Issue 01/2019

ISSN 1862-5258 

Jan / Feb 

01 | 2019 

Cover Story 

PHB for food packaging 

of fruits and vegetables | 37 

Highlights 

Foam | 34 

Automotive | 14 

bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 14 

Basics 

Green Public Procurement | 40 

... is read in 92 countries

PLAY WITH PLASTICS! 

Sustainable – Safe – Sophisticated 

The world we live in is unique, exciting and full of surprises. Children discover 

their world in a fun way by playing with toys, which generate curiosity and 

stimulate the imagination while having to withstand countless adventures. 

Our bioplastics combine sustainability with trend-setting material 

properties that help to reduce CO2 emissions. 

With FKuR bioplastics you will get high-quality toys that meet 

your needs exactly and that children will enjoy for a long time.

Editorial 

dear 

readers 

With the new year now getting into its stride, we are once again back in the 

familiar rhythm that shapes our work and this magazine. Our first issue of 

bioplastics MAGAZINE this year is no exception and we are sticking with what our 

readers accustomed to: like every year, our highlight topics are once again 

Bioplastic Foams and Bioplastics in Automotive Applications . However, we also 

want to introduce a new feature this year – a series in which we present and 

discuss recent patents in the bioplastics space, preferably, but not necessarily, on 

topics relating to the highlights of the relevant issue. Readers, too, are more than 

welcome to submit their news about patents they have been granted. We look 

forward to hearing about your accomplishments in this area, so let us know! 

The present issue further includes, next to the other highlight topics, an 

update on Green Public Procurement in the Basics section. 

As usual, you’ll also find some of the most recent news items on materials 

and applications from the world of bioplastics. 

Lastly, we’d like to remind you of our conference schedule for 2019, and invite 

you to join us. We start with the first international bio!TOY conference, scheduled 

for March 27 th and 28 th . Raw material suppliers, toy manufacturers and other 

players will meet in Germany’s ‘Toy City’, Nürnberg. Next, at the end of May, we 

are organising the 3 rd bio!PAC conference on biobased packaging in Düsseldorf, 

Germany. And of course, the biggest international trade show for the plastics 

industry – the K show - is rolling around this year in October, in Düsseldorf. 

Once again, we’ll be there, with our, by now traditional, Bioplastics Business 

Breakfast meetings. The call for papers is already open for this event. 

We look forward to seeing you at trade shows such as Chinaplas, at our 

conferences or one of the many other interesting events. 

Until then, please enjoy reading this latest issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE. And don’t 

forget: For current news, be sure to check the latest reports, breaking news and 

daily news updates at www.bioplasticsmagazine.com. Our bi-weekly newsletter 

reaches almost 3000 recipients who have actively opted in to receive it. Maybe a good 

opportunity for your banner advertisement? 

EcoComunicazione.it 

WWW.MATERBI.COM 

adv mela se tore_bioplasticmagazine_11.12_2018_flagEBC_210x297_ese.indd 1 31/10/18 14:10 

r4_11.2018 


ISSN 1862-5258 

Highlights 

Foam | 12 


Basics 


Jan / Feb 


Cover Story 



... is read in 92 countries 

Follow us on twitter! 

www.twitter.com/bioplasticsmag 

Michael Thielen 

Like us on Facebook! 

www.facebook.com/bioplasticsmagazine 

bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/19] Vol. 14 3

Content 

Imprint 

Jan / Feb 01|2019 

Automotive 

14 Lightweighting and use of ocean plastics 

16 LCA-Methodology and tools 

Materials 

18 Enzymatic masterbatch 

32 Low-cost cellulosic sugars for bioplastics production 

Market 

20 New market data 

Applications 

26 PLA solution for soil engineering 

27 Green turf technology for the 

2020 Olympic Games 

28 Bioplastics in the 

electronics sector 

Patents 

30 Bioplastic Patents 

Foam 

34 New infill material for 

artificial turf 

36 PLA foam sheet for tableware 

Cover Story 

37 PHB for food packaging of fruits and vegetables 

Opinion 

42 Are biodegradable plastics a “false solution”? 

3 Editorial 

5 News 

8 Events 

22 Application News 

39 Brand Owner 

40 Basics 

45 10 years ago 

46 Glossary 

50 Suppliers Guide 

53 Event Calendar 

54 Companies in this issue 

Publisher / Editorial 

Dr. Michael Thielen (MT) 

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: 3.600 copies 

bioplastics magazine 

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, 

scanned, photographed and/or stored 

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 Minima Technology Co., 

Ltd., Taiwan, another part is wrapped 

in envelopes sponsored by Taghleef 

Industries, Italy 

Cover 

Thomas_EyeDesign (iStockphoto) 

Follow us on twitter: 

http://twitter.com/bioplasticsmag 

Like us on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/bioplasticsmagazine

daily upated news at 


News 

Total Corbion PLA starts-up its 

75,000 tonnes per year bioplastics plant 

Total Corbion PLA, a 50/50 joint venture between Total and 

Corbion, announced the start-up of its 75,000 tonnes per 

year PLA bioplastics plant in Rayong, Thailand. The plant has 

successfully produced Luminy ® PLA resins. This bioplastic 

provides a valuable contribution towards the circular economy 

being biobased and biodegradable and offering multiple 

environmentally-friendly waste solutions. 

The new facility will 

produce a broad range of 

Luminy PLA resins from 

renewable, non-GMO 

sugarcane sourced locally 

in Thailand: from standard 

PLA to innovative, high heat 

PLA and PDLA with unique 

properties. The products 

will meet customers’ needs 

in a wide range of markets 

notably packaging, consumer 

goods, 3D printing, fibers 

and automotive and are 

specifically optimized for 

extrusion, thermoforming, 

injection molding and fiber 

spinning processes. 

Total Corbion PLA will leverage on the integration with 

its Lactide plant, the monomer required for the production 

of PLA, that has simultaneously been expanded to 

100,000 tonnes per year production capacity. Furthermore, 

the 1,000 tonnes per year PLA pilot plant, which has been 

operational since the end of 2017, is located on the same site 

and will be used for product development. 

The start-up marks a major milestone for both the joint 

venture and the bioplastics market. With this additional 75,000 

tons per year facility, the global production capacity of PLA 

bioplastics will increase by almost 50 %, to 240,000 tonnes per 

year. PLA is a fast-growing polymer market with an estimated 

annual growth rate of 10 % to 15 %. 

“The start-up of this state-of-the-art plant establishes Total 

Corbion PLA as a world-scale PLA bioplastic producer, ideally 

located to serve growing markets from Asia Pacific to Europe 

and the Americas” says Stephane Dion, CEO of the company. 

“The subsequent increase in global PLA capacity will enable 

manufacturers and brand owners to move into the circular 

economy and produce 

biobased products with 

lower carbon footprints and 

multiple end of life options.” 

“I’m very pleased that the 

joint venture has startedup 

the second-largest PLA 

bioplastics plant in the 

world. This achievement is 

fully in line with our strategy, 

to expand in petrochemicals 

and, at the same time, 

innovate in lowcarbon 

solutions. Bioplastics 

are a great complement 

to our more traditional 

petrochemicals products 

to meet the rising demand for polymers while contributing 

towards reducing end-of-life concerns” says Bernard Pinatel, 

President Refining & Chemicals at Total. 

Corbion, that supplies the lactic acid to this fully integrated 

plant, is happy with the news: “The successful start-up of this 

state-of-the-art PLA plant is the result of impressive team 

work by many. This is good news for consumers and producers 

who want to make a conscious choice to improve their carbon 

footprint and make their contribution to a circular economy. 

A world of innovation and business opportunities has opened 

up while contributing to a better world” says Tjerk de Ruiter, 

CEO at Corbion. MT 

www.total-corbion.com 

Picks & clicks 

Most frequently clicked news 

tinyurl.com/news20181205 

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: 

Carbiolice announces official launch of Evanesto (05 December 2018) 

Carbiolice, a French start-up created in 2016, formally announced during a presentation 

at the European Bioplastics Conference (currently) taking place in Berlin, the launch 

of their innovative enzymated masterbatch called Evanesto, which offers a totally 

biodegradable solution for PLA. 


News 

daily upated news at 


Nestlé and Danimer Scientific to develop 

biodegradable water bottle 

Nestlé (Vevey, Switzerland) and Danimer Scientific 

(Bainbridge, Georgia, USA) recently announced a global 

partnership to develop biodegradable bottles. Nestlé and 

Danimer Scientific will collaborate to design and manufacture 

biobased resins for Nestlé’s water business using Danimer 

Scientific’s PHA polymer Nodax. In 2018, the University 

of Georgia confirmed in a study that Nodax is an effective 

biodegradable alternative to petrochemical plastics. PepsiCo, 

an existing partner of Danimer, will also gain access to the 

resins developed under this collaboration. 

In 2018, Nestlé announced its commitment to make 100 % 

of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. To achieve this 

goal, the company has already undertaken several initiatives 

including the creation of the Nestlé Institute of Packaging 

Sciences. This institute is dedicated to the discovery and 

development of functional, safe and environmentally 

friendly packaging solutions including functional paper and 

biodegradable materials. 

Stefan Palzer, Chief Technology Officer for Nestlé said, 

“Strategic innovation partnerships play a key role for Nestlé 

as we make progress 

in improving 

Generic photo of a Nestlé PET bottle 

the sustainability 

of our packaging. 

In order to effectively 

address the 

plastic issue in 

various markets, 

we need a wide 

range of technological 

solutions, 

including new paper materials and biodegradable polymers 

which can also be recycled.” 

Maurizio Patarnello, CEO of Nestlé Waters said, “Nestlé 

Waters is committed to addressing the growing global plastic 

waste packaging issue. A biodegradable bottle, which is also 

recyclable, can help improve the environmental impact of 

our business in countries without collection and recycling 

systems.” MT 

www.nestle.com | www.danimerscientific.com 

Sulapac welcomes 

Chanel as an investor 

Finland-based Sulapac, announced that it has successfully 

attracted its first investor from the cosmetics industry. Sulapac 

products use a biodegradable and microplastic-free material 

made of FSC-certified wood chips and natural binders. They 

have all the benefits of plastic, yet they biodegrade completely 

and leave no microplastics behind. 

The French luxury house Chanel joins previous investors, 

including Lifeline Ventures, Ardent Venture, Eerik Paasikivi, 

Ilkka Herlin and Saara Kankaanrinta, Planvest, and Mika 

Ihamuotila, with its decision to support Sulapac’s ambition to 

provide a sustainable alternative to the use of conventional 

plastics in plastic products and packaging. The amount of the 

investment was not disclosed. 

The company is pleased with the support of Chanel, which 

it describes as a ‘leading brand representing the most 

demanding luxury segment’. 

“Chanel is definitely one of the forerunners in the luxury 

segment as they want to invest on latest sustainable material 

and technology innovations. Our mission to save this world 

from the plastic waste just became a big step closer,” said 

Suvi Haimi, CEO and co-founder of Sulapac. 

In July 2018, Sulapac also received the Horizon 2020 SME 

instrument grant from the European Union. Additional funding 

was provided by Business Finland, and A-round funding is 

planned for 2019. 

www.sulapac.com 

Production of PHA 

bioplastics in Spain 

Bio-on (Bologna (Italy) and Sociedad Cooperativa 

General Agropecuaria, a Castilian-Leon cooperative 

which produces and markets sugar, food oils, biodiesel, 

various products for food animal and renewable electric 

energy, have signed an agreement to begin a technical 

collaboration, the first in Spain, to study and evaluate 

the opportunity to exploit at industrial scale the Bio-on 

technologies for the production of PHA bioplastics from 

sugar beets processing co- and by-products. 

The two companies will start working together to 

implement a dedicated and tailored feasibility study for 

the realization of a PHA industrial plant in Spain, in the 

factory of ACOR located in the town of Olmedo at Km 

153, the selection of this specific production site will 

guarantee the bioplastic project to benefit from synergies, 

interconnections and common services with the sugar 

factory, but without interfering with the latter's production, 

and specific production capacity will be decided during the 

project implementation accordingly. 

"We are satisfied to start this important journey – 

declares J. Carlos Rico Mateo, President of ACOR – that 

put in its centre the valorization of our sugar beets as 

raw materials of an innovative green process without 

interfering with the sugar production." 

www.bio-on.it 

6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/19] Vol. 14

News 

BASF pulls out of Synvina 

BASF has notified Avantium of its exit from their Synvina joint venture, effective 15 January 2019. Avantium continues to disagree 

with BASF’s interpretation of the joint venture agreement. Avantium and BASF are still discussing the terms and conditions of an exit. 

