Bioplastics - CO 2
-based Plastics - Advanced Recycling
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 16
Cover Story
Great River:
Sustainable and
Sophisticated
PLA Cups & Lids | 22
Highlights
Thermoforming | 23
Toys | 10
Basics
Bio-PP | 54
... is read in 92 countries
... is read in 92 countries
04 / 2021
ISSN 1862-5258 Jul / Aug
dear
Editorial
readers
Alex Thielen, Michael Thielen, Sam Brangenberg
These days the world is shaken by news from Canada about temperatures
around 50°C or severe floods coming from heavy rain in Germany, Belgium,
and the south of the Netherlands, just a few kilometres from our offices. The
water masses killed more than 170 people, with more than a dozen villages
partly or fully extinct. Our thoughts are with the victims. The Paris Climate
Agreement COP21 limits the increase of the average temperatures to 1.5°C
but we already are at 1.2°C. At this rate, it is silly to say that the big polluters
should start reducing their CO 2
emissions first because we small players
can’t do much about it by ourselves. The truth is, every tenth of a tonne of
saved CO 2
counts and with more than 370 million tonnes of new fossil-based
plastics every year (representing about a billion tonnes CO 2eq
), each tonne of
plastics made from renewable carbon contributes to the overall target.
It’s the older kids around Greta Thunberg and the Fridays for future
movement that clearly tell us what their concerns for their future are. And
they are joined by young parents who care for their small children. This
leads us to our first highlight – Toys and what is being done to make them
more sustainable. This issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE is full of toys made
from renewable carbon plastics, but it is a mere teaser for what is to come
later this year. Starting with some Toy News and a number of interesting
articles about toys, we look forward to our second bio!TOY conference in
Nuremberg, Germany on 7+8 September. We are still optimistic to hold
the event on-site with additional online options for both, speakers and
attendees.
And there are more events to come with the 2 nd PHA platform World
Congress just a few weeks later in Cologne, Germany and the 4 th bio!PAC in
Düsseldorf, Germany, in early November – both are planned as hybrid events a
well.
The second highlight in this issue is Thermoforming and in the Basics
section we have a closer look at biobased polypropylene. As always, we’ve
rounded up some of the most recent news items on materials and applications
to keep you abreast of the latest innovations and ongoing advances in the
world of plastics made from Renewable Carbon.
We are looking forward to meeting many of you in person this fall and, as
always, hope you enjoy reading bioplastics MAGAZINE
Yours
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 16
Bioplastics - CO 2
-based Plastics - Advanced Recycling
Cover Story
Great River:
Sustainable and
Sophisticated
PLA Cups & Lids | 22
Highlights
Thermoforming | 23
Toys | 10
Basics
Bio-PP | 54
... is read in 92 countries
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com/de/image-photo/happyyoung-brunette-womantakeout-coffee-1416104513
04 / 2021
ISSN 1862-5258 Jul / Aug
Michael Thielen
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 3
Imprint
Content
34 Porsche launches cars with biocomposites
32 Bacteriostatic PLA compound for 3D printingz
Jul/Aug 04|2021
3 Editorial
5 News
22 Cover Story
32 Application News
54 Basics
56 10 years ago
57 Brand-Owner
58 Suppliers Guide
62 Companies in this issue
Publisher / Editorial
Dr. Michael Thielen (MT)
Alex Thielen (AT)
Samuel Brangenberg (SB)
Head Office
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach, Germany
phone: +49 (0)2161 6884469
fax: +49 (0)2161 6884468
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Media Adviser
Samsales (German language)
phone: +49(0)2161-6884467
fax: +49(0)2161 6884468
sb@bioplasticsmagazine.com
Michael Thielen (English Language)
(see head office)
Layout/Production
Kerstin Neumeister
Print
Poligrāfijas grupa Mūkusala Ltd.
1004 Riga, Latvia
bioplastics MAGAZINE is printed on
chlorine-free FSC certified paper.
Print run: 3300 copies
Toy news
8 Ocean Barbie
8 Mattel PlayBack - recycling/toys
Events
10 bio!TOY
28 PHA World Congress
38 bio!PAC
Toys
12 Game changer
14 Sustainability in the toy industry
18 Sustainable fleece and faux-fur
19 Commitment to sustainable toys
20 Sustainable toys from Sweden
21 Lego bricks made from recycled
PET bottles
Thermoforming
24 Sustainable Packaging
made of natural fibres
26 Microalgae for thermoformed packaging
27 Chitosan keeps strawberries fresh
Applications
30 Sustainable adhesive tapes
36 Plant protection made by competitive
3D printing
From Science & Research
35 It depends where it ends
44 Catalysis - key for sustainable production
Carbon Capture
40 A change of tune for the chemical
industry
42 Climate-friendly polyols and polyurethanes
from CO 2
and clean hydrogen
Additives
48 Biomimetics hold the key to the future
of multiuse plastics
50 Green additivation
Processing
24 Sustainable Packaging made of natural fibres
52 Improved coextrusion
53 Think big, build small
bioplastics magazine
Volume 16 - 2021
ISSN 1862-5258
bM is published 6 times a year.
This publication is sent to qualified subscribers
(169 Euro for 6 issues).
bioplastics MAGAZINE is read in
92 countries.
Every effort is made to verify all Information
published, but Polymedia Publisher
cannot accept responsibility for any errors
or omissions or for any losses that may
arise as a result.
All articles appearing in
bioplastics MAGAZINE, or on the website
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com are strictly
covered by copyright. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, copied,
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in any form, including electronic format,
without the prior consent of the publisher.
Opinions expressed in articles do not necessarily
reflect those of Polymedia Publisher.
bioplastics MAGAZINE welcomes contributions
for publication. Submissions are
accepted on the basis of full assignment
of copyright to Polymedia Publisher GmbH
unless otherwise agreed in advance and in
writing. We reserve the right to edit items
for reasons of space, clarity or legality.
Please contact the editorial office via
mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com.
The fact that product names may not be
identified in our editorial as trade marks
is not an indication that such names are
not registered trade marks.
bioplastics MAGAZINE tries to use British
spelling. However, in articles based on
information from the USA, American
spelling may also be used.
Envelopes
A part of this print run is mailed to the
readers wrapped bioplastic envelopes
sponsored by BIOTEC Biologische
Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG,
Emmerich, Germany
Cover-Ad
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LyondellBasell and
Neste cooperate
LyondellBasell and Neste recently announced
a long-term commercial agreement under
which LyondellBasell will source Neste RE, a
feedstock from Neste that has been produced
from 100 % renewable feedstock from biobased
sources, such as waste, residue oils, and fats.
This feedstock will be processed through
the cracker at LyondellBasell’s Wesseling,
Germany, plant into polymers and sold under the
CirculenRenew brand name.
“We are delighted that our strategic relationship
with LyondellBasell is further strengthened with
this long-term commercial agreement. (...) We
made history together by joining forces in 2019
in the world’s first commercial-scale production
of biobased polypropylene and biobased
polyethylene with verified renewable content,”
says Mercedes Alonso, Executive Vice President,
Renewable Polymers and Chemicals at Neste.
Through their collaboration, Neste and
LyondellBasell are jointly contributing to the
development of the European market for
more sustainable polymers and chemicals
solutions. By ensuring continuity with significant
industrial-scale volumes of renewable polymers
produced with renewable feedstock from
biobased sources, the companies wish to enable
sustainability-focused brands to develop more
sustainable products and offerings.
In April 2021, LyondellBasell launched the
Circulen family of products. LyondellBasell’s
CirculenRenew product line consists of polymers
linked to renewable-based feedstocks, while
polymers made from mechanically recycled
materials are marketed under the brand name
CirculenRecover and those linked to advanced
(molecular) recycling are called CirculenRevive. MT
www.lyondellbasell.com
www.neste.com
Danimer production capacity
Bioplastics producer Danimer Scientific recently announced
the successful completion of debottlenecking initiatives within its
Winchester, Kentucky, USA, manufacturing facility. The company
will now be able to accelerate production of Nodax, its proprietary
polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) towards its expectation of reaching
100 % of the facility’s current annual run rate capacity of 9000 tonnes
(20 million pounds) of Nodax-based resins by the end of 2021.
“As expected, we have completed our debottlenecking initiatives on
time, which will enable us to significantly scale up production from
previous levels,” said Danimer Scientific CEO Stephen Croskrey. “After
taking steps to optimize our processes and equipment, the facility was
brought back online in late May, and we used early June to confirm
that both fermentation and downstream processing of our material
is running at the projected levels, which are higher than before these
initiatives. We look forward to delivering the high volumes of PHA our
partners and customers need to create products that will help reduce
the environmental impacts of plastics waste.”
Nodax is a PHA produced through natural fermentation processes
using plant oil from crops such as canola. The material is certified to
degrade in a variety of environments at the end of its lifecycle, including
industrial composting facilities, backyard compost units, and soil and
marine environments. It can be used in a wide range of applications
from drinking straws and flexible packaging to disposable cups and
cutlery.
“With our Winchester facility primed to reach the height of its current
capacity, we can further focus on expanding the facility over the next
year,” said Danimer Scientific COO Michael Smith. “As previously
noted, the second phase of our construction process is ongoing, and
we continue to expect the expansion to come online in the second
quarter of 2022. We look forward to continuing our work to deliver
sustainable solutions for the world’s plastic waste crisis.” MT
www.danimerscientific.com
News
daily updated News at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Picks & clicks
Most frequently clicked news
Here’s a look at our most popular online content of the past two months.
The story that got the most clicks from the visitors to bioplasticsmagazine.com was:
tinyurl.com/news-20210603
EC Commission stands firm: PHA is a non-natural polymer
(03 June April 2021)
The Final Guidelines to Directive (EU) 2019/904, known as the Single Use
Plastics Directive (SUPD), struck a blow to Europe’s PHA industry by
qualifying PHA as a non-natural polymer.
In response, GO!PHA, the global organization for PHA, has issued a
statement, in which it calls the inclusion of polyhydroxyalkanoates in the
Directive inconsistent with both the law and science.
The organisation expresses its disappointment in this news.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 5
News
daily updated News at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Natureworks'
milestones for
PLA plant in Thailand
NatureWorks (Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA)
announced in early June the completion of key
milestones in their global manufacturing expansion plan
for a new fully integrated Ingeo️ PLA production facility
that is anticipated to open in Thailand by 2024, subject
to shareholder approval. When fully operational the new
plant will have an annual capacity of 75,000 tonnes of
PLA and will produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades.
The manufacturing project will be located at the
Nakhon Sawan Biocomplex (NBC) in Nakhon Sawan
province. The NBC is the first biocomplex project
in Thailand established in accordance with theThai
government's bioeconomy policy.
NatureWorks recently completed the front-end
engineering design work with Jacobs (Dallas, Texas).
Jacobs was selected and managed in partnership with
IAG (Houston, Texas), who provided front-end project
management and project controls. Final detailed
engineering is currently underway, and NatureWorks
expects to announce further details on the new facility
later this year.
“We are pleased to share these significant
accomplishments as part of our next phase for global
manufacturing expansion,” said Rich Altice, President
and CEO of NatureWorks. “The approval and support
from the Thailand Board of Investment was a critical
milestone on our path toward opening our new facility
in Thailand. With both the recently announced capacity
expansion at our facility in Blair, Nebraska and this new
manufacturing complex, we can further address the
global market demand for sustainable materials and
continue leading the development of high-performance
applications that capitalize on Ingeo’s unique material
properties.”
The new manufacturing complex will include
production for lactic acid, lactide, and polymer making
it the world’s first polylactide facility designed to be fully
integrated. NatureWorks will build and operate all three
facilities, having both process and energy integration to
increase the efficiency of the manufacturing operation
dedicated to Ingeo biopolymer production. MT
www.natureworksllc.com
Swiss Bioplastics
looking for new
operator
Some years ago Richard Bisig founded with his son
the company Swiss Bioplastics GmbH, the son being a
pharmacist and Richard a consultant. Their aim was to
create a beverage bottle made of 100 % biobased material.
Unfortunately, they were not successful in finding such
a material in Europe and therefore they decided to no
longer operate the company. They are now looking for
interested people, who want to operate in the field of
bioplastics using the name Swiss Bioplastics.
If you are interested to get in touch with Richard Bisig,
please contact the editor. MT
www.swissbioplastics.com
Capacity expansion at
Futamura
Futamura (Wigton, UK) has announced investment
plans for an additional casting machine to expand
capacity in their thriving cellulose films business. The
investment plans come as Futamura celebrates its fiveyear
anniversary since acquiring the cellulose films
business in July 2016.
Futamura has enjoyed year-on-year sales growth, due
to rising demand for their renewable and compostable
NatureFlex films. Andy Sweetman, Sales & Marketing
Director EMEA said: “Consumer demand for sustainable
packaging has driven a steady increase in sales for us.
As the market demand grows, so do we. The new casting
machine will allow us to better serve our customers by
reducing lead times and increasing overall capacity.”
The machine build will commence in Q3 of this year.
At the successful close of their first five-year plan,
Futamura looks ahead to the next five years with the
appointment of Adrian Cave as Managing Director,
from 1 st July 2021. Adrian is currently Finance Director
for Futamura EMEA and takes the reins from exiting
Managing Director, Graeme Coulthard, who begins his
retirement at the end of June. Adrian said, “It is an
honour to have been appointed Managing Director and
I will be proud to lead an experienced, passionate, and
dedicated Futamura UK and Europe team. I would like to
thank Graeme for all that he has done for the company,
he leaves behind a strong legacy. The growth we have
seen over the past five years is set to continue and we
look forward to further investments in equipment, as
well as advancing our exciting R&D projects.”MT
www.futamuragroup.com
6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Green Dot Bioplastics plant expansion
Green Dot Bioplastics held a groundbreaking ceremony
in early June, celebrating the start of construction on its
expansion project at the Green Dot facility in Onaga, Kansas,
USA.
Green Dot is known for creating the world's first
biodegradable elastomeric rubber, Terratek Flex, as well as
a variety of other biocomposites and biodegradable resins
to replace traditional plastics. Located in the heart of the
scenic Kansas Flint Hills, the company's mission to create
a new generation of plastic supports a biobased economy.
As Green Dot enters its second decade, the company is
preparing to introduce two new product categories for use
in compostable packaging applications, including film.
The expansion to the Onaga facility, adds floor space to
accommodate additional equipment and warehouse space
in order to double production capacity. The project is being
led by KBS Constructors, leaders in critical environment
construction, and is expected to be completed in September
2021.
People who symbolically broke ground include Green Dot
CEO Mark Remmert, Director of Research & Development
Mike Parker, Engineering Manager Amanda Childress,
Plant Manager Bill Barnell, and Dan Foltz, President of KBS
Constructors. Lydia Kincade, co-founder of iiM, and Dave
Nelson represented Green Dot's Board of Directors and
investors, respectively.
"Green Dot has enjoyed exceptional growth during our first
decade and we are poised for even bigger things in our next
decade," Remmert said. "This expansion comes in advance
of adding two new product categories to our portfolio of
sustainable plastics and effectively doubles our production
capacity. It's an exciting time to be in bioplastics!"
The project aligns with Green Dot's values of sustainability
and innovation. Partnering with KBS Constructors, another
Kansas-based firm committed to the same values, means
the expansion not only benefits Green Dot, but it also has a
positive impact on the local economy.
"We wanted to work with a local company who understands
our needs and the needs of the Onaga community. Dan Foltz
and his talented team at KBS are absolutely the right people
for this job," Remmert said.
"We are excited to put our 30+ years of experience to
work on this expansion project," Foltz said. "This is a great
example of innovation flourishing in rural Kansas and we are
thrilled to be a part of it."
Production at the facility will continue during construction
with expanded capacity coming online in fall 2021. MT
www.greendotbioplastics.com
News
daily updated News at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Kimberly-Clark partners with RWDC
In pursuit of its 2030 ambition to reduce the use of fossil
fuel-based plastics by half before the end of the decade,
Kimberly-Clark (Dallas, Texas) announced a partnership
with RWDC Industries to advance sustainable technology for
consumer products that provides much-needed solutions to
the world's single-use plastics problem.
The collaboration brings together Kimberly-Clark's deep
experience in nonwoven technologies and resin development
with RDWC's innovative and cost-effective biopolymer
solutions. The partnership will provide Kimberly-Clark with
RWDC's polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) source material,
Solon TM , to develop additional products that are marine
degradable.
"We've seen the growing demand from consumers and
governments for companies to provide more sustainable
solutions to single-use plastics," said Liz Metz, Vice President
of Kimberly-Clark's Global Nonwovens business. "Solving for
these challenges will take game-changing innovation as well
as collaboration with industry-leading partners like RWDC to
help speed these new materials to market."
The company is working to launch products featuring this
innovation over the next five years, focusing first on product
categories that address global demand for more sustainable
products.
"We're thrilled to partner with Kimberly-Clark and play
an important role in the future development of its essential
products," said Daniel Carraway, Co-Founder and Chief
Executive Officer of RWDC. "This partnership showcases
how industry leaders can leverage the agility of emerging
technologies to deliver real change. Together, we are
demonstrating that we can alter the alarming growth
trajectory of plastic waste while retaining quality and enabling
environmental goals to be met."
RWDC, based in Athens, Georgia, USA and Singapore,
combines deep expertise in PHA properties and applications
with the engineering know-how to reach cost-effective
industrial scale.
RWDC uses plant-based oils to produce its proprietary
PHA, which can be composted in home and industrial
composting facilities. Should products or packaging made
with PHA find their way into the environment, they biodegrade
in soil, freshwater, and marine settings, preventing persistent
plastics from accumulating in the environment. MT
www.rwdc-industries.com | www.kimberly-clark.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 7
Toy-News
daily updated News at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Barbies made from
ocean-bound plastics
Mattel (El Segundo, CA, USA) introduces Barbie Loves
the Ocean, its first fashion doll line made from recycled
ocean-bound plastic. The collection includes three dolls
whose bodies are made from 90 % recycled ocean-bound
plastic parts and an accompanying Beach Shack playset
and accessories, made from over 90 % recycled plastic.
Mattel’s high manufacturing standards ensure that this
line delivers the same quality of play that parents have
come to expect from Barbie.
“This Barbie launch is another addition to Mattel’s
growing portfolio of purpose-driven brands that inspire
environmental consciousness with our consumer as a
key focus,” said Richard Dickson, President and CEO,
Mattel. “At Mattel, we empower the next generation to
explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full
potential. We take this responsibility seriously and are
continuing to do our part to ensure kids can inherit a
world that’s full of potential, too.”
This is also shown by Barbie’s Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC) Goal, aiming to achieve 95 % recycled
or FSC-certified paper and wood fibre materials used
in packaging by the end of 2021. Another step is in
educating kids through an episode on Barbie’s popular
YouTube vlogger series with the episode Barbie Shares
How We Can All Protect the Planet, which teaches young
fans about the importance of taking care of our planet
and everyday habit changes they can make to create an
impact.
Additionally, Barbie’s new The Future of Pink is
Green brand campaign will leverage the brand’s iconic
association of pink – alongside the iconic association
of green with protecting the planet – to communicate
Mattel’s next step toward a greener future.
Barbie is further teaming up with 4ocean, to launch a
limited-edition 4ocean x Barbie bracelet in signature pink
made with post-consumer recycled materials and handassembled
by artisans in Bali. For every bracelet sold,
4ocean will pull one pound of trash from oceans, rivers,
and coastlines and contribute educational materials to
inspire and empower the next generation.
The Barbie program is
one of many launches
supporting Mattel’s
corporate goal to
use 100 % recycled,
recyclable, or
biobased plastic
materials in all
products and
packaging by 2030
(See bM 01/20,
03/21), Barbie is also
part of the Mattel
PlayBack program. AT
www.Barbie.com/
EnvironmentalImpact
7-8
Speaker at
Sep
2021
Mattel PlayBack for
more circular toys
Another recent program of Mattel (El Segundo, CA,
USA) to reach their sustainability goals is recently
announced Mattel PlayBack, a toy takeback program
that will enable families to extend the life of their Mattel
toys once they are finished playing with them. The new
program is designed to recover and reuse materials
from old Mattel toys for future Mattel products.
“Mattel toys are made to last and be passed on
from generation to generation,” said Richard Dickson,
President and CEO, Mattel. “A key part of our product
design process is a relentless focus on innovation, and
finding sustainable solutions is one significant way we
are innovating. Our Mattel PlayBack program is a great
example of this, enabling us to turn materials from toys
that have lived their useful life into recycled materials
for new products.”
To participate in the Mattel PlayBack program,
consumers can visit Mattel.com/PlayBack, print a free
shipping label, and pack and mail their outgrown Mattel
toys back to Mattel. The toys collected will be sorted and
separated by material type and responsibly processed
and recycled. For materials that cannot be repurposed
as recycled content in new toys, Mattel PlayBack will
either downcycle those materials or convert them from
waste to energy. At launch, the program will accept
Barbie ® , Matchbox ®, and MEGA ® toys for recycling with
other brands to be added in the future.
“At Mattel, we are committed to managing the
environmental impact of our products,” added Pamela
Gill-Alabaster, Global Head of Sustainability, Mattel. “The
Mattel PlayBack program helps parents and caregivers
ensure that materials stay in play, and out of landfills,
with the aim to repurpose these materials as recycled
content in new toys. It is one important step we’re taking
to address the growing global waste challenge.”
Mattel PlayBack will initially be available in the United
States and Canada. The program will extend to France,
Germany, and the United Kingdom through third-party
recycling partners. AT
www.Mattel.com/PlayBack
8 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
2020 / 21
The Bioplastics Award will be presented
during the 15th European Bioplastics Conference
Nov 30 - Dec 01, 2021, Berlin, Germany
PRESENTS
THE FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GLOBAL AWARD FOR
DEVELOPERS, MANUFACTURERS, AND USERS OF
BIOBASED AND/OR BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS.
Call for proposals
Enter your own product, service, or development,
or nominate your favourite example from
another organisation
Please let us know until August 31 st
1. What the product, service, or development is and does
2. Why you think this product, service, or development should win an award
3. What your (or the proposed) company or organisation does
Your entry should not exceed 500 words (approx. 1 page) and may also be supported with photographs,
samples, marketing brochures, and/or technical documentation (cannot be sent back). The 5 nominees
must be prepared to provide a 30 second videoclip and come to Berlin on Nov. 30
More details and an entry form can be downloaded from
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/award
supported by
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 9
Events
bioplastics MAGAZINE
presents
Plastic is by far the most commonly used material for toys.
However, the widespread criticism of plastics has not left the
industry unscathed. Manufacturers such as Lego or Mattel
have announced that they will only use alternative materials
that do not come from fossil raw material sources in the future.
Recyclability, the use of recycled or renewable raw materials,
as well as significantly lower CO 2
emissions are important new
development goals.
After the first bio!TOY conference in 2019, which was successful
with almost 100 participants, manufacturers of sustainable
plastics and toys will once again exchange news and experiences
from 7 to 8 September. The meeting in Nuremberg (hybrid, i.e.,
on-site and online) is co-organized by Harald Kaeb (narocon)
and is supported by important industry platforms and interest
groups (such as DVSI, Spielwarenmesse, Agency for Renewable
resources FNR).
www.bio-toy.info
&
®
Programme:
Tuesday, September 7, 2021
08:30 - 08:45 Registration, Welcome-Coffee
08:45 - 09:00 Michael Thielen, Bioplastics Magazine Welcome, Orga, and introduction
09:00 - 09:10 Ulrich Brobeil, DVSI Welcome remarks
09:10 - 09:20 Christian Ulrich, Spielwarenmesse Welcome remarks
09:20 - 09:45 Christopher vom Berg, nova Institute Renewable Carbon Concept for toys: #Biobased #Recycled #CO 2
-based
09:45 - 10:10 Jörg Rothermel, VCI Climate-neutral chemistry and plastics: Study for Germany
Gabriele Peterek, Fachagentur
10:10 - 10:35
Nachwachsende Rohstoffe FNR
Bio-based toys - a playful introduction to the bioeconomy
11:20 - 11:45 Patrick Zimmermann, FKUR Sustainability and toys - a logical step or a contradiction?
11:45 - 12:10 Svend Spaabæk, Fabelab (t.b.c.) Soft toys from sustainable materials (t.b.c.)
