutions for packaging to help keep products in premium
condition. The barrier properties of these films can be tailored
for different markets such as fresh produce, dried foods and
confectionery.
NatureFlex is a bioplastic film manufactured from FSC ® /
PEFC certified wood pulp (cellulose). It is available in
transparent, white, metallised and coloured varieties.
The films are available in different thicknesses ranging from
19 to 45 microns. They can also be combined with additional
grades of NatureFlex or with other bioplastic films to come
up with a further optimised packaging solution – what we call
Biolaminates.
Traditional flexible packaging laminates, such as pouches,
employ a kind of ABC principle:
• an outer printable layer for Appearance, typically a
Polyester film
• a middle metallised Polyester or aluminium foil for Barrier
• and a strong, highly sealable layer on the inside for
Containment, such as Polyethylene.
There are now a number of similar constructions in the
market using this principle the bio way; e. g. a transparent
NatureFlex with a metallised NatureFlex and a starch,
copolyester or PBS based film on the inside. These are being
used for a range of high barrier need dry food applications
Caffè Molinari SpA a leading Italian coffee company recently
introduced a Bio range (see photo), which uses fully certified
compostable packaging, and a unique new NatureFlex grade:
The coffee pack is constructed using just two‐layers,
comprising a white metallised high barrier NatureFlex
outer layer which provides both the appearance and barrier
functions in one film. This is then laminated to a biopolymer
sealant inner layer, providing high seal strength and integrity.
This innovative eco‐friendly integrated packaging system
also includes an aroma protecting bio degassing‐valve,
designed and patented by Goglio Plastic Division. The full
pack construction with the valve complies with the EN13432
industrial composting norm and is certified to OK Compost’s
composting standard by Vinçotte.
Attilio Cecchi, Area Sales Manager Italy, Innovia Films stated
“NatureFlex films are ideal for the coffee market as they fit
well with concerns about sustainability and renewability. The
environment continues to be a high priority in packaging and
certified organic coffee products are a ‘good fit’ with more
sustainable options. Innovia Films’ new high performance white
metallised NatureFlex film is ideal for this application as it is
based not only on renewable resources but also has excellent
barrier properties – essential for keeping coffee in perfect
condition.”
www.innoviafilms.com
Caffe Molinari Packs
g/m 2 /day
How various filmic structures compare to provide barrier
(Water Vapour Transmission Rate, WVTR @ 38°C, 90%RH)
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
*NVS
*NatureFlex
*NVR PLA *NE PET STARCH *NK BOPP
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

4 th PLA World Congress
24 – 25 MAY 2016 MUNICH › GERMANY
is a versatile bioplastics raw
PLA material from renewable resources.
It is being used for films and rigid packaging,
for fibres in woven and non-woven applications.
Automotive industry
and consumer electronics are thoroughly
investigating and even already applying PLA.
New methods of polymerizing, compounding
or blending of PLA have broadened the range
of properties and thus the range of possible
applications.
That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE is now
organizing the 4 th PLA World Congress on:
24 – 25 May 2016 in Munich / Germany
Experts from all involved fields will share their
knowledge and contribute to a comprehensive
overview of today‘s opportunities and challenges
and discuss the possibilities, limitations
and future prospects of PLA for all kind of
applications. Like the three congresses
the 4 th PLA World Congress will also offer
excellent networking opportunities for all
delegates and speakers as well as exhibitors
of the table-top exhibition.
The conference will comprise high class presentations on
Call for Papers
bioplastics MAGAZINE invites all experts
worldwide from material development,
processing and application of PLA to
submit proposals for papers on the latest
developments and innovations.
Please send your proposal, including
speaker details and a 300 word abstract to
mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com.
The team of bioplastics MAGAZINE is looking
forward to seeing you in Munich.
› Online registration will be available soon.
Watch out for the Early–Bird discount as well
as sponsoring opportunities at
www.pla-world-congress.com
› Latest developments
› Market overview
› High temperature behaviour
› Barrier issues
› Additives / Colorants
› Applications (film and rigid packaging, textile,
automotive,electronics, toys, and many more)
› Fibers, fabrics, textiles, nonwovens
› Reinforcements
› End of life options
(recycling,composting, incineration etc)
organized by

Barrier
Improvement of barrier
properties on PLA-based
packaging products
By:
Daniela Collin, Sabine Amberg-Schwab
Fraunhofer-Institut für Silicatforschung
Würzburg, Germany
Victor Peinado, Berta Gonzalvo
AITIIP Technological Centre
Zaragoza, Spain
Within the scope of the European Dibbiopack Project
(7 th European Framework Programme; Grant
agreement no: 280676), one of the main aims was
the development of biodegradable films with improved
barrier coatings as well as the investigations concerning
the barrier properties of the bulk package using nanoparticles
combined with the PLA material. This article is
specially related to the development of barrier coatings on
biodegradable PLA-based films.
The Project
The focus of the Dibbiopack Project was the development
of new biobased materials specially adapted to the
development of a wide range of containers or packages
(films made by biaxially oriented blow moulding, trays
and jars developed by injection moulding and bottles
performed by extrusion blow moulding technologies) and
the improvement of the thermal, mechanical and barrier
properties of these packages by nanotechnology such as
innovative coatings.
Another main objective was the operational integration
of different intelligent technologies or smart devices to
provide the packaging value chain with more information
about the products and the processes, increase safety and
quality of products within the supply chain and improve the
shelf-life of the packaged products. The project includes
the design, development, optimization and manufacturing
of multifunctional smart packages, assuring compliance
of environmental requirements by means of LCA and LCC
analysis, managing nanotechnology risk within the whole
packaging value chain, and finally, end user evaluation
in different sectors as cosmetic, pharmaceutic and food
industry.
The Partners
19 Partners form the consortium of Dibbiopack, which
is headed by the Spanish AITIIP Technological Centre.
Partners, which are dedicated to basic and applied
research, are represented by institutes and universities
such as Fraunhofer ISC, INSTM, TECOS or CNR to name a
few. But also SMEs with research capabilities as Avanzare,
Condensia Quimica, Archa or Plasma contribute with
their knowledge to achieve the best biodegradable packaging
possible to fit the needs of the end-user companies: Cosmetic,
Help and Nutreco and, by extension, the possible needs of
those markets regarding biobased packaging.
The Achievements
By the month 40 of the project (the project duration is
48 months), several goals have been achieved:
• Optimized material formulations for nanoadditivated PLA,
processing of these compositions by injection moulding
and extrusion blow moulding, improved mechanical and
barrier properties and processability than commercial
grades.
• Improved barrier properties on films which are built up
by means of plasma surface application and functional
coatings based on hybrid polymers. These barrier hybrid
polymers are now also biodegradable.
• Production processes were optimized at industrial level,
with real demonstrators manufactured.
Biodegradable ORMOCER – bioORMOCERs
To increase the barrier properties of the packaging films,
such as lids and polymer covers, additional coatings can be
applied. Of course, in a biodegradable packaging system,
these coatings should be biodegradable themselves. The
development of biodegradable barrier coatings was one of
the main objectives of the Fraunhofer-Institute for Silicate
Research (ISC) in Würzburg, Germany, which has been
working with a material class called ORMOCER ® s (registered
trademark of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft für angewandte
Forschung e. V., Munich) for more than 20 years. ORMOCERs
are hybrid inorganic-organic polymers, which are synthesized
via carefully controlled sol-gel reactions. The properties of
these coating materials can be adjusted to the requirements of
very specific applications, e. g. the coatings can have excellent
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Barrier
barrier properties. Especially when combined with
inorganic thin-films the resulting barrier properties
on flexible polymer substrates are outstanding due to
synergistic effects.
Within the framework of the Dibbiopack Project,
Fraunhofer ISC has started its development of new
biodegradable ORMOCER, so-called bioORMOCER ® s,
which then can be added as a surface refinement of
biodegradable polymer films to increase the water
vapour and oxygen barrier properties.
The basic concept of this development is the
combination of typical ORMOCER precursors with
modified biopolymers, the covalent cross-linking of
these materials by strong covalent chemical bonds
and the formation of a new hybrid polymer coating
material. In combination with inorganic sputtered
layers, developed by the consortium partner PLASMA,
excellent barrier properties were achieved for these
new surface refined polymer films. In detail, the water
vapour transmission rate of pure PLA polymer films
(provided by the consortium partner Innovia), which
originally was > 500 g·m -2·d -1 was decreased below
0.15 g·m -2·d -1 in a sandwich setup of PLA substrate
and PLASMA and bioORMOCER coating layers (testing
conditions 23 °C, 100 % relative humidity). Comparative
tests of this bioORMOCER layer setup on PET/
SiO x
films (Ceramis from Amcor, cf. bM 03/2008 and
bM 06/2012), PET film coated with SiO x
layer by e-beam
application) furthermore demonstrated oxygen barrier
properties of 0.05 cm 3·m -2·d -1·bar -1 (23 °C, 50 % relative
humiditiy). These surface refined polymer films
furthermore passed the biodegradation test according
to DIN ISO 148851:2005.