Upon an exit of BASF, Avantium will acquire BASF’s equity interest in the joint venture and Synvina will continue its operations 

as a fully Avantium-owned company. In addition, the YXY technology, know-how and people will revert to Avantium. This will 

allow Avantium to pursue alternative routes for commercializing the technology. 

Synvina was formed in 2016 to commercialize the YXY technology developed by Avantium. The YXY technology catalytically 

converts plant-based sugar into FDCA and plastics, such as the new polymer polyethylenefuranoate (PEF). The intent of the 

parties was to build the first commercial-scale plant for FDCA, the main building block for PEF, in Antwerp, Belgium. 

“We remain fully confident in our YXY technology and the unique properties of PEF, confirmed by high market interest and 

existing Synvina partnerships. We look forward to building on the work undertaken within Synvina and being free to pursue 

further options to reach the full potential of PEF,” said Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer of Avantium. MT 

www.avantium.com 

Researchers at Tel Aviv University produce 

PHA with the help of algae 

A new Tel Aviv University study describes a process to 

make bioplastic polymers that require neither land or fresh 

water — resources that are scarce in much of the world. 

The polymer is derived from microorganisms that feed on 

seaweed. 

The invention was the fruit of a multidisciplinary 

collaboration between Dr. Alexander Golberg of TAU's 

Porter School of Environmental and Earth Sciences and 

Prof. Michael Gozin of TAU's School of Chemistry. Their 

research was recently published in the journal Bioresource 

Technology. 

"Plastics take hundreds of years to decay. So, bottles, 

packaging and bags 

create plastic continents 

in the oceans, endanger 

animals and pollute the 

environment," says Dr. 

Golberg. "Plastic is also 

produced from petroleum 

products, which has 

an industrial process 

that releases chemical 

contaminants as a byproduct." 

Are renewablysourced 

plastics the 

solution? 

“To grow the plants or 

the bacteria to make the plastic requires fertile soil and 

fresh water, which many countries, including Israel, don't 

have. Our new process produces plastic from marine 

microorganisms that completely recycle into organic waste," 

Golberg explained. 

The researchers harnessed microorganisms that feed 

on seaweed to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). It is 

biodegradable, produces zero toxic waste and recycles into 

organic waste. 

"Our raw material was multicellular seaweed, cultivated 

in the sea," Dr. Golberg says. "These algae were eaten by 

single-celled microorganisms, which also grow in very salty 

water and produce a polymer that can be used to make 

bioplastic.” 

He continued: "There are already factories that produce 

this type of bioplastic in commercial quantities, but they use 

plants that require agricultural land and fresh water. The 

process we propose will enable 

countries with a shortage of 

fresh water, such as Israel, 

China and India, to switch from 

petroleum-derived plastics to 

biodegradable plastics." 

"We are now conducting 

basic research to find the best 

bacteria and algae that would 

be most suitable for producing 

polymers for bioplastics 

with different properties," he 

concluded. 

The research was partially 

funded by the TAU-Triangle 

Regional R&D Center in Kfar 

Kara under the academic auspices of Tel Aviv University, and 

by the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructures. 

bit.ly/2BEDZQ9 


Events 

bioplastics MAGAZINE 

presents 

The first bio!TOY conference on toys made from biobased 

plastics in Nuremberg, Germany, organised by bioplastics 

MAGAZINE and narocon is the must-attend conference 

for everyone interested in toys responsibly made from 

renewable resources. The conference offers high class 

presentations from top individuals from raw material 

providers as well as from toy brand owners already using 

biobased plastics. The unique event also offers excellent 

networking opportunities along with a table top exhibition. 

Please find below the preliminary programme. Find more 

details and register at the conference website. 

www.bio-toy.info 

Why bio!TOY:Conference on toys made from biobased plastics 

Plastics are THE most widely used materials for toys and many products for leisure. Plastics still rank ahead of wood, cardboard 

and textiles (including plush), which ultimately also very often consist of synthetic fibres. Plastics for toys should therefore be 

as healthy and sustainable as possible - because our children play every day. The first responsible manufacturers of plastic 

toys are therefore switching to plastics made from bio-based materials, which are made from renewable raw materials. 

The burning questions in this respect are: How to create and accelerate this change? How to secure the goals and claims? 

That’s why bioplastics MAGAZINE together with narocon (Harald Kaeb) and supported by the German Toy Manfacturer Association 

DVSI and the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture are now inviting businesses and media to the first bio!TOY 

conference. 

More than 20 presentations with focus on suitable materials, application examples and user experiences. In addition experts 

will give background information on regulations, policy and funding opportunities. The conference will be accompanied by a 

table-top exhibition of business and technology leaders. 

The preliminary programme below will constantly be amended and updated on the website. 

Preliminary Programme - bio!PAC: Conference on Biobased Packaging 

Harald Kaeb, narocon 

Ulrich Brobeil, DVSI 

Asta Partanen, nova Institute 

Gabriele Peterek, FNR 

Kathrin Birkmann, TÜV Rheinland 

Oliver Ehlert, Din Certco 

Patrick Zimmermann, FKuR 

Marco Jansen, Braskem 

Helmut Nägele, Tecnaro 

Thomas Köppl, Hexpol TPE 

Mark Remmert, Greendot Bioplastics 

Maria Costa & Clara Blasco, AIJU 

Nelleke van der Puil, Lego 

Friedrich Stefan, Bioblo 

Stephanie Triau, Bioseries 

Beatrice Radaelli, eKoala 

Transition to a circular and sustainable EU plastic industry 

Biobased Materials: a strategic arena for an association 

Biobased plastics, biodegradable plastics and biocomposites for toys 

Funding Opportunities 

Safety of Toys 

Testing and Certification of Bioplastics 

Play with plastics – Nature as guideline 

Green PE, the biobased plastic toy solution 

Raw material shift in the plastics industry – Children’s toys made from 

ARBOFORM ® , ARBOBLEND ® and ARBOFILL ® 

A material journey to green toys 

biobased materials for tyos in the USA 

Consumer attitudes and toy trends for Eco-babies and 

Lego on its way to sustainable toys 

Bioblo building blocks: balancing profitability and sustainability 

Down to earth, biobased toys : building the promise of a better tomorrow 

Bio-toys... With eKoala it's child's play! 

(subject to changes, visit www.bio-toy.info for updates) 


Events 

Innovation Consulting Harald Kaeb 

bioplastics MAGAZINE presents a first of its kind: 

27-28 Mar 2019 

Nuremberg 

• More than 20 presentations with a focus on suitable materials and user experiences 

• Background information on regulation / policy, and funding opportunities in EU 

• Focused table-top exhibits from business and technology leaders 

• Opportunity to interact and promote business development through dialog 

• Media and PR programme to get your message out 

• For updated information and opportunities on programme, exhibiting, sponsoring, etc. visit 

the website or contact mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

“The biobased plastics industry 

can supply polymers 

and compounds that offer 

functionality and sustainability 

benefits, such as low CO 2 

emissions. Applications will 

represent what the #New- 

PlasticsEconomy is all about: 

Circular, safe products made 

from renewable resources. To maintain a great 

quality of life for our children.” 

Dr. Harald Kaeb, expert for biobased chemistry, 

founder of narocon InnovationConsulting 

“The toy industry is looking for 

more sustainable materials for 

the manufacture of its products 

and packaging. We are exploring 

the opportunities that novel, 

biobased plastics can offer. The 

conference will help our members 

to learn, create visions and 

goals, and establish collaboration 

along the value chain.” 

Ulrich Brobeil, Managing Director, German Toy 

Maker Association 

Gold Sponsor 

Coorganized by 

supported by 

With support from 

by decision of the 

German Bundestag 

Silver Sponsor 

Media Partner 

1 st Media Partner 

#bio-toy 

www.bio-toy.info

Events 

bioplastics MAGAZINE presents: 

The third bio!PAC conference on biobased packaging in Düsseldorf, Germany, 

organised by bioplastics MAGAZINE together with Green Serendipity, is the mustattend 

conference for anyone interested in sustainable packaging made from 

renewably-sourced materials. The 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. 

The preliminary programme of the conference is provided below. Please visit 

our conference website for full details and information about registration. 

www.bio-pac.info 

bio PAC 

biobased packaging 

conference 

28-29 may 2019 

maritim düsseldorf 

bio!PAC: Conference on Biobased Packaging 

This third edition of bio!PAC will be held at the Maritim Airport Hotel in Düsseldorf, Germany. The venue, within walking 

distance to the gates, is conveniently placed to welcome international visitors as well as more closely located attendees. 

bioplastics MAGAZINE is hosting this year’s bio!PAC conference on May 28-29 in collaboration with Green Serendipity. Delegates 

can look forward to a programme of interesting presentations from experts in the field as well as ample opportunity to benefit 

from an unrivalled networking experience. Unlike the breakfast meeting during the last interpack trade show, the conference 

this year will also feature a Table Top Exhibition. Please contact us to reserve your exhibit space. In addition, we offer an 

extensive range of sponsorship opportunities to boost your company’s profile. 

The preliminary programme below will be updated on a regular basis on the website. 

Preliminary Programme 

Martin Bussmann 

Steven Ijjzerman 

Patrick Zimmermann 

Albertro Castellanza 

Caroli Buitenhuis 

Patrick Gerritsen 

Marco Jansen 

Julian Schmeling 

Emanuela Bardi 

Diego Torresan 

Lucy Cowton 

Marcea van Doorn 

Dirk Wens 

Remy Jongboom 

BASF 

Ecoplaza 

FKuR 

Novamont 

Green Serendipity 

Bio4pack 

Braskem 

Mitsubishi Chemical 

Taghleef Industries 

Bio-on 

Futamura 

Bunzl 

Belgian Biopackaging 

Biotec 

(The other presentations are confirmed, Speaker and title however were not fixed yet. Subject to changes, visit www.bio-pac.info for updates) 

bio!PAC 2017 


Automotive Events 

bioplastics MAGAZINE presents: 

bio PAC 

Conference on Biobased Packaging 

28 - 29 May 2019 - Düsseldorf, Germany 

Biobased packaging 

» can be recyclable and/or compostable 

» fits into the circular economy of the future 

» is made from renewable resources or waste streams 

» can offer environmental benefits in the end-of-life phase 

» can offer innovative features and beneficial barrier properties 

» can help to reduce the depletion of finite fossil resources and CO 2 

emissions 

That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE (in cooperation with Green Serendipity) is now 

organizing the third edition of 

bio PAC 

The 2 day-conference will be held on the 

28 th and 29 th of May 2019 in Düssseldorf, Germany 

Gold Sponsor 

Early Bird Discount 

Silver Sponsors 

Save 15% on regular prices 

before February 28, 2019 

supported by 

Coorganized by 

1 st Media Partner 

Media Partner 

#bio-pac 

www.bio-pac.info

Events 

13 th European Bioplastics 

Conference 

Record attendance and innovative solutions presented in Berlin 

Chairman François de Bie opening the 

13 th European Bioplastics Conference 

T 

he 13 th European Bioplastics Conference, 

which took place on the 4 th and 5 th of December 

2018 in Berlin, Germany, put bioplastics 

in the spotlight for over 400 senior executives from 

across the bioplastics value chain, including brands, 

policy makers, academia, and NGOs, by meeting the 

demand for more sustainable, resource-efficient, and 

functional solutions. The sold-out event once again 

confirmed its status as the leading business and networking 

platform in driving the growth and innovation 

of the global bioplastics industry. 

In his opening speech, François de Bie, Chairman 

of European Bioplastics (EUBP) highlighted some of 

the major achievements of the bioplastics industry 

in the past year: “The joint efforts of the European 

Member States and the European institutions to 

create a circular plastics economy has sparked 

increased innovative activities within the bioplastics 

community. The intense debate about the future of 

plastics in general has created many opportunities 

for bioplastics to facilitate the transition to a circular 

economy. Environmental assessments, rethinking 

product design, sound and diverse end of life solutions 

– bioplastics are more than simple substitution, they 

provide creative, evolving influence at different steps 

of the value chain. Our bioplastics industry is well 

positioned to offer additional end of life options that 

help reduce litter and CO 2 

emissions.” 

Michiel De Smet from the European Commission’s 

Directorate-General for Research and Innovation 

opened the conference programme discussing 

policy-making and innovation towards a circular 

economy in Europe, including the role of biobased 

feedstock for plastic production. “The EU initiatives of 

the past years aim to promote the circular economy 

through innovation and to rethink the current plastics 

system to harness its benefits while overcoming its 

drawbacks, such as marine pollution. In connection 

with the updated Bioeconomy Strategy and the UN 

Sustainable Development Goals, the EU is supporting 

the transition from fossil feedstock towards renewable 

alternatives”. Adding to this, Philippe Mengal from the 

Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) said 

“bioplastics are a priority for the BBI JU. 30 % of our 

projects relate directly or indirectly to bioplastics“. 