12:10 - 12:35 Rafaela Hartenstein & Ben Kuchler, Hasbro Hasbro’s Sustainability Journey: More than Toys
14:00 - 14:25 Suny Martínez, AIJU TOY GREEN DEAL: A bio-path towards a sustainable model
14:25 - 14:50 François de Bie, Total-Corbion Luminy PLA and the breakthrough in higher heat, durable applications
14:50 - 15:15 Thomas Roulin, Lignin Industries Lignin-based thermoplastic materials for ABS products
15.15 - 15:40 Sven Riechers, INEOS Styrolution Styrenics Solutions for Toys - biobased & recycled
16:35 - 17:00 Jason Kroskrity, Mattel Mattel's vision and portfolio of sustainable toys
17:00 - 17:25 Elisabet Sjölund, Neste Neste's renewable and circular approach: Keeping plastics in play sustainably
17:25 - 17:50 Rafael Rivas, Miniland Small Initiatives with big impact, an example of European Sustainable management
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
09:00 - 09:25 René Mikkelsen, Lego The LEGO Group’s vision and achievements for sustainable toys
09:25 - 09:50 Pascal Lakeman, Trinseo A material suitable for toy manufacturing based on direct bio-based and recycled content
09:50 - 10:15 Sharon Keilthy, Jiminy Eco Toys A plastic-free toystore is possible...what will it look like in 10 years‘ time?
10:15 - 10:40 Michael Schweizer, Tecnaro Raw material shift in the plastics industry – Children’s toys made from tailormade blends
11:20 - 11:45 Marck Højbjerg Matthiasen, Dantoy dantoy – Delivering bio-based toys for children in a first-mover initiative
11:45 - 12:10 Marko Manu, Arctic Biomaterials Biobased material alternatives for Toys
12:10 - 12:35 Herbert Morgenstern, BASF New Plasticizers based on alternative raw materials
14:00 - 14:25 Caroline Kjellme, Viking Toys Toys from sustainable materials
14:25 - 14:50 Ruud Rouleaux, Helian ColorFabb PHA materials design and application development for IM and AM
14:50 - 15:15 Keiko Matsumoto, Miyama PLA faux fur for plush toys
15.15 - 15:40 Beatrice Radaelli, eKoala The (im)possibilities of bioplastic in the world of baby products
15:55 - 16:00 Harald Kaeb / Michael Thielen Summary Conclusions Farewell
This is still a preliminary programme. We are watching the development of the pandemic daily. We might have to do some changes.
If speakers from overseas cannot come, they will give their presentation digitally – in such a case we would move them to a timeslot
accommodating for the respective timezone. We still hope that we don’t have to postpone the event or hold it strictly online only.
Please visit the conference website for the most up-to-date version of the programme.
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
한국포장협회로고.ps 2016.11.21 8:26 PM 페이지1 MAC-18
®
7 + 8 Sept.2021 - Nürnberg, Germany
Register now
+
2 nd Conference on toys from biobased plastics
Meet innovators from the supply chain, toy brands and networks
Hybrid - Event
Coorganized by
Innovation Consulting Harald Kaeb
www.bio-toy.info
organized by
Gold Sponsor
Media Partner
supported by
KOREA PACKAGING ASSOCIATION INC.
Toys
Game changer
Presentation Lego / Allan V. Rasmussen 01-2016
Environmental Impact Assessment
75 %
impact is
with our
suppliers,
materials
and design
Address 85 % of our environmental impact
10 %
impact is
in our
production
Just two highlights from a survey done by narocon for a customer
What do you mainly associate with the
term „sustainability“? (multiple choice)
Environmentally friendly materials (16/21) 76%
Resource conservation, e.g. less plastic (12/21) 57%
Biologisch abbaubare Abfälle (5/21) 24%
Reduction of greenhouse gases (6/21) 29%
Circular and recycling systems for products (14/21) 67%
Comprehensive behaviour change (9/21) 43%
In which time frame do you consider sustainable
action indispensable?
Long overdue (17) 81 %
immediately (3) 14%
by 2025 (1) 5%
by 2030 (0) 0%
by 2050 (0) 0%
When do things start to change? Sounds like
an easy-to-answer question but hold on for a
minute and think. If you could answer quickly and
correctly, you’d be a billionaire, at least a multi-millionaire
with your huge pile of apple and amazon stocks in your
depot bought ten years back or longer. It is much easier
to detect and indicate the beginning of something when
looking back – years back. When Michael Thielen and I
were starting to organize the first bio!TOY conference back
in 2018 (see reports in bM issue 03/2019) we both had the
feeling the toy industry is up for material change. Not just
for the packaging which brands use
for transport or presentation of their
products, but for their games, soft
15 % impact
is in the
consumer &
disposal
phase
toys, building bricks, hand puppets,
beach toys and whatsoever. Was it the
beginning? And what comes next?
The toy industry has been analysed
in a UN report to be the most plasticintense
consumer industry sector
worldwide. This links toys, as a product,
to higher risks if plastics would be charged to wear the
full environmental burden and cost or, as UN concluded,
“it would wipe out the profits of many companies.” At that
time plastic bashing wasn’t as prominent as it is today and
nobody had the toys industry in their crosshairs yet (service
packaging like plastic bags, however, were already under
fire). Nevertheless, a mega toy brand announced with a
loud PR bang in 2016: “By 2030 we will find and implement
sustainable alternatives to our current materials.” That
covered all polymers used! It was LEGO who kicked off the
initiative and took on a really big challenge to replace an
awesomely performing material: Lego’s target was and is
to replace more than 50,000 tonnes of ABS and more than
20 kt of other polymers per year for their very durable and
functional bricks.
And why all this? Because 75 % of their total environmental
footprint comes from raw material and polymer production.
This announcement could mark the start because it
created a wave of interest and occupation by many more
players. It inspired Michael and me to organize the first
business conference where about 90 representatives of the
biobased material manufacturers and toy brands would meet
in toy city Nuremberg, Germany, back in March of 2019. Now
I can proudly say that that event supported and triggered
many more initiatives. EU toy industry associations like
the German affiliation put sustainability as key priority on
their agenda and started with an educational membership
programme including meetings and lectures. Sustainability
surveys were researching the attitude, projects, and targets
of their members. These revealed that material substitution
and circular design have become key topics.
Platforms like the industry representations and the
Spielwarenmesse (Nuremberg toy fair) started initiatives
which will certainly fuel further engagement and
involvement. Industry leaders like DVSI managing director
Uli Brobeil (Deutsche Verband der Spielwarenindustrie
(German Association of the Toy Industry) recognized
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
By:
Harald Kaeb
narocon InnovationConsulting
Berlin, Germany
7-8
Co-organizer
Sep
2021
LEGO
Hasbro
Mattel
Simba-Dickie
Playmobil
Ravensburger*
Schleich
Steiff*
Zapf
Bruder
Turnover of the largest toy manufacturers
worldwide 2019 in Millionen Euro
5876
4339
4147
702
676
492
200
109
105
79
Toys
*Figure of 2018
Source: Statista, Company information
sustainability not as a trend but as an ongoing fundamental
change and long-term effort. The companies are searching
for new materials (biobased or recycled content), circular
solutions (recyclability), and check their supply chain for
energy consumption and green sources.
Biobased and biodegradable plastics are still quite new
to this industry which uses ABS, polyolefins, and PS at a
significant scale: Rough assumptions stand at around
half a million tonnes of plastics consumed for toys and
related items in Europe each year. The toy industry has
many durable products on the shelf. LEGO is not the big
exemption – companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Simba Dickie,
or Playmobil all serve generations of players, mostly kids
but also adults with their high-quality plastic products.
Toys are passed on from one generation to the next – thus
quality cannot be compromised, neither can safety. The use
of recycled content for toys is not a simple approach and
solution. Standards like EN 71, the producer responsibility,
and brand governance strictly demand highest safety levels
for toys, i.e. for babies and young children.
That’s where the biobased materials come in and
therefore attract an extra level of awareness and interest.
Biobased PE from Braskem and FKUR is already used in
several products of toy brands – amongst them are LEGO,
Hasbro, Playbox, BioBuddy, or Dantoy. PLA successfully
has entered the 3D printing market and one of the biggest
marketers ColorFabb Helian is selling all kinds of coloured
PLA filament for quite a few homemade toys and copied
play figures around the globe. Bioseries – a very early
adopter like LEGO – is successfully marketing PLA for baby
toys. Beach toys are one segment where biodegradable
materials like PHA and related copolyester compound
manufacturers will find new business opportunities. If lost
then no harm will happen to the fauna and flora.
It is amazing to see how more recent announcements
from Hasbro or Mattel on material substitution targets,
circularity, or greenhouse gas emission reduction have
created a visible momentum today. Their common goal is
a fundamental change of the material basis to deliver on
increased circularity, decrease greenhouse gas emissions,
and address their 2025 or 2030 sustainability goals.
Along with these toy brand giants smaller and mid-sized
businesses have entered and beautiful toys are in the
making.
The toy industry still has a long way to go – and so has
the plastics industry. Biobased toys make up only a very
small percentage of the total consumption. The production
often is taking place in Asia and the supply chains are long
and complex. But if there is any product segment where
materials are perfect to carry the message of sustainability
and green innovation it is the plastic toy market. The current
generation of parents already understand the importance of
it – plastic bashing is just the flipside of the medal here. And
most likely the Greta Thunberg generation will not allow any
non-sustainable plastics and toys for their children at all.
So that’s how it started. At the 2 nd bio!TOY conference (see
pp.10) we’ll see where it stands today – and what comes in
the next years. Biobased plastics are a big part of the game
here.
www.bio-toy.info | https://twitter.com/HaraldKaeb
PLA baby toys (Foto: Bioserie)
PHA beach toys (Photo Zoë b Organic)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 13
Toys
Sustainability
in the toy industry
Sustainability is a big challenge in the toy industry.
Since the launch of the very first plastic product to
the market, the relationship between plastics and
humans has been complex, yet until now it has always been
one that has been mutually beneficial. Today, the societal
benefits of plastic remain undeniable, but plastics are
also recognised as playing a central role in the presentday
throw-away society. The result is a waste crisis that is
becoming a significant problem for health and the natural
environment [1].
One of the organisations calling for the creation of circular
economy models in the toy industry is the Ellen MacArthur
Foundation [2]. Toys are prime examples of items that are
designed to “spark joy” (Marie Kondo first rule: “Does this
spark joy? If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it”). However,
toys often end up as waste when the child’s play interests
change. In 2019, the value of the global toy market exceeded
USD 90 billion. Considering that up to 80 % of all toys end
up in landfills, incinerators, or the ocean, the consequent
loss of value when toys are thrown away is huge. In France
alone, more than 40 million toys end up as waste each year,
and in the UK, almost a third of all parents have admitted to
throwing away toys that are still in good working condition
because their children have finished playing with them.
To address this issue, innovative strategies are needed
to enhance the sustainability of children’s toys. Possible
solutions include, for example, toy reuse & sharing, toy
subscription channels, using 3D printing to repair broken
toys, adoption of eco-design methods or exploring the use
of new biobased materials. The latter option is one that fits
well with the business model that prevails in the toy world,
where new toys are developed and produced every year in
line with parental requirements, attitudes, and new market
trends.
Can a toy produced from plastic be sustainable?
In the toy industry, one of the most commonly used raw
materials is plastic, mainly due to the freedom of shape
and form it offers, as well as its lightweight, mouldability
and wide range of properties, among others. Furthermore,
plastics can be fully coloured to be attractive to children.
Different sorts of plastic can be used: rigid materials for
toys that require toughness and flexible ones for toys that
are often dropped or thrown during use, thus preventing
these from becoming a hazard for the children playing with
them. In short, plastic is a versatile material, able to meet
a host of different toy requirements, including important
technical and safety specifications. Consumers and the
general public, however, generally fail to recognise these
advantages. This negative public perception of plastics
creates an evident inconsistency, which needs to be
resolved.
Different options are available to make toys more
sustainable. These range from (i) the use of renewable
energy sources, (ii) eco-toy design, (iii) and promoting the
recycling of plastic toys at the end of life, to the use of
recycled materials to manufacture new toys and (iv) the use
of renewable raw materials, which would reduce the use of
fossil-fuel-based plastics and additives. All these solutions
might be combined in pursuit of the implementation of
more circular systems. In a circular system, waste has
value and is used as new feedstock for the manufacture
of new materials for new end products, reducing the
consumption of virgin resources as well as the amount
of generated waste. Circularity includes investing in ecodesign,
where toy manufacturers create toys with the end of
the life in mind, instead of just looking at the manufacturing
process and final use. This means considering such factors
as mono-material design where possible, and where not,
designing for easy disassembly to facilitate recycling, in
line with what today’s consumers want. From the product
concept to development & production – exploring the
recycled plastics, biobased materials, energy resources –
through to marketing and the communication around the
product: sustainability must be part of the strategy at every
stage, to promote the transition to circular plastics systems.
Innovations in bioplastics
Innovation in biopolymers, in collaboration with toy
companies, is one of AIJU’s four flagship research lines
(biopolymers & manufacturing, additive manufacturing,
IoT smart games, and consumer trends). During the past
5 years, AIJU has worked in close collaboration with 17 toy
and consumer goods manufacturers on the development and
incorporation of a wider range of more sustainable polymer
materials. Additionally, AIJU has created a Guide for the Use
of Biomaterials in single-use and consumer products (Fig.
1) [3] to help manufacturers to understand the different
concepts and requirements of the bioplastics industry.
Figure 1: AIJU’s guide in biomaterials Index
AIJU’s experience with biopolymers is summarized in
Figure 2. The projects illustrate the various sustainable
solutions using biopolymers that the company has explored,
including recyclability, bio-additives for conventional or
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
7-8
Speaker at
Sep
2021
By:
María Jordá, Asunción Martínez, Maria Costa
Technological Institute for Toy Industry and Leisure (AIJU)
Ibi, Spain
Toys
traditional plastics, fillers, or functional properties, and the
implementation of each in toy products that were studied
and promoted. All research projects were targeted at the
current industrial processes applied in the toy industry:
extrusion, injection, extrusion blow moulding, or rotomoulding.
Other new technologies, such as additive
manufacturing, have also been tested, to enable their use
in customized or personalized toys. The main objective
of these projects was to arrive at an improvement in both
mechanical and aesthetic properties, to evaluate the use of
bio-additives derived from controlled industrial waste from
agriculture, the improvement of toy properties (thermal,
mechanical, flame retardant, UV resistance, etc.) or to add
new features, such as antimicrobial properties.
Figure 2: Significant AIJUs research projects in bio-polymeric
materials
AIJU established the biomaterials research line in
2008, when the Biotoys project started. In this project,
biodegradable and biobased biopolymers were tested. The
key objective was the evaluation of the use of biopolymers for
extrusion and injection technologies within the toy industry.
For this reason, mechanical and chemical properties were
evaluated in the light of the technical requirements of the
toys. This included all safety requirements for toys sold in the
European Union, as specified in European standard EN71.
The main result was the definition of the requirements for
biopolymers to be used in the toy industry.
The BioRot, Rotobiomat, and Rotelec projects studied
the addition of natural fibres such as almond shells in the
rotational moulding process. As the projects progressed,
the focus shifted from using conventional polymer
matrices to different biopolymers. The main innovation
here was the incorporation of natural fibres, creating a
biobased compound, reducing the amount of polymer used
and generating a new aesthetic aspect. The materials
were tested in Falca Toys and by Ebrim Rotomoulding,
a manufacturer of large-sized products. The FLEXIROT
project carried out within the context of this research line
focused on the doll industry. The project sought to replace
conventional petroleum-based plasticizers with other
substances of natural origin such as epoxidised vegetable
oils to obtain, in this case, flexible materials for use in soft
parts of dolls, such as heads and arms.
A success story was the development of new biobased
solutions for the cartridge sector. The objective was to
develop biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) materials
that could be used by the company to produce its
injection-moulded cartridge wads, to replace the current
conventional polymers. PVOH is water-soluble, which was
a key characteristic regarding the end of life of the product.
The main impact of the project is that the company has
successfully incorporated these materials into their product
range in the market.
Other research related to additives and masterbatches.
The Naturmaster and Mastalmond projects were carried
out in partnership with a masterbatch producer (IQAP), a
toy manufacturer (INJUSA), and a furniture company (Pérez
Cerdá). The main result obtained was the development at
industrial scale of a new range of masterbatches, in which
almond shell was incorporated as a natural filler. The
main properties of these new masterbatches were their
innovative aesthetic properties with eye-catching results
and mechanical properties that were similar to conventional
fillers, while offering an enhanced sustainability option for
the production of consumer products.
The Naturfitoplag project saw AIJU collaborate with
a company seeking to develop biodegradable films with
biocide properties, for use in the agricultural sector.
Calcium carbonate is one of the most commonly used
fillers in the plastic industry. The Ecoinnovation Ecoshell
project investigated the possibility of using industrial
residue from the agri-food sector to promote a more circular
approach to this waste. The project introduced calcium
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 15
Toys
carbonate from industrial eggshell waste into polyethylene
(PE) and polypropylene (PP) matrices. The main impact of
the project was the modification and improvement of the
mechanical properties and the physical appearance of the
materials. Regarding the environmental impact, this use
of the calcium carbonate from industrial eggshell residue
allowed a waste stream that had hitherto been considered
hazardous to be reduced and reused, while creating a new
business line for the relevant industrial company.
Research on new biomaterials changes constantly
from year to year. AIJU keeps a close watch on these
advancements and their relevance for the toy industry.
The company has been working on new developments
since 2019. A new biodegradable PHA polymer is being
synthesised through a new technology that uses sludge
from the wine industry in the B-PLAS Demo project funded
by Climate KIC. For this project, an Italian company (B-Plas)
was created, which is producing this new material. AIJU
has been validating this material for injection moulding and
3D printing technologies, bearing in mind its usability for
the toy sector, among others.
Finally, the Becoming Green project involved the
development of very interesting blends of different
biodegradable materials, which allowed the properties of
the materials to be tuned to the requirements of the toy,
single-use products- and household products industry.
This approach, using blends, made it possible to replace
conventional materials with biopolymers. To evaluate the
use of these new biobased blends, industrial partners have
been working closely together, with the ultimate goal of
designing new materials that meet the requirements to
launch a new product on the market.
Sustainable polymers, sustainable additives
In addition to these projects, AIJU continues to collaborate
on the BioMat4Future project, which is focused on the
development of biobased additives for use as colourants and
to enhance the performance of biodegradable and biobased
materials, in order to fully implement these materials in
the toy industry. The main objective is to obtain a product
made from 100 % biobased raw materials; in other words,
in which both the polymer and the additives used are
sustainable. These bio-additives, used in the polymers,
add specific properties or functionalities. The research was
focused on the extraction of natural substances to be used
as colourants, flame retardants, and antimicrobials.
In the first scenario, which related to colourants, different
extraction methods were used to obtain pigments from
horticultural agri-food industrial wastes, such as carrot
or lettuce leaves, broccoli, beetroot, cherries, or peaches.
These pigments were subsequently incorporated into
polymeric matrices of bio-PE, PLA, PBS, or a mixture of
PLA/PBS, creating formulations with different colours,
allowing the creation of final parts attractive for the enduser
of the toys.
The second line of research relates to flame retardancy.
Here, lignin-based materials were tested on their flame
retardant properties in bioplastics, for use as flame
retardant additives in the toy industry. Lignin is an organic
polymer component that comes from the woody part of
the plants and is obtained from wood, shells of different
nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or peanuts, and different
seeds or cereals. It is the second most abundant polymer
in nature, after cellulose [4-7] and it is often obtained from
non-profitable parts of different products used in the food
processing industry, such as the shells or peel of these nuts
or seeds. Furthermore, lignin is a residue from the pulp and
paper industry. Considerable research has already been
carried out, focused on producing different lignin sources for
use in plastics, resin, or the construction sector [8, 9]. One
of the properties that lignin provides is its good behaviour
against fire [5, 6], which led the researchers in this project
to study the effect of its addition to different biomaterials in
different quantities. On the other hand, lignin also provides
a brown appearance to the material that can vary from a
wood-like aspect to an attractive copper tone. For these
two reasons, the new formulations are being tested in toy
demonstrators.
The final line of research is targeted at obtaining natural
additives with an antimicrobial effect, using essential oils
from citrus peels [8–10] from the juice industry in the
Valencia region of Spain. These agri-food companies obtain
the oils from the discarded peels of the fruit, a residue of
the juice production process itself. In this case, it is a byproduct
with a high value, useful in different industries such
as cosmetics or perfume preparation. The research to date
has addressed the characterization of the extracted oils, in
order to learn about the properties of these oils and how
to process them and at what temperature, to avoid their
degradation and to retain their properties after obtaining
the different formulations. The antimicrobial ability of these
developed biomaterials was evaluated. The outputs of this
project for toy manufacturers will include the creation of
new functional biobased additives that can be used in
combination with biopolymers for the production of new
sustainable toys.
Figure 3: Toy demonstrators achieved within the Biomat4future
Scientific innovation, innovation in business
Finally, the BioFCase project is also being developed.
The main objective is to bring the different advances in the
field of biomaterials closer to companies from different
sectors, including toy companies. AIJU is collaborating
with the companies to develop different products from
the biopolymers and formulations studied in the projects
described above, with the aim of transferring the advances
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
and knowledge generated in these lines of research about
biomaterials to the toy industry. Companies will be able to
implement these materials through a complete study about
how to process, apply, and expand the business by fulfilling
the environmental expectations of the end consumers.
In addition to the work on biopolymers, AIJU works on
the recycling of multilayer PET packaging of pre- and
post-consumer origin, which can be recycled without the
need for delamination. As it is mechanical recycling, it is
feasible to give a second life to the material using existing
polymer processing technologies without making additional
investments. This novel procedure has been patented
together with researchers from the Polytechnic University
of Valencia.
This article summarizes some of the solutions that AIJU
provides to companies in the big challenge of sustainability.
www.aiju.es
References
[1] Oliver Smith, Avi Brisman, Plastic Waste and the Environmental Crisis
Industry, Critical Criminology 29 (2021)289-309
[2] https://medium.com/circulatenews/creating-a-circular-economy-fortoys-9c11dc6a6676
[3] AIJU, “Development and Improvement of Biomaterials for single-use
and continuous use consumer products [Toy, packaging and Homeware
sector]”, June 2020, http://www.aiju.es/becoming-green/en/index.html
[4] R. Cerdcená, M. Mariano, and V. Soldi, “Flame retardant property and
Thermal Degradation of EPDM-AM/Lignin,” no. January, 2011.
[5] G. Jiang, D. J. Nowakowski, and A. V. Bridgwater, “A systematic study of
the kinetics of lignin pyrolysis,” Thermochim. Acta, vol. 498, no. 1–2, pp.
61–66, 2010, doi: 10.1016/j.tca.2009.10.003.
[6] S. Sen, S. Patil, and D. S. Argyropoulos, “Thermal properties of lignin in
copolymers, blends, and composites: a review,” Green Chem., vol. 17,
no. 11, pp. 4862–4887, 2015, doi: 10.1039/c5gc01066g.
[7] M. Chávez Sifontes and M. E. Domine, “Lignin, Structure and
Applications: Depolymerization Methods for Obtaining Aromatic
Derivatives of Industrial Interest / Lignina, Estructura Y Aplicaciones:
Métodos De Despolimerización Para La Obtención De Derivados
Aromáticos De Interés Industrial,” Av. en Ciencias e Ing. ISSN-e 0718-
8706, Vol. 4, No. 4, 2013, págs. 15-46, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 15–46, 2010.
[8] “Lignin is a Valuable Renewable Resource for Europe’s Bio-based
Industries”, [https://ligniox.eu/background/].
[9] Ligning Industries, “RenCom Announces Company Name Change to
Lignin Industries AB” [https://www.lignin.se/news/-name-change-tolignin-industries].
[10] M. Cerutti and F. Neumayer, “ACEITE ESENCIAL DE LIMÓN Mariano
Cerutti y Fernando Neumayer *,” Invenio, pp. 149–155, 2004.
[11] D. Moposita, “Obtención De Aceites Esenciales a Partir De Corteza De
Naranja “ Citrus Sinensis “ Variedad Valenciana,” no. July, 2019.
[12] P. P. D. Y. Yáñez Rueda X, Lugo Mancilla L. L and Facultad, “Estudio
del aceite esencial de la cascara de la naranja dulce (Citrus
sinensis,variedad Valenciana) cultivada en Labateca (Norte de
Santander, Colombia),” Pravoslavie.ru, no. 1, pp. 3–8, 2007.
Toys
Biobased toys - a
playful introduction
to the bioeconomy
Toy-News
With the help of toys made from renewable
raw materials, the Agency for Renewable Raw
Materials (FNR) wants to give German consumers an
understanding of the big world of the Bioeconomy.
With the National Bioeconomy Strategy, the
German Federal Government set the framework for
the expansion of the bioeconomy in the next few years
in January 2020. This expansion will only work if it
also succeeds in involving consumers and concretely
communicating to them how the bioeconomy works
and what advantages consumers have.
Therefore, the FNR has chosen i.a. the topic “Toys
made from renewable raw materials - RRM toys”.
With various communication measures, the FNR is
focusing on toys made of biobased plastics. What are
biobased plastics? What are they made of? What are
the environmental and consumer benefits of these
materials? What do biobased plastics have to do with
bioeconomy? - Consumers are informed about these
questions using the example of RRM toys.