In summary, a new material class, the bioORMOCERs,
was developed within the DIBBIOPACK project. These
novel functional coating materials can improve the
properties of biodegradable polymer films. In this
material concept, the rate of biodegradability can be
further adjusted to meet the actual requirements in
packaging solutions by the choice of biopolymer, the
degree of functionalization and amount integrated
within the polymer. Next to the barrier properties,
additional features can be implemented within the
bioORMOCERs such as antimicrobial characteristics
or abrasion resistance.
www.dibbiopack.eu
R 2
R 2
R 1
Inorganic
component
Hybrid polymer
based on
ORMOCER
Organic
component
Modified
biopolymer
bioORMOCER
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 45

Barrier
A multilayer cellulosic packaging
with a bio‐based barrier
Multilayer cellulosic packaging systems for food or
beverages generally consist of paper or board and
a polyethylene layer that is included to provide the
necessary water barrier properties. Packaging systems
for wet and dry products requiring higher barrier properties
contain an additional aluminum foil layer, which
extends the shelf life of the packed food. Cellulose is recycled
at papermaking plants, which first grind and then
repulp the recovered packaging material. A residual fraction,
which can range from 30 % by weight for material
in board‐based laminates and more for
paper‐based laminates (making re‐
cycling of the latter impractical)
is made up of aluminum and
polyethylene, which can be
used to injection mold
low value applications.
The cellulose fibers
recovered from the
glued laminate
systems made
up of layers of
cellulose and
polyethylene
tend to be of
low quality.
Recycling is
therefore not
convenient –
and composting
not possible.
By partially or
totally replacing
the polyethylene
in such multilayer
systems with a proteinmanagement
based film, the end‐of‐life
options would
be considerably improved in
T he BioBoard life cycle (source IRIS)
terms of the environmental impact of
post‐consumer packaging, as the different
materials can be better separated or composted.
The BIOBOARD European project [1] has been set up
to examine the possible options for multilayer cellulosic
based packaging. Previously, a protein‐based coating
was found to improve the oxygen barrier properties of
multilayer plastic films when produced by wet coating
[2]. However, extrusion coating is normally used in the
paper and board industries to assemble the cellulosic and
plastic layers at high speed.
As a preliminary step towards preparing the new multilayer
packaging, the protein‐based layer was produced
by flat die extrusion, a conventional method for producing
plastic films, which can then be laminated to paper. However,
the extrusion of proteins is a topic which is not yet fully
understood from the scientific point of view. The controlled
and reliable extrusion of proteins is quite challenging, as
proteins tend to degrade when heated. Extensive studies
on simple whey protein mixtures processed at lab scale
[3] have shown that, in order to be able to extrude them,
the proteins need to be modified to display a thermoplastic
behaviour. Process parameters, such as temperature,
plasticizer concentration, and processing time influence
the properties. Within the scope of
the Bioboard project, plastic formulations
composed of waste proteins
derived from the cheese or
potato industry and biodegradable
polyesters
were developed and
produced by twin
screw
extrusion.
The process is
of especial interest,
as the
plasticization
of the protein,
reactive
modification,
blending with
biodegradable
polyesters and
the addition of
potato pulp filler
were optimised
in a single extrusion
step, thus making
the process more
sustainable from both an
economic and environmental
point of view. Interestingly,
it was found that potato pulp, a
by‐product of the starch industry that
also contains fibers, can be used as a filler to
increase the mechanical resistance of extruded whey
protein‐based films [4].
The first application of the new biodegradable film
was sought in multilayer cellulosic packaging, such
as brick‐shaped packaging for beverages or pouches
for dehydrated products, but it could also be applied in
the production of flexible plastic packaging. The studies
performed in the course of the project also showed that
it was possible to modify the properties of the proteinbased
blends, which means these also have potential for
use in rigid packaging, such as thermoformable trays or
containers.
46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Barrier
While Bioboard offers a new, biobased, extrudable
solution and contributes to the available knowledge about
protein extrusion, it also exhibits good benefits in terms
of the environment, as it is based on waste and promotes
recycling and composting practices for post-consumer
packaging. However, more research is needed to overcome
the remaining hurdles, such as improving processability
of the material so that it could be used industrially in
packaging and no-packaging applications in the future.
The author wishes to acknowledge the European
Community‘s Seventh Framework Programme for
Research, technological development and demonstration
for co-funding the Bioboard European project [grant
agreement nº 315313]
[1] www.bioboard.eu
[2] E. Bugnicourt, M. Schmid, O. Mc. Nerney, J. Wildner, L. Smykala, A.
Lazzeri, P. Cinelli, “Processing and Validation of Whey-Protein-Coated
Films and Laminates at Semi-Industrial Scale as Novel Recyclable
Food Packaging Materials with Excellent Barrier Properties”,
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 2013, Article ID
496207, 10 pages, 2013
[3] V. M. Hernandez-Izquierdo and J. M. Krochta, “Thermoplastic
processing of proteins for film formation - A review,” J. Food Sci., vol.
73, no. 2, pp. R30–R39, 2008.
[4] M. Schmid, C. Herbst, K. Müller, A. Stäbler, D. Schlemmer,
M.-B. Coltelli, and A. Lazzeri. “How potato pulp as filler in
thermoplastic WPI/PBS Blends affects mechanical properties and
water vapor transmission rate”, Polymer-Plastics Technology and
Engineering, submitted, 2015
By:
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli
Researcher
University of Pisa, Italy
Elodie Bugnicourt
Group Leader EcoMaterials
Innovació i Recerca Industrial i Sostenible (IRIS)
Castelldefels, Spain
© Resysta Furniture and Decking (2), Faurecia, Tecnaro
www.wpc-conference.com
Sixth WPC & NFC Conference, Cologne
Wood and Natural Fibre Composites
16 – 17 December 2015, Maritim Hotel, Germany
World’s Largest WPC & NFC Conference in 2015!
Market opportunities through intersectoral innovation in Wood-Plastic Composites
and Natural Fibre Composites
New applications – huge replacement potential in plastics and composites!
■ The international two-day programme, taking place in English
■ The world’s most comprehensive WPC exhibition
■ Vote for „The Wood and Natural Fibre Composite Award 2015“
■ Gala dinner and other excellent networking opportunities
Programme, Sponsors:
Dr. Asta Eder
asta.eder@nova-institut.de
Organisation, Communication,
Exhibition:
Dominik Vogt
dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de
Organiser:
nova-Institut GmbH
Chemiepark Knapsack
Industriestraße 300
50354 Hürth
Germany
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 47

Basics
Basics
Land use
(update)
By:
Hasso von Pogrell
Managing Director
European Bioplastics
Berlin, Germany
How much land is being used for
the production of biobased plastics?
SHAPING SMART
SOLUTIONS
Register now!
5/6 November 2015
MARITIM proArte Hotel
Berlin
For more information email:
conference@european-bioplastics.org
Esteemed an important pillar of the European bioeconomy
by the European Commission, the bioplastics
industry has developed dynamically in recent years
demonstrating a significant growth potential. Global production
capacities are predicted to grow from 1.6 million
tonnes in 2013 to approximately 6.7 million tonnes in 2018.
A maintained and fair access to sustainably grown biomass
is critical to guarantee this growth.
For the production of currently 1.6 million tonnes of
biobased plastics into approximately 600,000 hectares
of land are needed to grow sufficient feedstock. This
translates to about 0.01 % of the entire global agricultural
area of 5 billion hectares.
Biomass grown for material use in general (including
the share for the productions of bioplastics) amounts to
roughly 2 % of the global agricultural area. In contrast
to that, growing food, feed, and use of land as pastures
account for about 97 %. The sheer difference in volume
shows that there is no competition between biomass use
for food and feed, and for material use.
Assuming a continued high and maybe even politically
supported growth of the bioplastics market, at the current
stage of technological development, a global production
capacity of around 6.7 million tonnes could be reached
by 2018 for which about 1.3 million hectares land would
be needed. Even at this growth rate, the predicted land
use only equates to approximately 0.02 % of the global
agricultural area..