Are there any tools in future that might help drive 

and evaluate sustainability other than life cycle 

assessment (LCA)? This question was the starting 

point for a panel with the experts Rana Pant (European 

Commission’s Joint Research Center, JRC), Meadhbh 

Bolger (Friends of the Earth Europe), Nikolay Minkov 


Automotive 

COMPEO 

(Technische Universität Berlin), and Annamari 

Enström (Neste Corporation). The discussion 

elaborated on the current limitations of LCA as a tool 

to compare biobased and fossil-based plastics. Rana 

Pant presented the on-going JRC project that develops 

a methodology to be used for a comparative LCA of ten 

selected plastic products, which might finally create 

a level-playing field for sustainability comparisons of 

fossil-and biobased plastics, but also recycled and 

CO 2 

-based plastics. 

The recent policy developments have also 

drawn attention to biodegradability in the marine 

environment. Miriam Weber from HYDRA Marine 

Sciences gave an overview of the currently available 

test results and standards of biodegradability under 

marine conditions and which gaps should be filled. 

“We need a reliable framework for an environmentally 

relevant test schemes, to prove and control the claim 

of ‘biodegradability in the marine environment’. This 

test scheme is an instrument, but it should be the 

society deciding if and how marine biodegradability 

should be supported.” 

Another highly anticipated session was the 

presentation of the 2018 market data shared by 

Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP: “The 

global production capacities of bioplastics are set to 

grow by 25 % in the next five years”, said von Pogrell 

(see p. 20 for more details). Manufacturers confirmed 

this development with the announcement of new 

products and services. Carbiolice took the stage 

to officially launch Evanesto, a unique enzymatic 

technology that could make PLA home compostable 

(see p. 18 for more details). NatureWorks presented 

on how their Ingeo biopolymers support the energy 

efficiency of electrical appliances (cf. bM 06/2018). 

Also, Organic Waste Systems (OWS), which celebrated 

its 30 th anniversary at the conference, gave an update 

on the EU standard for home compostable carrier 

bags. 

420 participants from 255 companies and 45 

countries worldwide attended the European Bioplastics 

Conference, connecting and catching up on the latest 

developments and trends in the bioplastics industry. 

41 companies showcased a diversity of the new 

products, materials, and applications at the exhibition. 

European Bioplastics extends a special thank you to 

the sponsors of this year’s conference: BASF, OWS, 

Total Corbion PLA, BIOTEC, NatureWorks, Futerro, 

PTTMCC, Sulzer and TechnipFMC, for their support.MT 

www.european-bioplastics.org 

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 

Leading compounding technology 

for heat- and shear-sensitive plastics 


Automotive 

Lightweighting 

and use 

of ocean 

plastics 

Bcomp enables 40 % lighter 

automotive interiors and upcycling 

of ocean plastic 

for automotive 

interior parts 

With an ongoing revolution 

towards cleaner 

mobility, losing weight 

is a top priority for the mobility 

sector as requirements on 

fuel economy become increasingly 

stringent – in automotive, a 

weight reduction of 10 % can lead to an 8 % improvement in 

fuel economy. 

In response, Swiss high-tech firm Bcomp Ltd. from 

Fibourg has developed a solution that cuts up to 40 % 

weight in automotive interior parts, while improving both eco 

footprint and cost- and production efficiency. The innovation 

was awarded Future of Composites in Transportation 2018 

Innovation Award by JEC in 2018. 

The proprietary powerRibs reinforcement solution is 

inspired by the thin veins found in leaves. It optimises the 

combination of the natural fibres’ mechanical properties and 

geometrical properties for maximum stiffness to weight. 

The reinforcement is applied to the customer’s preferred 

base material – typically NFPP fleece for automotive - and 

significantly reduces the amount of base material needed. 

To ensure properties for industrial implementation in 

existing high-speed production lines, a manufacturing 

technology was developed together with the leading tooling 

manufacturer Persico. The process is highly efficient with 

one-step back-injection, that compression molds powerRibs 

with a base non-woven material of choice, as well as 

including decorative layers on the A-side, attachment points 

and punching in the same step. To complete the solution, 

Bcomp also offers the ampliTex technical fabrics that gives 

additional stiffness and can be used as a visual layer. 

This means that the highly engineered preform can be 

seamlessly integrated in large-scale production lines to 

produce plug and play lightweight and strong interiors 

for tomorrow’s automobiles, while at the same time 

powerRibs were used to reinforce 

interior parts and thus enabled 

the use of recycled 

ocean plastic in 

recycled plastics 

demonstrator 

vehicle 

Volvo XC60 

Example of finished 

interior panel 

decreasing the eco 

footprint. Furthermore, 

the company’s team 

of experienced 

engineers work closely 

with the customer 

throughout the process, 

from calculations and 

optimisation to actual implementation. 

For OEMs, the enhanced properties allow using less 

material – dematerialisation – and thus reducing weight 

by up to 40 % for interior parts, thus directly impacting fuel 

consumption. The eco footprint is further improved as the 

natural fibres are a renewable resource, CO 2 

neutral over 

their life cycle and can be ground down into a new base 

material or incinerated for heat at end-of-life. powerRibs 

also significantly increases impact resistance and reduces 

shattering which can improve safety. 

As the automotive OEM’s are racing for technology 

leadership in a world that is increasingly concerned about 

the environment and where every kilo of reduced weight has 

a value on it, powerRibs shows how it is viable to use highly 

engineered natural fibre solutions to answer some of these 

questions without having to compromise. 

Bcomp is a Swiss high-tech firm specialised in sustainable 

lightweighting solutions for high performance applications. 

From extreme sports and top-level motorsports to automotive 

and aerospace, the unique approach of applying the latest 

lightweighting and composites knowledge to natural fibres 

have resulted in leading customers and ongoing development 

projects, not least within the framework of the European 

Space Agency’s Clean Space program where the aim is to 

reduce the environmental impact of space exploration. The 

work has also resulted in numerous awards such as JEC 

Innovation Awards, Most Innovative Motorsports Product of 

the Year, and ISPO awards. 

Upcycling of ocean plastic 

One special example is Volvo Cars. Last June, when Volvo 

Cars released the recycled plastics demonstrator XC60 


Automotive 

powerRibs and ampliTex are made from 100% natural fibres 

vehicle, Bcomp’s natural fibre reinforcement technology 

powerRibs was combined with ocean plastic. The use of 

this composite material in this case cuts up to 50 % weight 

compared to standard parts. 

As Volvo Cars declared its ambition that from 2025, at 

least 25 % of plastics in new Volvo cars will be made 

from recycled material, a specially 

built XC60 T8 was launched 

to showcase new, more 

sustainable technologies 

during the Ocean Summit 

at the Volvo Ocean Race 

stopover in Gothenburg, 

Sweden. 

Ocean plastic, i.e. plastic 

waste in oceans e.g. plastic 

bags, fishing nets, is a 

major environmental hazard. 

However, the degraded 

properties of recycled ocean 

plastic only allow for very 

limited applications within the 

automotive industry, where it can 

Example of 

finished interior panel 

be used to decrease the amount of primary plastics. Thanks 

to Bcomp’s powerRibs reinforcement technology, ocean 

plastic properties can be boosted using natural fibres. 

A Volvo Cars spokesperson: “We’re very grateful for the 

support of Bcomp in the production of 

our recycled plastics demonstrator 

XC60 vehicle. As we start to deliver 

on our 2025 vision, sustainable 

material and technology like 

powerRibs, will be essential in 

both replacing primary plastics 

and reducing weight at the 

same time.” 

Dr Per Mårtensson, CSO 

Bcomp: “We are excited to 

collaborate with Volvo Cars 

to enable the upcycling of 

ocean plastic through the 

use of high tech, renewable 

powerRibs. The project is 

closely aligned with our vision 

to provide high performance, sustainable 

solutions for lightweighting.” MT 

www.bcomp.ch 

Magnetic 

for Plastics 

www.plasticker.com 

• International Trade 

in Raw Materials, Machinery & Products Free of Charge. 

• Daily News 

from the Industrial Sector and the Plastics Markets. 

• Current Market Prices 

for Plastics. 

• Buyer’s Guide 

for Plastics & Additives, Machinery & Equipment, Subcontractors 

and Services. 

• Job Market 

for Specialists and Executive Staff in the Plastics Industry. 

Up-to-date • Fast • Professional 


Automotive 

LCA - Methodology and tools 

BioMat_LCA - Integration of environmental indicators of biobased 

materials in the industrial planning and design process 

E 

nvironmental indicators and their interpretation are 

becoming increasingly important in many sectors of 

the economy, including plastics. In this context, the 

interdisciplinary research project BioMat_LCA aims to develop 

application-specific and robust environmental indicators 

based on environmental impact categories like Climate 

Change, Acidification or Land Use for biobased as well as 

conventional plastics. These indicators can then be integrated 

as early as possible in the industrial design process. 

Thus, the environmental performance shall be considered 

to facilitate a proper material selection already at the product 

design phase. 

Main objective and core concept of the BioMat_LCA 

project is to guide the designer/engineer through the 

whole construction process by considering environmental 

criteria. The aim is to find the most environmentally sound 

solution, including not only a material property specific 

ranking but also a component production specific ranking. 

The design of the necessary tools and database therefore 

are discussed in close cooperation with the representatives 

from the industry. 

The core concept of the Biomat_LCA project is illustrated 

in Figure 1 and 2. 

An important step towards a sustainable material 

selection in the design and the construction process is 

the standardized collection and processing of Life Cycle 

Assessment (LCA) data. Within the project, productspecific 

category rules (PCR) for biobased polymers and 

natural fibres are established to define the set of rules, 

requirements and guidelines for conducting LCAs of such 

products. Thus, uniform and transparent life cycle inventory 

data are generated thereby supporting existing generic data 

(see Figure 2). 

One of the main problems addressed in the project is 

dealing with a thorough documentation of the relevant steps 

in the production chain of biobased polymers and natural 

fibres, including a critical analysis of these production 

chains. The inventory data collected according to the PCR, in 

combination with the developed process visualisation of the 

complete product chains, is used to build LCA models for 

biobased polymers and natural fibres, thereby generating 

reliable data for the selected environmental indicators. The 

LCA data are then combined with material and production 

data to allow the integration of environmental aspects as 

early as possible in the industrial design process. 

Another critical aspect addressed by this project is to 

understand where in the design/construction process of an 

automotive component, the integration of environmental 

indicators is most applicable. The consortium is working 

closely together with the industry to gather this information. 

Once the required tools as well as the approach to integrate 

them seamlessly in the construction process are defined, 

the proposed process will be validated. 

As a validation step, the findings and developed methods 

are tested on a real injection-moulded component and 

corresponding comparative analyses are carried out. 

General industrial design processes are considered for 

this project along with the development of sector-specific 

scenarios for the automotive industry. MT 

In memory of Theo Besgen, the authors would like to 

thank the former project partner, CEO of BeoPlast for the 

good cooperation 

www.ford.de | bionik.fk5.hs-bremen.de/ | www.ifbb-hannover.de 

www.lyondellbasell.com | www.m-base.de | www.see.tu-berlin.de 

Material specific 

Component specific 

A 

B 

C 

kg CO 2 / kg 

kg CO 2 /kg Ranking 

Ranking 

0.2 4 1. A 0.4 4 3. 

0.9 1 2. 

0.4 3 3. 

B 

C 

0.9 1 1. 

0.5 3 2. 

Values (mass related) 

Values (production specific) 

B 

mm 

A 

1 

2 

C 

Parameter setting 

Database 

& 

tools 

Production 

LCA 

+ benefit 

+ EoL 

Fig. 1: Illustration of the approach of the Biomat_LCA project. In the example above, 

the environmental indicator CO 2 

/kg (emissions of CO 2 

per kg of an injection-moulded 

component) is considered not only as a material property specific ranking but also as 

a component specific ranking after accounting the production specifics. Depending on 

the kind of ranking the best solution could be a biobased polymer (B), a natural fibrereinforced 

polymer (C) or a petro chemical based one (A). 