In the coming months, the measures are to pick up speed and
reach a first peak at Christmas time under the slogan “Sustainable
gifts”. The aim is to make it clear that each individual can make a
small contribution to more sustainability with his or her purchasing
behavior. Consumers are addressed with traditional means of
communication such as press work and radio broadcasts, but also via
modern social media channels. Among other things, a cooperation
with various bloggers who are active in the field of child rearing and
toys is planned.
From the beginning of 2022, the measures will also reach educators
in nursery schools. A small competition is intended to encourage
nursery schools to deal with the subject of “toys made from renewable
raw materials”. FNR will provide background material and award a
corresponding prize.
The measures are financed by the German Federal Ministry of
Food and Agriculture (BMEL), for which the FNR acts as the project
managing agency.
www.nawaro-spielzeug.de
Speaker at
7-8
Sep
2021
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 17
Toys
Sustainable fleece and faux fur
Miyama’s PLA staple fibre for more eco-friendly fabrics
An exciting new beginning for synthetic fibres is heralded
by Miyama’s PLA staple fibre. 100 % plant-based,
biodegradable and carbon neutral, it paves the way for
a new, much more eco-friendly range of fabrics.
Due to its low strength and flexibility, PLA is very difficult to
spin into clothing textiles. But textile trading company Miyama
based in Osaka, Japan, has succeeded in producing yarns and
blended fabrics using PLA staple fibre.
Biodegradable, whatever the colour
One challenge with PLA staple fibre is its low resistance to the
heat needed to complete the dyeing process. To overcome this
problem, Miyama has worked with a manufacturer to develop a
plant-derived additive that modifies PLA. This additive ensures
that PLA is resistant to high temperatures while also increasing
its durability. So, a key benefit of Miyama’s PLA yarn is that it
can be dyed and still retain its biodegradability.
Easy to blend with other fabrics
Miyama has also collaborated with textile manufacturers to
create fabric samples. Its PLA staple fibre can be blended with
many different types of fibres and fabrics such as cotton, silk,
wool, linen, polyester, polypropylene, nylon, and acrylic. This
gives the opportunity to create high-functioning fabrics that
make the most of each material in the blend, while also having
a reduced carbon impact.
Fleece and faux fur with less environmental impact
Fleece and faux fur fabrics are notoriously difficult to
produce, but Miyama has created samples to demonstrate the
potential of its PLA staple fibres. One of Miyama’s fleece fabrics
(see photo), for example, is made of 50 % PLA staple fibre and
50 % recycled polyester. While its other fleece is made of 50 %
PLA staple fibre and 50 % wool, and Miyama’s faux fur is made
of 20 % PLA staple fibre and 80 % acrylic.
Fleece and faux fur are often made from 100 % fossilresource
fibres. But Miyama’s samples show that, by creating
blends with PLA staple fibre, the fossil carbon footprint of
fabrics can be reduced by between 20 % and 50 %.
Reducing or eliminating microplastics
Typical 100 %-polyester fleece fabrics produce microplastics
while being washed, which are considered a major cause
of pollution in waterways. “Polyester is the material which
hardly decomposes in waterways and marine environments.
Although the speed of biodegradation depends on the water
temperature, pH, and the types of microorganisms present in
the water, the microscopical fibres of PLA that are shed during
washing is expected to eventually decompose in oceans and
other waterways,” as Dr. Terada of Bio Works explains.
If PLA staple fibre is used for blended fleece fabrics, it will
also reduce the amount of microplastics generated during the
production process.
Far lower water consumption
The lighter touch of producing PLA staple fibre has the
potential to make a remarkable impact on the climate-change
agenda. It is estimated that it takes 20,000 litres of water to
harvest 1 kg of cotton. While the amount of water needed to
grow 1 kg of corn, the main raw material for PLA, requires
just 6,000 litres of water. So, in comparison, PLA staple fibre
requires much less water than cotton and could contribute to
reducing the strain on water sources in growing areas.
Valuable functional properties
Not only is PLA staple fibre the most promising replacement
for fossil-resource fibres, but it is also highly functional. A
100 % natural material, that is antibacterial, deodorizing, water
absorbing, quick-drying, UV shielding, and flame resistant.
This means any fabric woven with PLA yarn will benefit from
these characteristics too.
Challenges can be addressed by blending
Although PLA yarn has a lot of potential, there are challenges
to overcome. Because of PLA yarn’s biodegradability, its
longevity hasn’t yet been fully determined. Currently, ordinary
garments made from 100 % PLA yarn can last from three to five
years, depending on the product design and how the garment
is stored. By blending PLA with other fibres the durability of the
final fabric and garment can be increased, however, this would
mean sacrificing the biodegradability of the fabric.
It is currently also difficult to produce and market a 100 %
PLA fabric due to, for example, the high price point compared
to fabrics produced from fossil resources. But, by blending PLA
with different types of fibres, it is possible to create new fabrics
that take on the characteristics and benefits of each material
and have less impact on the environment.
Hopes for widespread 100 % PLA yarn in the
future
With such blends, Miyama is in the transition stage of its
climate-change vision for PLA as it works towards the perfect
green stage. But it will keep working on the challenges and
hopes that, in the near future, fabrics made of 100 % PLA yarn
will be seen all over the world. MT
www.miyama-tex.co.jp
Example of of Miyama’s fleece
fabric, made of 50 % PLA
staple fibre and 50 % recycled
polyester
7-8
Most of the faux fur for plush
toys is made by 100 % polyester.
This teddy bear is made of a
blend of 50 % PLA staple fibre
and 50 % polyester. The faux fur
also shows good antibacterial
properties
Speaker at
Sep
2021
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Commitment to
sustainable toys
Toys
Artsana (Italy), the Group to which Chicco brand belongs,
has a clear purpose: working for a world in which
giving birth and raising children are both desirable
and sustainable for everyone. That is why the company is
committed to building a better future through concrete and
responsible actions and choices every day. This willingness
is expressed by a strong focus on sustainability – actively
taking care of both people and the planet is one of Artsana’s
long-established commitments. With this aim, Artsana Group
signed the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in 2017,
the largest sustainability corporate initiative in the world. The
company has adopted the Ten Principles on Human Rights,
Labor, Environment and the Fight against Corruption, deciding
to incorporate them into its strategy.
Chicco ECO+ Line
Taking care of children also means taking care of the world
in which they will grow up. This is why Chicco is working every
single day to safeguard the future of the world with concrete
actions. This concrete commitment to act respectfully to
people and the environment, for a better world, is supported
by the new ECO+ toy line. The line was originally designed for
babies in the first months of life, ten products belong to the
categories of rattles and first toys. The clear intention is to
also apply this approach to new categories in a sustainable
and evolutionary development path for all children, from the
first sensory stimuli to cognitive educative toys. The Chicco
ECO+ toys were designed with responsibility and attention to
product quality in mind, while respecting the environment.
For these reasons the company is proud to guarantee a great
playing experience for the family, making ECO+ toys designed
and produced in Italy. The ECO+ line features refined and
contemporary design combined with ergonomic and easy
shapes perfect for the little ones. Its fresh colours are close to
the natural world and they accompany kids to look positively
to the future. All the toys have been designed to offer a total
experience that includes the senses of children through visual
and tactile perceptions aligned with the ECO+ line’s mission.
The modernity and purity of the shapes help to develop the
first manual skills, the material pigments make the toys
attractive and natural, while the soft colours instil calm and
tranquillity during playtime.
Materials
In line with this commitment, Chicco developed the ECO+
toy range: products made of bioplastic or recycled plastic
limiting the use of fossil resources. Teethers are made of at
least 50 % bioplastic from plant sources; details about the
bioplastic material were not disclosed. Sorter and stacking
toys are made of 80 % recycled plastic from industrial
residues. This allows us to give a second life to something
that would otherwise be discarded, avoiding waste. The
packagings are recyclable and the paper used comes from
responsibly managed forests. MT
The ECO+ range is now available from specialist retailers:
• Burt Teether – ECO+
• Owly Teether – ECO+
• Charlie Teether – ECO+
• Molly Teether – ECO+
• Owly Rattle – ECO+
• 2 in1 Stacking Cups – ECO+
• Stone Balance – ECO+
• Baobab shape sorter – ECO+
• 2 in 1 Rocking Dino – ECO+
• 2 in 1 Transform-a-Ball – ECO+
www.chicco.de
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 19
Toys
Speaker at
7-8
Sep
2021
Sustainable toys
from Sweden
Viking Toys is a small family-owned and family run toy
business based in Torsås, Sweden. Starting in 1974
and selling toys in over 40 countries the core of the
company has always been: family, play (toys) that lasts
generations & quality. bioplastics MAGAZINE spoke to the
sisters Magdalena (Marketing and Creativity) and Caroline
Kjellme (CEO), daughters of founder Gösta Kjellme.
bM: “The sixth S” – what is that all about?
Magdalena: The five S: Safe, Soft, Silent, Simple and
Strong are the foundations of our toys. The design, the
purpose, the production, the material, the qualities, the
characteristics. They are all being based on these 5 words.
We have worked hard to be able to extend the 5 S family with
an extra S in 2018: The 6 th being Sustainable
This is when we launched our assortment made of
bioplastic. We call it ECOLine and this line is produced out
of bioplastic, mainly LDPE, from sugar cane made by the
Brazilian company Braskem. The start of the line was an
assortment of our vehicles in mixed sizes and a dining set.
We add more toys to the line every year. The goal would be
in the future to have the entire line in biobased plastics or
alternative materials.
bM: You said the cost is an important factor?
Caroline: The reason to use bioplastics for us is obvious.
We love toys and we don’t believe the production of toys
should stop. But if there is a way to make production more
sustainable, then that is what we want to try to do in order
to continue producing toys and take our responsibility.
Our first challenge has always been the cost of biobased
plastics. When your material costs twice as much as oil/
fossil fuel based plastics it can be very difficult to justify
using bioplastics. Although this is a very heavy argument
for most companies out there, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a
solution. But this then directly correlates with our second
biggest challenge.
bM: How do you manage these challenges?
Magdalena: The communication to the customer. We
need to justify the price to the end consumer. We know
the toys are made of sugar cane and we know why.
Without understanding the production of plastics and
manufacturing, the challenge is in conveying the benefits
to the customer with just one look or gaze. Therefore
everything from the overall design, choice of colours and
textures, how the packaging is designed and how it looks to
even your social media presence and look, word of mouth
especially online – it all matters.
bM: What are your future prospects?
Caroline: Through all the challenges we face, we see a
positive trend in the end consumers. Every year we see a
growing market for the ECOLine. People are getting more
aware of the state of the world every year. They educate
themselves more about what is offered on the market
and demand more. Although we see differences between
markets, we do see an overall positive global change.
Hopefully growing even stronger in the coming years.
www.vikingtoys.se
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
LEGO bricks made from
recycled PET bottles
7-8
Speaker at
Sep
2021
Toys
The LEGO Group (Billund, Denmark) recently unveiled a
prototype LEGO ® brick made from recycled plastic, the
latest step in its journey to make Lego products from
sustainable materials.
The new prototype, which uses PET plastic from discarded
bottles, is the first brick made from a recycled material to
meet the company’s strict quality and safety requirements.
A team of more than 150 people are working to find
sustainable solutions for Lego products. Over the past three
years, materials scientists and engineers tested over 250
variations of PET materials and hundreds of other plastic
formulations. The result is a prototype that meets several
of their quality, safety, and play requirements – including
clutch power.
Vice President of Environmental Responsibility at the Lego
Group, Tim Brooks said: “We are super excited about this
breakthrough. The biggest challenge on our sustainability
journey is rethinking and innovating new materials that are
as durable, strong, and high-quality as our existing bricks
– and fit with Lego elements made over the past 60 years.
With this prototype we’re able to showcase the progress
we’re making.”
Uncompromised quality and safety
It will be some time before bricks made from a recycled
material appear in Lego product boxes. The team will
continue testing and developing the PET formulation and
then assess whether to move to the pilot production phase.
This next phase of testing is expected to take at least a year.
Brooks said: “We know kids care about the environment
and want us to make our products more sustainable. Even
though it will be a while before they will be able to play with
bricks made from recycled plastic, we want to let kids know
we’re working on it and bring them along on the journey
with us. Experimentation and failing is an important part
of learning and innovation. Just as kids build, unbuild, and
rebuild with Lego bricks at home, we’re doing the same in
our lab.”
The prototype is made from recycled PET sourced from
suppliers in the United States that use US Food & Drug
Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority
(EFSA) approved processes to ensure quality. On average,
a one-litre plastic PET bottle provides enough raw material
for ten 2 x 4 Lego bricks.
Journey towards more sustainable products
The patent-pending material formulation increases the
durability of PET to make it strong enough for Lego bricks.
The innovative process uses a bespoke compounding
technology to combine the recycled PET with strengthening
additives.
The recycled prototype brick is the latest development
in making the Lego Group’s products more sustainable. In
2020, the company announced it will begin removing singleuse
plastic from its boxes. In 2018, it began producing
elements from bio-polyethylene (bio-PE), made from
sustainably sourced sugarcane. Many Lego sets contain
elements made from bio-PE which is perfect for making
smaller, softer pieces such as trees, branches, leaves and
accessories for minifigures. Bio-PE is not currently suitable
for making harder, stronger elements such as the iconic
Lego bricks.
Brooks said: “We’re committed to playing our part in
building a sustainable future for generations of children.
We want our products to have a positive impact on the
planet, not just with the play they inspire, but also with the
materials we use. We still have a long way to go on our
journey but are pleased with the progress we’re making.”
The Lego Group’s focus on sustainable material innovation
is just one of several different initiatives the company has in
place to make a positive impact. The Lego Group will invest
up to USD 400 million over three years to 2022 to accelerate
its sustainability ambitions. MT
www.lego.com/Sustainability
Info
See a video-clip at:
https://tinyurl.com/
Lego-rPET
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 21
Cover story
Advertorial
Sustainable and Sophisticated
PLA Cups & Lids
Great River’s view on plastics and the circular
economy:
Plastics are cheap, convenient, ultra-versatile, and have
drastically increased our standards of living since
the 1950s. However, for years, we have been warned
with statistics and numbers on why disposable plastics are
unsustainable. Commonly cited figures stem from the 2017
paper from Geyer et al. named “Production, Use, and Fate
of All Plastics Ever Made,” which called to our attention that
on a global average 79 % of all plastics ever made ended
up in landfills or the natural environment, while only 9 % of
plastics are recycled. It is one thing to declare total plastics
abstinence, yet another to actually commit to it at the expense
of consumer convenience and cost. By now, most of us are
aware that relying on plastics derived from fossil fuels is
unsustainable since (1) it increases our dependence on
nonrenewable resources, (2) they remain in our environment
or landfills for centuries, or (3) they are incinerated for energy
recovery and thus the create greenhouse gas CO 2
.
In our efforts to pursue a circular economy as well as tackle
the issues of unsustainable plastic consumption, there have
also been great efforts around the globe to promote recycling.
However, recycling alone cannot solve our unsustainable
plastics consumption since (1) a mere two out of the seven
types of plastics are viable and make economic sense to
commonly recycle (namely PET and HDPE), (2) one cannot
recycle the same plastic forever due to downcycling, and (3)
eventually, the plastic still ends up in incineration or landfills
or the environment since there is a lack of an end-of-life
option designed for it. Recycling is good and it certainly helps;
however, it cannot be the only solution we rely on. If we are
serious about creating a circular economy and tackling the
issues of the unsustainable consumption trends of plastics,
then we must approach this complex problem with a
multifaceted approach. In other words, such a complex issue
requires more than a single simple solution of recycling.
Great River Plastic Manufacturer Company Limited
(hereinafter referred to as Great River) believes that
businesses have an important role to play in the reduction of
unsustainable plastics consumption. Great River considers
high-quality bioplastics that are certified to international
standards to be a vital solution to tackle our world’s plastics
problem.
Sam Liu, marketing manager at Great River said, “It is
an honour to be part of this issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE
because we see the impactful work they do in raising
awareness and educating people about bioplastics, which
would only become more important as various countries
and governments around the world look for alternatives
to replace petroleum-derived plastics. However, what I
appreciate most is the platform this magazine has provided
for information about bioplastics that span across the globe.
They even have issues in the Chinese language!”
Great River’s commitment to PLA:
Great River is a leading global manufacturer of
plastic, cellulose materials, and bioplastics; it is also
known for the quality and consistency of its products. Its
manufacturing facilities are located in China with its head
office in Shanghai. For the past decade, Great River devoted
surmountable amounts of research, time, and focus to
developing polylactic acid (PLA) food packaging products.
However, straws or cutlery are extremely easy to make and
hold low barriers to entry; therefore, Great River positioned
the company to innovate in a direction where others have
not at the time. They sought the task of specializing in
plant-based PLA lids used for high heat applications (e.g.,
hot coffees or soups).
Vincent Fan, Vice General Manager of Great River,
explained that, “creating hot drink PLA lids is not an easy
task. There are two main challenges. The first is that PLA,
naturally, is a material with a relatively low melting point.
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Second, PLA is also known to be quite brittle, so in order to
make our lids not brittle but tight-fitting, we spent a lot of
time getting it right.”
Great River’s PLA hot lids are crystalized and are often
referred to as crystalized PLA (CPLA). What makes Great
River’s lids stand out is that (1) they have high heat resistant
capacities, making them suitable for hot coffee and soups,
(2) the lids are gentle and smooth to the touch, (3) they are
not brittle, and (4) the lids are tight and exact fitting, which
prevents leaks. “Overall, I think our CPLA hot lids are the
best on the market, and I would really encourage those who
are interested to try them out for themselves,” explained
Vincent.
It should be noted that Great River’s plant-based PLA
products are renewable, 100 % biobased, compostable, and
sustainable, thus making it an ideal bioplastics product.
Great River’s products are DinCertco and Biodegradable
Products Institute certified (to the international standards
of EN13432 and ASTM D6400) with testing done as well
from Belgium’s Organic Waste Systems.
Furthermore, all of Great River’s operations and
manufacturing facilities have fulfilled the requirements of
ISO 9001, Global Standard for Packaging Materials Issue 6,
and the Amfori BSCI Code of Conduct.
Great River’s 2021 launch of PLA cold cup and
lids series and increased production capacities:
Currently, bioplastics represent around 1 % of total
global plastics production. However, bioplastics production
is expected to grow as demand for them rises because of
increased awareness, education, and needs for alternatives
to conventional plastics. In line with this and being true to
its commitment to a greener future, Great River has (1)
doubled its production capacities this year and (2) will also
launch its highly anticipated PLA cold cup and lids series.
By:
Michael Thielen
Vincent exclaimed, “we are really excited for this year’s
launch of our PLA cold cup and lids series. For a long
time, Great River has dedicated its time and resources to
perfecting its CPLA hot lids. This year, due to demand and
our increased production capacities, we will launch our
PLA cold cup and lids series. The future has never looked
brighter for Great River.”
Moving Forward:
Currently, Great River has found much success in the
exporting of its PLA products worldwide. Great River works
with over 50 brands around the world which includes
innovative industry leaders in the eco-friendly food packaging
industry. Moving forward, Great River wishes to continue its
mission to advocate for bioplastics as part of an array of
solutions to combat the increasingly problematic behaviours
of our modern plastics consumption.
“As Russel Crowe said in the movie Gladiator, ‘what we do
in life echoes in eternity,” said Sam with a smile. “Plastics
have raised our standards of living immensely, and we’re
accustomed to this lifestyle; however, what we choose to do
today matters. Hopefully, we can live in a world where future
generations retain the opportunity to enjoy our Earth’s
resources and its environments as we have, without making
it imperative for the current generation to gravely sacrifice
its own needs of their accustomed and modern standards
of living. I believe part of the solution is shifting away from
conventional plastics and using alternative materials such
as PLA in our everyday lives.”
https://eco-greatriver.com
Thermoforming
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 23
Thermoforming
Sustainable packaging made
of natural fibres
Plastics know-how shapes the future of
cellulose packaging
As a technology partner in the various areas of the plastics
and packaging industry, KIEFEL (Freilassing, Germany), also
supports its customers in the development of biodegradable
materials and products. With Fibre Thermoforming,
the company has opened up a complementary field of
technology utilising natural fibres incorporating decades of
know-how from plastics processing into the development of
the Fibre Thermoforming machines.
New material – various opportunities
In addition to classic recyclable plastics, the company can
now process fibre-based as well as recycled (e.g. rPET) and
biobased (e.g. PLA) materials. Virgin fibres (unprocessed
cellulose) can be used to comply with food industry
regulations for packaging solutions made from paper.
This means that Kiefel can provide the optimal product
development and production technology, regardless of
which material the customer chooses.
The raw material for fibre products is pulp or paper
dissolved in water. This is shaped, pressed, dried, and
converted into dimensionally stable packaging that can be
recycled in the paper cycle or even composted. This means,
depending on the application, they offer an alternative to
plastic packaging made from renewable raw materials and
with a low CO 2
footprint.
This is possible by an extensive machine portfolio for
the production of fibre packaging: The NATUREPREP KFP
series for high-quality natural fibre pulp stock preparation
and the NATUREFORMER KFT series systems, on which
various fibre products, including bowls, cups, secondary
packaging for electronics, coffee capsules, or flower pots
can be manufactured. Matching coating concepts make the
products grease and water-repellent, and suitable for warm
drinks, hot food, or persistent moisture.
Discovering the potential of natural fibres
In its own Material R&D Center, Kiefel researches,
analyzes, and categorizes various natural fibres and
designs coating concepts for packaging made from natural
fibres. These are then tested on pilot systems and optimized
for the manufacturing process. The Material R&D Center
complements Kiefel’s Applied Polymer Research Center in
the Netherlands, which focuses on materials research into
recycled and biobased plastics.
In the adjacent Packaging Technology Center, the
company tests materials under real conditions: it tests tools
on the systems, carries out machine tests and small batch
sample production. Prototype testing also takes place here.
Kiefel offers turnkey solutions for Fibre Thermoforming.
The engineering in Fibre Thermoforming
The pulpers of the Natureformer KFP series process
fibres common in the paper industry (primary or secondary
fibres), e.g., CTMP (chemi-thermomechanical pulp), NBSK
(northern bleached softwood kraft), UKP (unbleached kraft
pulp), ONP (old newsprint or old newspaper), OCC (old
corrugated cardboard or old corrugated containers).
The Natureformer KFT series processes the raw
cellulose pulp in batches to a 1 % fibre content. Flow
simulations ensure that the fibres are evenly distributed
over the container volume. The aluminium suction tool with
V2A stainless steel mesh is immersed in the suspension.
The vacuum applied sucks up liquid and the cellulose fibres
remain in the tool, similarly to a filter cake. A spray bar
removes excess pulp and defines the edge of the product at
regular intervals.
The suction tool then moves into a flexible counter tool
of the pre-pressing station. Richard Hagenauer heads the
Fibre Thermoforming project at Kiefel. He explains: “These
steps guarantee even fibre distribution across the entire
tool geometry, excellent dimensional accuracy and a very
high-quality surface.”
After this step, the dry content reaches approximately
40 %. The suction tool then transfers the component to
the hot press. Any remaining moisture is eliminated by
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Thermoforming
Product diversity of formed fibre products
temperatures around 200°C in the upper and lower tools
and a clamping force of up to 600 kN. Hagenauer explains:
“Our technology allows us to achieve drawing depths of up
to 250 mm on the Natureformer KFT 90 Flex. We work with
cavities directly heated by heating cartridges integrated into
the tool. This enables us to achieve optimal heat transfer,
reduce energy consumption, and achieve high product
quality.”
Fast tool change
The suction tool is mounted on the handling robot and
transfers the component from station to station. The KFT
90 Flex is equipped with a fully automatic rapid tool change
system. Hagenauer describes the benefits: “The heated tool
can be changed within 15 minutes. This makes it possible
to quickly reconfigure the machine from one product to the
next.” The handling robot traverses to tool positions for
maintenance, cleaning, and tool change.
Automation and Quality Management
The sophisticated Natureformer KFT series automation
solutions include a tilting and stacking function, Flex-Picker,
sleeving station and automation up to and including packing
into cartons. Quality control and inspection systems can be
integrated, as well as peripherals for printing, labelling
or similar intermediate steps. These various automation
modules and their ability to be linked allow the Freilassingbased
company to meet specific customer needs.