What is more, the aforementioned calculation (which
was done by the IfBB Hanover) assumes that the feedstock
grown on the land (600,000 ha in 2013 and 1.3 million ha
in 2018) is solely allocated to the production of biobased
plastics. In many cases, however, this will not be the case,
but an integrated production processes will create more
than just one product out of the feedstock. This means
that food, feed, and industrial products will all be produced
from the same plant, in which case the actual land-use
for bioplastics would be much lower than the already very
small area predicted by European Bioplastics.
Another important aspect that should be taken into
account is the increasing share of food residues, non-food
crops or cellulosic biomass used for the production of
bioplastics, which will lead to even less land demanded
for bioplastics than the numbers predicted above.
Industrial use of biomass is neither in competition with
the production of food and feed, nor the use of land as
pastures. In order to continue to make reliable claims and
forecasts, accurate calculations are needed. Therefore,
European Bioplastics is driving this important topic
www.conference.european-bioplastics.org
48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Basics
together with renowned specialists such as market research
and policy consultancy nova- Institute and the Institute for
Bioplastics and Biocomposites of the University of Applied Arts
and Sciences Hannover (both Germany). Both institutes will
present their latest insights at the 10th European Bioplastics
Conference on 5/6 November 2015 in Berlin and share their
newest data on the biomass available for industrial production
(nova-Institute) as well as different calculation scenarios for
an accurate determination of land-use for biobased plastics
production.
Hans-Josef Endres from the IfBB pointed out that in
order to engage in the discussion on land use for biobased
plastics, accurate calculations are needed. A comprehensive
sensitivity analysis of the IfBB shows that land use calculation
is impacted by a lot of different factors. “We identified strong
impact factors, like the assumed biomass yields, variable crops
producing the same polymer feedstock, different processing
routes for equal bioplastics, postulated biobased amounts
and particularly the inclusion of old economy bioplastics like
cellulosics or even rubber. Other impact factors like allocation
or conversation rates often have a much lower and therefore
overestimated influence on results of land use calculations.”
Florence Aeschelmann and Michael Carus from nova-
Institute confirm that it is important to allocate the land only
to the actual amount of biomass used for the production of
bioplastics: “Only a certain part of the harvested biomass is
used for the production of bio-based polymers – other parts
are used for food, feed or energy.“ The table below shows the
biomass allocation between bio-based plastics and other
uses, the correction factor, and the lower land use number
taking the adopted allocation into account.
Stakeholders interested in this important topic should
not miss this year’s anniversary of the leading bioplastics
conference in Europe.
Bio-based
polymer
Biomass
Bio-based plastics
Biomass allocation to
Food, feed and others
Correction
factor
Land use ha/t
full allocation to
bio-based plastics
Land use ha/t bio-based polymer,
nova-Institute with allocation to all uses
(w. correction factor)
PLA100 Sugar beet 70 % 30 % 0.7 0.18 0.13
PLA100 Sugar cane 30 % 70 % 0.3 0.16 0.05
PLA100 Wheat 60 % 40 % 0.6 1.04 0.62
PLA100 Corn 75 % 25 % 0.75 0.37 0.28
PET30 Sugar cane 30 % 70 % 0.3 0.08 0.024
PE Sugar cane 30 % 70 % 0.3 0.48 0.14
Source: nova-Institute
www.en.european-bioplastics.org/environment/sustainable-sourcing/land-use/
www.en.european-bioplastics.org/conference/
Global land area
13.4 billion ha = 100 %
Global agricultural area
5 billion ha = 37 %
GLOBAL AGRICULTURAL AREA
Pasture
3.5 billion ha = 70 %*
Arable land**
1.4 billion ha = 30 %*
Food & Feed
1.24 billion ha = 26 %*
Material use
106 million ha = 2 %*
Biofuels
53 million ha = 1 %*
Source: European Bioplastics | Institute for Bioplastics and
Biocomposites, nova-Institute (October 2015)
Bioplastics
2013: 0.6 million ha = 0.01 %*
2018: 1.3 million ha = 0.02 %*
* In relation to global agricultural area
** Also includes 1 % fallow land
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 49

Basics
Glossary 4.1 last update issue 04/2015
In bioplastics MAGAZINE again and again
the same expressions appear that some of our readers
might not (yet) be familiar with. This glossary shall help
with these terms and shall help avoid repeated explanations
such as PLA (Polylactide) in various articles.
Bioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics
e.V.) is a term used to define two different
kinds of plastics:
a. Plastics based on → renewable resources
(the focus is the origin of the raw material
used). These can be biodegradable or not.
b. → Biodegradable and → compostable
plastics according to EN13432 or similar
standards (the focus is the compostability of
the final product; biodegradable and compostable
plastics can be based on renewable
(biobased) and/or non‐renewable (fossil) resources).
Bioplastics may be
‐ based on renewable resources and biodegradable;
‐ based on renewable resources but not be
biodegradable; and
‐ based on fossil resources and biodegradable.
1 st Generation feedstock | Carbohydrate rich
plants such as corn or sugar cane that can
also be used as food or animal feed are called
food crops or 1 st generation feedstock. Bred
my mankind over centuries for highest energy
efficiency, currently, 1 st generation feedstock
is the most efficient feedstock for the production
of bioplastics as it requires the least
amount of land to grow and produce the highest
yields. [bM 04/09]
2 nd Generation feedstock | refers to feedstock
not suitable for food or feed. It can be either
non‐food crops (e.g. cellulose) or waste materials
from 1 st generation feedstock (e.g.
waste vegetable oil). [bM 06/11]
3 rd Generation feedstock | This term currently
relates to biomass from algae, which
– having a higher growth yield than 1 st and 2 nd
generation feedstock – were given their own
category.
Aerobic digestion | Aerobic means in the
presence of oxygen. In →composting, which is
an aerobic process, →microorganisms access
the present oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere.
They metabolize the organic material
to energy, CO 2
, water and cell biomass,
whereby part of the energy of the organic material
is released as heat. [bM 03/07, bM 02/09]
Since this Glossary will not be printed
in each issue you can download a pdf version
from our website (bit.ly/OunBB0)
bioplastics MAGAZINE is grateful to European Bioplastics for the permission to use parts of their Glossary.
Version 4.0 was revised using EuBP’s latest version (Jan 2015).
[*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive article previously published in bioplastics MAGAZINE)
Anaerobic digestion | In anaerobic digestion,
organic matter is degraded by a microbial
population in the absence of oxygen
and producing methane and carbon dioxide
(= →biogas) and a solid residue that can be
composted in a subsequent step without
practically releasing any heat. The biogas can
be treated in a Combined Heat and Power
Plant (CHP), producing electricity and heat, or
can be upgraded to bio‐methane [14] [bM 06/09]
Amorphous | non‐crystalline, glassy with unordered
lattice
Amylopectin | Polymeric branched starch
molecule with very high molecular weight
(biopolymer, monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09]
Amylose | Polymeric non‐branched starch
molecule with high molecular weight (biopolymer,
monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09]
Biobased | The term biobased describes the
part of a material or product that is stemming
from →biomass. When making a biobasedclaim,
the unit (→biobased carbon content,
→biobased mass content), a percentage and
the measuring method should be clearly stated [1]
Biobased carbon | carbon contained in or
stemming from →biomass. A material or
product made of fossil and →renewable resources
contains fossil and →biobased carbon.
The biobased carbon content is measured via
the 14 C method (radio carbon dating method)
that adheres to the technical specifications as
described in [1,4,5,6].
Biobased labels | The fact that (and to
what percentage) a product or a material is
→biobased can be indicated by respective
labels. Ideally, meaningful labels should be
based on harmonised standards and a corresponding
certification process by independent
third party institutions. For the property
biobased such labels are in place by certifiers
→DIN CERTCO and →Vinçotte who both base
their certifications on the technical specification
as described in [4,5]
A certification and corresponding label depicting
the biobased mass content was developed
by the French Association Chimie du Végétal
[ACDV].
Biobased mass content | describes the
amount of biobased mass contained in a material
or product. This method is complementary
to the 14 C method, and furthermore, takes
other chemical elements besides the biobased
carbon into account, such as oxygen, nitrogen
and hydrogen. A measuring method has
been developed and tested by the Association
Chimie du Végétal (ACDV) [1]
Biobased plastic | A plastic in which constitutional
units are totally or partly from →
biomass [3]. If this claim is used, a percentage
should always be given to which extent
the product/material is → biobased [1]
[bM 01/07, bM 03/10]
Biodegradable Plastics | Biodegradable Plastics
are plastics that are completely assimilated
by the → microorganisms present a defined
environment as food for their energy. The
carbon of the plastic must completely be converted
into CO 2
during the microbial process.