Automotive 

Fig. 2: Illustration of the approach adopted to standardized 

collection and processing of LCA data 

+ 

+ Internat. standards 

+ Harmonisation 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

+ 

LCAs PCR Database 

+ 

& 

tools 

The partners in this project (01 Feb 2017 – 31 Jan 2020), which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture 

(BMEL) through the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR), are Ford Motor Company (Cologne, Germany), Biomimetics- 

Innovation-Centre of Bremen University of Applied Sciences (Bremen, Germany), IfBB – Institute for Bioplastics und Biocomposites, 

Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Hannover, Germany) LyondellBasell (Wesseling, Germany), M-Base 

(Aachen, Germany), Sustainable Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin (Berlin, Germany) and Beoplast (Langenfeld, Germany) 

More information on the project can be found at: https://www.ifbb-hannover.de/de/forschungsprojekt/biomat_lca.html 

www.co2-chemistry.eu 

Leading Event on 

Carbon Capture and Utilisation 

20–21 March 2019, Maternushaus Cologne (Germany) 

Innovation Award Sponsor 

Conference highlights and main topics 

Gold Sponsor 

Premium Partner 

• CO 2 

for Chemistry and Polymers 

• CO 2 

for Fuels 

• CO 2 

for Mineralisation 

• Hydrogen Production / 

Carbon Capture / 

Artificial Photosynthesis 

• Sustainability & Climate Change 

Mitigation Potential 

• Visions / Strategy / 

Political Framework 

www.co2-chemistry.eu 

Apply for the 

Innovation 

Award 

“Best CO 2 

Utilisation 

2019”! 

Newsticker on 

Carbon Capture and Utilisation! 

Free access: 

www.co2-chemistry.eu/news 

Dominik Vogt 

Conference Manager 

+49 (0)2233 4814-49 

dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de 

Venue 

Maternushaus 

Kardinal-Frings-Str. 1 

50668 Cologne 

www.maternushaus.de 

Organiser 

nova-Institut GmbH 

Chemiepark Knapsack 

Industriestraße 300 

50354 Hürth, Germany 


Materials 

By: 

Marilys Mazères 

Communications Officer 

Carbiolice 

Riom, France 

Enzymatic masterbatch to 

C 

arbiolice took the stage last December at the European 

Bioplastics Conference in Berlin to launch its 

innovative and unique enzymated Evanesto ® masterbatch 

– an additive that enables PLA to biodegrade under typical 

home composting conditions. 

Carbiolice is a French company created in 2016 that 

is specialized in the development and production of 

biodegradable and compostable bioplastics designed to 

redefine the life cycle of single-use plastics and to move 

towards zero waste. 

Carbiolice is firmly convinced that bioplastics can serve 

the interests of humanity while respecting the planet. “We 

rely on plastics for protecting food and medicines, preventing 

food waste and, by using biobased plastics, can reduce our 

dependency on crude oil. So, there is no need for an outright 

ban on plastics, as long as their end-of-life is efficiently 

managed” said Sophie Macedo, Business & Alliances Director 

of Carbiolice. 

The company has successfully created an innovative, unique 

and universal green solution for plastics based on PLA. 

Combining its expertise in compounding, formulation and 

process development with the enzyme technology developed 

by Carbios, its main shareholder, Carbiolice has shown that 

home composting can become a viable end-of-life option for 

PLA. 

Used as a masterbatch, Evanesto, the company’s powerful 

new enzymatic additive, will make PLA polymer compostable 

under domestic conditions. It will ensure a responsible end of 

life for single-use plastic based on PLA and PLA derivatives 

while helping to achieve the goal of zero waste. 

PLA: a valuable biopolymer 

As a fully biobased and biodegradable polymer produced 

from renewable raw materials (sugar or starch), PLA is 

one of the first renewable polymers able to compete with 

conventional polymers in terms of performance. It is also 

factor three less carbon intensive. 

According to nova-Institute (Hürth,Germany), driven by 

strong demand, PLA production will double by 2023; growth 

that will be fueled by the rising use of PLA in packaging 

applications. 

Even if PLA offers very good properties for rigid applications, 

its biodegradability is limited to industrial composting. 

That’s why Carbiolice has developed an enzymatic additive 

enabling PLA to biodegrade under home composting 

conditions, conditions, even for PLA contents of more than 

30% in the relevant product. Successfull tests are still in 

progress for thicker films made with more than 90 % of PLA. 

Marketed under the brand name Evanesto, the new additive, 

will be the key enabler for designing PLA-based products with 

a responsible end-of-life solution that is built in. 

How does Evanesto work? 

Carbiolice has expanded on, optimized and industrialized 

the enzyme technology by Carbios, devising both the process 

to introduce the enzyme in an extruder and the formulation to 

protect its activity at high temperature. 

“The masterbatch, in a concentration of less than 5 %, 

is added to a compound with a high content of PLA during 

conventional converting processes like film extrusion, 

Thin blown Films: 15 µm 

TO – 30 % PLA + 5 % MB 

182 days – 30 % PLA + 5 % MB 

Biodegradation (%) 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 

Time (days) 

Cellulose = OWS ref 

Cellulose YCH002 184 YCH002 185 YCH002 186 


Materials 

make PLA home compostable 

thermoforming, injection molding. It accelerates the natural 

PLA biodegradation process, making it suitable for home 

composting.” explained Clémentine Arnault R&D Manager at 

Carbiolice. 

A combination of conditions is necessary to activate the 

enzyme: an optimal pH, a temperature around 28 °C and 

enough humidity. This combination of parameters mimics the 

conditions of a domestic composter. Thanks to the enzyme, 

PLA becomes compostable at ambient temperature and will 

biodegrade in less than six months at home as required by 

the standards for home composting (e.g. French standard 

NF T51-800). 

Initial tests carried out by independent laboratory OWS on 

thin films containing 30 % of PLA and 5 % of Evanesto, and 

the rest being other and biodegradable biobased polyesters, 

such as biobased PBAT, TPS…) have shown that complete 

disintegration is achieved within a time frame of 182 days (6 

months) under home composting conditions. 

Tests on thicker films obtained by calandering and 

thermoforming are still ongoing, but the initial results are 

very positive. 

Market adoption 

Carbiolice plans to work on the scale-up in 2019 and look for 

strong partnerships in 2020 for the commercial deployment of 

the product in food and non-food applications. 

“These successful results make us confident that we can 

address several markets and applications where plastics are 

of concerns such as foodservice, tableware, coffee capsules, 

trays, retail bags … and so more applications!” said Sophie 

Macedo. 

Carbiolice will continue to demonstrate the benefits of 

Evanesto in broader applications, and is looking for strong 

collaborations with partners to expand its use and to make 

the technology available. 

Plastic waste challenge 

There is no unique solution to address the major problem of 

plastic waste. Carbiolice is convinced that home compostable 

plastics are one of the solutions to facilitate the transition to 

a circular plastics economy. Starting from the principle that 

what has come from nature returns to nature, Carbiolice is 

opening the door for single-use plastics such as tableware, 

coffee caps, packaging… to be organically recycled together 

with food waste. 

Because 30 % of our global waste is biowaste, developing 

home composting will significantly reduce volumes of 

consumer waste. 

Initiatives are being put into place around collective 

composting systems in order to raise consumer awareness of 

the need to sort and reduce the quantity of waste we produce. 

Carbiolice promotes and fully supports these initiatives. 

Thanks to the increase in the use of PLA and the ease 

of treatment both industrial and home composting, the 

whole value chain would be able to structure itself. As PLA 

use expands and with the availability of responsible endof-life 

options such as industrial and home composting, a 

sustainable, biobased value chain can be structured in which 

Carbiolice aims to become a key actor. 

www.carbiolice.com 

30,0 % 

% PLA Depolymerization at 28°C 

25,0 % 

20,0 % 

15,0 % 

10,0 % 

5,0 % 

0,0 % 

0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 

Time (days) 

YCH002 184 YCH002 185 YCH002 186 


Market 

New market data 

The positive trend for the bioplastics industry remains stable 

Global production capacities of 

bioplastics 


bioplastics in 2018 (by region) 


bioplastics in 2023 (by region) 

T 

he results of the European Bioplastics’ annual 

market data update, presented at the 13 th 

European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin in early 

December 2018, confirm a stable growth of the global 

bioplastics industry. “The global market for bioplastics is 

predicted to grow by roughly 25 % over the next five years“, 

said Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European 

Bioplastics. “This trend is possible thanks to the increasing 

demand for sustainable products by both consumers and 

brands alike, stronger policy support for the bioeconomy, 

and the continuous efforts of the bioplastics industry to 

develop innovative materials with improved properties and 

new functionalities.” 

The global bioplastics production capacity is set to 

increase from around 2.1 million tonnes in 2018 to 

2.6 million tonnes in 2023. Innovative biopolymers such as 

PLA (polylactic acid) and PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) 

are driving this growth. PHAs are an important polymer 

family that has been in development for a while and that 

is entering the market at a larger commercial scale, with 

production capacities set to quadruple in the next five 

years. These polyesters are biobased, biodegradable, and 

feature a wide array of physical and mechanical properties. 

Production capacities of PLA are set to double by 2023. PLA 

is a very versatile material that features excellent barrier 

properties. High-performance PLA grades are an ideal 

replacement for several conventional fossil-based plastics 

such as PS (polystyrene) and PP (polypropylene). 

Biobased, non-biodegradable plastics, including the 

drop-in solutions biobased PE (polyethylene) and biobased 

PET (polyethylene terephthalate), as well as biobased PA 

(polyamides), currently make up for around 50 % (1 million 

tonnes) of the global bioplastics production capacities. 

The production of biobased PE is predicted to continue 

to grow as new capacities are planned to come on line 

in Europe in the coming years. Intentions to increase 

production capacities for biobased PET, however, have 

not been realised at the rate predicted in previous years. 

Instead, the focus has shifted to the development of PEF 

(polyethylene furanoate), a new polymer that is expected 

to enter the market in 2023. PEF is comparable to PET, 

but is fully biobased and furthermore features superior 

barrier and thermal properties, making it an ideal material 

for beverage bottles. In 2023, biobased polypropylene is 

expected to enter the market at commercial scale with a 

strong growth potential. 

Packaging remains the largest field of application for 

bioplastics with almost 65 % (1.2 million tonnes) of the 

total bioplastics market in 2018. The data also confirms 

that bioplastics materials are already being used in many 

other sectors, including textiles, consumer goods and 

applications in the automotive and transport sector as well 

as the agriculture and horticulture sector. 


Market 

With a view to regional capacity development, Asia 

remains a major production hub with over 50 % of 

bioplastics currently being produced there. Presently, 

only one fifth of the production capacity is located in 

Europe. This share is predicted to grow to up to 27 % 

by 2023. The expected growth will be supported by 

recently adopted policies in several European Member 

States, such as Italy and France. 

The land used to grow the renewable feedstock for the 

production of bioplastics is estimated to be 0.8 million 

hectares in 2018, accounting for less than 0.02 % of 

the global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares. “Land 

use for bioplastics continuous to be insignificant” says 

Francois de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics, 

“97 % of all arable land is used for pasture, feed and 

food.” Despite the market growth predicted in the 

next five years, the land use share for bioplastics will 

remain around 0.02 %. This clearly shows that there is 

no competition between the renewable feedstock for 

food, feed, and the production of bioplastics. 

The market data update 2018 has been compiled in 

cooperation with the research institute nova-Institute 

(Hürth, Germany). The data for the global production 

capacities of bioplastics is based on the market study 

“Biobased Building Blocks and Polymers” by nova- 

Institute (2019). MT 


Global production capacities of bioplastics 

in 2018 (by market segments) 

For more information on the study and full market data report, 

please go to www.bio-based.eu/markets 

More market data graphics are available on the EUBP website: 

www.european-bioplastics.org/news/multimedia-pictures-videos/ 

Global production capacities of bioplastics 

in 2023 (by market segments) 


bioplastics in 2018 (by material type) 


bioplastics in 2023 (by material type) 


PRESENTS 

The Bioplastics Award will be presented 

during the 14 th European Bioplastics Conference 

December 03-04, 2019, Berlin, Germany 

2019 

THE FOURTEENTH 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 

December 3 th , 2019. 

An entry form can be found at 

www.bioplasticsmagazine.com/award 

supported by 


Application Automotive News 

Corona introduces alternative to oxodegradables 

Corona (Mexico City, Mexico) recently announced that it will 

pilot plastic-free six pack rings in select markets as part of 

the brand’s commitment with Parley for the Oceans to lead 

the industry with eco-friendly packaging. 