The machines are experiencing high demand – several
have already been delivered to Europe and the USA, and
many more are already on order. This makes Kiefel the first
manufacturer of plastic thermoforming machines to also
offer highly automated systems for fibre thermoforming. MT
www.kiefel.com
Natureformer KFT 90
Kiefel explores the potentials of different natural fibres
in its Material R&D Center (all photos: Kiefel)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 25
Thermoforming
Microalgae
thermoformed packaging
Microalgae are used in products for food, animal
health, human health, etc., and also for tertiary
wastewater treatment where the biomass produced
can be valorized. Success stories are accumulating on their
production in cohabitation with agri-food or industrial plants
whose wastewater is used as a source of nutrients for their
cultivation while the algae-based products can be consumed
on-site or locally. The cohabitation approach allows for a
steady supply of cheap nutrients (wastewater, potentially
mixed with other cheap local nutrient sources) as well as
energy (waste heat from the plants), which contributes
to the profitability of the microalgal biomass products
produced. This strategy of cohabitation and valorization of
co-products on-site or locally fits harmoniously with the
concept of circular economy in a given territory.
It is in this perspective that Simon Barnabé’s team from
the University of Quebec in Trois-Rivières (UQTR) (Quebec,
Canada) and his collaborators (Innofibre, Oléotek) had
started the VERTECH project in 2014 in Victoriaville in the
Fidèle-Édouard-Alain Industrial Park. Wastewater from
the Parmalat Victoriaville and Canlac Group – Abbott
Laboratories plants and from the Sani-Marc plant, available
in this industrial park, was mixed and used as a culture
medium to produce a lipid-rich microalgae biomass. Shortchain
C12:0 and C14:0 fatty acids were then extracted and
chemically converted into amine oxides for Sani-Marc’s
industrial cleaning product formulations. The postextraction
biomass could be converted thermochemically
into biofuels for the heavy vehicle fleets of the City of
Victoriaville and Gaudreau Environnement.
At the end of the project, it was demonstrated that it was
possible to produce microalgae in the wastewater of the
Victoriaville industrial park (Bélanger-Lépine et al., 2018,
2019), but the low extraction and chemical conversion yields
of C12:0 and C14:0 resulted in significant costs that did not
justify the continuation of the project. At the same time, the
team at Innofibre, the college centre for technology transfer
of the Cégep de Trois-Rivières, succeeded in incorporating
algal biomass into a thermoformed cellulose fibre pulp
as part of the activities of its NSERC College Industrial
Research Chair in Eco-design for a Circular Economy of
Thermoformed Cellulose Pulp Packaging EcoPACT.
Indeed, thermoformed cellulose fibre ecoproducts are
a way to replace plastic containers in a circular economy
perspective, for example, thermoformed pulp bottles are
currently being developed by the EcoPACT Chair for the
packaging of solid or liquid products marketed by Sani-
Marc. In order to find a product that can make the production
of microalgae in the wastewater of the Victoriaville
industrial park profitable, the Municipal Research Chair
for Sustainable Cities of the UQTR and the EcoPACT Chair
of Innofibre are working in synergy to explore the circular
economy scenario of using microalgae, cultivated in Sani-
Marc’s wastewater, in the recipe of cellulose pulp. This
recovery pathway does not require extraction steps and
thus could contribute to the profitability of the process.
The development of thermoformed cellulosic fibre
products to replace plastic containers is an avenue in
which many companies around the world wish to position
themselves. However, the manufacturing processes for
these types of containers still need to be optimized. In
Quebec, Innofibre has this know-how and is the only college
centre for technology transfer to have a pilot machine for
manufacturing thermoformed fibre products on a semiindustrial
scale (45 kg/h) for the development of innovative
products and the advancement of fibre thermoforming
technology. It features:
• A heating and recirculation system for the fibrous
suspension
• A server-controlled rotary head moulding system with
vacuum system
• A server-controlled y-axis and z-axis adjustable transfer
system with suction and blowing
• An adjustable multi-area heating system for
thermoforming moulds
• A server-controlled multiposition z-axis thermoforming
system with vapour suction
The Innofibre team is currently working in collaboration
with Sani Marc to develop environmentally friendly
thermoformed cellulose and microalgae packaging for
their products. AT
www.innofibre.ca | www.uqtr.ca
(Photos courtesy: Innofibre)
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Chitosan keeps
strawberries fresh
Films made of shellfish shells, essential oils,
and nanoparticles protect fruit from microbes
Thermoforming
Québec produces more strawberries than any other
Canadian province. Strawberries are delicate and
difficult to keep fresh. In response to this challenge,
Monique Lacroix, a professor at the Institut national de la
recherche scientifique (INRS), and her team have developed
a packaging film that can keep strawberries fresh for up
to 12 days. The team’s findings on how this film protects
against mould and certain pathogenic bacteria have been
published in Food Hydrocolloids [1].
The innovative film is made of chitosan, a natural
molecule found in shellfish shells. This food industry byproduct
contains key antifungal properties that curb mould
growth. The packaging film also contains essential oils
and nanoparticles, both of which possess antimicrobial
properties.
“Essential oil vapours protect strawberries. And if the
film comes into contact with strawberries, the chitosan and
nanoparticles prevent mould and pathogens from reaching
the fruit’s surface,” Monique Lacroix, said.
Versatile protection
The formula developed for this packaging film has the
added advantage of being effective against several types
of pathogens. The team tested the film on four microbial
cultures. “Our work has shown the film’s effectiveness
against Aspergillus niger, a highly resistant mould that
causes substantial losses during strawberry production,”
said Lacroix.
This type of bioactive packaging also showed antimicrobial
efficacy against the pathogens Escherichia coli, Listeria
monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium, which come
from contamination during food handling and are a major
source of concern for the food industry.
Benefits of irradiation
Monique Lacroix and her team also combined the
packaging film with an irradiation process. When the
packaging film was exposed to radiation, team members
noted longer shelf life, cutting the level of loss in half
compared to the control (without film or irradiation). On day
12, the team recorded a 55 % loss rate for the control group
of strawberries, 38 % for the group with the film, and 25 %
when irradiation was added.
Irradiation not only extended shelf life, but it also helped
preserve or increased the quantity of polyphenols in the
strawberries. These molecules give strawberries their
colour and have antioxidant properties. MT
https://inrs.ca
[1] Shankar, S.; Khodaei, D.; Lacroix, M.: Effect of chitosan/essential oils/
silver nanoparticles composite films packaging and gamma irradiation on
shelf life of strawberries, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2021.106750
Colour up your biopolymers!
Colours also available for home-compostable products
Bio-based, home-compostable
bioplastics in the latest trend colours?
Learn more!
LIFOtrend web seminar:
Colour up your biopolymers!
Information and registration:
https://www.lifocolor.de/en/news-events/
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 27
Events
September 22-23, 2021,
Renault Strategie –
Cologne, Germany
Sustainable Mobility for all
www.pha-world-congress.com
organized by
Co-organized by Jan Ravenstijn
Preliminary Programme: 2 nd PHA platform World Congress
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
PHA-platform industrialization
08:45-09:15 Jan Ravenstijn The PHA-platform, moving up the S-curve
09:15-09:40 Blake Lindsey, RWDC-Industries Moving Past Recycling: Can We Stem the Microplastics Crisis?
09:40-10:05 Erwin LePoudre, Kaneka
Market expansion of Kaneka Biodegradable Polymer Green Planet️
through sustainable application developments.
10:05-10:30 Rick Passenier, GO!PHA GO!PHA: a collaborative effort to PHA-platform industry growth: status & activities
Technology developments
11:10-11:35 George Chen, Tsinghua University New Generation Industrial Biotechnology as a basis for PHABuilder.
11:35-12:00 Jeff Uhrig, Novomer Economic considerations of 100 million tons of PHA.
12:00-12:30 Stefan Jockenhoevel, AMIBM Cross-border opportunities for the biobased value chain
12:30-12:55 Eligio Martini, MAIP The compounding will be the success of the sleeping Giant!
Application developments
14:05-14:30 Bas Krins, Senbis Effect of PHA-material structure on yarn and filament spinning
14:30-14:55 Lenka Mynarova, Nafigate PHB in cosmetic applications
14:55-15:20 Ruud Rouleaux, Helian Polymers/colorFabb Designing PHA-materials for 3D-printing applications
Environmental, legislative & regulatory matters
15:55-16:20 Anindya Mukherjee, GO!PHA The effect of legislation on innovative PHA-material design for a circular economy
16:20-16:55 Bruno DeWilde, OWS Biodegradation : one concept, many nuances
16:55-17:20 Michael Carus, nova Institute For which end-products is biodegradation a justified need?
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Application developments
08:40-09:05 Guy Buyle / Lien Van der Schuere, Centexbel The use of PHA in the textile industry
09:05-09:30 Jesse Hui, Tianan Biologic Material PHA for denitrification purposes
09:30-09:55 Sun-Jong Kim, CheilJedang Possibility of amorphous PHA and current development
09:55-10:20 William Bardosh, TerraVerdae Bioworks Industrial applications for PHA materials
Environmental, legislative & regulatory matters
10:55-11:20 Liusong Hue, MedPHA Corp. Ltd. The latest P3HB4HB developments for medical applications
11:20-11:45 Marcus Eriksen, 5Gyres Ocean Plastic reduction and PHA
11:45-12:10 Ramani Narayan, Michigan State University
Kinetic model to estimate lifetime in ocean environments for
biodegradable polymers using PHBV and cellulose as models
12:10-12:35 Teng Li, Bluepha Historic opportunity of PHA with surging demand of biodegradable polymers in China
PHA-platform industrialization
13:50-14:15 Phil Van Trump, Danimer Scientific TBD
14:15-14:40 Maximilian Lackner, Circe Feedstock considerations for world-scale PHA production: Methane as viable option
14:40-15:05 Manfred Zinn, ISBP - HES-SO Valais-Wallis Customized PHA during biosynthesis
Technology developments
15:40-16:05 Scott Trenor, Milliken
Enhancing the Properties of PHAs via Nucleation: Translating 40 years of Polyolefin
Innovation to PHAs
16:05-16:30 Pablo Ivan Nikel, Novonordisk Foundation
16:30-17:05 Edvard Hall, Bioextrax
Synthetic Biology strategies for the biosynthesis of new-to-nature
PHA-based polymers containing xeno-atoms
Can a bio-based downstream process reduce cost and improve
the polymer properties?
This is still a preliminary programme. We might have to do some changes. Even if we had to postpone the event again to September 22 and
23, due to the development of COVID-19, we will try to keep changes to the programme minimal.
Sadly we cannot offer more speaker slots, yet we cannot deny how the massive interest of potential speakers fills us with pride, as
significantly more people are interested to speak at our PHA platform World Congress than we could possibly accommodate in just two days.
Please visit the conference website for the most up-to-date version of the programme. Here you will also find more information on the
speakers as well as abstracts of all presentations.
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
organized by
2 nd PHA platform World Congress
September 22+23, 2021: Cologne, Germany
and Jan Ravenstijn
www.pha-world-congress.com
Diamond Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Supported by
Media Partner
Platinum Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
…from Embryonic to Early Growth
PHA (Poly-Hydroxy-Alkanoates or polyhydroxy fatty acids)
is a family of biobased 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 of polyhydroxy alkanoates. Here the microorganisms
store a particularly high level of energy reserves
(up to 80% of their own body weight) for when their
sources of nutrition become scarce. Examples for such
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are PHB, PHV, PHBV, PHBH and
many more. That’s why we speak about the PHA platform.
This PHA-platform is made up of a large variety of
bioplastics raw materials made from many different
renewable resources. Depending on the type of PHA, they
can be used for applications in films and rigid packaging,
biomedical applications, automotive, consumer electronics,
appliances, toys, glues, adhesives, paints, coatings, fibers
for woven and non-woven andPHA products inks. So PHAs
cover a broad range of properties and applications.
That’s why bioplastics MAGAZINE and Jan Ravenstijn are
now organizing the 2 nd PHA-platform World Congress
on 22-23 Sep 2021 (new date) in Cologne / Germany.
This congress continues the great success of the
1 st PHA platform World Congress and the PHA-day at
the Bioplastics Business Breakfast @ K 2019. We will
again offer a special “Basics”-Workshop in the day before
(Sep 21) - if there are sufficient registrations...
The congress will address the progress, challenges and
market opportunities for the formation of this new polymer
platform in the world. Every step in the value chain will
be addressed. Raw materials, polymer manufacturing,
compounding, polymer processing, applications,
opportunities and end-of-life options will be discussed by
parties active in each of these areas. Progress in underlying
technology challenges will also be addressed.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/21] Vol. 16 29
Applications
Sustainable
adhesive tapes
A contribution to the
reduction of the
carbon footprint
By:
Ingo Neubert
R&D, Backings and Film Development
tesa SE
Norderstedt, Germany
Adhesive tape applications are all around us. Tape
applications well known to the public include packaging
tapes, office tapes as well as DIY tapes. However,
approximately 75 % of the most important applications are
specialized industrial applications. Today, such industrial
adhesive tapes are widely used in consumer electronics,
automotive, aeroplanes, trains, medical and hygiene sectors.
Industries like wind and solar, constructions, white goods as
well as paper and print use adhesive tapes in manufacturing
and mounting processes. The adhesive tape market has
a total volume of 7 billion m² (67 % packaging tapes, 10 %
consumer and office tapes, 8 % masking tapes, 15 % specialty
tapes) [1].
The current trend towards more sustainability also has a
big impact on the adhesive tape market. Adhesive tapes can
improve sustainability as enabler aids for
production processes or product
designs. An additional contribution
to sustainability comes from
the design of the adhesive tape
itself, thanks to measures like
downgauging, reusability, and
incorporation of recycled or
biobased raw materials.
tesa (Norderstedt, Germany),
one of the leading tape
manufacturers worldwide, strives
to reduce the carbon footprint of
its products and its manufacturing
processes for many years. For example,
new technologies were developed for solvent-free processing
with natural rubber and acrylic adhesive. In total, solvent
consumption was reduced by 40 % between 2001 and 2019.
Furthermore, more than 10 years ago tesa launched the
sustainable ecoLogo ® product assortment for consumer
applications: It includes, for example, the first office and
packaging tape based on a 100 % post-industrial recycling
backing film.
For the redesign of existing products and the development
of new products, new sustainable raw materials will be
necessary for the adhesive tape product designs. However,
currently, only a limited choice of sustainable raw materials
and plastics are commercially available (see bioplastics
MAGAZINE 03/2021) [2]. Most of them have only low relevance
for adhesive tape applications because the properties are
not matching the requirements. Therefore, intensified R&D
efforts will be necessary to make do with the available raw
materials and to meet the requirements of the many different
applications.
One big focus of the current development at tesa is on the
largest part for adhesive tape applications – the packaging
tape market. In April 2021, tesa launched a new sustainable
packaging tape – tesapack ® Bio & Strong. The product
is certified by DIN Certco and TÜV
Austria with a biobased content
of 98 % (as measured according
to ASTM D6866 and EN 11640).
This packaging tape is based on
a special biaxially-oriented PLA
film coated with solvent-free
natural rubber adhesive. The
special biaxially-oriented PLA
film consists of PLLA resin that
guarantees better heat stability
in the production process. The
replacement of the conventional
fossil-based OPP or PVC backing by
a BO-PLA film from renewable resources
in tesapack Bio & Strong results in a reduction of CO 2
.
emission of 15–20 % CO 2
eq. (compared to OPP) and 30–35
% CO 2
eq. (compared to PVC). This reduction is related to the
backing material only. The carbon footprint calculation is
based on a cradle-to-grave approach regarding IPCC AR5
GWP100 (incl. land-use change) and with respect of generic
information of the film manufacturing process.
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Other interesting developments for sustainable adhesive
tapes at tesa are taking place with a focus on tape backings
and release liners – both may make a significant contribution
to the reduction of carbon emission. Besides the mentioned
biobased plastics, recycled plastics could be an interesting
option too. The plastics get a second life instead of being
incinerated and replace the use of virgin material, thus saving
resources and CO 2
emissions. PP and PET are very common
materials used in tape design, in form of films, cloth, or nonwoven.
For both materials, circular recycling processes for
post-consumer waste are established. PP on the one hand is
currently available as PCR PP material mainly for moulding
applications but unfortunately not in grades suitable for film
applications. Therefore, it is currently only possible to produce
an adhesive tape based on e.g., PIR* but not PCR* OPP film
(* see separate box).
Due to the worldwide established recycling of PET bottles a
mature circular economy around PET waste is being created.
Mechanical as well as chemical PCR PET grades based on
waste streams are available in reliable quantities to produce
biaxially-oriented PET films. PET films with up to 100 %
chemical PCR content are commercially available from some
PET film manufacturers. With cross-functional development
efforts, such films with 70 % up to 100 % PCR content could
be successfully incorporated into new sustainable adhesive
tapes, performing equivalently to analogue fossil-based
products in terms of processability, adhesive anchorage,
tensile strengths, elongation, resistance, and targeted
applications. The PCR PET can be widely used as backing and
liner for different kinds of adhesive tapes e.g.:
• (a) double-sided mounting tapes based on 10–40 µm PCR
PET film
• (b) single-side carton sealing tapes with 20–50 µm PCR
PET film
• (c) single-side strapping tapes with e.g., 36 µm PCR PET
backing (the use of PCR films is highly significant for such
single-use products)
• (d) thick PCR PET films (70–200 µm) for hole covering in
automobile applications (in this case, the sustainability
factor is high due to the high thickness of the PET film)
• (e) paint or pre-bond masking tapes based on 25–80 µm
PCR PET films
• (f) release liners with a release coating to protect the
adhesive before final usage (normally, the customer throws
the release liner away when using the adhesive tape,
such processing aids could be ideally made from recycled
plastic)
• (g) PCR PET woven and non-woven adhesive tape backings
for repairing or wire harnessing applications
Currently, there are many developments for sustainable
raw materials with potential relevance for adhesive tape
applications. One central topic is the mass-balance approach
for drop-in standard polymers like polyethylene and
polypropylene based on bio-naphtha. Bio-naphtha is produced
from organic waste like tall oil or vegetable oil. The newest
development uses this concept in combination with chemical
recycling of mixed plastic waste via a pyrolysis process. The
mass-balance approach offers the opportunity to produce
polymeric films like OPP films e.g., as adhesive tape backing
with reduced carbon footprint.
Furthermore, some new sustainable materials are in
the scaling-up pipeline. Prime candidates to produce
polymeric films and probably tape backings could be
biobased polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers and
polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF) polymers. PEF
is a new polyester based on biobased ethylene glycol and
biobased 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) as a sustainable
replacement to PET.
There are many interesting developments happening in the
plastic market that strive to increase the sustainability factor
and reduce the carbon footprint. That will have an impact on
industries like the adhesive tape industry. In the next couple
of years, there will be many new adhesive tapes based on
biobased, recycled, or biodegradable materials with a lower
carbon footprint on the market. The transition processes have
started already.
www.tesa.com
[1] AWA Alexander Watson Associates, Global Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive
Study 2021
Recycled plastics are differentiated between post-industrial
(PIR) and post-consumer (PCR) recycled material.
PIR plastics are much cleaner and better usable because of
their single source. However, the availability of PIR plastics
is limited.
On the other hand, it is an abundant source of post-consumer
plastic waste(PCR). Unfortunately, the post-consumer
plastic waste is a wild and contaminated mix, exudes a
strong smell, consist in multiple plastic grades and is often
laminated with materials like cardboard or aluminium foil
that disturb the recycling process. Recycling this type of
multi-component post-consumer plastic waste is quite
difficult. The most common use for post-consumer plastic
waste is incineration, downcycling to low-quality products,
and landfill.
But many technological developments took place to increase
the recycling process to obtain qualitative high-value
PCR plastics with the opportunity to use them in high-quality
products. Some PCR plastic fractions like LDPE, HDPE,
PP and PET are available in good quality today. But all
those mechanical recycled plastics have lower performance
compared to virgin plastics due to their multiple processing
and lifetime.
As an alternative to the mechanical recycling processes,
there are established chemical recycling processes for
some polymers like PET. The chemical recycling process
splits the polymer into monomers and builds up new
polymers.
Cleaning processes of the monomers are possible. The big
advantage of the chemical recycling process is that the new
polymer is indistinctive from the original virgin polymer
except for a much lower carbon footprint.
Applications
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 31
Application News
New applications for
water-soluble plastic
Lactips (Saint-Jean-Bonnefonds, France), specialized in
producing a soluble plastic with zero environmental traces,
has developed new product applications to further address
the issue of polluting plastics on multiple levels.
CareTips Natural Pearls
Developed with Givaudan (Vernier, Switzerland), the
CareTips Natural Pearls TM are scented beads that combine
Lactips water-soluble material with fragrances. Already
known to the market, these solutions are manufactured
with PVA or PEG (polyethylene glycol), which leaves
microplastics in the environment. Lactips is providing an
alternative for professionals and consumers: these ecofriendly
laundry fragrance diffusers are made with Lactips’
100 % natural material.
The new scented beads are placed directly in the
washing machine drum, where they dissolve during the
washing process, leaving a fresh and delicate fragrance on
the clothes even after they have dried. This unique solution
offers a natural, plastic-free fragrance product for laundry
and is biodegradable in water.
Single-dose salt sticks
Oopya, an ecological disinfectants manufacturer, is
removing plastic from the packaging for its single-dose
salt sticks thanks to Lactips.
Focused on detergents, Oopya has developed an
effective, safe, and ecological cleaning solution, produced
using water, salt contained in a natural, water-soluble
plastic packaging, and electricity.
This innovation aims to reduce the use of chemical
products and their plastic packaging. It was therefore a
natural choice for Oopya to use the water-soluble films
made with Lactips pellets to create the packaging for
its “salt sticks”, replacing the previous generations of
packaging. The products are sold in chains of organic
stores or directly to consumers online. MT
www.lactips.com
Alpla launches
Blue Circle Packaging
The ALPLA Group (Hard, Austria), a global packaging
producer and specialist in recycling, is consolidating its
developments in relation to biodegradable packaging
solutions under its new Blue Circle Packaging label. Homecompostable
coffee capsules are the first product available on
the market.
Under the Blue Circle Packaging label (bluecirclepackaging.com),
Alpla will offer its customers packaging
solutions that are all biodegradable and thereby contribute
to sustainability. This is based on plastics made of renewable
raw materials. “We see the establishment of our own label
which includes all of our products made from biodegradable
materials as a clear commitment to our activities in this
future market. They are a recyclable addition to our existing
packaging solutions,” says Nicolas Lehner, CCO of the Alpla
Group and responsible for global sales.
In line with the circular economy
The establishment of Blue Circle Packaging goes hand in
hand with the holistic approach taken by Alpla, whereby all
product areas and packaging solutions should be developed
with a view to a functioning circular economy. One important
field of research involves the use of alternative materials
made of renewable raw materials.
Home-compostable coffee capsules
With the first product from the Blue Circle range, Alpla is
offering its customers home-compostable coffee capsules.
The coffee capsules produced using injection moulding
are characterised by their technical and aroma-preserving
properties – and on top of that, they are also compostable at
home. With the TÜV certificates OK Compost HOME and OK
Compost INDUSTRIAL, they are suitable for disposal in home
compost as well as in the organic waste bin (where allowed).
Joint venture for coffee
In conjunction with the coffee roaster Amann Kaffee and
the agency Silberball, Alpla founded the start-up Blue Circle
Coffee (bluecircle-coffee.com). It offers roasting houses and
smaller coffee suppliers extensive expertise in roasting,
filling, packaging, and marketing coffee in home-compostable
coffee capsules. Consumers can also order three varieties of
the company’s own Blue Circle coffee line via an integrated
webshop. MT
www.alpla.com
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Organic honey candy packaging
Muria BIO (El Perelló, Tarragona, Spain) the organic honey brand of the
company Miel Muria, belonging to the Horeca Channel, launches the first line
of organic honey candies with 100 % compostable packaging from Europe.
A range of honey candies with 4 flavours (honey and lemon, honey and
eucalyptus, honey and propolis and honey and ginger) that do not contain any
stabilizers and that are made with totally natural products.
The packaging of the new product and the wrappers of the Muria Bio sweets
are made of NATURFLEX TM NK and can be disposed of together with organic
waste as it complies with the EN 13432 regulation on compostable products.
In addition, the company has designed display boxes of 12 bags of 65 g so
that each establishment can choose the format that interests them the most.
The boxes are made from FSC cardboard, sourced from sustainably managed
forests. Muria BIO also sells boxes of 10 bags of 1,000 g single flavour bulk sale.
Miel Muria‘s business policy maintains a faithful social and environmental
commitment and carries out numerous actions to maintain biodiversity
beyond the care of bees. With the help of PEFC Spain, the company has
recently certified the first honey from forests certified in Sustainable Forest
Management in Europe and the first to be exported worldwide. MT
Application News
www.mielmuria.com
Ohmie, the 3D-printed orange lamp
After years of research into new biomaterials, Milan-based start-up Krill Design has created Ohmie The Orange Lamp. By
transforming Sicilian orange peels into a 100 % natural and compostable lamp, this product combines design and sustainability
in a completely Made in Italy supply chain. Born from a Circular Economy paradigm, each lamp contains the peels of 2–3
oranges. The material is a formulation of about 40 % of the biopolymer PHB which is enriched with 60 % micronized orange
peels (powder-like material), as the Krill-team told bioplastics MAGAZINE.