The process of biodegradation depends on
the environmental conditions, which influence
it (e.g. location, temperature, humidity) and
on the material or application itself. Consequently,
the process and its outcome can vary
considerably. Biodegradability is linked to the
structure of the polymer chain; it does not depend
on the origin of the raw materials.
There is currently no single, overarching standard
to back up claims about biodegradability.
One standard for example is ISO or in Europe:
EN 14995 Plastics‐ Evaluation of compostability
‐ Test scheme and specifications
[bM 02/06, bM 01/07]
Biogas | → Anaerobic digestion
Biomass | Material of biological origin excluding
material embedded in geological formations
and material transformed to fossilised
material. This includes organic material, e.g.
trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, algae and
waste of biological origin, e.g. manure [1, 2]
Biorefinery | the co‐production of a spectrum
of bio‐based products (food, feed, materials,
chemicals including monomers or building
blocks for bioplastics) and energy (fuels, power,
heat) from biomass.[bM 02/13]
Blend | Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at
least two microscopically dispersed and molecularly
distributed base polymers
Bisphenol-A (BPA) | Monomer used to produce
different polymers. BPA is said to cause
health problems, due to the fact that is behaves
like a hormone. Therefore it is banned
for use in children’s products in many countries.
BPI | Biodegradable Products Institute, a notfor‐profit
association. Through their innovative
compostable label program, BPI educates
manufacturers, legislators and consumers
about the importance of scientifically based
standards for compostable materials which
biodegrade in large composting facilities.
Carbon footprint | (CFPs resp. PCFs – Product
Carbon Footprint): Sum of →greenhouse
gas emissions and removals in a product system,
expressed as CO 2
equivalent, and based
on a →life cycle assessment. The CO 2
equivalent
of a specific amount of a greenhouse gas
is calculated as the mass of a given greenhouse
gas multiplied by its →global warmingpotential
[1,2,15]
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Basics
Carbon neutral, CO 2
neutral | describes a
product or process that has a negligible impact
on total atmospheric CO 2
levels. For
example, carbon neutrality means that any
CO 2
released when a plant decomposes or
is burnt is offset by an equal amount of CO 2
absorbed by the plant through photosynthesis
when it is growing.
Carbon neutrality can also be achieved
through buying sufficient carbon credits to
make up the difference. The latter option is
not allowed when communicating → LCAs
or carbon footprints regarding a material or
product [1, 2].
Carbon-neutral claims are tricky as products
will not in most cases reach carbon neutrality
if their complete life cycle is taken into consideration
(including the end-of life).
If an assessment of a material, however, is
conducted (cradle to gate), carbon neutrality
might be a valid claim in a B2B context. In this
case, the unit assessed in the complete life
cycle has to be clarified [1]
Cascade use | of →renewable resources means
to first use the →biomass to produce biobased
industrial products and afterwards – due to
their favourable energy balance – use them
for energy generation (e.g. from a biobased
plastic product to →biogas production). The
feedstock is used efficiently and value generation
increases decisively.
Catalyst | substance that enables and accelerates
a chemical reaction
Cellophane | Clear film on the basis of →cellulose
[bM 01/10]
Cellulose | Cellulose is the principal component
of cell walls in all higher forms of plant
life, at varying percentages. It is therefore the
most common organic compound and also
the most common polysaccharide (multisugar)
[11]. Cellulose is a polymeric molecule
with very high molecular weight (monomer is
→Glucose), industrial production from wood
or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and
fibres [bM 01/10]
Cellulose ester | Cellulose esters occur by
the esterification of cellulose with organic acids.
The most important cellulose esters from
a technical point of view are cellulose acetate
(CA with acetic acid), cellulose propionate
(CP with propionic acid) and cellulose butyrate
(CB with butanoic acid). Mixed polymerisates,
such as cellulose acetate propionate
(CAP) can also be formed. One of the most
well-known applications of cellulose aceto
butyrate (CAB) is the moulded handle on the
Swiss army knife [11]
Cellulose acetate CA | → Cellulose ester
CEN | Comité Européen de Normalisation
(European organisation for standardization)
Certification | is a process in which materials/products
undergo a string of (laboratory)
tests in order to verify that the fulfil certain
requirements. Sound certification systems
should be based on (ideally harmonised) European
standards or technical specifications
(e.g. by →CEN, USDA, ASTM, etc.) and be
performed by independent third party laboratories.
Successful certification guarantees
a high product safety - also on this basis interconnected
labels can be awarded that help
the consumer to make an informed decision.
Compost | A soil conditioning material of decomposing
organic matter which provides nutrients
and enhances soil structure.
[bM 06/08, 02/09]
Compostable Plastics | Plastics that are
→ biodegradable under →composting conditions:
specified humidity, temperature,
→ microorganisms and timeframe. In order
to make accurate and specific claims about
compostability, the location (home, → industrial)
and timeframe need to be specified [1].
Several national and international standards
exist for clearer definitions, for example EN
14995 Plastics - Evaluation of compostability -
Test scheme and specifications. [bM 02/06, bM 01/07]
Composting | is the controlled →aerobic, or
oxygen-requiring, decomposition of organic
materials by →microorganisms, under controlled
conditions. It reduces the volume and
mass of the raw materials while transforming
them into CO 2
, water and a valuable soil conditioner
– compost.
When talking about composting of bioplastics,
foremost →industrial composting in a
managed composting facility is meant (criteria
defined in EN 13432).
The main difference between industrial and
home composting is, that in industrial composting
facilities temperatures are much
higher and kept stable, whereas in the composting
pile temperatures are usually lower,
and less constant as depending on factors
such as weather conditions. Home composting
is a way slower-paced process than
industrial composting. Also a comparatively
smaller volume of waste is involved. [bM 03/07]
Compound | plastic mixture from different
raw materials (polymer and additives) [bM 04/10)
Copolymer | Plastic composed of different
monomers.
Cradle-to-Gate | Describes the system
boundaries of an environmental →Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities
from the cradle (i.e., the extraction of raw materials,
agricultural activities and forestry) up
to the factory gate
Cradle-to-Cradle | (sometimes abbreviated
as C2C): Is an expression which communicates
the concept of a closed-cycle economy,
in which waste is used as raw material
(‘waste equals food’). Cradle-to-Cradle is not
a term that is typically used in →LCA studies.
Cradle-to-Grave | Describes the system
boundaries of a full →Life Cycle Assessment
from manufacture (cradle) to use phase and
disposal phase (grave).
Crystalline | Plastic with regularly arranged
molecules in a lattice structure
Density | Quotient from mass and volume of
a material, also referred to as specific weight
DIN | Deutsches Institut für Normung (German
organisation for standardization)
DIN-CERTCO | independant certifying organisation
for the assessment on the conformity
of bioplastics
Dispersing | fine distribution of non-miscible
liquids into a homogeneous, stable mixture
Drop-In bioplastics | chemically indentical
to conventional petroleum based plastics,
but made from renewable resources. Examples
are bio-PE made from bio-ethanol (from
e.g. sugar cane) or partly biobased PET; the
monoethylene glykol made from bio-ethanol
(from e.g. sugar cane). Developments to
make terephthalic acid from renewable resources
are under way. Other examples are
polyamides (partly biobased e.g. PA 4.10 or PA
6.10 or fully biobased like PA 5.10 or PA10.10)
EN 13432 | European standard for the assessment
of the → compostability of plastic
packaging products
Energy recovery | recovery and exploitation
of the energy potential in (plastic) waste for
the production of electricity or heat in waste
incineration pants (waste-to-energy)
Environmental claim | A statement, symbol
or graphic that indicates one or more environmental
aspect(s) of a product, a component,
packaging or a service. [16]
Enzymes | proteins that catalyze chemical
reactions
Enzyme-mediated plastics | are no →bioplastics.
Instead, a conventional non-biodegradable
plastic (e.g. fossil-based PE) is enriched
with small amounts of an organic additive.
Microorganisms are supposed to consume
these additives and the degradation process
should then expand to the non-biodegradable
PE and thus make the material degrade. After
some time the plastic is supposed to visually
disappear and to be completely converted to
carbon dioxide and water. This is a theoretical
concept which has not been backed up by
any verifiable proof so far. Producers promote
enzyme-mediated plastics as a solution to littering.
As no proof for the degradation process
has been provided, environmental beneficial
effects are highly questionable.