Both Corona and Parley have a shared mission to help 

protect the world’s oceans and beaches from marine plastic 

pollution. The partnership began with a commitment to protect 

100 islands by 2020 and expands 

to include the pursuit of scalable 

innovation that can change the 

status quo. With roughly 8 million 

tonnes of plastic entering the 

ocean each year*, there is a need 

to confront the issue on multiple 

fronts, which is why Corona has 

adopted Parley’s A.I.R. strategy 

to not only avoid and intercept 

plastic as much as possible, 

but also help redesign solutions 

that use the material. Although 

Corona is primarily packaged in 

glass and fiberboard, the brand 

sees an opportunity to help 

redesign a common source of plastic in the category: sixpack 

rings. The plastic-free rings being tested are made from 

plant-based biodegradable fibers, with a mix of by-product 

waste and compostable materials. If left in the environment, 

they break down into organic material that is not harmful to 

wildlife, whereas the industry standard plastic six-pack rings 

are made from a oxodegradable form of polyethylene that 

results in increasingly smaller pieces of plastic if not recycled. 

Although most plastic rings are recyclable, the reality is that 

the majority of all plastic ever created hasn’t been recycled, 

which is the motivation for brands like Corona to pursue 

solutions that avoid the material entirely. That journey starts 

in the brand’s homeland of Mexico, where the plastic-free 

rings will be piloted in Tulum at the beginning of the year. 

“The beach is an important part of Corona’s DNA and 

we have been working with Parley to address the issue on 

the frontlines where plastic 

is physically accumulating,” 

said Evan Ellman, Corona 

Better World Director. “We also 

recognize the influence a global 

brand like Corona can have 

on the industry, and with the 

support of Parley, are pursuing 

scalable solutions like plasticfree 

six-pack rings that can 

become a new standard to avoid 

plastic for good.” 

Since the partnership 

launched in 2017, Corona and 

Parley have conducted over three 

hundred clean-ups in over 15 

countries, including the Maldives, Palau, Mexico, Dominican 

Republic, Chile, Indonesia, Italy, South Africa and Australia, 

with over seven thousand volunteers from more than two 

hundred locations participating in the project, totalling in 

more than three million pounds of plastic waste collected. MT 

www.corona.com 

*: www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/ 

plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/ 

A rainbow full of fun 

eKoala (Cavenago di Brianza, Italy) 

is an Italian company producing kid 

products entirely made of bioplastics. 

All eKoala products are made of 

a special Mater-Bi ® bioplastic by 

Novamont, Novara, Italy, and since 

eKoala always puts safety first, all the 

products have been tested by an international testing agency, to 

be sure they do not contain any harmful substance. 

Last but not least, all eKoala products are entirely 

biodegradable. 

In summer 2018 eKoala launched a new product: eKaboom, a 

toy enclosed in a sound! 

Consisting of five funny pots this toy set for playing (not only) 

in the bath or at the beach can serve as a colorful pyramid, his/ 

her first Rock’n Roll drums and much more. “A rainbow full of 

fun,” as Beatrice Radaelli, who founded eKoala together with her 

husband Daniele, calls it. The stacking toy eKaboom is closed in 

a small bucket so kids can always carry with them. MT 

www.ekoala.eu 


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Application News 

Biodegradable 

Straws 

Stora Enso and Sulapac (both from Helsinki, 

Finland) continue to combat the global problem 

of plastic waste by launching a demo for 

sustainable drinking straws. The straws were 

presented at Slush 2018, a leading startup event 

that gathered 20 000 tech enthusiasts from 

around the world. The demo, which targets 

production on an industrial scale, is designed 

to replace traditional plastic straws with renewable 

ones. The straws are based on Sulapac’s 

biocomposite material – made of wood and 

natural binders – designed to be recycled via 

industrial composting and biodegrade in marine 

environments. MT 

www.sulapac.com 

Biocompostable 

cups & lids 

AMT Coffee has announced the launch of a new 100 % biocompostable 

AMT coffee cup an lid across its bars across 

the UK, becoming the first coffee company to launch this 

environmentally friendly product. 

Made from the 

waste of sugarcane 

crop, the cup will 

naturally break down 

at room temperature 

and will fully 

decompose within 

one year. This is by 

far the greenest and 

best alternative to the traditional plastic lined cup and plastic 

lid, served by many other coffee retailers. The new technology 

will help reduce an estimated 2.5 billion coffee cups sent to 

waste entering landfill every year and will help save countless 

amounts of trees. 

The new 12oz biocompostable AMT cups and lids are lined 

with BioPBS (recycled sugar cane crop waste) which breaks 

down entirely in ambient temperatures - in contrast to regular 

coffee cups lined with PLA or PE. MT 

www.amtcoffee.co.uk 

EVOLUTION OF THE BIOECONOMY 

• Bio-based Building Blocks 

• Bio-based Polymers 

• Biodegradable Solutions 

• Biorefineries 

• NEW Bio-based Fine Chemicals 

(food ingredients, flavours, body care, cosmetics, 

pharmaceuticals) 

Sponsor Innovation Award: 

VOTE FOR 

the Innovation Award 

“Bio-based Material 

of the Year 2019”! 

Survival of the Fittest? Learning from Success. 

Innovative companies fi nd markets for their new bio-based building blocks, 

chemicals and polymers. At the 12 th International Conference on Bio-based 

Materials we will introduce you to the technology leaders our planet needs 

for a sustainable future. The conference builds on successful previous 

conferences: 250 participants and 30 exhibitors are expected. 

Organiser: 

Institute 

for Ecology and Innovation 

www.nova-institute.eu 

Contact 

Dominik Vogt 

Conference Manager 

+49 (0)2233 4814-49 

dominik.vogt@nova-institut.de 

Find more information at: 

www.bio-based-conference.com 


Applications 

PLA solution 

for soil engineering 

By: 

Nopadol Suanprasert 

CEO and President 

Global Biopolymers 

Bangkok, Thailand 

Prefabricated Vertical Drains, commonly known as 

PVDs, are installed at construction sites as a ground 

treatment solution to consolidate the ground, hardening 

the soil to support civil construction. 

Construction in areas where the soil is unstable because 

of a high water content, as is the case for mud or clay, 

requires this to first undergo some sort of soil treatment 

in order to settle the ground. In general, the technology 

used involves driving PVDs into the water-saturated soil. 

The PVD is made up of two parts, an inner core made from 

plastic and wrapped in a non-woven outer filter. The outer 

filter absorbs the water in the soil. Water flows through the 

inner core to the surface and drains out. As a result, the 

soil dries and hardens enough for civil construction to take 

place. 

PVD technology is normally used for the construction of 

roads, runways, playgrounds and the like in muddy area or 

on reclaimed land. PVDs are widely used in the countries of 

southeast Asia due to the prevalence of soft tropical soils. 

The use of PVD technology is standard in the construction 

of roads and runway in this region, as it is both reliable and 

economical. 

Conventional PVDs are made from plastics. The inner 

core, produced from polypropylene (PP) or poly vinyl chloride 

(PVC), is enclosed in an outer filter that is generally made 

of a PP non-woven material (Fig.1). PVDs are driven into 

the ground by heavy equipment. Following their installation 

in the ground, the PVDs will start to absorb and drain the 

water in the soil (Fig.2), accelerating the soil consolidation 

process and making the construction of roads, runways 

or playgrounds in these areas possible. Once the soil has 

hardened, the PVDs have no further function but they 

cannot be removed. Made of plastic, which does not readily 

degrade, PVDs that remain in the soil are environmental 

hazards, potentially able to contaminate the soil, causing 

problems to the underground natural environment. Plastic 

PVDs underground also constitute obstacles to underground 

constructions, such as tunnels. Airport runways, for 

example, constructed with the help of PVD technology, must 

reckon with the obstacles formed by the PVDs left in the 

soil when planning and building baggage tunnels, service 

tunnels and/or other underground constructions. 

The idea of making PVDs from a bioplastics that will 

degrade in soil at the end of the PVD’s service life is one 

that has been under consideration for many years. To 

date, however, no one has yet designed a PVD made from 

bioplastic. 

Global Biopolymers Co., Ltd. (GBP, from Bangkok, 

Thailand), together with a group of strategic partners that 

includes a PVD manufacturer, a civil contractor and soil 

engineering company, have formed a business cooperation 

group to develop PVDs made from bioplastics. The business 

cooperation group has developed a bioplastic PVD prototype 

made entirely from biodegradable bioplastic. Instead of PP 

or PVC, the core is now made from a PLA compound. The 

non-woven PP filter has been replaced by non-woven PLA 

filter (Fig.3). 

The business cooperation group will field test the 

new PVDs at Bangkok International Airport. Bangkok 

International Airport is in the process of a Phase 2 expansion 

project in which new runways, aprons and road systems 

are being constructed. Over 40 million meters of PVDs are 

expected to be required. Other applications are in road and 

highway construction projects in Thailand and neighboring 

Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar. 

The fact that the new PVDs are biodegradable means that 

many government construction projects may be expected 

to be receptive to switching to the use of bioplastic PVDs. 

The benefits will be a better environment, a policy that 

the government has implemented for public construction 

projects. 

In addition to a better environment, a positive impact on 

local industrial growth will also be felt, since the bioplastic 

resins PLA, and PBS are now produced in Thailand. Other 

downstream converters can start up PVD manufacturing 

in South East Asian countries. The Free Trade Agreement 

among these countries will propagate new industries within 

the region. 

www.globalbiopolymers.com 

Fig.1 Plastic PVD with PP core 

and non-woven PP filter 

Fig.2 Bioplastics PVD with PLA 

core and filter 

Surcharge 

Final Road Level 

Drainage Sand Blanket 

Fig.3 Application of PVD with 

surcharge loading for ground 

improvement work of road 

embankment 

Pumping Well 

Soft Clay 

PVD 


Applications 

In 2016 the International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced 

a partnership with SportGroup Holding and its 

leading brand, Polytan (both from Burgheim Germany), 

as World Cup and Olympic Partner and supplier of hockey 

fields for the 2018 and 2022 hockey World Cups as well as 

the 2020 Olympic games in Tokyo. 

Tokyo has set itself the goal of organizing the first ever 

carbon-neutral Olympic Games in 2020 by using green 

technologies. Polytan, a leading supplier of world class 

hockey fields and global partner of the FIH, is making 

an important contribution by developing the sustainable 

hockey turf Poligras Tokyo GT (Green Technology): 60 % 

of the filaments are based on Braskem’s renewable 

I’m greenTM polyethylene technology. Polytan is using 

biobased polyethylene to add a sustainable dimension to 

the outstanding playing properties of its tried-and-tested 

polyethylene monofilament fibres. 

An elastic base layer ensures optimum absorption and 

is an important part of the entire hockey turf system. The 

Polytan PolyBase GT elastic layer, which has also been 

newly developed, gives the hockey turf an even better 

environmental balance. A binder, supplied by Covestro, 

which can score highly thanks to its reduced CO 2 

production 

is used for the permanent elastic binding of the granules. 

“FIH is delighted that this new turf technology will 

support Tokyo’s carbon-neutral vision and make a positive 

contribution to the Games. FIH has a strategic priority to 

improve hockey’s environmental footprint, which is why 

partnerships with progressive companies such as Polytan 

are crucial. We are pleased to note that the surface that 

will be used in Tokyo requires 2/3 less water than surfaces 

used at previous Olympic Games. FIH firmly believes that 

hockey can contribute to a more sustainable environment 

by making use of all the technological possibilities modern 

turf offers”, FIH CEO Thierry Weil stated. 

“With the development of the Poligras Tokyo GT, 

we have succeeded not only in making a hockey pitch 

more sustainable, but also in significantly improving its 

performance. Never before has a hockey turf been more 

environmentally friendly, never before has a turf allowed 

such a dynamic and precise hockey game. I am very 

proud of this,” said Polytan Director Product Management 

Friedemann Söll. 

“We are so proud that Polytan and the FIH have chosen 

Braskem’s I’m green polyethylene for the hockey fields for 

the games in Tokyo in 2020. Tokyo has set itself the goal 

of organizing the first carbon-neutral games, and we are 

happy that Braskem can make its contribution together 

Green turf 

technology 

for the 2020 

Olympic 

Games 

with the FIH and Polytan,” added Marco Jansen, 

Commercial Director, Renewable Chemicals Europe & 

North America at Braskem. 