Ohmie was launched in a Kickstarter campaign on 28 June 2021 which is still on until 5 August 2021 16:00 CEST.
Ohmie addresses the problem of over-exploitation of natural resources by transforming a product that is often mistaken as
waste into a valuable material. Krill Design specializes in the research and development of organic materials as a precious
resource that offers new material experiences and builds the potential for circular design. Krill Design clients include Enel,
Autogrill, and San Pellegrino, who rely on the start-up both for its innovation and expertise in sustainable design.
Ohmie is the first lamp of its kind, as its rich colour and texture transforms orange peels into sleek, natural lines and surfaces
that offer a distinct design and ambience, but also tell the story of its origin, evoking nature’s memories and sensations.
Another building block in the circular design movement,
Ohmie The Orange Lamp is a revolutionary and innovative
product that marks a clear step towards a future where
reclaimed materials are the norm and the line between
design and eco-design is erased.
Choosing Ohmie promotes innovation of materials and
production methods, thanks to 3D printing. Digital printing,
the technique used to create The Orange Lamp, makes it
possible to create products that are light, both visually and
in terms of weight, and avoid any form of waste during
production.
Ohmie is much more than a product: it is the symbol of
a much-needed renewal that brings greater synergy with
nature into everyone’s lives, without having to compromise
on aesthetics or quality. MT
www.ohmie-krilldesign.net
Kickstarter: tinyurl.com/kickstarter-ohmie
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 33
Application News
Watches from ocean plastic
The Swedish company TRIWA (Stockholm) introduced the
world’s first collection of watches made completely from
recycled ocean plastic. These watches
are designed to be part of the solution,
highlight the issue of ocean plastic
pollution and become a statement for
each customer’s wrist, a symbol for
change. All plastic used in manufacturing
these watches is ethically collected from
oceans and shores, and, with the help
of solar power, properly cleaned and
recycled by their official partner, Tide
Ocean Material.
Together with social enterprise Tide
Ocean (Basel, Switzerland) collects
ocean-bound plastic in Southeast
Asia, coordinated by their subsidiary
in Ranong, Thailand. On five islands in the Andaman Sea,
local fishermen are being trained and paid to gather and
sort plastic waste. The material is registered, washed, and
shredded in a social enterprise which is being implemented
by the Swiss non-profit Jan & Oscar Foundation and the
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Different kinds of plastic are collected,
such as PET, PP, or PE. With Swiss precision
and know-how and powered by renewable
energy, the plastic waste threatening our
oceans is upcycled into a versatile granular
raw material.
The granular material is tested and
produced in partnership with the Institute
for Materials Technology and Plastics
Processing (IWK), a branch of the University
of Applied Sciences (Hochschule für Technik)
in Rapperswil, Switzerland. Together, IWK
and Tide have developed a method that
regenerates the plastic and reverses the
damage caused by the UV rays and salt
water the plastic waste was exposed to while floating in the
ocean or washed ashore.MT
(Photo: TRIWA)
www.triwa.com | www.tide.earth | www.iwk.hsr.ch
Puma starts using I’m green EVA
PUMA (Herzogenaurach, Germany), one of the world’s
largest sporting goods manufacturers, is looking to increase
its use of more sustainable materials in production, reducing
the carbon footprint of its products as much as possible.
Braskem (São Paulo, Brazil) is part of this strategy because
with their I’m green TM EVA made of sugarcane, they provide
Puma with an important raw material in the development of
sustainable plastic elements in their products.
The result is “Better Foam,” a Puma-developed midsole
based on 35 % sugarcane-based I’m green EVA that will be
used in footwear products starting this summer. It will start
with the “Emerge” model, a training shoe that has been
available since July 1st.
The “Emerge” is part of Puma’s plans to use more
sustainable materials in 9 out of 10 products by 2025.
Braskem will be supporting PUMA with I’m green EVA –
and for good reason. Their I’m green EVA is specifically suited
for products like footwear and sporting goods: It delivers the
same flexibility, lightness, and resistance as the usual plastics
used, and offers a negative carbon footprint to boot. This is
because the sugarcane used is both renewable and absorbs
carbon as it grows.
It’s another important step for Braskem into the sports
world. Their plastic is receiving more and more attention
in the sporting goods industry, allowing them to build many
successful partnerships in this segment, just like the current
one with Puma. AT
www.puma.com | www.braskem.com
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
It depends
where it ends
How biodegradable
plastics perform
in the marine
environment
By:
Christian Lott
Co-director
HYDRA Marine Sciences
Bühl, Germany
From Science & Research
Miriam Weber from Hydra Marine Sciences is checking biodegradable plastic film samples exposed at 20 metres depth in the open water of
Indonesia (Photo Hydra Marine Science)
Biodegradable polymers and their applications are being
widely and also controversially discussed across sectors
but their behaviour in the open environment such as in
soil, freshwater, and the ocean remains largely unknown. This
gives rise to rather myths and uncertainty than solid facts to base
decisions on. In order to create scientifically sound baseline data,
HYDRA Marine Sciences has been active in the fields of testing,
method development, and collaborative material research since
2009.
In a global study, researchers from Germany, the Netherlands,
and Indonesia investigated the behaviour of selected biodegradable
plastic materials in different coastal scenarios in two climate
zones: the warm-temperate Mediterranean Sea and tropical
Southeast Asia. They exposed sheets of polyhydroxybutyrate
(PHB), polybutylene sebacate (PBSe), polybutylene sebacateco-terephthalate
(PBSeT) and LDPE film under natural marine
conditions at the beach, on the seafloor and in the open water (see
photo), and observed the biodegradation performance for several
years. Additionally, they also conducted tank and laboratory tests
where the test materials were exposed in natural seawater and
sediment, determining specific half-lives for each of the scenarios.
“The main question to be answered was: How long does it take?”,
says Miriam Weber, the senior author of the study and director of
Hydra Marine Sciences. “To replace guessing about persistence
times of biodegradable plastics in the marine system with facts
from real-world experiments we made a huge effort travelling half
the globe, doing countless dives. Now, we have concrete numbers
which allow us to directly compare materials and habitats. We also
can start to mathematically model the fate of a plastic item that
ends up in the ocean.”
As described in the publication in Frontiers in Marine Biology, all
three bioplastics tested showed substantial biodegradation in the
marine environment. However, the biodegradation rates differed
according to the material, the temperature, and other habitat
conditions, i.e. whether the material was in contact with seawater
only or also with sand. The bacteria-derived PHB showed the
highest degradation rate with half-lives ranging from 54 days on
the seafloor in SE Asia to 1247 days in tank tests with seawater,
for an 85 µm thick film. The aliphatic polyester PBSe and the
aliphatic-aromatic co-polyester PBSeT performed similarly with
half-lives ranging from 99 days on the tropical seafloor to 2614
days in sediment tank tests for 25 µm thick films.
The half-life as a measure for the biodegradation rate in a
specific environmental scenario can now be used to estimate a
persistence time for such materials, compare them numerically
with each other, and also to slow- or non-biodegradable plastic
materials. These results start to fill the knowledge gap on the
biodegradation rate of bioplastics in the marine environment and
will inform decision making and strategies on the meaningful
application of these materials, legal aspects in regulation and
exemption as well as life cycle (impact) assessment, and risk and
benefit analyses.
The complementary testing at lab, tank, and field level
comprehensively demonstrates that it is well possible to gain
environmentally relevant results on the behaviour of biodegradable
polymers and products in the marine environment in a combined
three-tier approach. This approach is currently further applied in
other open environment scenarios such as freshwater.
The research received partial support from the EU FP7
programme for the project Open-Bio, BASF (Germany) and
NOVAMONT (Italy). The original research article can be accessed
at [1] .
[1] Lott, C., et.al.: Half-Life of Biodegradable Plastics in the Marine
Environment Depends on Material, Habitat, and Climate Zone; https://
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2021.662074/full
http://hydramarinesciences.com/
Hydra Marine Sciences is a renowned research and test
centre with testing labs, indoor and outdoor testing facilities
and access to field sites nearby and worldwide. Hydra has
developed several test methods and has been involved in
standardization on ISO and ASTM levels since many years.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 35
Applications
Plant protection made by competi
Biofibre is a mid-sized compounder for biopolymers and
biocomposites based near Munich in Germany. The
company produces customised bioplastic compounds
for different applications and processing technologies.
In 2020, the compounding capacity was increased. Since
then, the company has striven for sustainable growth of the
business through the development of new applications and
partnerships. The main focus is on biobased, biodegradable
natural fibre-reinforced compounds. One truly successful
project was, for example, its EcoSpacer product, which was
recognized with the Biopolymer Innovation Award in 2019.
EcoSpacer is a wood-fibre filled compostable compound
called Silva, which can replace the use of LDPE granulate
to separate concrete slabs during transport.
For the present, project Biofibre partnered with Yizumi
Germany (Alsdorf). The companies share a common
goal, i.e., to achieve sustainable growth with the smallest
possible impact on the environment. Yizumi has developed
a robotic flexible additive manufacturing system called
SPACE A offering as key characteristics energy reduction
and fast production cycles. Using energy-efficient additive
manufacturing technology, small to midscale production
can be realized in a simple, fast, and competitive way
compared to other additive manufacturing or established
plastic processing processes. The system features a screwbased
plasticising unit mounted on a 6-axis robot. Thanks
to the large build volume, large-scale plastic parts can be
produced using the Space A technology. The main advantage
of the use of a screw extruder in 3D printing is the option
to process conventional plastic resin. In comparison to the
use of very expensive filaments, it can, on the one hand,
reduce costs and on the other, it allows the utilisation of
Figure 1: Plant protection printed with Biofibre Silva SI2900
By:
Nicolai Lammert
Head of Additive Manufacturing
Yizumi Germany GmbH
Christoph Glammert, CEO
Jörg Dörrstein, Head of R&D
Biofibre GmbH
Altdorf, Germany
Figure 2: Yizumi Space A
highly filled and fibre reinforced compounds. The optional
use of a conveyer belt results in a machine system set-up
that is able to print parts non-stop.
An ideal combination
The partnership between Biofibre and Yizumi Germany
arose after a number of very promising trials were completed.
Silva SI2900 demonstrated a large processing window in
printing trials compared to other compostable plastics.
Furthermore, a good printability was seen compared to
other fibre filled plastic compounds. In comparison to
other compostable compounds, no fast degradation during
processing was observed. The uncoloured printed surface
of Biofibre Silva has a wood-like appearance with a silk
matt surface. The mechanical performance is comparable
to stiffer polypropylene (PP). Depending on the die diameter,
the material offers space for a wide range of individual part
designs.
Based on the processing and performance profile shown
in these initial printing runs, the team discussed potential
applications. One of the ideas was the development and
production of a flat, large-sized mesh structure, intended
for use to protect seeded plants from grazing and nibbling
animals. This type of mesh protection is commonly used in
vineyards to shield new wine plants after planting.
Producing these mesh structures via injection moulding
is a challenge. Only easily flowing polymers without fillers
can be used to fill the mould. On the other hand, production
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
tive 3D printing
based on an extruded flat sheet, which is subsequently
trimmed, is highly complicated. Using biodegradable
plastics to produce mesh structures with these dimensions,
given the limitations of these materials, is especially difficult
using either of these technologies. Biodegradable polymers
tend to lack either the mechanical stiffness or elongation
required for this application. In short, for injection moulding,
the flowability of compostable compounds is one limiting
factor, while the need for suitable reinforcement imposes
distinct limitations on the flat sheet extrusion option, as
well. Overall, Yizumi’s Space A additive manufacturing
technology offers a good alternative for the production of
such a flat mesh structure in the requisite dimensions for
vinery applications. The 20 % wood fibre reinforced Biofibre
biopolymer provides a stiff mesh structure that is bendable
enough for this application. The use of natural fibres as
filler material allows the biodegradability to be tuned.
After adjusting the processing speeds and establishing
the required temperature profiles, it took 3 minutes to
produce one part. Continuous production was simulated by
printing the products directly on a conveyor belt. Tests with
wine farmers revealed that the parts were easy to apply and
provided sufficient protection from rabbits and hares, due to
the tailored design and the inherent mechanical properties
of the biocomposite material.
In summary, this plant protection application shows how
a clever combination of new biomaterials and innovative
machine technology can open up new potential for part
designs. Joint efforts are currently being directed at
furniture applications. Further prints will be expected to be
displayed at the Fakuma fair in October later this year.
https://biofibre.de/en/ | https://www.yizumi-germany.de/en/
REGISTER
NOW!
Applications
Join us at the
16th European
Bioplastics Conference
– the leading business forum for the
bioplastics industry.
30 NOV - 1 DEC 2021
Mercure Hotel MOA
Berlin, Germany
Figure 3: Side wall of a printed part made of Biofibre Silva SI2900
@EUBioplastics #eubpconf2021
www.european-bioplastics.org/events
For more information email:
conference@european-bioplastics.org
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 37
Events
bioplastics MAGAZINE presents:
The fourth bio!PAC conference on biobased packaging in Düsseldorf,
Germany, organised by bioplastics MAGAZINE together with Green Serendipity,
is the must-attend conference for anyone interested in sustainable packaging
made from renewably-sourced materials. The hybrid (on-site and online)
conference offers expert presentations from major players in the packaging
value chain, from raw material suppliers and packaging manufacturers
to brand owners experienced in using biobased packaging. bio!PAC offers
excellent opportunities for attendees to connect and network with other
professionals in the field.
A preliminary programme of the conference is provided below. Please visit
our conference website for full details and information about registration.
bio PAC
www.bio-pac.info
biobased packaging
conference
03-04 Nov. 2021
maritim düsseldorf
Preliniary Programme
Maija Pohjakallio, Sulapac
Microplastics and packaging
Caroli Buitenhuis, Green Serendipity The world of retail packaging in 2050
Bineke Posthumus, Avantium
Jojanneke Leistra, Superfoodguru
Bastin Pack - Speaker unknown yet
Erwin Vink, NatureWorks
Thijs Rodenburg, Rodenburg Biopolymers
Lise Magnier, TU Delft
Jane Franch, Numi Organic Tea
Patrick Gerritsen, Bio4pack
Lars Börger, Neste
Albertro Castellanza, Novamont
Constance Ißbrücker, European Bioplastics
t.b.c., Taghleef Industries
Patrick Zimmermann, FKuR
Remy Jongboom, Biotec
Vincent Kneefel, TIPA
t.b.c., Sidaplax - PSI
Avantium’s plant-based solutions to realize a fossil-free and circular economy
PLA bottles, brand owner perspective
Biobased Pouches for Food
t.b.c.
Starch based compounds for packaging applications
Insights in consumer behaviour in relation to sustainable packaging
t.b.c.
Asked for Sponsoring, he promised to bring brand-owners as speakers.
Renewable carbon solutions for packaging applications (t.b.c.)
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
t.b.c.
This is a preliminary programme. A few speaking slots are still available. Please contact mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com or
info@greenserendipity.nl for your proposals.
We are continuously watching the development of the pandemic. We still hope that we don’t have to postpone the event or hold it strictly
online only.
Even if together with the Maritim Airport Hotel a sphisticated hygiene concept is beeing elaborated and by November significantly more
people will be fully vaccinated, this conference will in any case be held in a hybrid format. Speakers and/or attendees that may not /
cannot / do not want to come to Düsseldorf can participate online.
Please visit the conference website for the most up-to-date version of the programme.
bio!PAC 2019
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 14
ioplastics MAGAZINE presents:
bio PAC
#biopac
www.bio-pac.info
Conference on Biobased Packaging
03 - 04 Nov 2021 - Düsseldorf, Germany
Most packaging is only used for a short period and therefore give rise to large quantities of waste. Accordingly, it is vital to
make sure that packaging fits into natures eco-systems and therefore use the most suitable renewable carbon materials and
implement the best ‘end-of-life’ solutions.
That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE (in cooperation with Green Serendipity) is now organizing the 4 th edition of the
bio!PAC - conference on packaging made from renewable carbon plastics, i.e. from renewable resources. Experts from all
areas of renewable carbon plastics and circular packaging will present their latest developments. The conference will also
cover discussions like end-of-life options, consumer behaviour issues, availability of agricultural land for material use versus
food and feed etc.
The full 2-day conference is planned to be held on 03-04 Nov 2021 in Düsseldorf, Germany (Maritim Airport Hotel).
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Coorganized by
supported by
Media Partner
Carbon Capture
VIVALDI
A change of tune for the chemical industry:
The European Union has awarded EUR 7 million to the
VIVALDI project to transform the biobased industry into
a new, more environmentally friendly and competitive
sector.
To reach climate targets, industries need to accelerate
the transition towards a low-carbon, resource efficiency,
and circular economy. The chemical sector is one of the
most challenging, but also a very promising one, in that
context. At the forefront of waste reutilization, biobased
industries (BIs) have the potential to lead the way and create
a new and more sustainable sector based on the principle
of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) also called CO 2
recycling. Based on this circular concept, BI’s will reduce
their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, their dependency on
fossil carbon import and the exploitation of key resources
such as energy, raw materials, land, and water.
Starting from June 2021, the EU Horizon 2020 project
VIVALDI (innoVative bIo-based chains for CO 2
VALorisation
as aDded-value organIc acids) will develop a set of
breakthrough biotechnologies to transform real offgases
from key BI sectors (Food & Drinks, Pulp & Paper,
Bioethanol, and Biochemicals) into novel feedstock for
the chemical industry. The core of VIVALDI solution is
to capture, enrich, and transform in a two-steps process
(electrochemical and biological) the CO 2
captured into four
platform organic acids. These resulting compounds have
various applications: they can be used in the same site,
enhancing the sustainability and circularity of BIs processes
and products, or open new business opportunities as
building blocks for novel biomaterial (e.g., bioplastics and
animal feed). By integrating this concept, industries will “kill
two birds with one stone”: not only BI’s carbon emissions
will be reduced, but the production of organic compounds
that today is very energy-intensive will become cheaper
and more sustainable. Replicability will be a key aspect of
VIVALDI solutions, allowing other biorefineries and other
industrial sectors to become more circular and reduce their
environmental impact.
The success of the project will be ensured by a
multidisciplinary and international consortium led by
the GENOCOV research group of Universitat Autònoma
de Barcelona (Spain). The 16 partners range from BIs
(SunPine, Damm, and Bioagra) and technology developers
(VITO, UFZ, LEITAT, Processium, Avantium, Universitat
Autònoma de Barcelona, University of Natural Resources
and Life Sciences (Vienna), Luleå University of Technology)
to end-user (Nutrition Sciences). Novamont will research
how to use CO 2
along its entire value-chain: from the
capture of their CO 2
emissions to the conversion of it into
new biochemicals. The team is complemented by three
knowledge hubs: the sustainability and circularity expert
group (BETA from Universitat de Vic, Barcelona, Spain),
the technology and innovation consultancy (ISLE Utilities,
London, UK), and the European Association representing
the Carbon Capture and Utilisation community in Europe
(CO 2
Value Europe, Brussels, Belgium).
The consortium is ready to transform biorefineries,
envisioning a new CO 2
-based industrial sector that
contributes to largely decrease the carbon footprint of the
industry and boost the EU’s economy. The VIVALDI project
has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon
2020 research and innovation programme under grant
agreement No 101000441. AT
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101000441
Drivers for regulation changes
CO 2
Negative GHG emissions
Purification
& conversion
Formic Acid
Ground-breaking technologies
Policy makers
3-Hydroxypropionic
Acid (3-HP)
Nutrient
Recovery
Methanol
Ammonium,
salts
Bioproduction
of organicacids
Industrial
validation
Lactic Acid (LA)
Succinic Acid (SA)
Society
Raise awareness
Less pollutedwastewater
New business models
More sustainable products
New biopolymers
Easy replicability
Itaconic Acid (IA)
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
fossil
available at www.renewable-carbon.eu/graphics
available at www.renewable-carbon.eu/graphics
renewable
Use of renewable feedstock
in very first steps of
chemical production
(e.g. steam cracker)
OH
O
OH
HO
OH
HO
Utilisation of existing
integrated production for
all production steps
OH
O
OH
HO
OH
O
allocated
OH
O
Allocation of the
renewable share to
selected products
conventional
© -Institute.eu | 2021
© -Institute.eu | 2021
PVC
EPDM
PP
PMMA
PE
Vinyl chloride
Propylene
Unsaturated polyester resins
Methyl methacrylate
PEF
Polyurethanes
MEG
Building blocks
Natural rubber
Aniline Ethylene
for UPR
Cellulose-based
2,5-FDCA
polymers
Building blocks
for polyurethanes
Levulinic
acid
Lignin-based polymers
Naphtha
Ethanol
PET
PFA
5-HMF/5-CMF FDME
Furfuryl alcohol
Waste oils
Casein polymers
Furfural
Natural rubber
Saccharose
PTF
Starch-containing
Hemicellulose
Lignocellulose
1,3 Propanediol
polymer compounds
Casein
Fructose
PTT
Terephthalic
Non-edible milk
acid
MPG NOPs
Starch
ECH
Glycerol
p-Xylene
SBR
Plant oils
Fatty acids
Castor oil
11-AA
Glucose Isobutanol
THF
Sebacic
Lysine
PBT
acid
1,4-Butanediol
Succinic
acid
DDDA
PBAT
Caprolactame
Adipic
acid
HMDA DN5
Sorbitol
3-HP
Lactic
acid
Itaconic
Acrylic
PBS(x)
acid
acid
Isosorbide
PA
Lactide
Superabsorbent polymers
Epoxy resins
ABS
PHA
APC
PLA
4
3
2
1
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2024
All figures available at www.bio-based.eu/markets
Adipic acid (AA)
11-Aminoundecanoic acid (11-AA)
1,4-Butanediol (1,4-BDO)
Dodecanedioic acid (DDDA)
Epichlorohydrin (ECH)
Ethylene
Furan derivatives
D-lactic acid (D-LA)
L-lactic acid (L-LA)
Lactide
Monoethylene glycol (MEG)
Monopropylene glycol (MPG)
Naphtha
1,5-Pentametylenediamine (DN5)
1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PDO)
Sebacic acid
Succinic acid (SA)
© -Institute.eu | 2020
OH
OH
O
HO
diphenolic acid
O
H 2N
OH
O
5-aminolevulinic acid
O
O
OH
O O
levulinate ketal
O
OR
O
levulinic ester
O
O
ɣ-valerolactone
O
HO
OH
O
succinic acid
O
5-methyl-2-pyrrolidone
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Refining
Polymerisation
Formulation
Processing
Use
Depolymerisation
Solvolysis
Thermal depolymerisation
Enzymolysis
Purification
Dissolution
Recycling
Conversion
Pyrolysis
Gasification
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Recovery
Recovery
Recovery
© -Institute.eu | 2020
SUMMER SPECIAL
20% DISCOUNT
BY 31 AUGUST 2021
CODE: novaSumSpec20
NEW
Institute
for Ecology and Innovation
Bio-based Naphtha
and Mass Balance Approach
Market and Trend Reports
DATA FOR
2020
Bio-based Building Blocks and
Polymers – Global Capacities,
Production and Trends 2020–2025
REVISED
AND EXTENDED
2021
Carbon Dioxide (CO 2) as Chemical
Feedstock for Polymers
NEW
Chemical recycling – Status, Trends
and Challenges
Automotive
Status & Outlook, Standards &
Certification Schemes
Polymers
Technologies, Polymers, Developers and Producers
Technologies, Sustainability, Policy and Key Players
Plastic recycling and recovery routes
Principle of Mass Balance Approach
Feedstock
Process
Products
Primary recycling
(mechanical)
Virgin Feedstock
Monomer
Polymer
Plastic
Product
Product (end-of-use)
Renewable Feedstock
Secondary recycling
(mechanical)
Tertiary recycling
(chemical)
Quaternary recycling
(energy recovery)
Secondary
valuable
materials
CO 2 capture
Energy
Chemicals
Fuels
Others
Landfill
Authors: Michael Carus, Doris de Guzman and Harald Käb
March 2021
This and other reports on renewable carbon are available at
www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
Authors: Pia Skoczinski, Michael Carus, Doris de Guzman,
Harald Käb, Raj Chinthapalli, Jan Ravenstijn, Wolfgang Baltus
and Achim Raschka
January 2021
This and other reports on renewable carbon are available at
www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
Authors: Pauline Ruiz, Achim Raschka, Pia Skoczinski,
Jan Ravenstijn and Michael Carus, nova-Institut GmbH, Germany
January 2021
This and other reports on renewable carbon are available at
www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
Author: Lars Krause, Florian Dietrich, Pia Skoczinski,
Michael Carus, Pauline Ruiz, Lara Dammer, Achim Raschka,
nova-Institut GmbH, Germany
November 2020
This and other reports on the bio- and CO 2-based economy are
available at www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
THE BEST MARKET REPORTS AVAILABLE
Bio- and CO 2
-based Polymers & Building Blocks
Production of Cannabinoids via
Extraction, Chemical Synthesis
and Especially Biotechnology
Commercialisation updates on
bio-based building blocks
Levulinic acid – A versatile platform
chemical for a variety of market applications
Succinic acid – From a promising
building block to a slow seller
Current Technologies, Potential & Drawbacks and
Future Development
Global market dynamics, demand/supply, trends and
market potential
What will a realistic future market look like?