Ethylene | colour- and odourless gas, made
e.g. from, Naphtha (petroleum) by cracking or
from bio-ethanol by dehydration, monomer of
the polymer polyethylene (PE)
European Bioplastics e.V. | The industry association
representing the interests of Europe’s
thriving bioplastics’ industry. Founded
in Germany in 1993 as IBAW, European
Bioplastics today represents the interests
of about 50 member companies throughout
the European Union and worldwide. With
members from the agricultural feedstock,
chemical and plastics industries, as well as
industrial users and recycling companies, European
Bioplastics serves as both a contact
platform and catalyst for advancing the aims
of the growing bioplastics industry.
Extrusion | process used to create plastic
profiles (or sheet) of a fixed cross-section
consisting of mixing, melting, homogenising
and shaping of the plastic.
FDCA | 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, an intermediate
chemical produced from 5-HMF.
The dicarboxylic acid can be used to make →
PEF = polyethylene furanoate, a polyester that
could be a 100% biobased alternative to PET.
Fermentation | Biochemical reactions controlled
by → microorganisms or → enyzmes (e.g. the
transformation of sugar into lactic acid).
FSC | Forest Stewardship Council. FSC is an
independent, non-governmental, not-forprofit
organization established to promote the
responsible and sustainable management of
the world’s forests.
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Basics
Gelatine | Translucent brittle solid substance,
colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless
and odorless, extracted from the collagen inside
animals‘ connective tissue.
Genetically modified organism (GMO) |
Organisms, such as plants and animals,
whose genetic material (DNA) has been altered
are called genetically modified organisms
(GMOs). Food and feed which contain
or consist of such GMOs, or are produced
from GMOs, are called genetically modified
(GM) food or feed [1]. If GM crops are used
in bioplastics production, the multiple-stage
processing and the high heat used to create
the polymer removes all traces of genetic
material. This means that the final bioplastics
product contains no genetic traces. The
resulting bioplastics is therefore well suited
to use in food packaging as it contains no genetically
modified material and cannot interact
with the contents.
Global Warming | Global warming is the rise
in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere
and oceans since the late 19th century
and its projected continuation [8]. Global
warming is said to be accelerated by → green
house gases.
Glucose | Monosaccharide (or simple sugar).
G. is the most important carbohydrate (sugar)
in biology. G. is formed by photosynthesis or
hydrolyse of many carbohydrates e. g. starch.
Greenhouse gas GHG | Gaseous constituent
of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic,
that absorbs and emits radiation at
specific wavelengths within the spectrum of
infrared radiation emitted by the earth’s surface,
the atmosphere, and clouds [1, 9]
Greenwashing | The act of misleading consumers
regarding the environmental practices
of a company, or the environmental benefits
of a product or service [1, 10]
Granulate, granules | small plastic particles
(3-4 millimetres), a form in which plastic is
sold and fed into machines, easy to handle
and dose.
HMF (5-HMF) | 5-hydroxymethylfurfural is an
organic compound derived from sugar dehydration.
It is a platform chemical, a building
block for 20 performance polymers and over
175 different chemical substances. The molecule
consists of a furan ring which contains
both aldehyde and alcohol functional groups.
5-HMF has applications in many different
industries such as bioplastics, packaging,
pharmaceuticals, adhesives and chemicals.
One of the most promising routes is 2,5 furandicarboxylic
acid (FDCA), produced as an intermediate
when 5-HMF is oxidised. FDCA is
used to produce PEF, which can substitute
terephthalic acid in polyester, especially polyethylene
terephthalate (PET). [bM 03/14]
Home composting | →composting [bM 06/08]
Humus | In agriculture, humus is often used
simply to mean mature →compost, or natural
compost extracted from a forest or other
spontaneous source for use to amend soil.
Hydrophilic | Property: water-friendly, soluble
in water or other polar solvents (e.g. used
in conjunction with a plastic which is not water
resistant and weather proof or that absorbs
water such as Polyamide (PA).
Hydrophobic | Property: water-resistant, not
soluble in water (e.g. a plastic which is water
resistant and weather proof, or that does not
absorb any water such as Polyethylene (PE)
or Polypropylene (PP).
Industrial composting | is an established process
with commonly agreed upon requirements
(e.g. temperature, timeframe) for transforming
biodegradable waste into stable, sanitised
products to be used in agriculture. The criteria
for industrial compostability of packaging have
been defined in the EN 13432. Materials and
products complying with this standard can be
certified and subsequently labelled accordingly
[1,7] [bM 06/08, 02/09]
ISO | International Organization for Standardization
JBPA | Japan Bioplastics Association
Land use | The surface required to grow sufficient
feedstock (land use) for today’s bioplastic
production is less than 0.01 percent of the
global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares.
It is not yet foreseeable to what extent an increased
use of food residues, non-food crops
or cellulosic biomass (see also →1 st /2 nd /3 rd
generation feedstock) in bioplastics production
might lead to an even further reduced
land use in the future [bM 04/09, 01/14]
LCA | is the compilation and evaluation of the
input, output and the potential environmental
impact of a product system throughout its life
cycle [17]. It is sometimes also referred to as
life cycle analysis, ecobalance or cradle-tograve
analysis. [bM 01/09]
Littering | is the (illegal) act of leaving waste
such as cigarette butts, paper, tins, bottles,
cups, plates, cutlery or bags lying in an open
or public place.
Marine litter | Following the European Commission’s
definition, “marine litter consists of
items that have been deliberately discarded,
unintentionally lost, or transported by winds
and rivers, into the sea and on beaches. It
mainly consists of plastics, wood, metals,
glass, rubber, clothing and paper”. Marine
debris originates from a variety of sources.
Shipping and fishing activities are the predominant
sea-based, ineffectively managed
landfills as well as public littering the main
land-based sources. Marine litter can pose a
threat to living organisms, especially due to
ingestion or entanglement.
Currently, there is no international standard
available, which appropriately describes the
biodegradation of plastics in the marine environment.
However, a number of standardisation
projects are in progress at ISO and ASTM
level. Furthermore, the European project
OPEN BIO addresses the marine biodegradation
of biobased products.
Mass balance | describes the relationship between
input and output of a specific substance
within a system in which the output from the
system cannot exceed the input into the system.
First attempts were made by plastic raw material
producers to claim their products renewable
(plastics) based on a certain input
of biomass in a huge and complex chemical
plant, then mathematically allocating this
biomass input to the produced plastic.
These approaches are at least controversially
disputed [bM 04/14, 05/14, 01/15]
Microorganism | Living organisms of microscopic
size, such as bacteria, funghi or yeast.
Molecule | group of at least two atoms held
together by covalent chemical bonds.
Monomer | molecules that are linked by polymerization
to form chains of molecules and
then plastics
Mulch film | Foil to cover bottom of farmland
Organic recycling | means the treatment of
separately collected organic waste by anaerobic
digestion and/or composting.
Oxo-degradable / Oxo-fragmentable | materials
and products that do not biodegrade!
The underlying technology of oxo-degradability
or oxo-fragmentation is based on special additives,
which, if incorporated into standard
resins, are purported to accelerate the fragmentation
of products made thereof. Oxodegradable
or oxo-fragmentable materials do
not meet accepted industry standards on compostability
such as EN 13432. [bM 01/09, 05/09]
PBAT | Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is
an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester that has the
properties of conventional polyethylene but is
fully biodegradable under industrial composting.
PBAT is made from fossil petroleum with
first attempts being made to produce it partly
from renewable resources [bM 06/09]
PBS | Polybutylene succinate, a 100% biodegradable
polymer, made from (e.g. bio-BDO)
and succinic acid, which can also be produced
biobased [bM 03/12].
PC | Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyester,
petroleum based and not degradable, used
for e.g. baby bottles or CDs. Criticized for its
BPA (→ Bisphenol-A) content.
PCL | Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil
based), biodegradable bioplastic, e.g. used as
a blend component.
PE | Polyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised
from ethylene. Can be made from renewable
resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol) [bM 05/10]
PEF | polyethylene furanoate, a polyester
made from monoethylene glycol (MEG) and
→FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid , an intermediate
chemical produced from 5-HMF). It
can be a 100% biobased alternative for PET.
PEF also has improved product characteristics,
such as better structural strength and
improved barrier behaviour, which will allow
for the use of PEF bottles in additional applications.