The reason why Polytan has chosen this raw material for 

its artificial turf production is that the carbon footprint of I’m 

green polyethylene has a positive impact compared to fossil 

polyethylene. For every kg of I’m green polyethylene used 

in Polytan’s hockey fields for the games in Tokyo in 2020, 

almost 5 kg of CO 2 

will be saved. All this is being achieved 

without any compromise on the quality of the turf. MT 

www.braskem.com | www.polytan.com 


Applications 

Bioplastics in 

the electronics 

sector 

In the next few years the development of new electronic products 

will be based more and more on eco-sustainable organic materials 

such as bioplastic, which will allow to realize extremely innovative 

solutions. For this reason, Bio-on (Bologna, Italy) recently 

announced the establishment of ELOXEL SpA (Bologna, Italy), of 

which Bio-on and Kartell (Noviglio, Italy) each hold the 50 % of 

capital shares. Kartell is a subsidiary of Felofin (also from Noviglio, 

Italy) 

Bio-on with the support of Kartell accelerates the development 

of organic electronics based on Bio-on technologies to quickly 

acquire a leading position in this rapidly growing sector. The 

researches in this field have already been conducted over two 

years in the Bio-on laboratories and during this year the first 

world-wide patents were deposited based on bioplastic, natural 

and 100 % biodegradable, in the field of new batteries and full 

green piezoelectric materials. 

Eloxel operates in the field of flexible and wearable organic 

electronics, also single-use, to meet the growing need of 

consumers to have personal and portable energy always available. 

In this context, and exploiting the piezoelectric properties of Bio-on 

bioplastic (PHB), namely the ability to produce and store electrical 

energy as a result of mechanical stress, it is possible to develop 

membranes or devices to be integrated into clothes and fabrics 

keeping intact the mechanical properties or new generation 

batteries. The application fields are the most varied, from the 

consumer electronic sector to the biomedical one. 

The new materials developed by Eloxel will also contribute 

- like all Bio-on biopolymer-based applications - to limiting the 

new environmental emergency created by the huge amount of 

electronic waste exacerbated by the fact that current electronic 

devices do not allow efficient recycling processes and often 

contain highly toxic and hazardous components (e.g. lead / lithium 

batteries). 

Bio-on CNS BU labs 

“The investment (…) represents to us the launch of a new 

project,” explained Marco Astorri, President and CEO of Bio-on, 

“and we are particularly proud that a prestigious brand like Kartell, 

through Claudio Luti, invests once again in an innovation plan 

and in the enormous potential of the technologies developed by 

Bio-on in the field of organic electronics. Smartphones, watches, 

televisions, computers, wellness systems and other products have 

long been part of our bioplastic development plans, which every 

day proved to be used in various industrial sectors to create ecosustainable 

products.” 

“I believed in the new company that Marco Astorri and his team 

of scientists presented to me,” affirmed Claudio Luti, President of 

Kartell, ”choosing to invest in this project in order to contribute to 

a growth process that looks at sustainability and at the protection 

of environment and people’s health “ 

Thanks to the exclusive characteristics of its materials (PHAs 

or polyhydroxy-alkanoates and PHBs or poly-hydroxy-butyrates), 

Bio-on now extends its use to another of the most innovative 

and interesting field of application such as organic electronics. 

Electro-conductive plastic with piezoelectric properties similar 

to quartz will allow the production of interesting amounts of 

energy by mechanical means and the accumulation in super 

capacitors (green batteries) to be used in various applications. The 

researches in this field of application are based on PHBs, the only 

organic material that derives from the nature having piezoelectric 

properties. 

Felofin completed the acquisition of 50 % shares in Eloxel. 

Following the transaction, the share of Bio-on and Felofin is equal 

to 50 % each. Bio-on granted to Eloxel an exclusive license for 

the exploitation of organic electronics with a total value of Euro 

6.500.000,00. From 2019 Eloxel will begin various collaborations 

with companies and research centers leading the global electronic 

sector. MT 

www.bio-on.it | www.kartell.it | www.eloxel.com 

Claudio Luti, President of Kartell and Marco Astorri, President and 

CEO of Bio-on during Bio-on’s Grand Opening ceremony in June 2018 

(Photo: bioplastics MAGAZINE) 


© 

© 

-Institut.eu | 2018 


Full study available at www.bio-based.eu/reports 

Full study available at www.bio-based.eu/reports 

© 


Full study available at www.bio-based.eu/markets 

Bio- and CO 2 -based Polymers & Building Blocks 

The best market reports available 

Data for 


Bio-based Building Blocks 

and Polymers – Global Capacities 

and Trends 2017-2022 

Bio-based polymers: 

Evolution of worldwide production capacities from 2011 to 2022 

Million Tonnes 

6 

5 

4 

3 

Dedicated 

Drop-in 

Smart Drop-in 

without 

bio-based PUR 

2 

1 


2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 

18-05-22 

Authors: Raj Chinthapalli, Michael Carus, Wolfgang Baltus, 

Doris de Guzman, Harald Käb, Achim Raschka, Jan Ravenstijn, 


This and other reports on the bio-based economy are available at 

www.bio-based.eu/reports 

Commercialisation updates on 

bio-based building blocks 

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 

million t/a 

Selected bio-based building blocks: Evolution of worldwide 

production capacities from 2011 to 2021 

3,5 

actual data 

forecast 

3 

2,5 

Bio-based polymers, a 

revolutionary change 

2 

1,5 

Jan Ravenstijn 2017 

1 

0,5 

Picture: Gehr Kunststoffwerk 





2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 

2021 

L-LA 

Succinic 

acid 

Epichlorohydrin 

1,4-BDO 

MEG 

2,5-FDCA 

Ethylene 

D-LA 

Sebacic 

1,3-PDO 

acid 

11-Aminoundecanoic acid 

MPG 

DDDA 

Lactide 

Adipic 

acid 

E-mail: j.ravenstijn@kpnmail.nl 

Mobile: +31.6.2247.8593 

Author: Doris de Guzman, Tecnon OrbiChem, United Kingdom 

July 2017 



Authors: Lara Dammer, Michael Carus and Dr. Asta Partanen 

nova-Institut GmbH, Germany 

May 2017 



Author: Jan Ravenstijn, Jan Ravenstijn Consulting, the Netherlands 

April 2017 



Policies impacting bio-based 

plastics market development 

and plastic bags legislation in Europe 

Asian markets for bio-based chemical 

building blocks and polymers 

Market study on the consumption 

of biodegradable and compostable 

plastic products in Europe 

2015 and 2020 

Share of Asian production capacity on global production by polymer in 2016 

100% 

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 

80% 

60% 

Bestsellers 

40% 

20% 

0% 

PBS(X) 

APC – 

cyclic 

PA 

PET 

PTT 

PBAT 

Starch 

Blends 

PHA 

PLA 

PE 

Disposable 

tableware 

Biowaste 

bags 

Carrier 

bags 

Rigid 

packaging 

Flexible 

packaging 

Authors: Dirk Carrez, Clever Consult, Belgium 

Jim Philp, OECD, France 

Dr. Harald Kaeb, narocon Innovation Consulting, Germany 

Lara Dammer & Michael Carus, nova-Institute, Germany 

March 2017 



Author: Wolfgang Baltus, Wobalt Expedition Consultancy, Thailand 



Authors: Harald Kaeb (narocon, lead), Florence Aeschelmann, 

Lara Dammer, Michael Carus (nova-Institute) 

April 2016 

The full market study (more than 300 slides, 3,500€) is available at 

bio-based.eu/top-downloads. 



Patents 

By: 

Barry Dean, 

Naperville, Illinois, USA 

Bioplastic Patents 

new 

series 

This new section highlights recently granted patents 

that are relevant to the specific highlight topics of 

each issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE. The information offered 

is intended to acquaint the reader with a sampling of 

know-how being developed to enable growth of the bioplastics 

markets. 

U.S. Patent 10,150,977 (Dec 11, 2018),”Microorganisms 

and Methods for the Biosynthesis of Adipate, 

Hexamethylenediamine and 6-Aminocaproic acid”, Mark 

J. Burk, Anthony P. Burgard, Robin Osterhout and Priti 

Pharkya (Genomatica, Inc San Diego, Californis, USA) 

The patent illustrates and teaches a non-naturally 

occurring microbial organism based on at least one 

exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme having 

a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, adipate or 

hexamethylenediamine pathway based on sugar or sugar 

metabolites. Ring opening polymerization of a bio derived 

caprolactam leads to a bio based nylon 6; while bio derived 

adipic acid and/or hexamethylenediamine leads to a bio 

based nylon 6,6. The carbon footprint for bio derived nylons 

should be advantageously lower than the current fossil 

derived counterparts. 

Both nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 have extensive application in 

the fiber market, but also have application in automotive 

interior and exterior components and are well represented 

in the ~150 kilograms of plastics currently found in 

automobiles and light trucks. 

U.S. Patent 10,125,255 (Nov 13, 2018), “Thermoplastic 

Elastomer Compositions Having Biorenewable Content”, 

Kevin Cai, Yundong Wang, Ryszard Brzoskowski, Prashant 

Bhadane, Basil Favis and Alain Perreault (Teknor Apex 

Company; Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA and Cerestech; 

Montreal, Quebec Canada) 

This patent teaches thermoplastic elastomers based on 

styrenic block copolymers modified with bio-renewable 

materials such as a softener, eg. modified soybean oil and 

a renewable polar polymer such as PLA. This technology 

illustrates the ability to tailor important styrenic block 

copolymer properties such as hardness, modulus 

(stiffness) and elongation through the use of renewable 

materials as additives. 

The ability to tailor styrenic block copolymers opens 

opportunities in the automotive applications such as 

interior fascia. 

U.S. Patent 10,087,300 (Oct 2, 2018), “Method for 

Preparation of PLA Bead Foams”, Chul B. Park and 

Mohammadreza Nofar (Synbra Technology BV, Etten- 

Leur Netherlands) 

A process for making foamed articles based on 

expanded PLA beads is taught. The foamed PLA is useful 

for thermal insulation, sound dampening, construction 

material and cushioning/packaging material. The 

process can be applied to both linear and branched PLA. 

The process involves taking un-foamed PLA pellets and 

heating the pellets to an annealing temperature, eg 

120 – 124 °C and saturating the pellets with a blowing 

agent such as CO 2 

while maintaining pressure and then 

depressurizing and cooling to room temperature to form 

the desired PLA based foam 

U.S. Patent 10,138,345(Nov 27, 2018), “Process for the 

Production of Expanded Polyester Foam Beads”, Uwe 

Keppeler; (BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany) 

The patent teaches a process where a polyester derived 

of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate); PBAT and PLA 

is used in making a foamed article. The PBAT content of 

the polyester is 50 – 99 % by weight and the PLA content 

is 1 – 50 %. The resulting foamed article is biodegradable 

and offers a balance of properties for tensile strength, 

compressive strength and rebound resilience for given 

densities. 


Automotive 


Materials 

Low-cost cellulosic sugars for biop 

Waste oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) 

leafCOAT – corrugated product 

In the shift towards a sustainable biobased economy, the 

production of bioplastics requires a low-cost, high-quality 

source of sugars. With growing interest in non-food sugars 

for biobased manufacturing, more and more companies 

are considering alternative feedstocks such as agricultural 

and forestry residues. Currently, the technologies used 

to break down plant biomass are costly and require large 

amounts of energy and chemicals. This makes it difficult 

for cellulosic sugars to compete against agro-based feedstocks 

like industrial cane sugar, beet sugar, corn or cassava, 

for example. 

Leaf Resources (Darra, Queensland, Australia), a global 

leader empowering the growth of green chemistry, has 

pioneered a technology which reduces the cost of extracting 

cellulosic sugars from plant biomass. Using advanced 

chemistry and engineering, the company’s Glycell process 

produces higher yields of high-purity sugars, more quickly 

and using less energy than rival processes. Leaf’s Glycell 

process has the potential to reshape the economics of 

producing bioplastics from non-food biomass feedstocks. 

Lignocellulosic biomass, an abundant 

renewable resource 

Bioplastics can be manufactured from renewable plant 

materials such as starch, cellulose, oils, lignin, proteins 

and polysaccharides. Most biobased plastics are currently 

manufactured using starch as a feedstock. However, 

carbohydrate-rich plants such as corn or sugar cane, known 

as first generation feedstock, have attracted criticism 

because of potential competition with food and animal feed. 

Non-food crops such as lignocellulosic biomass represent 

a sustainable and abundant alternative. 

It is estimated that there is currently enough biomass 

to produce USD750 billion worth of cellulosic sugars 

per year and replace petroleum in thousands of plastic 

products. However, converting plant biomass into its 

constituent polymers is challenging. A complex structure 

interlinks cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, making them 

difficult to separate. The techniques used to deconstruct 

lignocellulosic biomass also result in varying cellulose 

quality. 

Leaf’s Glycell process significantly improves the 

digestibility of biomass, reducing the severity of the 

conditions required to produce high-quality cellulosic 

sugars. 