Genetic engineering
Plant extraction
Plant extraction
Cannabinoids
Chemical synthesis
Biotechnological production
Production capacities (million tonnes)
Bio-based building blocks
Evolution of worldwide production capacities from 2011 to 2024
O
OH
O
levulinic acid
H
N
Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic
Industrial
Acidic ingredient for denture cleaner/toothpaste
De-icer
Antidote
Engineering plastics and epoxy curing
Calcium-succinate is anticarcinogenic
agents/hardeners
Efferescent tablets
Herbicides, fungicides, regulators of plantgrowth
Intermediate for perfumes
Intermediate for lacquers + photographic chemicals
Pharmaceutical intermediates (sedatives,
Plasticizer (replaces phtalates, adipic acid)
antiphlegm/-phogistics, antibacterial, disinfectant) Polymers
Preservative for toiletries
Solvents, lubricants
Removes fish odour
Surface cleaning agent
Used in the preparation of vitamin A
(metal-/electronic-/semiconductor-industry)
Succinic
Food Acid
Other
Bread-softening agent
Flavour-enhancer
Flavouring agent and acidic seasoning
in beverages/food
Microencapsulation of flavouring oils
Preservative (chicken, dog food)
Protein gelatinisation and in dry gelatine
desserts/cake flavourings
Used in synthesis of modified starch
Anodizing Aluminium
Chemical metal plating, electroplating baths
Coatings, inks, pigments (powder/radiation-curable
coating, resins for water-based paint,
dye intermediate, photocurable ink, toners)
Fabric finish, dyeing aid for fibres
Part of antismut-treatment for barley seeds
Preservative for cut flowers
Soil-chelating agent
Authors: Pia Skoczinski, Franjo Grotenhermen, Bernhard Beitzke,
Michael Carus and Achim Raschka
Author:
Doris de Guzman, Tecnon OrbiChem, United Kingdom
Authors: Achim Raschka, Pia Skoczinski, Raj Chinthapalli,
Ángel Puente and Michael Carus, nova-Institut GmbH, Germany
Authors: Raj Chinthapalli, Ángel Puente, Pia Skoczinski,
Achim Raschka, Michael Carus, nova-Institut GmbH, Germany
January 2021
This and other reports on renewable carbon are available at
www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
Updated Executive Summary and Market Review May 2020 –
Originally published February 2020
This and other reports on the bio- and CO 2-based economy are
available at www.bio-based.eu/reports
October 2019
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
October 2019
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
Standards and labels for
bio-based products
Bio-based polymers, a revolutionary change
Comprehensive trend report on PHA, PLA, PUR/TPU, PA
and polymers based on FDCA and SA: Latest developments,
producers, drivers and lessons learnt
Fff
Bio-based polymers,
a revolutionary change
Market study on the consumption
of biodegradable and compostable
plastic products in Europe
2015 and 2020
A comprehensive market research report including
consumption figures by polymer and application types
as well as by geography, plus analyses of key players,
relevant policies and legislation and a special feature on
biodegradation and composting standards and labels
Bestsellers
Brand Views and Adoption of
Bio-based Polymers
Jan Ravenstijn
March 2017
E-mail: j.ravenstijn@kpnmail.nl
Mobile: +31.6.2247.8593
Picture: Gehr Kunststoffwerk
Disposable
tableware
Biowaste
bags
Carrier
bags
Rigid
packaging
Flexible
packaging
Authors: Lara Dammer, Michael Carus and Dr. Asta Partanen
nova-Institut GmbH, Germany
May 2017
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
Author: Jan Ravenstijn, Jan Ravenstijn Consulting, the Netherlands
April 2017
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
Authors: Harald Kaeb (narocon, lead), Florence Aeschelmann,
Lara Dammer, Michael Carus (nova-Institute)
April 2016
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
Author: Dr. Harald Kaeb, narocon Innovation Consulting, Germany
January 2016
This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at
www.bio-based.eu/reports
www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 41
Carbon Capture
Climate-friendly
polyols and polyurethanes
from
CO 2
and clean
hydrogen
Introduction
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, together with
several Finnish companies and organizations are developing
a proof-of-concept for a new value chain from carbon dioxide
emissions and clean hydrogen to sustainable chemicals and
materials. The work is carried out in an ongoing Business
Finland cooperative project called BECCU. The partners
involved include Valmet, Kiilto, CarbonReUse Finland, Helen,
Neste, Mirka, Metener, Pirkanmaan Jätehuolto, Top Analytica,
Finnfoam, Kemianteollisuus, Kleener Power Solutions, and
Brightplus.
CO 2
-based polycarbonate- and polyether polyols as well as
polyurethanes have been chosen as the main target products
of the project for their great market potential. Prior interest is
towards polycarbonate polyols, which are specialty chemicals
that can be used as coatings, adhesives, or building blocks for
polyurethanes. So far, the industrial production of polyols has
relied on the use of fossil raw materials, whereas the BECCU
concept presents a sustainable route based entirely on carbon
originating from CO 2
.
By:
Miia Nevander,
Janne Kärki,
Juha Lehtonen,
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Espoo, Finland
A novel process route to fully CO 2
-based specialty
chemicals
VTT studies a process where up to 100 % of carbon in polyol
is originating from carbon dioxide, when it has been at most
50 % in other proposed polyol production concepts based on
CO 2
utilization. The studied concept applies CO 2
captured from
biomass utilization, such as biomass combustion or biogas
production. Hydrogen can originate from water electrolysis
or from industrial side-streams. First, reverse water-gas
shift (rWGS) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction steps produce
olefins from CO 2
and H 2
. The formed light C2-C4 olefins
are oxidized with peroxides to epoxides, which are then copolymerized
to polycarbonate polyols using CO 2
. The process
is illustrated in Figure 1.
Promising profitability indicated by technoeconomic
assessment (TEA)
The Polycarbonate polyol production process was simulated
with the Aspen Plus software tool. The process was sized
based on a 100-megawatt alkaline electrolyser producing
16 kilotonnes of hydrogen per year. Corresponding annual
carbon dioxide demand is 100,000 tonnes, and annual
production of polycarbonate polyols is 38 kt. The price for
electricity and other key parameters were estimated for the
year 2030. Key assumptions used in calculations are listed in
Table 1.
Techno-economic assessment of the process and
sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the economic
performance and profitability of the concept. The main
results can be seen in Figure 2. The calculated production
cost of polycarbonate polyols was 2,180 EUR/tonne. If all byproducts
of the process, excess oxygen and heat produced by
the electrolyser and cyclic carbonates, were assumed to be
valorised, the production cost decreased to 1,980 EUR/tonne.
Most of the production cost originated from the electricity
needed for electrolysis.
According to market information, the price of polycarbonate
polyols could be over 4,500 EUR/tonne. Some estimates predict
Figure 2. Results of techno-economic assessment and sensitivity analysis.
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Figure 1. Process route
from captured carbon
dioxide and green
hydrogen to
polycarbonate
polyols.
Carbon Capture
a product price as high as 6,000 EUR/tonne. As the production
costs identified in the techno-economic assessment are
low compared to the expected selling price, the production
appears very attractive. The BECCU production route presents
a promising option to turn carbon dioxide emissions into
specialty chemicals profitably. However, the market size of
polycarbonate polyols is quite limited which was identified as
a challenge for the commercialization of the process. On the
other hand, polycarbonate polyols may have significant growth
potential as a green polyol source, e.g., for polyurethane
applications.
Polyol applications: polyurethanes
Polyurethanes are an important application of polyols.
They are typically used as adhesives, coatings, or elastomers.
Polycarbonate polyols are suitable as building blocks for
high -performance applications of polyurethanes, especially
when high thermal, hydrolytic, and UV stability are required.
So far, polycarbonate polyols from C3 and C4 epoxides with
different molecular weights have been synthesized. The next
steps will be to produce larger quantities of polyols with
appropriate molecular weight for the targeted polyurethane
applications and to optimize the product yields. The application
tests of the polyols will be performed together with the
industrial project partners.
Next steps
The BECCU project continues until the end of 2021. The
BECCU concept and the techno-economic assessment
will be updated based on the additional findings from the
ongoing experiments. The recognized improvements will be
carried out together with a heat integration for the process.
The assessment will be complemented by analysing different
CO 2
capture options and electrolyser comparisons. Based on
the techno-economic feasibility and life cycle assessments
(LCA) of the value chain, business opportunities, future
demonstrations, and impact of policy framework will be
evaluated together with the project partners from the industry.
https://www.beccu.fi/
Inputs Price Outputs Price
Electricity
(total)
Hydrogen
peroxide
CO 2
supply
45 EUR/
MWh
550 EUR/
tonne
50 EUR/
tonne
Cyclic
900 EUR/
carbonates
tonne
(by-product)
By-product
heat
By-product
oxygen
20 EUR/
MWh
40 EUR/
tonne
Other
parameters
Electrolyser
electricity
input
100
MWe
Annual plant
8,000
operation
hours
time
Total
investment
cost
estimate
(20 years
and 8 %
WACC for
annuity)
124
MEUR
Table 1. Main assumptions used in techno-economic calculations.
Figure 2. Results of technoeconomic
assessment and
sensitivity analysis.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 43
From Science & Research
Catalysis: key for sustainable
production
Background
Catalysts are indispensable in the chemical industry.
In more than 80 % of all industrial chemical conversions
one or more catalysts are involved. A catalyst lowers the
activation energy of a reaction. In practice this means it
speeds up a reaction. Therefore, catalysed reactions are
more energy-efficient compared to non-catalysed reactions.
Thus, catalysts contribute to the sustainable production of
chemicals, materials, and fuels.
Traditionally, catalysts are divided into three different
categories i.e., heterogeneous catalysts (often solid
materials with reactants/products in gas phase or liquid
phase), homogeneous catalysts (often solutions containing
both the catalysts and the reactants/products), and
biocatalysts (either homogeneous or heterogeneous; they
include enzymes (see bM 01/21) and microbes).
All of these catalysts have their own pros and cons as
summarized in Table 1. In general, the heterogeneous
catalysts are very robust and can operate at high
temperatures which results in high productivity per reactor
volume. The homogeneous and biocatalysts are often more
selective and operate at lower temperatures (which is not
necessarily and advantage for exothermic reactions, see
note at Table 1). A major disadvantage of homogeneous
catalysts is their cumbersome separation from the
reaction mixture. Often energy-intensive processes such
as distillation are needed. Nevertheless, all those catalysts
have their own merits and are used depending on the
molecules (and their value) which need to be made.
Table 1: Generalized overview of pros and cons of different types
of catalysts (++: clear strength, -- clear weakness)
Activity per
reactor volume
Activity at low
temperature
Heterogeneous
catalyst
Homogeneous
catalyst
Biocatalyst
++ + -
-/+ + ++
Selectivity - + ++
Separation ++ - - +
Note: performing reactions at low temperatures is not necessarily
a holy grail. When exothermic reactions are performed at low
temperatures it is very difficult to cool away the produced heat
since heat exchangers are not efficient at low temperatures.
Challenges for catalysis
Currently, most bulk industrial processes use fossil
feedstocks i.e., coal, oil, and gas to make our needed
chemicals, materials, and fuels. The current catalysts
are optimized for converting these feedstocks. However,
for sustainability reasons, new feedstocks like biomass
and recycled materials such as polymers/plastics become
more important. Since these feedstocks are often more
functionalized with, for example, oxygen and nitrogen
functionalities new catalysts are needed to deal with these
feedstocks as the traditional feedstocks contain mainly
carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbons).
In addition, reactions are traditionally driven by heat input
which means the burning of fossil fuels. Alternatives like
renewable electricity and light as energy inputs are emerging.
This also requires new catalysts that can deal with these new
forms of energy input.
From a chemical point of view, noble metals are preferred
as catalysts since they are in general stable under different
reaction conditions. However, these metals are scarce and
not well available, especially when considering industrial
scale productions. Therefore, readily available alternatives
are sought for as catalytic active materials.
Replacement of noble metals from Pd to
W-carbide and Mo-carbides
An example where new biobased feedstocks and new
catalysts based on non-noble metals are combined is the
deoxygenation of lipid-based feedstocks to alkanes and
alkenes [1, 2, 3]. Especially the alkenes are interesting
since they can serve as building blocks for surfactants and
polymers.
Already since the 70s of the last century [4], it was known that
tungsten carbide has similar catalytic properties as platinum.
Therefore, this carbide as well as molybdenum carbide can
potentially serve as a replacement for noble metals.
In the research at Wageningen University (The Netherlands)
supported tungsten and molybdenum carbides were used to
replace palladium (Pd) in the deoxygenation of lipid-based
feedstocks. Figure 1 (top) shows a typical activity plot of
a carbon-supported tungsten carbide catalyst during the
deoxygenation of the model compound stearic acid. In addition,
Figure 1 (bottom) shows a macroscopic and microscopic view
of such a catalyst. One of the key features of this catalyst is the
fact that it produces alkenes even in the presence of hydrogen.
Thus, this catalyst is selective towards products, the alkenes,
which cannot be made under the same conditions using noble
metals. In the latter case only fully hydrogenated products, the
alkanes, were observed. This shows the potential of this kind
of catalyst, though further optimization and understanding of
the catalyst is needed to make an industrially viable process.
Stabilization of non-noble metals
One of the major challenges when using non-noble metals
as catalysts, especially under conditions relevant for biomass
conversion i.e., in water, is the stability of the catalyst. Nonnoble
metals can easily oxidize in water forming metal oxides
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Figure 1: left: typical product distribution of stearic acid (a C18
carboxylic acid) deoxygenation over a carbon supported W2C catalyst
in a batch reactor (T=350oC, 30 bar H2); middle: macroscopic view
of a carbon-based catalyst; right: Transmission electromicrograph
of a carbon supported W2C catalyst (dark spots are the tungsten
carbide).
80
60
40
20
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
By:
J.H.Bitter,
Wageningen University,
Biobased Chemistry and Technology
However, it was shown [5] that the reaction conditions can
have a significant stabilizing effect on the nickel particles
even in aqueous conditions. Figure 2B shows that adding
hydrogen to the gas phase does to a certain extent stabilize
the nickel particles i.e., the surface area does not decrease,
during the aqueous phase processing of ethylene glycol.
This is because adding hydrogen keeps the nickel reduced
and reduced metals do not dissolve as discussed above:
a hydroxide or oxide is needed for that. Figure 2B also
shows that adding a base to the solution also stabilizes
nickel particles. This is because at higher pH levels nickel
hydroxide is less soluble and therefore less leaching occurs
and as a result less growth of the metal particles via
Ostwald ripening is observed. This clearly shows that nonnoble
metals have great potential also for aqueous phase
conversions.
Use of electricity
With the expected increased availability of renewable
electricity, the field of electrochemistry and electrocatalysis
regained interest. A prime example of the use of
electrocatalysis is the production of bulk chemicals and fuels
from CO 2
. However, also in the field of chemicals produced
from renewable or recycled feedstocks electrochemistry
and electrocatalysis can play an important role. For
example, Kwon et al. [6] showed that paired electrolysis
From Science & Research
Figure 2 A: Ni particle growth during aqueous processing; B:
Stabilizing effects of H 2
in gas phase or base in solution during
aqueous phase processing of ethylene glycol.
and metal hydroxides which have a low though significant
solubility. When that happens the heterogeneous catalyst
slowly dissolves a process which is called metal leaching.
While this often leads to the deactivation of the catalyst it
is important to note that dissolved metals can also have
catalytic activity. However, one of the major advantages
of using a heterogeneous catalyst i.e., that it is easy to
separate from the reaction medium is lost in that case.
Therefore, catalyst leaching is undesired. Figure 2 shows
electron micrographs of a nickel (Ni) on carbon catalyst
before and after use in the aqueous phase conversion of a
polyol (in this case ethylene glycol (EG)) to hydrogen and CO 2
(this is a way to produce biobased hydrogen). Clearly, the
nickel particles were increased in size during reaction. This
is what is generally observed for non-noble metals under
aqueous conditions [5].
A
B
100
80
60
500 nm
10 % EG / Water
230 °C
200 nm
In liquid-phase reactions, the growth of metal particles
often proceeds via a mechanism called Ostwald ripening.
The metal dissolves from the smaller Ni particles as
hydroxide and precipitates on the larger particles. In that
way, the surface tension of the metal particles is decreased
which is thermodynamically favourable.
40
20
0
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 45
From Science & Research
of furanic compounds is possible. In that approach both at
the anode of the electrochemical cell and at the cathode a
relevant reaction takes place (Figure 3). The span of this
approach is currently under investigation. For example,
the research at Wageningen University indicates that it is
possible to oxidize larger biopolymers such as starch in
such a paired electrolysis cell. They focus on oxidation in
this case which will result in oxidized starch which can act
as a replacement of fossil-based polyacrylates and be used
for example as super absorbers.
Outlook/summary
Catalysis will remain at the heart of the chemical industry
also in the future and is key to sustainable production. But
the nature of the catalysts will need to change. Catalysts
have to deal with new feedstocks (biomass, CO 2
, recycled
polymers, etc.) and energy inputs might change from heat
to alternatives like light and electricity. This requires new
catalysts and catalytic processes. In addition, the scarcity
of certain elements, most notable noble metals, will require
the development of new catalysts based on readily available
elements.
References:
[1] Gosselink R.W., D.R. Stellwagen and J.H. Bitter, Tungsten-Based
Catalysts for Selective Deoxygenation, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Eng., 2013,
52(19), 5089-5092
[2] Souza Macedo L., R. R. Oliveira Jr., T. van Haasterecht, V. Teixeira da
Silva and J.H. Bitter, Influence of synthesis method on molybdenum
carbide crystal structure and catalytic performance in stearic acid
hydrodeoxygenation, Appl.Catal.B: Environmental, 241 (2019) 81-88
[3]Fuhrer M., T. van Haasterecht and J.H. Bitter, Molybdenum and tungsten
carbides can shine too., Catal. Sci. Technol., 2020, 10, 6089-6097
[4] Levy R.B., M. Boudart, Platinum-like behavior of tungsten carbide in
surface catalysis, Science, 1973, 4099(181), 547-549
[5] Haasterecht van T., C.C.I. Ludding, K.P. de Jong, J.H. Bitter, Toward
stable nickel catalysts for aqueous phase reforming of biomass-derived
feedstock under reducing and alkaline conditions, J.Catal., 319 (2014)
27-35
[6]Kwon Y., K.J.P. Schouten, J.C. van der Waal, E. de Jong and M.T.M. Koper,
electocatalytic conversion of furanic compounds, ACS Catalysis, 2016,
6, 6704-6717.
www.wur.nl
Figure 3: left: schematic representation of a paired electrolysis cell
(Kwon 2016); right: experimental cell as used in the lab.
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46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 47
Additives
Biomimetics hold the key to
the future of multiuse plastics
How the human immune system can inspire innovation
T
ravelling up to 360 kilometres an hour, the
Shinkansen is among the world’s fastest trains.
However, its rapid speeds caused a problem. When
travelling through tunnels, compressed air would create
a loud, disruptive boom. The solution? Biomimetics.
Redesigning the train to resemble a kingfisher, a bird evolved
to plunge into water at speed, the train became faster,
quieter, and more powerful than before. Here, Michaël
van der Jagt, CEO of antimicrobial additive developer, Parx
Materials, explains potential applications for biomimicry in
antimicrobial applications.
Biomimicry
Biomimicry, literally meaning imitation of the living, takes
inspiration from natural selection and translates this into
science, engineering and ultimately, product design. The
concept is based on the idea that, throughout history, nature
fixes most of its problems itself. In fact, you could argue
that animals, plants and microorganisms — including the
kingfisher — are the world’s most experienced engineers.
Despite the clear argument for biomimetics, many of
today’s products are working in stark contrast to how
nature intended. Plastics, and the antimicrobial additives
increasingly used in plastics, are prime examples of this.
Additives for antimicrobial plastics
Most of today’s antimicrobial plastics, and specifically, the
additives used in these materials to ensure efficacy against
bacteria, are made by using silver ions. These heavy metals
are incredibly effective at killing bacteria, but they are not
sustainable, safe, and importantly, they work in a way that is
fighting against nature.
Consider how these additives work. To be effective, ions
are transported into the cells of bacteria to prevent cell
division. This is achieved by binding to their DNA, blocking
the bacterial respiratory system, destroying energy
production and essentially suffocating the bacteria. There
is no way of achieving this without the ions leaching from
the material.
Thankfully, there is a biomimetic alternative. The human
skin provides an ideal example of how a material could
naturally protect against bacteria. Rather than leaching out
metal, healthy skin will simply not allow bacteria to attach
or proliferate – it is this proliferation that leads to infection.
Instead, bacteria live out a typical lifecycle and die naturally.
Scientific research suggests this can be attributed to an
element naturally found in the human body, zinc. Specifically,
a trace element of zinc.
But isn’t zinc a metal too?
Unlike silver ions that leach out of materials and into the
environment, a trace element of zinc can be used to change
the mechanism of a material entirely. Rather than the zinc
itself killing the bacteria, the material’s characteristics
are manipulated to ensure bacterial attachment and
proliferation is not possible.
New additive mimics the behaviour of human
skin
Parx Materials has developed Saniconcentrate️ based on
this method. Containing no biocides, silver, harmful or toxic
substances, the additive mimics the behaviour of human
skin and prevents bacterial attachment. Tests carried out
by an authorised laboratory evidenced that Saniconcentrate
reduced the amount of Covid-19 on surfaces by 99 % [1] in
just 24 hours. Other tests confirmed efficacy against MRSA,
listeria, salmonella, and Escherichia coli.
The technique achieves this without the migration of heavy
metals, something that could be leading us to disastrous
consequences for public health. When a holistic approach
is available, it is alarming that metal-containing additives
are commonly used in a wide range of consumer goods –
like children’s toys. What’s more, their use is accelerating
48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
COMPEO
Additives
Leading compounding technology
for heat- and shear-sensitive plastics
By:
Michaël van der Jagt, CEO
Parx Materials
Rotterdam,The Netherlands
with increasing demand for antimicrobial materials amid
the pandemic.
Saniconcentrate can also be added to polymer materials,
including recycled plastics and bioplastics. It changes
their intrinsic properties to ensure safe, effective, and
long-lasting antimicrobial action. With a proven >99.9 %
reduction [2] in bacterial growth and effectiveness against
fungi and biofilms, it has some diverse and important
potential applications.
Testing has shown that Saniconcentrate can keep food
fresher for longer [3] and minimise the risk of bacterial
contamination. Using it in clothing manufacture [4] can
tackle issues with odour or microbial colonisation. In clinical
settings [5], Saniconcentrate offers a unique approach to
wound healing and medical implants that can combat the
challenging issues of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm
formation.
And as the kingfisher’s streamlined beak solved the
problems of the Japanese bullet train, the human skin has
the potential to inspire the future of antimicrobial plastics.
More so, the biomimetic method could steer us away from
the potentially dangerous consequences of overusing heavy
metal ions and put us back into alignment with nature. After
all, nature knows best.
[1] Saniconcentrate️ proven to reduce coronavirus on surfaces by up to
99% without harmful toxins, https://tinyurl.com/parx-99-01
[2] Preventing bacteria and keeping surfaces hygienic, https://tinyurl.com/
parx-99-02
[3] Food fresher for longer, https://tinyurl.com/parx-food-fresh
[4] Anti-odor technology that does not wash out, https://tinyurl.com/parxanti-odor
[5] Reducing infection risk and improve wound healing, https://tinyurl.com/
parx-wound-healing
www.parxmaterials.com
Uniquely efficient. Incredibly versatile. Amazingly flexible.
With its new COMPEO Kneader series, BUSS continues
to offer continuous compounding solutions that set the
standard for heat- and shear-sensitive applications, in all
industries, including for biopolymers.
• Moderate, uniform shear rates
• Extremely low temperature profile
• Efficient injection of liquid components
• Precise temperature control
• High filler loadings
www.busscorp.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 49
Additives
Green additivation
Expanding material suitability, evolving process interests, and
extending sustainability benefits
The efficiency of bioplastics and the role of additives is
well documented in current literature, nevertheless, it
is still an area of high interest for material processors.