[bM 03/11, 04/12]
PET | Polyethylenterephthalate, transparent
polyester used for bottles and film. The
polyester is made from monoethylene glycol
(MEG), that can be renewably sourced from
bio-ethanol (sugar cane) and (until now fossil)
terephthalic acid [bM 04/14]
PGA | Polyglycolic acid or Polyglycolide is a biodegradable,
thermoplastic polymer and the
simplest linear, aliphatic polyester. Besides
ist use in the biomedical field, PGA has been
introduced as a barrier resin [bM 03/09]
PHA | Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or the
polyhydroxy fatty acids, are a family of biodegradable
polyesters. As in many mammals,
including humans, that hold energy reserves
in the form of body fat there are also bacteria
that hold intracellular reserves in for of
of polyhydroxy alkanoates. Here the microorganisms
store a particularly high level of
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Basics
energy reserves (up to 80% of their own body
weight) for when their sources of nutrition become
scarce. By farming this type of bacteria,
and feeding them on sugar or starch (mostly
from maize), or at times on plant oils or other
nutrients rich in carbonates, it is possible to
obtain PHA‘s on an industrial scale [11]. The
most common types of PHA are PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate,
PHBV and PHBH. Depending
on the bacteria and their food, PHAs with
different mechanical properties, from rubbery
soft trough stiff and hard as ABS, can be produced.
Some PHSs are even biodegradable in
soil or in a marine environment
PLA | Polylactide or Polylactic Acid (PLA), a
biodegradable, thermoplastic, linear aliphatic
polyester based on lactic acid, a natural acid,
is mainly produced by fermentation of sugar
or starch with the help of micro-organisms.
Lactic acid comes in two isomer forms, i.e. as
laevorotatory D(-)lactic acid and as dextrorotary
L(+)lactic acid.
Modified PLA types can be produced by the
use of the right additives or by certain combinations
of L- and D- lactides (stereocomplexing),
which then have the required rigidity for
use at higher temperatures [13] [bM 01/09, 01/12]
Plastics | Materials with large molecular
chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced
by chemical or biochemical reactions.
PPC | Polypropylene Carbonate, a bioplastic
made by copolymerizing CO 2
with propylene
oxide (PO) [bM 04/12]
PTT | Polytrimethylterephthalate (PTT), partially
biobased polyester, is similarly to PET
produced using terephthalic acid or dimethyl
terephthalate and a diol. In this case it is a
biobased 1,3 propanediol, also known as bio-
PDO [bM 01/13]
Renewable Resources | agricultural raw materials,
which are not used as food or feed,
but as raw material for industrial products
or to generate energy. The use of renewable
resources by industry saves fossil resources
and reduces the amount of → greenhouse gas
emissions. Biobased plastics are predominantly
made of annual crops such as corn,
cereals and sugar beets or perennial cultures
such as cassava and sugar cane.
Resource efficiency | Use of limited natural
resources in a sustainable way while minimising
impacts on the environment. A resource
efficient economy creates more output
or value with lesser input.
Seedling Logo | The compostability label or
logo Seedling is connected to the standard
EN 13432/EN 14995 and a certification process
managed by the independent institutions
→DIN CERTCO and → Vinçotte. Bioplastics
products carrying the Seedling fulfil the criteria
laid down in the EN 13432 regarding industrial
compostability. [bM 01/06, 02/10]
Saccharins or carbohydrates | Saccharins or
carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family.
Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar
units. For example, there are known mono-,
di- and polysaccharose. → glucose is a monosaccarin.
They are important for the diet and
produced biology in plants.
Semi-finished products | plastic in form of
sheet, film, rods or the like to be further processed
into finshed products
Sorbitol | Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction
of glucose changing the aldehyde group
to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is used as
a plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch.
Starch | Natural polymer (carbohydrate)
consisting of → amylose and → amylopectin,
gained from maize, potatoes, wheat, tapioca
etc. When glucose is connected to polymerchains
in definite way the result (product) is
called starch. Each molecule is based on 300
-12000-glucose units. Depending on the connection,
there are two types → amylose and →
amylopectin known. [bM 05/09]
Starch derivatives | Starch derivatives are
based on the chemical structure of → starch.
The chemical structure can be changed by
introducing new functional groups without
changing the → starch polymer. The product
has different chemical qualities. Mostly the
hydrophilic character is not the same.
Starch-ester | One characteristic of every
starch-chain is a free hydroxyl group. When
every hydroxyl group is connected with an
acid one product is starch-ester with different
chemical properties.
Starch propionate and starch butyrate |
Starch propionate and starch butyrate can be
synthesised by treating the → starch with propane
or butanic acid. The product structure
is still based on → starch. Every based → glucose
fragment is connected with a propionate
or butyrate ester group. The product is more
hydrophobic than → starch.
Sustainable | An attempt to provide the best
outcomes for the human and natural environments
both now and into the indefinite future.
One famous definition of sustainability is the
one created by the Brundtland Commission,
led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister
G. H. Brundtland. The Brundtland Commission
defined sustainable development as
development that ‘meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.’
Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic,
social, institutional and environmental
aspects of human society, as well as the nonhuman
environment).
Sustainable sourcing | of renewable feedstock
for biobased plastics is a prerequisite
for more sustainable products. Impacts such
as the deforestation of protected habitats
or social and environmental damage arising
from poor agricultural practices must
be avoided. Corresponding certification
schemes, such as ISCC PLUS, WLC or Bon‐
Sucro, are an appropriate tool to ensure the
sustainable sourcing of biomass for all applications
around the globe.
Sustainability | as defined by European Bioplastics,
has three dimensions: economic, social
and environmental. This has been known
as “the triple bottom line of sustainability”.
This means that sustainable development involves
the simultaneous pursuit of economic
prosperity, environmental protection and social
equity. In other words, businesses have
to expand their responsibility to include these
environmental and social dimensions. Sustainability
is about making products useful to
markets and, at the same time, having societal
benefits and lower environmental impact
than the alternatives currently available. It also
implies a commitment to continuous improvement
that should result in a further reduction
of the environmental footprint of today’s products,
processes and raw materials used.
Thermoplastics | Plastics which soften or
melt when heated and solidify when cooled
(solid at room temperature).
Thermoplastic Starch | (TPS) → starch that
was modified (cooked, complexed) to make it
a plastic resin
Thermoset | Plastics (resins) which do not
soften or melt when heated. Examples are
epoxy resins or unsaturated polyester resins.
Vinçotte | independant certifying organisation
for the assessment on the conformity of bioplastics
WPC | Wood Plastic Composite. Composite
materials made of wood fiber/flour and plastics
(mostly polypropylene).
Yard Waste | Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings,
garden residue.
References:
[1] Environmental Communication Guide,
European Bioplastics, Berlin, Germany,
2012
[2] ISO 14067. Carbon footprint of products -
Requirements and guidelines for quantification
and communication
[3] CEN TR 15932, Plastics - Recommendation
for terminology and characterisation
of biopolymers and bioplastics, 2010
[4] CEN/TS 16137, Plastics - Determination
of bio-based carbon content, 2011
[5] ASTM D6866, Standard Test Methods for
Determining the Biobased Content of
Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using
Radiocarbon Analysis
[6] SPI: Understanding Biobased Carbon
Content, 2012
[7] EN 13432, Requirements for packaging
recoverable through composting and biodegradation.
Test scheme and evaluation
criteria for the final acceptance of packaging,
2000
[8] Wikipedia
[9] ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases -- Part 1:
Specification with guidance..., 2006
[10] Terrachoice, 2010, www.terrachoice.com
[11] Thielen, M.: Bioplastics: Basics. Applications.
Markets, Polymedia Publisher,
2012
[12] Lörcks, J.: Biokunststoffe, Broschüre der
FNR, 2005
[13] de Vos, S.: Improving heat-resistance of
PLA using poly(D-lactide),
bioplastics MAGAZINE, Vol. 3, Issue 02/2008
[14] de Wilde, B.: Anaerobic Digestion, bioplastics
MAGAZINE, Vol 4., Issue 06/2009
[15] ISO 14067 onb Corbon Footprint of
Products
[16] ISO 14021 on Self-declared Environmental
claims
[17] ISO 14044 on Life Cycle Assessment
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 53

Suppliers Guide
1. Raw Materials
AGRANA Starch
Thermoplastics
Conrathstrasse 7
A‐3950 Gmuend, Austria
Tel: +43 676 8926 19374
lukas.raschbauer@agrana.com
www.agrana.com
Evonik Industries AG
Paul Baumann Straße 1
45772 Marl, Germany
Tel +49 2365 49‐4717
evonik‐hp@evonik.com
www.vestamid‐terra.com
www.evonik.com
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.
No.33 Kefeng Rd, Sc. City, Guangzhou
Hi‐Tech Ind. Development Zone,
Guangdong, P.R. China. 510663
Tel: +86 (0)20 6622 1696
info@ecopond.com.cn
www.ecopond.com.cn
FLEX-162 Biodeg. Blown Film Resin!
Bio-873 4-Star Inj. Bio-Based Resin!