Pioneering pretreatment process 

To extract cellulosic sugars, biomass must undergo a 

pretreatment process. Glycell uses waste glycerol from 

biodiesel production as the main reagent to pretreat 

biomass in standard pulping equipment. Using glycerol 

yields a slurry which has much greater enzyme kinetics for 

cellulose to sugar conversion. As a result, Glycell produces 

25 % more sugars at a faster rate than rival approaches 

larger using lower temperature and pressure. 

Leaf’s process uses industrially-tailored enzymes from 

Novozymes (Bagsvaer, Denmark) to convert cellulose 

into C6 sugars, which can be transformed into renewable 

chemicals for use in bioplastics. 

Glycell is proven to produce cellulosic sugars from a range 

of feedstocks, including Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus 

Globulus), poplarwood chips, sugar cane bagasse, palm 

empty fruit bunch (EFB), wheat straw, rice husk and corn 

stover. 

High-value co-products and applications 

In addition to being a more efficient pre-treatment 

process, Glycell creates high market value co-products, 

further improving the project economics of cellulosic 

sugar production and the manufacturing cost of secondgeneration 

bioplastics. 

Glycell recovers and refines glycerol from 80 to 95 % purity. 

Purer form glycerol can be sold to the pharmaceutical, 

cosmetics, animal feed and lubricants industries. What is 

more, unlike other biomass pretreatment methods, Glycell 

does not alter lignin’s molecular structure. Instead, the 


Materials 

lastics production 

process produces native form lignin, a type of lignin which 

can be more easily converted to high value applications. 

Leaf’s technology portfolio also includes LeafCOAT TM , a 

biobased and recyclable coating made using the main Glycell 

co-products, lignin and refined glycerol. 

Conversion of local waste biomass in Malaysia 

Leaf’s first commercial plant will process waste palm Empty 

Fruit Bunch (EFB), for which there is a large oversupply near 

the company’s proposed biorefinery in Segamat, in Johor 

state, Malaysia. With 52 palm mills within a 120 km radius 

of Leaf’s proposed plant and strong government support for 

bioeconomy stakeholders, Malaysia represents an exciting 

long-term location for cellulosic sugar production. Asia is 

also a major bioplastics production hub. In 2018, more than 

50 % of bioplastics were produced in Asia. 

Ahead of the construction of the Malaysian plant, Leaf has 

signed a Letter of Intent with Biovision & Greenergy (B&G) 

for the supply of 100,000 BDT 1 of waste palm EFB per year 

and an exclusive agreement with HB international for the 

supply of raw glycerol and sale of refined glycerol. 

Bioplastics from second generation feedstock 

Leaf Resources is committed to building a global 

business based on renewable carbon. Through 

biobased innovation, the company transforms waste 

biomass into feedstock for the modern bioeconomy. 

Global bioplastics production capacity is set 

to increase from around 2.1 million tonnes 

in 2018 to 2.6 million tonnes in 2023. With 

consumer demand for more environmentallybenign 

products driving interest in second 

generation feedstocks, the Glycell process 

represents a real economic breakthrough 

for bioplastics production from 

lignocellulosic biomass. Markets 

and governments in the USA and 

Europe are sending the message 

that it’s time to start phasing out 

conventional plastic. 

With a biorefinery located 

in a regional hub for 

bioplastics production, 

Leaf Resources is 

poised to capitalise and 

contribute to the global 

growth in bioplastics 

uptake. 

By: 

Ken Richards 

Managing Director 

Leaf Resources 

Darra, Queensland, Australia 

1: BDT = Bone dry tons. This is 

a measurement of biomass 

that has zero percent 

moisture content. 

http://leafresources.com.au 


Foam 

By: 

Jan Noordegraaf, BewiSynbra RAW 

Peter de Bruijn Synprodo 

Wijchen, The Netherlands 

Anjo van der Wende, Unisport 

Helsinki, Finland 

New infill 

material for 

artificial turf 

World-class sport on playing fields with BioFill — 

a biobased solution for sustainable artificial grass 

Increased demands for high-quality playing fields for 

sport and soccer, and more intense competition for playing 

space, have resulted in a new generation of synthetic 

grass fields: with the same impression and feel of lush vegetation 

as natural grass. 

The first synthetic grass fields, launched in the 1990s, 

consisted of a mix of sand and plastic that supported natural 

grass fibre, provided stability, formed an extra protective 

layer for players and dramatically improved performance 

and safety. The extensive use of plastics in society, however, 

has become increasingly controversial for environmental 

reasons, and many operators in the sports world are looking 

for alternatives to synthetic solutions. 

BEWiSynbra Group (headquartered in Solna, Sweden) 

and Unisport (Helsinki, Finland) have launched the world’s 

first sustainable artificial grass technology: BioFill, a filler 

made of a biodegradable biopolymer that meets the strict 

requirements from FIFA PRO regarding the properties of 

soccer fields. 

After the end of its useful life, BioFill can either be 

recycled into new artificial grass infill or composted, an 

alternative that is not possible for other types of artificial 

infill, which are usually made of SBR, TPE or the like. 

BioFill is based on BioFoam ® , a sustainable material 

originally developed by BewiSynbra Group. The purpose of 

the discovery and the development efforts is an artificial 

grass system consisting of a substrate added to artificial 

grass fibre and biodegradable biopolymers for playing 

fields. 

FIFA approval methodology 

Lab approval: A system is tested by a FIFA certified lab 

(artificial grass, infill, shock pad, etc.) When the system 

meets the specification, a report is made. Part of the report 

is that the components of the system are described. For the 

artificial grass a number of values are recorded, such as 

pile height, density, weight. This also applies to the infill. 

Field approval: After a field is installed, the field is tested. 

On site it is checked whether the system meets FIFA’s 

sports-related requirements, and samples are taken from 

the components. These samples are then compared with 

the values measured in the lab report. There is a tolerance 

on the values, in the appendix an example is shown. 

System approvals: The system Saltex legacy meets the 

FIFA Quality & Quality Pro (FIFA2015) 

Biofill is entirely made of PLA by BewiSynbra. The 

company has carried out long term tests and can predict 

how the biodegradable PLA based product will degrade 

by composting, but also when accidentally spilled in the 

environment and even when accidentaly spilled in water. 

140000 140000 

Breakdown of BioFill 

starting at 125kDA 

breakdown % per year, 

fully immersed in water 

Mn value in Da 

120000 120000 

100000 100000 

Mn value in Da 

80000 80000 

60000 60000 

40000 40000 

20000 20000 

0 0 

2012 20122013 20132014 20142015 20152016 20162017 20172018 20182019 


year of year test of test 

freezer freezer 

in soilin soil 

water water 

field field 

Linear Linear (field) (field) 

100,0% 

90,0% 

80,0% 

70,0% 

60,0% 

50,0% 

40,0% 

30,0% 

20,0% 

10,0% 

this study 

y = 0,0515e 0,0645x 

R² = 0,9172 

Derioné see 

water 

Deroiné fresh 

water 

Deroiné see 

water 

Deroiné fresh 

water 

0,0% 

-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 


Foam 

Artificial turf 

Saltex Legacy TM 

Infill granulate 

Saltex BioFill TM 

Backing 

PU PowerBacking 

Shock pad 

Saltex PowerPlay 

Being the only European PLA producer to make this the 

biopolymer themselves, the expected life time of the 

biopolymer can be pre-set by BewiSynbra. 

The Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu 

Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport (RIVM) 

in the Netherlands uses the following definition of 

microplastics, where all three factors must be met: 

• Small solid plastic particles (less than 5 mm) 

• Poorly soluble in water 

• Non-degradable 

As Biofill is biodegradable it does not fall under the 

three-point definition stipulated by RIVM. Since 2013 

BewiSynbra has performed long term stability testing and 

indeed the concept of controlled biodegradation can be 

used. It is important to define how long a material should 

be stable. 

By choosing another starting point, the life time can be 

set with a predictable life time, allowing both for a good 

performance in the soccer field as well as allowing for 

various end of life options. 

BewiSynbra believes that their product does not qualify 

as a microplastic, but should be seen a biodegradable and 

sustainable biopolymer. 

BioFoam is a fully biobased particle foam made from 

renewable resources. This unique technology was discovered, 

developed and patented by BEWiSynbra Group, a leading 

European supplier of EPS foam. It was the first foam to be 

awarded the Cradle to Cradle CM certificate. It has also received 

a material health certificate from EPEA-Hamburg certifying 

that BioFoam is free from any CMR substance. BioFoam is 

the world’s first particle foam to receive a Carbon Neutrality 

verification in compliance with the PAS 2060 standard. 

Unisport has a long-standing history of creating innovative 

and environmentally friendly solutions and focuses on 

responsibly developing sustainable sports facilities. As 

the artificial turf industry keeps evolving, Unisport with its 

partners develop artificial turf solutions that are of highest 

quality, more durable, more ecological and provide the best 

playing conditions for athletes at all levels. 

Unisport’s vision is to build a healthier society by making 

people move. “We want to provide the best conditions for 

exercising and sports and, together with our customers, 

create a healthier society through increased movement. The 

environment and people’s health are of utmost importance in 

our daily operations and part of all our business areas. We are 

constantly developing products and manufacturing methods 

that will ensure a greener environment,” says Petteri 

Laaksomo, CEO of Unisport. 

www.bewisynbra.com | www.synprodo.nl | www.unisport.com 


Foam 

A 

famous Chinese entrepreneur once said: Even a pig can fly 

if it stands at the center of a storm. But the storm that bioplastics 

needed to take flight did not arrive in China, or, for 

that matter, elsewhere across the world until 2018. Although the 

engineers at Bioplus (Guangzhou, China) were keen to commercialise 

their application, they spent most of the past ten years 

in labs to further improve their bioplastic products. In 2018, the 

winds finally blew strongly enough to give these products lift-off. 

Guangzhou Bioplus Materials Technology Company, founded 

in 2009 and active in the modification and applications of 

biodegradable plastics, has the know-how to modify bioplastics 

for different applications. However, the company has opted to 

focus of the modification of PLA for foam sheet. Foamed plastics 

are widely used in the packaging industry and are among 

the top three waste materials polluting the globe. In China, 

several million tonnes of expanded polystyrene are produced 

and used every year, but, in many cases, cannot be recycled. 

Typical applications are food boxes, trays and protective product 

packaging. 

Today, about 200 million takeout food containers are 

generated and over 500 million plastic food utensils. Most 

food serviceware is made of expanded polystyrene, filmlaminated 

paper and polypropylene. The enormous pressure 

for environment protection has pushed the government and 

several major platforms for takeout food such as Meituan and 

Eleme to take action. This led to the decision in 2017 to use ecofriendly 

packaging materials to make serviceware. Different 

materials were tested, including straw, bagasse and starch/ 

plastics compounding, but to date, PLA foam has shown the best 

performance, safety and cost. 

Biobased and biodegradable, PLA’s low melt strength presents 

a challenge when it comes to producing foam sheet. Bioplus has 

spent the past ten years working towards the industrialization 

of PLA foam sheet for use in food serviceware, overcoming 

problems by: 

• improving the melt strength of PLA by factor 10 to 100 

through chemical and physical modification 

• working with a machine supplier to design a new kind of 

extruder especially for PLA foaming 

• developing a process using as foaming agent butane or 

carbon dioxide 

• designing a thermoforming machine and grasping 

parameters for PLA sheet. 

Bioplus is still the only supplier of modified resin for foamed 

sheet as of yet, and possibly the best in the world. They can 

control the expansion rate of PLA foam sheet from 2 to 30 and 

sheet thickness from 1.5 to 5 mm. Food service products made 

from Bioplus foamed PLA are able to withstand boiling water. 

To date, two customers are using our modified resins to 

produce foamed food serviceware or packaging materials. More 

foaming machines are being manufactured for other customers. 

At least ten PLA foam sheet lines are expected to be installed 

and running in China in 2019. The PLA foam sheet production 

process and a number of thermoformed finished products are 

shown in the pictures below. 

Bioplus is now building a new plant to increase its annual 

production capacity to 10,000 tonnes of PLA resin for foam. The 

company is looking forward to working with partners all over the 

world to promote more foamed PLA products and to reinforce its 

contribution to protecting the environment. 

www.bio-plus.cm 

By: 

PLA foam 

sheet for 

tableware 

Steven Wu and Henter Lee 

Guangzhou Bioplus Materials Technology 

Guangzhou, China 

Process to make PLA foam sheet with Bioplus modified resin 

Tableware 

with PLA 

foam 

Packaging 

material with 

PLA foam 

TEM picture of PLA foam 


Cover Story 

on bioplastic, produced also from fruit and vegetable wastes. 