This may be due to the extensive selection process involved in
finding the right additives concerning various performance
parameters. It can be challenging, for example, to maximize
the benefits and desired properties of a base polymer, while
exploring the possibility of recycling – the right additive
is needed. Thus, the purpose of this article is to present
various aspects pertaining to additives and representative
strategies to help the users pick the most suitable additives
for their end process.
Additive identification
Literature indicates the potential
approaches of additive development to
consist of: traditional (synthetic) additives
with minimum health and environmental
concerns, renewable additives (may or may
not be biodegradable), and green additives
(principally biobased and biodegradable).
The FINE Green additives are the
oleochemicals prepared from raw materials
derived from refined vegetable oils. These
are potentially the most suitable additives
for a variety of polymers as they can lower
the carbon footprint and impart excellent
end-properties. Fine Green additives can
assist the polymer processors to effectively
resolve the processing challenges by
rendering the required functionality.
Additive surface migration is influenced by various
molecular interactions between an additive phase, base
polymer phase, and other components. The migration is
typically controlled by a concentration gradient, competing
thermodynamic effects (polarity), and kinetic factors
(prominent during and after processing) such as melt flow,
crystallinity/amorphous domains (amorphous domain
facilitates migration, whereas crystalline domain may
retard the rate of migration), and the presence of fillers
(interaction with the additive may influence migration rate
– adsorption/absorption). The process, therefore, is an
evident interplay of multiple parameters, which are to be
evaluated concurrently.
Expanding material suitability
Bioplastics (both biobased and biodegradable), like
conventional polymers, typically demand excellent melt
flow properties, tuning of rheology, and lubrication to
minimize any undesired effect on intrinsic base polymer
properties. These demands are applicable to plastics
designed with the focus on sustainability that goes beyond
the material’sorigin, as well as to reprocessing/recycling
processes. Biopolymers can be divided into different
classes including biopolyesters, polysaccharides, biobased
polyamides/polyolefins, and so on. In all of them, the additives
are critically required to achieve optimum processing and
end-properties. For example, like the process limitations
of PVC (due to the presence of -Cl in polymer backbone),
the class of polyesters/polysaccharides can also be
difficult to process due to the presence of -OH/other polar
hydrophilic functionalities. This can be increased during
the melt-blending processes in the presence of shear.
Green additives can offer excellent flow properties, surface
functionalization, after-melt processing (in
the end-application) and thus, can be wellsuited
for all the abovementioned base
polymers and melt blending processes.
Evolving process interest
Additives are known to complement
the base polymers in their corresponding
areas of shortcoming. In the case of PVC,
effective lubricants have been known to
offer improved melt flow, which leads to
extended heat stability and thus provide a
wider processing window. Further, the role
of slip additives is fairly critical to attain
high process-efficiency and quality in
polyolefin films. A similar rationale can be
applied to bioplastics, where the inherent
chemical properties may lead to processing
challenges.
The key to optimization lies in considering what the most
critical factors during the processing phase are and then
selecting the most suitable additive to enhance the process.
Extending sustainability benefits
Various articles by bioplastics experts have also
mentioned the advantages offered by green additives. They
can be the first step to include sustainability in various
applications typically made from fossil-based polymers or
they can replace fossil-based additives in polymers based
on renewable sources, which would increase the amount
of biobased carbon and thus contribute to an even more
sustainable recipe. While additives typically constitute a
relatively small fraction of the material, they can positively
contribute to the bigger picture as they are a part of a
holistic approach to protecting the environment. Thus, the
Fine Green additives can potentially be the most suitable
additive solutions to address the requirements of the
various polymer processes. MT
www.fineorganics.com
50 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
By:
Amrita V. Poyekar
Senior Technical Manager – Product Application
Fine Organics
Mumbai, India
Additives
End-process Additive FINE Green Additives Function
Film blowing
Sheet extrusion
Slip additive
Finawax E
Reduced co-efficient of friction on film surface
Hydrophobic surface (better protection from moisture)
Improved scratch resistance
Effective processing in extrusion Can control shear-induced premature
Extrusion Lubricant & Melt Finawax B
degradation
flow enhancers
Moulding Finawax S Good mould release/denesting
Sheet extrusion
Injection moulding
Thermoforming
Extrusion
Film/sheet extrusion
Thermoforming
Antiscratch &
Mould release
Finalux PET 350
Minimized surface scratching, superior aesthetic
Better mould release
Plasticizer FinaFlex 1200 Optimum melt-flow during processing
Extrusion
Improved
Dispersing
Film/sheet extrusion
FinaSperse DT 500 N
additives & MPAs
Thermoforming
dispersion of pigments/fillers
Processing benefits
Lubrication
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 51
Processing
Improved coextrusion
Biopolymer extrusion coating with edge encapsulation
increases line speed and reduces coat weight
SAM North America uses an EDI ® feedblock from
Nordson to more than double the line speed in extrusion
coating of PLA and reduce coat weight by 40 %
Technologies developed by Sam North America (Phoenix,
New York, USA) and Nordson Corporation (Chippewa
Falls, Wisconsin, USA) have made it possible to increase
throughput and reduce coat weight in the extrusion coating
of biopolymers such as PLA by encapsulating the edges of
the coating with LDPE.
While conventional coextrusion yields two or more
materials in horizontal layers, special encapsulating
inserts developed by Nordson for its coextrusion feedblock
make it possible to extrude additional material along either
edge of this horizontal structure. Using this technique,
Sam North America has found that encapsulating a PLA
coextrusion with edges of LDPE makes it possible to offset
deficiencies of PLA – in particular, its low melt strength –
that have limited its melt curtain stability, draw-down ratio,
line speed, and coat weight.
“Using LDPE edge encapsulation on our pilot line, we
have achieved line speeds in excess of 366 mpm (metre per
minute) (1200 fpm) with PLA, as against less than 183 mpm
(600 fpm) with PLA alone,” said Ed Lincoln, V.P. Extrusion
Sales of Sam North America. “We have seen coat weight
reduced from 16 gsm (gram per square metre) to less than
10 gsm.”
The high melt strength of LDPE has helped make this
polymer by far the most widely used in extrusion coating.
“For processors wishing to replace some portion of their
LDPE usage with biopolymers, a main obstacle has been
that their lower melt strength causes extreme neck-in
and edge instability at desirable line speeds,” said Sam
Iuliano, Chief Technologist for Nordson’s EDI extrusion
die and feedblock business. “By introducing a higher-melt
strength material on each edge of the melt curtain, edge
encapsulation minimizes the processing limitations posed
by many biopolymers.”
Neck-in is the tendency of the polymer web to become
narrower as tension is applied when it exits the die. The
result is a build-up of material along the edges of the web,
or edge bead, that must subsequently be trimmed away as
scrap. To ensure that this edge bead consists of the lowestcost
polymer in the coextruded structure, Nordson has
developed customizable feedblock inserts that introduce
flow of the low-cost polymer only at the edges of the
structure. The combined materials are then distributed to
the final target width in the flow channel or manifold of the
die.
While the encapsulation inserts can be readily retrofitted
into existing EDI feedblocks, Nordson offers new EDI
dies equipped with the EPC️ deckle system, which can
be adjusted to reduce edge bead formation, and a melt
flow system in which the edge encapsulation polymer is
introduced in the die rather than in the feedblock. The port
for introducing the encapsulation polymer moves in concert
with the deckle mechanism.
“By introducing the encapsulation polymer at this point in
the process, the interface between it and the core structure
is more defined and the transition overlap between the
encapsulation material and the biopolymer material is
reduced,” said Sam Iuliano. “The die limits the formation of
edge bead and reduces the amount of edge trim.”
Sam North America has also developed coextrusion
techniques for encapsulating biopolymer structures with
LDPE that permit rapid change-over between conventional
and biopolymer coatings. The technology addresses the
wide differences in processing properties between the two
materials. Andy Christie, managing director of Sam North
America, will introduce the technology at the Extrusion 2021
Conference, September 21 – 23 at the Donald E. Stephens
Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois, USA. MT
www.sam-na.com | www.nordson.com
actual die width
extruded film width
chill roll
Schematic above, with upper die and feedblock halves removed,
shows encapsulation achieved with Nordson feedblock insert
(circled); schematics below show a new EDI EPC die, with
encapsulating polymer introduced in the die rather than in the
feedblock
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Think big, build small
Sulzer’s processing technologies enable effective small-scale
bioplastic manufacturing
Processing
T
he demand for sustainable bioplastics is booming,
offering unique opportunities to manufacturers
entering this market. Small-scale facilities are ideal
for new players in the industry as they represent low capital
investments with quick returns. When a business in China
wanted to develop one of the first fully integrated sugar-to-
PLA (polylactic acid) plants in the country, Sulzer (Winterthur,
Switzerland) delivered a customized project. This allowed
the manufacturer to swiftly begin producing 30,000 tonnes of
biobased, recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable PLA
bioplastic annually.
PLA can be obtained from sugar-rich crops, such as corn
and cassava. More precisely, these are used to produce lactic
acid and raw lactide, which are then purified and polymerized
to obtain high-quality plastics.
Thanks to its characteristics, the demand for innovative
sustainable bioplastics, such as PLA, has skyrocketed in
recent years with the global market size expected to register
a double-digit compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
16 % from 2020 to 2027. The expansion of this sector is
also shaping manufacturing activities in China, the world’s
leading producer of plastic, which is responsible for 31 % of
the global production of plastic materials.
Businesses interested in manufacturing PLA bioplastics
and entering this growing market can benefit from a product
with applications in a wide range of industries. To quickly
enter this sector, while minimizing any capital risk, smallscale
facilities and infrastructures are ideal. Moreover, these
can be built closer to where raw materials are sourced,
supporting the creation of localized manufacturing and
supply centres.
When good things come in small … plants!
These are some of the reasons why a company interested
in building one of the first fully-integrated sugar-to-PLA
plants in China took this approach. To quickly create an
infrastructure with an annual PLA capacity of 30,000 tonnes,
the company selected Sulzer as its partner. With over
25 years of experience in lactic acid and PLA-related
processes, Sulzer was responsible for the design, basic
engineering packages, supply, commissioning, and start-up.
The customer appreciated Sulzer’s ability to provide a
comprehensive solution for the purification of crude lactide,
polymerization into high-quality PLA and downstream
processing. In addition to the creation of a commercial
small-scale plant, the producer was interested in setting
up a flexible and scalable system that could provide highquality
materials at a competitive price for a wide range of
downstream applications, including food packaging and
textiles.
Optimizing capital investments
To address these requirements, Sulzer proposed both stickbuilt
or skid-mounted, modular, fully-integrated designs.
This comprised distillation and crystallization units, static
mixer reactors (SMRs) for polymerization as well as degassing
(devolatilization) and pelletizing technologies. More precisely,
the combination of distillation and crystallization methods
allowed the manufacturer to achieve high purity levels while
preserving the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties
of lactide as well as optimizing energy usage.
The use of Sulzer’s SMRs created a highly homogeneous
melt to obtain high-quality, consistent PLA polymer products
while cutting the volume of waste and off-spec materials.
Moreover, as they do not have any moving parts, the SMRs
consume less energy and require less maintenance than
alternative solutions, considerably reducing operational
expenses.
The system design also supported the mixing of additives in
the melt for pre-compounding PLA prior to the pelletization
stage. This further lowered energy utilization and reduced
the risk of thermal degradation while limiting the number
of processing units on the line, minimizing capital and
operational expenses.
Sulzer collaborated with MAAG Group (Oberglatt,
Switzerland), which provided its specialist, state-of-the-art
vacorex ® x6 class extraction gear pump technology for the
polymerization and devolatilization stages. In the degassing
units, the melt pumps were used to create the necessary
pressure to process the melt through the downstream
equipment up to the underwater pelletizer.
In addition to fulfilling the key system requirements, Maag
Group’s technology helped Sulzer and therefore the customer
to further reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide
emissions. As a result, the plant could leverage an extremely
sustainable setup to produce PLA bioplastic.
The power of a leading technology partner
In less than two years, Sulzer’s specialized teams were able
to complete the entire project from design to the start-up of
the crude lactide to PLA and downstream line. One of the main
advantages of the partnership with Sulzer reported by the
Chinese company was the ability of the process technology
specialist to act as a full-service provider and take care of the
entire project, allowing the manufacturer to focus on other
areas of its business. This streamlined the development of
a highly effective fully integrated PLA plant and enabled the
company to quickly enter the bioplastic market.
While the current setup allows the PLA manufacturer to
produce 30,000 tonnes of bioplastic per year, the modular
system that was developed by Sulzer can be easily scaled
up, supporting future expansion projects. As a result, the
bioplastic manufacturer can adapt to future market demands
and grow its business effectively as well as sustainably. Details
about the Chinese customer were not disclosed. MT
www.sulzer.com
www.maag.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 53
Basics
Biobased
polypropylene
By:
Michael Thielen
CH 3
H
| |
— C — C —
| |
H H
n
Polypropylene
Among the most important and most commonly
used plastics are polyolefins (polyethylene PE and
polypropylene PP). They are easily recognised by the
fact that their density is less than 1 g/cm³ – i.e. they float
in water. Both PE and PP can be produced from renewable
resources.
Polypropylene has a wide range of applications,
spanning automobile parts to medical care products, home
appliances, housing and food products [1]. The annual
production capacity worldwide is about 80 million tonnes
(2018) [2].
Bio-polypropylene
There are several possibilities for producing the
monomer propylene C 3
H 6
from renewable resources [1].
In 2008 and at the K-fair 2010, Braskem (Brazil)
announced they were planning a propylene plant using
sugarcane as a feedstock resource, fermented to ethanol.
Although the company has not revealed the renewable
source of its bio-PP, Braskem has been working on making
PP from biomass, such as the leftover sugarcane stalks
and leaves [3, 4] .
Another route, as published by Neste (Espoo, Finland)
is to use biobased raw materials - primarily waste and
residue oils and fats, such as used cooking oil to produce
renewable feedstock called Neste RE️. Neste RE is
suitable to replace conventional fossil resource-based
feedstock at existing polymers and chemicals production
facilities. Neste is cooperating with several companies to
produce bio-based and renewable polymers and chemicals
such as bio-based PP and bio-based PE from their Neste
RE.
Neste collaborated with German LyondellBasell
to produce bio-based polypropylene and bio-based
polyethylene for the first time in the world on a commercial
scale. The production took place at LyondellBasell’s
Wesseling plant (near Cologne, Germany) as announced
in June 2019 [5, 8, 9, 10]. In April 2021, LyondellBasell
launched the Circulen family of products, and in June
2021 LyondellBasell and Neste announced a long-term
commercial agreement under which LyondellBasell will
source Neste RE to be processed into polymers and sold
under the CirculenRenew brand name.
LyondellBasell offers potential customers an approx.
30 % biobased PP variant made from Neste’s raw material.
With growing demand, higher contents of biogenic raw
materials are also possible, and the volumes can potentially
become significantly larger. Depending on how these
processes and approaches develop, biobased contents of
up to approx. 75 % are possible in the next years. Depending
on the biobased content and market conditions, a significant
price premium (in the order of 50–100 %) can be expected.
In the future, however, the additional costs could be offset
by a CO 2
-tax [12].
Another cooperation partner of Neste using a different
production approach is Borealis (headquartered in
Vienna, Austria) [11]. In 2020 Borealis started to produce
polypropylene (PP) based on Neste RE renewable feedstock
in its production facilities in Kallo and Beringen, Belgium.
After producing renewable propane using its proprietary
NextBTL️ technology (BTL = biomass to liquid), Neste
sells the renewable propane to the Borealis propane
dehydrogenation plant in Kallo. Here it is converted to
renewable propylene, then subsequently to renewable PP.
The third processing route to produce bio-PP was
announced in 2019 by Japanese Mitsui Chemical
(headquartered in Minato, Prefecture Tokyo, Japan) in
cooperation with Kasei (Tokyo, Japan) [1].
Their production route involves the fermentation of
various types of biomass – mainly non-edible plants –
to produce isopropanol (IPA), which is then dehydrated
to obtain propylene in a first-of-its-kind IPA method.
Compared to other biomass production approaches studied
by other companies thus far, Mitsui assumes this route
could prove to be a more cost-effective way to manufacture
bio-PP. It was announced that Kaisei would cultivate
biomass raw materials used by Mitsui Chemicals, collect
wastes generated from biomass raw materials, and supply
electricity to manufacturing facilities and manufactures
fertilizers through its effective use.
In May 2021, Mitsui Chemical also launched a
cooperation with Neste and Toyota Tsusho, introducing
Neste-produced bio-based hydrocarbons as feedstock
for their crackers to eventually produce plastics such as
polyethylene and polypropylene. In addition to these, Neste
is also collaborating with LG Chem to develop and grow the
biopolymers and biochemicals market globally, and more
specifically, in LG Chem’s home market South Korea.
Early adopters
Continuing a partnership established in 2016, Neste and
Ikea (Sweden) announced plans for commercial-scale pilot
production of biobased polypropylene in 2019. The partners
said the facility would be the first large-scale production of
renewable PP globally and be able to also produce renewable
PE. Both polymers would have a renewable content of about
20 %. Initially, Ikea planned to use the new plastic in a few
products in its current range, such as storage boxes. By
2030, the retailer wants all plastic products sold in its stores
to be made of recycled or renewable materials.
54 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
www.neste.com
www.lyondellbasell.com
www.borealis.com
www.mitsui.com
www.ikea.com
Download the free
bioplastics MAGAZINE
App!
Basics
conventional
petrochemical
method
Braskem
approach
Neste
approach
Mitsui
Chemicals
approach
Crude oil
Raw biomass materials
biodiesel by-product,
sustainably produced
vegetable oils,
or used cooking oils
Raw biomass materials
Naphtha
Bio Ethanol
renewable cracker feed
NextBTL
Bio Isopropanol
(Bio IPA)
Propylene
Bio Propylene
Bio propylene
Bio Propylene
Polypropylene
Bio Polypropylene
Bio Polypropylene
Bio Polypropylene
Refereces
[1] N.N.: Mitsui Chemicals working on commercialisation
bio-PP; https://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/news/
meldungen/20190930Mitsui-Chemicals-working-oncommercialisation--bio-PP.php
[2] N.N.: Global Propylene Market and Polypropylene Market, https://
www.reuters.com/brandfeatures/venture-capital/article?id=112877,
Internet access Oct. 2019
[3] https://www.designnews.com/materials-assembly/braskemannounces-first-bio-polypropylene
[4] https://www.ptonline.com/articles/first-biobased-pp-developed-inbrazil
[5] Lipponen, K.: Pionierarbeit auch bei biobasierten Kunststoffen,
https://www.neste.de/releases-and-news/neste-setzt-aufkunststoffabfaelleals-rohstoff-fuer-kraftstoffe-und-kunststoffe,
Internet access Sept. 2019
[6] N.N.: Kunststoff aus altem Öl und Reststoffen soll zu
Lebensmittelverpackungen werden, https://packaging-journal.de/
neste-und-lyondellbasell-entiwckeln-biobasierte-kunststoffe-fuerlebensmittelverpackungen/,
Internet access Sept. 2019
[7] Lipponen, K.: IKEA and Neste take a significant step towards a
fossilfree future https://www.neste.com/ikea-and-neste-takesignificantstep-towards-fossil-free-future,
Internet access Sept.
2019
[8] N.N.: Polyolefins from bio-naphtha / Commercial-scale pilot plant
to start-up in autumn, https://www.plasteurope.com/news/IKEA_
NESTE_t240099/, Internet access Sept. 2019
[9] Lipponen, K.: IKEA and Neste take a significant step towards a fossilfree
future, https://www.neste.com/ikea-and-neste-take-significantstep-towards-fossil-freefuture,
Internetzugriff März 2020
[10] Stark, A.: Neste und Lyondell Basell starten kommerzielle
Produktion von biobasierten Kunststoffen, https://www.process.
vogel.de/neste-und-lyondell-basellstarten-kommerzielleproduktion-von-biobasierten-kunststoffen-a-840327/,
Internetzugriff
März 2020
[11] N.N: Borealis produziert zertifiziertes, erneuerbares Polypropylen in
Belgien, https://www.plastverarbeiter.de/96100/borealis-produziertzertifizierteserneuerbares-polypropylen-in-belgien/,
Internetzugriff
März 2020
[12] https://biokunststofftool.de/werkstoffe/bio-pp/
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 55
Automotive
d-of-Life
10
Years ago
Requirements
This is the short version of a
much more comprehens
article, which can be dow
www.biopla
End-of-Life
‘Biodegradable-compostable’ packaging must have the
following characteristics:
• Biodegradability, namely microbial conversion into CO 2
.
Test method: ISO 14855. Minimum level: 90%. Duration:
less than 6 months. This high CO 2
conversion level must
not be taken as an indication that organic recycling is a sort
of ‘cold incineration’ which therefore does not contribute
to the formation of compost. Under real conditions the
process would also produce substantially more biomass
(compost). Another question: why 90% rather than 100%?
Does this leave a residue of the remaining 10%? The answer
is that experimental factors and the formation of biomass
make it hard to reach 100% accurately; this is why the limit
of acceptability was established at 90% rather than 100%.
• Disintegratability, namely fragmentation and invisibility
in the final compost. Test method: EN 14045/ ISO 16929.
Samples of test materials are composted together with
organic waste for 3 months. The mass of test material
residue larger than 2 mm must be less than 10% of the
initial mass.
• Levels of heavy metals below pre-defined maximum limits
and absence of negative effects on composting process
and compost quality. Test method: a modified OECD 208
and other analytical tests.
Each of these points is necessary for compostability, but
individually they are not sufficient.
Limits
The Role of Standards for
Biodegradable Plastics
by
Francesco Degli Innocenti
Novamont S.p.A. S
Novara, Italy
‘Home composting’ namely the treatment of grass
cuttings and material from the pruning of plants, is out of the
scope. Home composting takes place at low temperatures
and may not always operate under optimal conditions. The
characteristics defined by Standard EN 13432 do not ensure
that packaging added to a home composter would compost
satisfactorily and in line with the user’s expectations.
All photos: Novamont
56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
Use
Published in
bioplastics MAGAZINE
Other Standards
ISO 17088 - Specific ations for Compostable Plastics
ISO has drawn up a standard which specifies the procedures and requirements
for identifying and marking plastics and plastic products suitable for recovery
by aerobic composting. In a similar way to EN 13432, it deals with four aspects:
a) biodegradation; b) disintegration during composting; c) negative effects on
composting; d) negative effects on the resulting compost quality, including the
presence of metals and other compounds subject to restrictions or dangers. It
is important to note that the standard makes explicit reference to the European
Packaging Directive in the event of application in Europe: “The labelling will, in
addition, have to conform to all international, regional, national or local regulations
(e.g. European Directive 94/62/EC)”.
ASTM D6400 - Standard Specific ation
for Compostable Plastics
ASTM D 6400 produced by ASTM International was the first standard to
determine whether plastics can be composted satisfactorily and biodegrade at a
speed comparable to known compostable materials. ASTM D6400 is similar to EN
13432 but: (1) the limit of biodegradation which is otherwise 90% is reduced to 60%
for homopolymers and copolymers with random distribution of monomers (2) test
duration, which is set at 180 days, is extended to 365 days if the test is conducted
with radioactive material in order to measure the evolution of radioactive CO 2
.
EN 14995 Plastic materials - Assessment of
compostability - Test and specific ation system
It is complementary to EN 13432. Indeed, EN 13432 specifi es the characteristics
of packaging that can be recycled through organic recovery and therefore excludes
compostable plastic materials not used as packaging (e.g. compostable cutlery,
compostable bags for waste collection). EN 14995 fi lled this gap. From a technical
perspective EN 14995 is equivalent to EN 13432.
Conclusions
End-of-Life
tandardisation plays a crucial role for bioplastics. Biodegradability, bio-based
content, carbon-footprint etc. cannot be noted directly by consumers. However,
the commercial success of these products rests precisely on claims of
this kind. In order to guarantee market transparency, normative instruments are
needed to link declarations, which are used as advertising messages, and the actual
characteristics and benefits of the products. Standards are necessary to consumers,
companies competing on the market, as well as public authorities. Standardisation
is not science. In some debates these two sectors become dangerously
confused. Science aims to find, describe, and correlate phenomena, independent
of the time scale and their actual importance to daily life. Standardisation seeks to
instil order and find technical solutions to specific practical problems with a social,
political and scientific consensus. The question of biodegradability is complex and
can give rise to significant debates. Key point is time scale. At academic level even
traditional ‘non-biodegradable’ plastics can be shown to biodegrade, over a very
long period of time. However, such biodegradation rates are clearly unsuited to
the needs of society. Biodegradable materials are an attempt to find solutions to a
problem of our society: waste. Waste is produced at a very high rate and therefore
the disposal rate must be comparable, in order to avoid accumulation. Incineration
is widely adopted precisely because it is a fast process. There would be no interest
in a hypothetical ‘slow combustion’ incinerator because waste does not wait, and
quickly builds up. The same principle applies to biodegradation, which must be fast
in order to be useful.