Simply contact:
Tel.: +49 2161 6884467
suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Showa Denko Europe GmbH
Konrad‐Zuse‐Platz 4
81829 Munich, Germany
Tel.: +49 89 93996226
www.showa‐denko.com
support@sde.de
Jincheng, Lin‘an, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
China contact: Grace Jin
mobile: 0086 135 7578 9843
Grace@xinfupharm.com
Europe contact(Belgium): Susan Zhang
mobile: 0032 478 991619
zxh0612@hotmail.com
www.xinfupharm.com
1.1 bio based monomers
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Siemensring 79
D ‐ 47 877 Willich
Tel. +49 2154 9251‐0
Tel.: +49 2154 9251‐51
sales@fkur.com
www.fkur.com
Stay permanently listed in the
Suppliers Guide with your company
logo and contact information.
For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you
can be present among top suppliers in
the field of bioplastics.
For Example:
PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
A JV of PTT and
Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66(0) 2 140‐3563
info@pttmcc.com
www.pttmcc.com
Corbion Purac
Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21
4200 AA Gorinchem ‐
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)183 695 695
Fax: +31 (0)183 695 604
www.corbion.com/bioplastics
bioplastics@corbion.com
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
39 mm
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach
Germany
Tel. +49 2161 664864
Fax +49 2161 631045
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Sample Charge:
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= 234,00 € per entry/per issue
Sample Charge for one year:
6 issues x 234,00 EUR = 1,404.00 €
The entry in our Suppliers Guide is
bookable for one year (6 issues) and
extends automatically if it’s not canceled
three month before expiry.
DuPont de Nemours International S.A.
2 chemin du Pavillon
1218 ‐ Le Grand Saconnex
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 22 171 51 11
Fax: +41 22 580 22 45
plastics@dupont.com
www.renewable.dupont.com
www.plastics.dupont.com
Tel: +86 351‐8689356
Fax: +86 351‐8689718
www.ecoworld.jinhuigroup.com
ecoworldsales@jinhuigroup.com
62 136 Lestrem, France
Tel.: + 33 (0) 3 21 63 36 00
www.roquette‐performance‐plastics.com
1.2 compounds
API S.p.A.
Via Dante Alighieri, 27
36065 Mussolente (VI), Italy
Telephone +39 0424 579711
www.apiplastic.com
www.apinatbio.com
PolyOne
Avenue Melville Wilson, 2
Zoning de la Fagne
5330 Assesse
Belgium
Tel.: + 32 83 660 211
www.polyone.com
1.3 PLA
Shenzhen Esun Ind. Co;Ltd
www.brightcn.net
www.esun.en.alibaba.com
bright@brightcn.net
Tel: +86‐755‐2603 1978
1.4 starch-based bioplastics
www.facebook.com
www.issuu.com
www.twitter.com
www.youtube.com
Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients
ZAC „Les Portes de Riom“ ‐ BP 173
63204 Riom Cedex ‐ France
Tel. +33 (0)4 73 67 17 00
Fax +33 (0)4 73 67 17 10
www.biolice.com
54 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Suppliers Guide
2. Additives/Secondary raw materials
BIOTEC
Biologische Naturverpackungen
Werner-Heisenberg-Strasse 32
46446 Emmerich/Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 2822 – 92510
info@biotec.de
www.biotec.de
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
3. Semi finished products
3.1 films
NOVAMONT S.p.A.
Via Fauser , 8
28100 Novara - ITALIA
Fax +39.0321.699.601
Tel. +39.0321.699.611
www.novamont.com
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
Holzhauser Strasse 157–159
D-13509 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 43 567 5
Fax +49 30 43 567 699
sales.de@uhde-inventa-fischer.com
Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG
Via Innovativa 31
CH-7013 Domat/Ems
Tel. +41 81 632 63 11
Fax +41 81 632 74 03
sales.ch@uhde-inventa-fischer.com
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com
Grabio Greentech Corporation
Tel: +886-3-598-6496
No. 91, Guangfu N. Rd., Hsinchu
Industrial Park,Hukou Township,
Hsinchu County 30351, Taiwan
sales@grabio.com.tw
www.grabio.com.tw
1.5 PHA
Infiana Germany GmbH & Co. KG
Zweibrückenstraße 15-25
91301 Forchheim
Tel. +49-9191 81-0
Fax +49-9191 81-212
www.infiana.com
President Packaging Ind., Corp.
PLA Paper Hot Cup manufacture
In Taiwan, www.ppi.com.tw
Tel.: +886-6-570-4066 ext.5531
Fax: +886-6-570-4077
sales@ppi.com.tw
6. Equipment
6.1 Machinery & Molds
9. Services
Osterfelder Str. 3
46047 Oberhausen
Tel.: +49 (0)208 8598 1227
Fax: +49 (0)208 8598 1424
thomas.wodke@umsicht.fhg.de
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
TianAn Biopolymer
No. 68 Dagang 6th Rd,
Beilun, Ningbo, China, 315800
Tel. +86-57 48 68 62 50 2
Fax +86-57 48 68 77 98 0
enquiry@tianan-enmat.com
www.tianan-enmat.com
Metabolix, Inc.
Bio-based and biodegradable resins
and performance additives
21 Erie Street
Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
US +1-617-583-1700
DE +49 (0) 221 / 88 88 94 00
www.metabolix.com
info@metabolix.com
1.6 masterbatches
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
Taghleef Industries SpA, Italy
Via E. Fermi, 46
33058 San Giorgio di Nogaro (UD)
Contact Emanuela Bardi
Tel. +39 0431 627264
Mobile +39 342 6565309
emanuela.bardi@ti-films.com
www.ti-films.com
4. Bioplastics products
Minima Technology Co., Ltd.
Esmy Huang, Marketing Manager
No.33. Yichang E. Rd., Taipin City,
Taichung County
411, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Tel. +886(4)2277 6888
Fax +883(4)2277 6989
Mobil +886(0)982-829988
esmy@minima-tech.com
Skype esmy325
www.minima-tech.com
Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey
Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic
Container Industry
284 Pinebush Road
Cambridge Ontario
Canada N1T 1Z6
Tel. +1 519 624 9720
Fax +1 519 624 9721
info@hallink.com
www.hallink.com
6.2 Laboratory Equipment
MODA: Biodegradability Analyzer
SAIDA FDS INC.
143-10 Isshiki, Yaizu,
Shizuoka,Japan
Tel:+81-54-624-6260
Info2@moda.vg
www.saidagroup.jp
7. Plant engineering
EREMA Engineering Recycling
Maschinen und Anlagen GmbH
Unterfeldstrasse 3
4052 Ansfelden, AUSTRIA
Phone: +43 (0) 732 / 3190-0
Fax: +43 (0) 732 / 3190-23
erema@erema.at
www.erema.at
Institut für Kunststofftechnik
Universität Stuttgart
Böblinger Straße 70
70199 Stuttgart
Tel +49 711/685-62814
Linda.Goebel@ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
narocon
Dr. Harald Kaeb
Tel.: +49 30-28096930
kaeb@narocon.de
www.narocon.de
nova-Institut GmbH
Chemiepark Knapsack
Industriestrasse 300
50354 Huerth, Germany
Tel.: +49(0)2233-48-14 40
E-Mail: contact@nova-institut.de
www.biobased.eu
PolyOne
Avenue Melville Wilson, 2
Zoning de la Fagne
5330 Assesse
Belgium
Tel.: + 32 83 660 211
www.polyone.com
Natur-Tec ® - Northern Technologies
4201 Woodland Road
Circle Pines, MN 55014 USA
Tel. +1 763.404.8700
Fax +1 763.225.6645
info@natur-tec.com
www.natur-tec.com
UL International TTC GmbH
Rheinuferstrasse 7-9, Geb. R33
47829 Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 2151 5370-333
Fax: +49 (0) 2151 5370-334
ttc@ul.com
www.ulttc.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 55

Suppliers Guide
10. Institutions
10.1 Associations
BPI - The Biodegradable
Products Institute
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415
New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel. +1‐888‐274‐5646
info@bpiworld.org
10.2 Universities
IfBB – Institute for Bioplastics
and Biocomposites
University of Applied Sciences
and Arts Hanover
Faculty II – Mechanical and
Bioprocess Engineering
Heisterbergallee 12
30453 Hannover, Germany
Tel.: +49 5 11 / 92 96 ‐ 22 69
Fax: +49 5 11 / 92 96 ‐ 99 ‐ 22 69
lisa.mundzeck@fh‐hannover.de
http://www.ifbb‐hannover.de/
10.3 Other Institutions
Biobased Packaging Innovations
Caroli Buitenhuis
IJburglaan 836
1087 EM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 6‐24216733
http://www.biobasedpackaging.nl
Simply contact:
Tel.: +49 2161 6884467
suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Stay permanently listed in the
Suppliers Guide with your company
logo and contact information.
For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you
can be present among top suppliers in
the field of bioplastics.
For Example:
European Bioplastics e.V.
Marienstr. 19/20
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 30 284 82 350
Fax +49 30 284 84 359
info@european‐bioplastics.org
www.european‐bioplastics.org
Michigan State University
Department of Chemical
Engineering & Materials Science
Professor Ramani Narayan
East Lansing MI 48824, USA
Tel. +1 517 719 7163
narayan@msu.edu
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach
Germany
Tel. +49 2161 664864
Fax +49 2161 631045
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Sample Charge:
39mm x 6,00 €
= 234,00 € per entry/per issue
39 mm
Sample Charge for one year:
6 issues x 234,00 EUR = 1,404.00 €
magnetic_148,5x105.ai 175.00 lpi 15.00° 75.00° 0.00° 45.00° 14.03.2009 10:13:31
Prozess CyanProzess MagentaProzess GelbProzess Schwarz
The entry in our Suppliers Guide is
bookable for one year (6 issues) and
extends automatically if it’s not canceled
three month before expiry.
Magnetic
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Your reliable partner in plastics
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Industriestr. 20-24 • 26219 Bösel • Tel.: 04494 1555 • Fax: 04494 8327
E-Mail: info@boesel-plastic.de • www.boesel-plastic.de
56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

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4 th EPNOE International Polysaccharide Conference
19.10.2015 - 22.10.2015 - Warsaw, Poland
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10 th European Bioplastics Conference
05.11.2015 - 06.11.2015 - Berlin, Germany
www.european‐bioplastics.org
Microplastic in the environment
23.11.2015 - 24.11.2015 - Cologne, Germany
http://microplastic‐conference.eu
3 rd Biopolymers 2015 International Conference
14.12.2015 - 16.12.2015 - Nantes, France
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Sixth WPC & NFC Conference
16.12.2015 - 17.12.2015 - Cologne, Germany
http://wpc‐conference.com
BioMass for Sustainable Future:
Re-Invention of Polymeric Materials
09.02.2016 - 11.02.2016 - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.BioPlastConference.com
SUSTAINABLE PLASTICS 2016
01.03.2016 - 02.03.2016 - Cologne, Germany
www.amiplastics‐na.com/events/Event.aspx?code=C706&sec=5459
Innovation Takes Root
30.03.2016 - 01.04.2016 - Orlando Florida, USA
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bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 10
Highlights
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Basics
Foaming Plastics | 41
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 10
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PHA from sugar beet | 7
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10 57

Companies in this issue
Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert
3DOM 24
A. Schulman 11
Addcomp Holland 16
Agrana Starch Thermoplastics 54
Aimplas 16,25
Ainia-Aimplas 11
Aitex 16
Algix 24
Alki 10
API 54
API Institute 14
Archa 44
ASTM 5
Avanzare Innovación 16,44
BASF 25
Belgian Bio Packaging 6
Bi-Ax International 38
Bill Lewis Lures 11,30
Biobased Packaging Innovations 56
Bio-on 7
Bioplastics Organisations Network 6
Biotec 55
Bösel Plastic Managenment 56
BPI 56
Braskem 10
c2renew 24
Canatura 16
Centre for Process Innovation 23
Clemson Univ. 38
Club Bio-Plastique 6
CNR 44
colorFabb 32
COMPOSITES EUROPE (Reed) 8
Condensia Quimica 44
Corbion 54
Cristal Union 7
DuPont 54
Erema 12 55
European Bioplastics 6,48 48,56
Evonik 54,59
FKuR 32 2,54
Fraunhofer ISC 44
Fraunhofer UMSICHT 55
Germaine de Capuccini 11
Grabio Greentech 55
Grafe 54,55
h.B. Fuller 38
Hallink 55
Helian Polymers 32
Holland Bioplastics 6
Infiana Germany 55
Innovació i Recerca Industrial i Sostenible 26,46
Innovate UK 22
Innovia Films 31,38,42
Institut for Bioplastics & Biocomposites 48 56
INSTM 44
ITA 16
Jinhui Zhaolong 39,54
Kansai Univ. 15
KiddieKix 31
Kingfa 54
Kurara 40
Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients 54
Matríca 34
Metabolix 55
MGH 11,30
Michigan State University 56
Minima Technology 55
Mitsubishi Chemical 11
Moore Capital 7
narocon 55
NatureWorks 28,31,38
Natur-Tec 55
Nordisk Bioplast Förening 6
nova-Institute 8,48 19,37,47,55
Novamont 5, 34 55,6
Nürnberg Messe (BRAU Beviale) 27
Petroplast 11
Plantic 40
Plasma 44
plasticker 56
PolyOne 54,55
President Packaging 55
PTT/MCC 29,54
Qmilch Deutschland 13
Research & Markets 6
RIKILT Wageningen 18
Roquette 7 54
Saida 55
Saphium Biotechnology 26
Sharp 11
SHENZHEN ESUN INDUSTRIAL 54
Showa Denko 54
STFI 16
Taghleef Industries 55
Tecnológia Perchados textiles 16
TECOS 44
Teijin 15
TerraVeradae BioWorks 22
Tetra Pak 10
TianAn Biopolymer 55
Treleoni 31
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 21,55
UL International TTC 55
Univ. Hawai'i 7
Univ. Pisa 46
Univ. Stuttgart (IKT) 55
Verband kompostierbare Produkte 6
Versalis (Eni) 34
Wageningen (WUR) 18
Weyermann 16
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 54
Editorial Planner
2015/16
Issue Month Publ.-Date
edit/ad/
Deadline
06/2015 Nov/Dec 07 Dec 15 06 Nov 15
Editorial Focus (1) Editorial Focus (2) Basics
Films / Flexibles /
Bags
Consumer & Office
Electronics
Plastics from CO 2
(Update)
01/2016 Jan/Feb 08 Feb 16 31 Dec 15 Automotive Foams Green Public
Procurement
Trade-Fair
Specials
02/2016 Mar/Apr 04 Apr 16 04 Mar 16 Thermoforming /
Rigid Packaging
Marine Pollution /
Marine Degaradation
Design for Recyclability
Chinaplas
preview
03/2016 May/Jun 06 Jun 16 06 May 16 Injection moulding Joining of bioplastics
(welding, glueing etc),
Adhesives
PHA (update)
04/2016 Jul/Aug 01 Aug 16 01 Jul 16 Blow Moulding Toys Additives
Chinaplas
Review
05/2016 Sep/Oct 04 Oct 16 02 Sep 16 Fiber / Textile /
Nonwoven
Polyurethanes /
Elastomers/Rubber
Co-Polyesters
K'2016 preview
06/2016 Nov/Dec 05 Dec 16 04 Nov 16 Films / Flexibles /
Bags
Consumer & Office
Electronics
Certification - Blessing
and Curse
K'2016 Review
58 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/15] Vol. 10

Green up your flooring
High performance naturally
Biobased polyamides for carpeted floors can improve the overall environmental sustainability of building
interiors. Used for floorings, VESTAMID® Terra withstands typical mechanical and physical loads in office
and public buildings, and durably retains the attractive surface of the floorings.
Evonik offers a variety of technical longchain polyamides suchs as PA610, PA1010 and PA1012. They
all share a similar to improved technical performance compared to conventional engineering polyamides
while also having a significantly lower carbon footprint.
www.vestamid-terra.com

www.novamont.com
BIODEGRADABLE AND COMPOSTABLE BIOPLASTIC
CONTROLLED, ITALIAN, GUARANTEED
EcoComunicazione.it
QUALITY OUR TOP PRIORITY
Using the Mater-Bi ® trademark licence
means that Novamont’s partners agree to
comply with strict quality parameters and
testing of random samples from the market.
These are designed to ensure that films
are converted under ideal conditions
and that articles produced in Mater-Bi ®
meet all essential requirements. To date
over 1000 products have been tested.
THE GUARANTEE
OF AN ITALIAN BRAND
Mater-Bi ® is part of a virtuous
production system, undertaken
entirely on Italian territory.
It enters into a production chain
that involves everyone,
from the farmer to the composter,
from the converter via the retailer
to the consumer.
USED FOR ALL TYPES
OF WASTE DISPOSAL
Mater-Bi ® has unique,
environmentally-friendly properties.
It is biodegradable and compostable
and contains renewable raw materials.
It is the ideal solution for organic
waste collection bags and is
organically recycled into fertile
compost.
r6_09.2015