Standard EN 13432 has been fully applied in Europe
also in the certification sector. It recently became of great
importance in Italy with the entry into force of the ban on the
sale of non-biodegradable carrier bags on 1 January 2011.
Indeed, the law establishes the ban on bags that are not
biodegradable according to criteria established by Community
laws and technical rules approved at a Community level.
The term ‘biodegradable’ has led to a number of debates
owing to the clear commercial implications arising out of the
interpretation of this term. It is true that from an academic
perspective ‘biodegradability’ is a different concept from
‘compostability’ and ‘organic recycling’ (biodegradability
is necessary but not sufficient in itself for compostability).
However, the legal reference in Europe for packaging (and
carrier bags are packaging) must be the Directive that in fact
considers biodegradability as the necessary characteristic
for the biological recovery of packaging (organic recycling),
as noted above.
It is therefore through the application of harmonised
European standard EN 13432, in light of the definitions of
the Packaging Directive, that we can differentiate between
biodegradable packaging (which can therefore be recovered
by means of organic recycling) and non-biodegradable
packaging.
It should be noted that harmonised standards (such as
EN 13432) are voluntary. However, companies that place
packaging on the market which uses harmonised standards
already enjoy presumed conformity. If the manufacturer
chooses not to follow a harmonised standard, he has the
obligation to prove that his products are in conformity with
essential requirements by the use of other means of his own
choice (other technical specifications). Alternatives to the EN
13432 are described in the next section, even if, as noted, they
do not automatically grant the presumption of conformity.
Harmonised Standard EN 13432
The origin and regulatory framework
Only packaging materials that meet the so-called ‘essential requirements’
specified under the European Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste (94/62/
EC) can be placed on the market in Europe. The verification of conformity to
such requirements is entrusted to the application of the harmonised European
standards prepared by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN),
following the principles of the so-called ‘new approach’ [1]. European lawmakers
specified their intentions regarding organic recycling (“the aerobic (composting)
or anaerobic (biomethanization) treatment, under controlled conditions and using
micro-organisms, of the biodegradable parts of packaging waste, which produces
stabilized organic residues and methane. Landfill shall not be considered a form
of organic recycling.”) albeit in a somewhat convoluted manner, in Annex II to the
Directive, when they provide the definitions of essential requirements. CEN was
appointed to draw up “the standard intended to give presumption of conformity
with essential requirements for packaging recoverable in the form of composting
or biodegradation” in line with ‘Annex II § 3, (c) Packaging recoverable in the form
of composting and (d) Biodegradable packaging’ of the Directive. The outcome was
standard EN 13432 ‘Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting
and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of
packaging’. It is interesting to remark that composting, biodegradation and organic
recycling are used synonymously when applied to packaging.
The fi rst plastics to be sold in Italy under the term ‘biodegradable’, at the end of
the 1980s, were made from polyethylene to which small amounts of biodegradable
substances (ca. 5% starch) or ‘pro-oxidants’ had been added. These products
were most widespread during the period in which a 100 lira tax was levied on
carrier bags made from non-biodegradable plastic (minimum biodegradation:
90%). To avoid the tax, many plastic bag producers switched to ‘biodegradable’
plastics. The lack of standardised definitions and measuring methods gave
rise to a situation of anarchy. The market for these biodegradable plastic bags
immediately dried up when, having clarifi e d the real nature of the materials
on sale, the tax was extended to all plastic bags, thereby bringing an end to an
unsuccessful project. In this case the government had anticipated a future period
of technical and scientifi c progress and standardisation. Nowadays the situation
is different. We now have a clear legal framework, standard test methods and
criteria for the unambiguous defi nition of biodegradability and compostabi
The complete, and above all enduring, commerci
applications, such as biodegradable plast
quality and transparency. Sta
importance in th
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/11] Vol. 6 37
In July 2021 Francesco Degli Innocenti,
Director Ecology of Products,
Novamont said:
Ten years ago, there was some
confusion about the role of standards
on compostable packaging. This is
nothing new someone will think smiling…
Following the ban in Italy of noncompostable
shopping bags, a heated
discussion had arisen that would have
led, four years later, to EU Directive
2015/720 on the consumption of lightweight
plastic carrier bags.
The discussions were very confused because
it seemed that many interlocutors
had forgotten the origin and value of the
EN 13432 standard. It seemed important
to me to explain the genesis of the standard
that I had been able to follow since the
first discussions in 1991 and to shed light
on some apparently bizarre choices but in
reality, linked to specific legislative constraints.
The standard, in fact, derives from
the 1994 packaging directive and serves
to demonstrate compliance
with the essential
requirements of the
packaging directive.
After ten years, we
are awaiting the revision
of the packaging
directive and, overall,
this article from 2011 is
still interesting, because
it shows us where the
compostable sector started
from. After 25 years, the
legislative and regulatory
framework must certainly be
improved to keep up with the
times but with targeted interventions
and respect for the
roots, which are embedded in
fertile pioneering European policies
that must not now be sold off
to other continents (actually very
interested to the sector), for hasty
interventionism.
www.novamont.com
Polylactic Acid
Uhde Inventa-Fischer has expanded its product portfolio to include the in
of-the-art PLAneo ® process. The feedstock for our PLA process is lactic ac
be produced from local agricultural products containing starch or sugar.
The application range of PLA is similar to that of polymers based on fossil r
its physical properties can be tailored to meet packaging, textile and othe
Think. Invest. Earn.
tinyurl.com/2011-biostandards
Brand-Owner’s perspective
on bioplastics and how to
unleash its full potential
French-based, zero waste cosmetics brand Lamazuna launched in the UK
last year following a decade of pioneering sustainable products in Europe since
2010. Founded by Laëtitia Van de Walle, Lamazuna was the first French brand
to offer solid toothpaste and deodorant back in 2014, since then they have
continued to innovate with their range of plastic-free products that are naturally
derived, made with organic ingredients and certified Cruelty-Free and Vegan
by PETA, as well as offering circular return programmes for select products.
While bioplastics are not yet suitable for all uses and cannot yet replace
all plastics, its environmental advantages are clear: no use of petroleumbased
material, the end of life is more easily controlled in the future and its
mechanical properties are very similar.
Laëtitia Van de Walle, comments: “We trust in the future of this new
material, but it’s still far from perfect. The increase in the use of bioplastics
could have an impact on land use for plant-based crops such as corn or sugarcane, so
it would be relevant to promote biobased materials from so-called 2 nd and 3 rd generation
waste instead. While we must be aware that any material produced has an impact on
the environment, controlling the life cycle of a product, even in bioplastics, is extremely
important. This is our belief and has influenced our work at Lamazuna for over 11 years.”
Laëtitia Van de Walle,
Founder of Lamazuna
Brand Owner
https://lamazuna.co.uk
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 57
1. Raw Materials
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chenjianhui@lanshantunhe.com
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PBAT & PBS resin supplier
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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 cancelled
three month before expiry.
www.facebook.com
www.issuu.com
www.twitter.com
BASF SE
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Tel: +49 621 60-99951
martin.bussmann@basf.com
www.ecovio.com
Gianeco S.r.l.
Via Magenta 57 10128 Torino - Italy
Tel.+390119370420
info@gianeco.com
www.gianeco.com
PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd.
info@pttmcc.com / www.pttmcc.com
Tel: +66(0) 2 140-3563
MCPP Germany GmbH
+49 (0) 211 520 54 662
Julian.Schmeling@mcpp-europe.com
MCPP France SAS
+33 (0)2 51 65 71 43
fabien.resweber@mcpp-europe.com
Microtec Srl
Via Po’, 53/55
30030, Mellaredo di Pianiga (VE),
Italy
Tel.: +39 041 5190621
Fax.: +39 041 5194765
info@microtecsrl.com
www.biocomp.it
Tel: +86 351-8689356
Fax: +86 351-8689718
www.jinhuizhaolong.com
ecoworldsales@jinhuigroup.com
Jincheng, Lin‘an, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China
China contact: Grace Jin
mobile: 0086 135 7578 9843
Grace@xinfupharm.comEurope
contact(Belgium): Susan Zhang
mobile: 0032 478 991619
zxh0612@hotmail.com
www.xinfupharm.com
Mixcycling Srl
Via dell‘Innovazione, 2
36042 Breganze (VI), Italy
Phone: +39 04451911890
info@mixcycling.it
www.mixcycling.it
1.1 bio based monomers
1.2 compounds
Cardia Bioplastics
Suite 6, 205-211 Forster Rd
Mt. Waverley, VIC, 3149 Australia
Tel. +61 3 85666800
info@cardiabioplastics.com
www.cardiabioplastics.com
Trinseo
1000 Chesterbrook Blvd. Suite 300
Berwyn, PA 19312
+1 855 8746736
www.trinseo.com
BIO-FED
Branch of AKRO-PLASTIC GmbH
BioCampus Cologne
Nattermannallee 1
50829 Cologne, Germany
Tel.: +49 221 88 88 94-00
info@bio-fed.com
www.bio-fed.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.kingfa.com
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Siemensring 79
D - 47 877 Willich
Tel. +49 2154 9251-0
Tel.: +49 2154 9251-51
sales@fkur.com
www.fkur.com
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
Green Dot Bioplastics
527 Commercial St Suite 310
Emporia, KS 66801
Tel.: +1 620-273-8919
info@greendotbioplastics.com
www.greendotbioplastics.com
Plásticos Compuestos S.A.
C/ Basters 15
08184 Palau Solità i Plegamans
Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34 93 863 96 70
info@kompuestos.com
www.kompuestos.com
www.youtube.com
58 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
1.6 masterbatches
4. Bioplastics products
NUREL Engineering Polymers
Ctra. Barcelona, km 329
50016 Zaragoza, Spain
Tel: +34 976 465 579
inzea@samca.com
www.inzea-biopolymers.com
Sukano AG
Chaltenbodenstraße 23
CH-8834 Schindellegi
Tel. +41 44 787 57 77
Fax +41 44 787 57 78
www.sukano.com
Biofibre GmbH
Member of Steinl Group
Sonnenring 35
D-84032 Altdorf
Fon: +49 (0)871 308-0
Fax: +49 (0)871 308-183
info@biofibre.de
www.biofibre.de
Natureplast – Biopolynov
11 rue François Arago
14123 IFS
Tel: +33 (0)2 31 83 50 87
www.natureplast.eu
Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co.,Ltd.
No.97 Waisha Rd, Jiaojiang District,
Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
Tel: +86-576-88827723
pla@hisunpharm.com
www.hisunplas.com
ECO-GEHR PLA-HI®
- Sheets 2 /3 /4 mm – 1 x 2 m -
GEHR GmbH
Mannheim / Germany
Tel: +49-621-8789-127
laudenklos@gehr.de
www.gehr.de
1.4 starch-based bioplastics
BIOTEC
Biologische Naturverpackungen
Werner-Heisenberg-Strasse 32
46446 Emmerich/Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 2822 – 92510
info@biotec.de
www.biotec.de
Plásticos Compuestos S.A.
C/ Basters 15
08184 Palau Solità i Plegamans
Barcelona, Spain
Tel. +34 93 863 96 70
info@kompuestos.com
www.kompuestos.com
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
Albrecht Dinkelaker
Polymer- and Product Development
Talstrasse 83
60437 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Tel.:+49 (0)69 76 89 39 10
info@polyfea2.de
www.caprowax-p.eu
Treffert GmbH & Co. KG
In der Weide 17
55411 Bingen am Rhein; Germany
+49 6721 403 0
www.treffert.eu
Treffert S.A.S.
Rue de la Jontière
57255 Sainte-Marie-aux-Chênes,
France
+33 3 87 31 84 84
www.treffert.fr
www.granula.eu
Bio4Pack GmbH
Marie-Curie-Straße 5
48529 Nordhorn, Germany
Tel. +49 (0)5921 818 37 00
info@bio4pack.com
www.bio4pack.com
Plant-based and Compostable PLA Cups and Lids
Great River Plastic Manufacturer
Company Limited
Tel.: +852 95880794
sam@shprema.com
https://eco-greatriver.com/
INDOCHINE C, M, Y , K BIO C , M, Y, K PLASTIQUES
45, 0,90, 0
10, 0, 80,0
(ICBP) C, M, Y, KSDN BHD
C, M, Y, K
50, 0 ,0, 0
0, 0, 0, 0
12, Jalan i-Park SAC 3
Senai Airport City
81400 Senai, Johor, Malaysia
Tel. +60 7 5959 159
marketing@icbp.com.my
www.icbp.com.my
Suppliers Guide
TECNARO GmbH
Bustadt 40
D-74360 Ilsfeld. Germany
Tel: +49 (0)7062/97687-0
www.tecnaro.de
P O L i M E R
GEMA POLIMER A.S.
Ege Serbest Bolgesi, Koru Sk.,
No.12, Gaziemir, Izmir 35410,
Turkey
+90 (232) 251 5041
info@gemapolimer.com
http://www.gemabio.com
1.3 PLA
Total Corbion PLA bv
Stadhuisplein 70
4203 NS Gorinchem
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 183 695 695
Fax.: +31 183 695 604
www.total-corbion.com
pla@total-corbion.com
UNITED BIOPOLYMERS S.A.
Parque Industrial e Empresarial
da Figueira da Foz
Praça das Oliveiras, Lote 126
3090-451 Figueira da Foz – Portugal
Phone: +351 233 403 420
info@unitedbiopolymers.com
www.unitedbiopolymers.com
1.5 PHA
Kaneka Belgium N.V.
Nijverheidsstraat 16
2260 Westerlo-Oevel, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)14 25 78 36
Fax: +32 (0)14 25 78 81
info.biopolymer@kaneka.be
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
2. Additives/Secondary raw materials
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
3. Semi finished products
3.1 Sheets
Customised Sheet Xtrusion
James Wattstraat 5
7442 DC Nijverdal
The Netherlands
+31 (548) 626 111
info@csx-nijverdal.nl
www.csx-nijverdal.nl
Minima Technology Co., Ltd.
Esmy Huang, COO
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.com
Naturabiomat
AT: office@naturabiomat.at
DE: office@naturabiomat.de
NO: post@naturabiomat.no
FI: info@naturabiomat.fi
www.naturabiomat.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
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 59
9. Services
10. Institutions
10.1 Associations
Suppliers Guide
NOVAMONT S.p.A.
Via Fauser , 8
28100 Novara - ITALIA
Fax +39.0321.699.601
Tel. +39.0321.699.611
www.novamont.com
6. Equipment
6.1 Machinery & Molds
Buss AG
Hohenrainstrasse 10
4133 Pratteln / Switzerland
Tel.: +41 61 825 66 00
Fax: +41 61 825 68 58
info@busscorp.com
www.busscorp.com
6.2 Degradability Analyzer
MODA: Biodegradability Analyzer
SAIDA FDS INC.
143-10 Isshiki, Yaizu,
Shizuoka,Japan
Tel:+81-54-624-6155
Fax: +81-54-623-8623
info_fds@saidagroup.jp
www.saidagroup.jp/fds_en/
7. Plant engineering
Osterfelder Str. 3
46047 Oberhausen
Tel.: +49 (0)208 8598 1227
thomas.wodke@umsicht.fhg.de
www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de
Innovation Consulting Harald Kaeb
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
Bioplastics Consulting
Tel. +49 2161 664864
info@polymediaconsult.com
BPI - The Biodegradable
Products Institute
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415
New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel. +1-888-274-5646
info@bpiworld.org
European Bioplastics e.V.
Marienstr. 19/20
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 30 284 82 350
Fax +49 30 284 84 359
info@european-bioplastics.org
www.european-bioplastics.org
10.2 Universities
Institut für Kunststofftechnik
Universität Stuttgart
Böblinger Straße 70
70199 Stuttgart
Tel +49 711/685-62831
silvia.kliem@ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
Michigan State University
Dept. of Chem. Eng & Mat. Sc.
Professor Ramani Narayan
East Lansing MI 48824, USA
Tel. +1 517 719 7163
narayan@msu.edu
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@hs-hannover.de
www.ifbb-hannover.de/
10.3 Other Institutions
GO!PHA
Rick Passenier
Oudebrugsteeg 9
1012JN Amsterdam
The Netherlands
info@gopha.org
www.gopha.org
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
Green Serendipity
Caroli Buitenhuis
IJburglaan 836
1087 EM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 6-24216733
www.greenseredipity.nl
Our new
frame
colours
Bioplastics related topics,
i.e., all topics around
biobased and biodegradable
plastics, come in the familiar
green frame.
All topics related to
Advanced Recycling, such
as chemical recycling
or enzymatic degradation
of mixed waste into building
blocks for new plastics have
this turquoise coloured
frame.
When it comes to plastics
made of any kind of carbon
source associated with
Carbon Capture & Utilisation
we use this frame colour.
The familiar blue
frame stands for rather
administrative sections,
such as the table of
contents or the “Dear
readers” on page 3.
If a topic belongs to more
than one group, we use
crosshatched frames.
Ochre/green stands for
Carbon Capture &
Bioplastics, e. g., PHA made
from methane.
Articles covering Recycling
and Bioplastics ...
Recycling & Carbon Capture
We’re sure, you got it!
As you may have already noticed, we are expanding our scope of topics. With the main target in focus – getting away from fossil resources – we are strongly
supporting the idea of Renewable Carbon. So, in addition to our traditional bioplastics topics, about biobased and biodegradable plastics, we also started covering
topics from the fields of Carbon Capture and Utilisation as well as Advanced Recycling.
To better differentiate the different overarching topics in the magazine, we modified our layout.
60 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
2_05.2020
Subscribe
now at
bioplasticsmagazine.com
the next six issues for €169.– 1)
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1,2) € 99.-
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Event Calendar
bio!TOY (Hybrid event)
by bioplastics MAGAZINE
07.09. - 08.09.2021 - Nuremberg, Germany
www.bio-toy.info
You can meet us
2 nd PHA platform World Congress (Hybrid event)
by bioplastics MAGAZINE
22.09. - 23.09.2021 - Cologne, Germany
www.pha-world-congress.com
Plastics are future (Hybrid event)
06.10. - 07.10.2021 - Paterna (Valencia)
https://www.plasticsarefuture.com
China International Biodegradable Material Exhibition
18.10. - 20.10.2021 - Shanghai, China
https://www.expocncic.com
bio!PAC (Hybrid event)
by bioplastics MAGAZINE
03.11. - 04.11.2021 - Düsseldorf, Germany
www.bio-pac.info
The Greener Manufacturing Show
10.11. - 11.11.2021 - Colone, Germany
https://www.greener-manufacturing.com
Events
daily updated eventcalendar at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
https://www.shutterstock.
com/de/image-photo/happyyoung-brunette-womantakeout-coffee-1416104513
15 th European Bioplastics Conference
30.11. - 01.12.2021 - Berlin, Germany
el
Bioplastics - CO 2 -based Plastics - Advanced Recycling
Cover Story
Superfoodguru
Jojanneke Leistra | 20
... is read in 92 countries
... is read in 92 countries
03 / 2021
ISSN 1862-5258 May/Jun
Highlights
Basics
Bottles / Blow Moulding | 14
Joining Bioplastics | 35
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 16
Carbon Capture | 54
Bioplastics - CO 2 -based Plastics - Advanced Recycling
Cover Story
Great River:
Sustainable and
Sophisticated
PLA Cups & Lids | 22
Highlights
Thermoforming | 23
Toys | 10
Basics
Bio-PP | 54
... is read in 92 countries
... is read in 92 countries
04 / 2021
ISSN 1862-5258 Jul / Aug
https://www.european-bioplastics.org/events/eubp-conference
8 th European Biopolymer Summit
03.02. - 04.02.2022 - London, UK
https://www.wplgroup.com/aci/event/european-biopolymer-summit
Plastic beyond Petroleum 2022
28.06. - 30.06.2022 - New York City Area, USA
https://www.innoplastsolutions.com
Subject to changes.
For up to date event-info visit https://www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/en/event-calendar/
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 16
08/05/20 14:31
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Use the promotion code ‘watch‘ or ‘book‘
and you will get our watch or the book 3)
Bioplastics Basics. Applications. Markets. for free
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Watch as long as supply lasts.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16 61
Companies in this issue
Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert
4ocean 8
Great River 22 59 nova-Institute 41, 60
Agrana Starch Bioplastics 58 Green Dot Bioplastics 7 58 Novamont 35, 36, 40 60, 64
Aiju 14
Green Serendipity 60 Nurel 39 59
Alpla 32
Gupta Verlag 51 Nutrition Sciences 40
Armann Kaffee 32
Hasbro 13
Oopya 32
Artsana 19
Heley 42
Open.Bio 35
Autogrill 33
Helian 13
Parx Materials 48
Avantium 40
Hydra Marine Sciences 35
Pérez Cardá 15
BASF 35 58 Ikea 54
Pirkanmaan Jätehuolto 42
Bio4Pack 59 Indochine Bio Plastiques 59 plasticker 46
Bioagra) and technology developers 40
INJUSA 15
Playmobil 13
BioBuddy 13
Innofibre 26
Playbox 13
Bio-Fed Branch of Akro-Plastic 58 INRS 27
Polymediaconsult 60
Biofibre 36 59 Inst. F. Bioplastics & Biocomposites 60 Processium 40
Bioseries 13
Institut f. Kunststofftechnik, Stuttgart 60 PTT/MCC 58
Biotec 59,63
BioWorks 18
Borealis 54
BPI 60
B-Plas 16
Braskem 13, 20, 34
Brightplus 42
Buss 49, 59
Caprowachs, Albrecht Dinkelaker 59
CarbonReUse Finland 42
Cardia Bioplastics 58
Chicco 19
ColorFabb 13
Customized Sheet Xtrusion 59
Damm 40
Danimer Scientific 5
Dantoy 13
DVSI 12
Ebrim Rotomoulding 15
Ellen MacArthur Foundation 14
Enel 33
Erema 60
European Bioplastics 37, 60
Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe 17
Falca Toys 15
Fine Organics 50
Finnfoam 42
FKuR 12 2, 58
Fraunhofer UMSICHT 60
Futamura 6, 33
Gehr 59
Gema Polimers 59
Gianeco 58
Givauchan 32
Global Biopolymers 58
Go!PHA 5 60
Grafe 58,59
Institut für Werkstofftechnik und Kunststoffv. IWK 34
IQAP 15
Jan & Oscak Foundation 34
JinHui Zhaolong 58
Kaneka 14 59
Kemianteollisuus 42
Kiefel 24
Kiilto 42
Kimberly-Clark 7
Kingfa 58
Kleener Power Solutions 42
Kompuestos 58,59
Krill Design 33
Lactips 32
Lamazuna 57
Lego 12, 21
LEITAT 40
Lifocolor 27
Luleå University of Technology 40
LyondellBasell 5, 54
Maag Group 43
Mattel 8, 12
Metener 42
Michigan State University 60
Microtec 58
Miel Muria 33
Minima Technology 59
Mirka 42
Mitsui 54
Mixcycling 58
Miyama 18
narocon InnovationConsulting 12 60
Naturabiomat 59
Natureplast-Biopolynov 59
NatureWorks 6
Natur-Tec 59
Neste 5, 42, 54
Puma 34
RWDC 7
Saida 60
Sam North America 52
San Pellegrino 33
Sani Marc 26
Silberball 32
Simba-Dickie 13
Spielwarenmesse 12
Sukano 59
Sulzer 53
SunPine 40
Swiss Bioplastics 6
Tecnaro 30 59
Tesa 30
Tianan Biologic Material 14 59
TideOceanMaterial 34
Top Analytica 42
Total-Corbion PLA 59
Treffert 59
Trinseo 5 58
Triwa 34
UFZ 40
Union for Conservation of Nature 34
United Bioplolymers 59
Univ of Quebec 26
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona 40
University of Nat.Resources and Life Sciences 40
Valmet 42
Viking Toys 20
VITO 40
VTT 42
Wageningen Univ. 44
Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe Polyester 58
Yizumi 36
Zeijiang Hisun Biomaterials 59
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 58
Granula 59
Next issues
Issue
Month
Publ.
Date
edit/ad/
Deadline
05/2021 Sep/Oct 04.10.2021 03.09.2021 Fiber / Textile /
Nonwoven
Nordson 52
Edit. Focus 1 Edit. Focus 2 Basics
Biocomposites incl.
thermoset
Zoë B Organic 13
Please find more companies on pages 10, 28, 38
Bioplastics from CO 2
Trade-Fair
Specials
06/2021 Nov/Dec 29.11.2021 29.10.2021 Films/Flexibles/
Bags
Coating
Cellulose (regenarates,
derivats, fibres)
Subject to changes
62 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/21] Vol. 16
OFFERING BIOPLASTI CS FOR A BETTER LIFE
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FOR EVERYDAY PRODUCTS
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on renewable materials and are
designed to work
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for blown film, flat film, cast film,
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