To accelerate the development of these solutions and quickly 

gain a leading position in this rapidly growing sector with a high 

demand for quality, Zeropack has acquired from Bio-on an 

exclusive license to exploit the technology for 10 million Euros. 

The technology is based on the research activities that Bioon 

researchers have been conducting for four years in this field 

of application in Italian and US. As it is known, the traditional 

plastics used today to package food products do not allow 

efficient recycling processes in many cases and often contain 

highly polluting components. 

PHB for food 

packaging 

of fruits and 

vegetables 

The demand for new eco-sustainable materials for packaging 

is constantly increasing and consumers reward the choices 

of producers and distributors that respect the planet. Bioon 

(Bologna, Italy), and Rivoira (Verzuolo, Italy), one of the world’s 

leading manufacturers of high quality fruit and always careful on 

innovation, announced in late December 2018 a strategic agreement 

to develop new materials for food packaging of fresh fruits 

and vegetables, even single use, with Zeropack S.p.A., a new company 

founded by Bio-on and of which Rivoira acquires 50 % of the 

shares. 

Zeropack will be able to produce films, crates, small and large 

containers, fruit supports and completely natural labels based 

“The investment (…) represents to us the entrance of a large 

company - explains Marco Astorri, President and CEO of Bioon 

- and we are particularly proud that a prestigious group like 

Rivoira, through Marco Rivoira and Gualtiero Rivoira, recognise 

the innovation and the potentiality of the new technologies 

developed by Bio-on in the field of food packaging. The basis 

of our bioplastic has all the qualities to revolutionize the world 

of food packaging through Zeropack. This is what people are 

asking for and we will do it together with Zeropack and the 

Rivoira group”. Moreover, thanks to the diversification of the 

Rivoira group, Zeropack will have the possibility to use Bio-on 

technology also in the mineral water field. The Rivoira group 

controls Fonti Alta Valle Po spa, owner of Acqua Eva, a young 

company with a very strong expansion in the national and 

international market. 

“We are happy to enter the world of 

packaging for the future - explains Marco 

Rivoira, Ceo Gruppo Rivoira - and in 

particular to contribute with our 

experience and daily production 

quality to the creation of 

completely different products 

compared to those we can 

find on the market today. 

Zeropack anticipates the 

strategies of the Rivoira 

Group, always looking for 

innovations. The mission is to 

provide total quality of both product 

and packaging. To study materials 

to revolutionize this sector, starting 

from nature and naturally, will allow 

the giants of distribution to have a 100 

% sustainable alternative”. 

Thanks to the exclusive 

characteristics of its materials (PHAs 

or polyhydroxy-alkanoates and PHBs 

or poly-hydroxy-butyrates), Bio-on now 

extends its use to another of the most innovative 

and interesting field of application such as food-packaging. The 

researches in this field of application are based on PHBs. 

Rivoira completed the acquisition of 50 % of Zeropack S.p.A 

through RK Zero Srl with Carlo Lingua and Paolo Carissimo 

partners. Following the transaction, the share of Bio-on and RK 

zero is equal to 50 % each. This 10 million Euro agreement 

fully contributes to the 2018 Bio-on results and is part of the 

business plan presented in 2016. From 2019 Zeropack will 

present new patents and will begin various collaborations with 

distributors and producers worldwide. MT 

www.bio-on.it | www.zeropack.it | www.rivoira.it 


Brand Owner 

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NOW! 

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email: books@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

phone: +49 2161 6884463 

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Brand Owner 

Brand-Owner’s perspective 

on bioplastics and how to 

unleash its full potential 

“Climate protection requires a decarbonization of our economy. This path also includes (at 

least in the long-term point of view) the need for non-fossil-based plastics. To be credible 

alternatives, bioplastics should fulfill following preconditions: 

• Ethically and ecologically save sources (sustainable cultivation, 2 nd or 3 rd generation 

resources) 

• Full usability for respective product or packaging applications 

• In ideal case: a path for substantial recycling; alternatively, at least proof of industrial 

as well as home compostability 

• Proof of biological degradation in marine and soil environment in order to avoid ocean and/or microplastics 

Stefan Dierks, Head of CR Strategic 

Projects & Stakeholdermanagement 

We are aware about the resulting challenges which can only be solved by joint engagement. Tchibo is willing to provide 

appropriate contributions to these developments.” 

Tchibo stands for a unique business model. In eight countries, 

Tchibo operates more than 1,000 Tchibo shops, approx. 21,200 Depots 

at third-party retail outlets, and national online shops. The company 

uses this multi-channel distribution system to offer coffee and 

the Cafissimo single-serve system, along with weekly changing non 

food ranges. Tchibo and its 12,100 employees worldwide generated 

revenues of 3.2 billion EUR in 2017. The company is the roasted coffee 

market leader in Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany and Hungary 

and one of the leading e-commerce companies in Europe.Its sustainable 

business policies have earned the family business, which was founded 

in Hamburg in 1949, multiple awards including the award for Corporate 

Ethics and the Environmental Logistics Award in 2012, and the Federal 

Government’s CSR Award in 2013. In 2016 Tchibo was awarded Germanys 

most sustainable major enterprise. www.tchibo.com 

ALL ABOUT POLYMERS 

DKT 2018-Vorbericht 

DKT 2018 preview 

tpe markets 

POLYURETHANES MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL 

03/2018 JUNE/JULY 

Interview with R. Trippler, Hennecke & 

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Blowing agents 

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FORUM FÜR DIE POLYURETHANINDUSTRIE 

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dkt 2018 preview 

 

 

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06| 2018 

Volume 13, June 2018 


Volume 9, April 2018 


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Basics 

Green public procurement 

Green public procurement refers to the practice by 

public authorities of sourcing, where possible, goods, 

services or works with a reduced environmental impact. 

From central governments to municipalities, from 

universities to kindergartens, public purchasers across 

the board may opt (or in some countries, are required) to 

use their purchasing power to select biobased products, if 

these are available. In the past, bioplastics MAGAZINE has reported 

on the differences in approach in various countries. 

Here is a brief update on the green public procurement 

process in the USA compared to Germany. 

Example USA: The USDA BioPreferred Program 

For many years now, the United States Department 

of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) BioPreferred ® Program has 

aimed to increase the purchase and use of biobased 

products. Created by the 2002 Farm Bill, the Program’s 

purpose is to spur economic development, create new 

jobs and provide new markets for farm commodities. The 

increased development, purchase, and use of biobased 

products reduces the United States’ reliance on petroleum, 

increases the use of renewable agricultural resources, and 

contributes to reducing adverse environmental and health 

impacts. 

The BioPreferred Program has two major initiatives: 

mandatory federal purchasing and voluntary labeling. The 

mandatory federal purchasing initiative requires federal 

agencies to purchase biobased products in categories 

identified by the USDA. To date, USDA has identified 109 

categories (including disposable serviceware, carpet, 

paints, insulation foams, composite panels, bedding etc.) of 

biobased products for which agencies and their contractors 

have purchasing requirements. The BioPreferred Program 

provides a catalog of products and resources to aid in 

meeting biobased purchasing requirements. 

The Voluntary Labeling Initiative is meant to support 

consumers who consider purchasing options with 

sustainable attributes. USDA wants to make it easy for 

those consumers to identify biobased products. The USDA 

Certified Biobased Product label, displayed on a product 

certified by USDA, is designed to provide useful information 

to consumers about the biobased content of the product. 

Example Germany 

Green public procurement is different in a country like 

Germany, which has no mandatory federal purchasing 

initiative such as described above. The German Agency 

for Renewable Resources (FNR), however, offers valuable 

support for the public sector in its efforts to increase 

environmentally friendly procurement. 

In 2016, bioplastics MAGAZINE reported on an initiative 

of the FNR called “the Biobased Office”, a special exhibit 

in the form of a 12m 2 trade fair booth that in that year 

toured through Germany. This year, the Biobased Office, 

featuring over 100 plant-based office products made 

from agricultural or forestry raw and residual materials, 

is once again on tour. The eco-friendly office design 

provides a complementary setting for the biobased office 

materials and supplies, all modeled on the originals and 

all easily, in quality and design, on a par with conventional, 

petroleum-based products. Some examples are bioplastic 

pens, erasers made of natural rubber, calculators made of 

bamboo and bioplastic, glue sticks inside/outside biobased, 

adhesive tape with solvent-free coating and many more. 

Schüco Facade FW 50+.SI Green 

(photo: Schuco International KG) 

The biobased Office 

(Source: FNR) 

1: Contact pressure profile: 

partly biobased Polyamide 

2: Glass rebate gaskets: partly 

biobased EPDM 


Basics 

Public building & renovation with building 

materials from renewable raw materials 

Another important area for public procurement is the 

public building & renovation sector. 

The construction industry consumes 50 % of raw 

materials worldwide, while the construction and housing 

industries account for 33 % of global CO 2 

emissions. For 

public construction to be sustainable, therefore, a holistic 

approach is required in which, in addition to investment 

costs, the long-term effects on the public budget, the 

environment and urban development are taken into account. 

For such an approach, however, expertise in sustainability is 

indispensable. Valuable contributions to this can be found in 

a new technical information brochure [1], recently published 

by FNR. In this 104-page booklet (available in the German 

language only) the FNR provides important insights into 

the procurement of sustainable building projects with 

environmentally friendly, biobased materials. 

The new technical information brochure contains 

information about the biobased building materials 

currently available in the market, feasible technical and 

environmentally friendly solutions and how these can 

be integrated into a public building tender. Best practice 

examples and sample formulations are particularly helpful 

in practice. 

Building materials made of renewable raw materials help 

to conserve valuable and limited fossil raw materials and 

the climate, enable multiple uses and save energy. At the 

end of their lives, they can usually be easily disposed of. The 

public sector has the opportunity to demonstrate building 

with renewable raw materials in an exemplary, credible and 

commendable manner. 

[1] N.N.: NACHWACHSENDE ROHSTOFFE IM EINKAUF Themenheft IV: 

Öffentliches Bauen & Sanieren, (German language only, free download) 

mediathek.fnr.de/broschuren/nachwachsende-rohstoffe/nachhaltigebeschaffung.html 

By: 

Michael Thielen 

14th Annual 

1-3 April 2019 

Passenger Terminal Amsterdam 

Amsterdam 

MEET THE PRODUCERS 

AND BRANDS INVESTING 

IN BIO-BASED SOLUTIONS 

Visit: www.WorldBioMarkets.com 

Follow us: @Bio_BasedWorld #WBM19 

Produced by 


Opinion 

Are Biodegradable plastics 

“a false solution”? 

Francesco Degli Innocenti, 

Ecology of Products Director, Novamont, Italy 

The Directive on Single Used Plastics is banning the “top 10 

trash items” littered in beaches if made with conventional 

plastics. On the other hand, “non-plastic” single-use products 

are exempted based on the assumption that they do not 

affect the environment in case of leakage. Unfortunately, biodegradable 

plastic items have been equated with conventional 

plastics even though they have not been found littered in beaches. 

Why so? Clearly not fact but political preconceptions based 

on social, emotional, ideological beliefs. Why is this happening? 

Maybe because the category “biodegradable plastics” sounds 

like an oxymoron, similarly to “non-radioactive plutonium”. The 

term “plastics” is associated with persistency, toxicity, fossil fuels, 

climate change. This is quite unfortunate because strictly 

speaking “plastics” just refers to moldability, i.e. the capability 

to be easily shaped [1] , and not on the persistency or toxicity in 

the environment. Plutonium only exists in one form: radioactive. 

Plastics on the other hand can be non-biodegradable, partly biodegradable, 

totally biodegradable etc. 

A criticism continuously raised by many is that biodegradable 

plastics are “a false solution because they will not sufficiently 

degrade in case of littering in the sea”. This is a very powerful and 

harmful message for the sector of bioplastics. It links the term 

“biodegradable plastics” with “false”. However, it is a fallacious 

argument. The premise is wrong and thus the conclusion is 

wrong and misleading. It is a typical example of “argumentum 

ad nauseam” i.e. the logical fallacy that something becomes 

true if it is repeated often enough. The implicit premise is that 

biodegradable plastics were developed to solve the problem of 

littering …and failed the expectations. But this premise is wrong. 

Biodegradable plastics were developed to make compostable 

products or products for agriculture both of which are designed 

to biodegrade within specific boundaries. Biodegradation of 

compostable products happens in waste treatment plants, within 

boundaries limited in space (the composting plant) and time 

(the composting cycle necessary to produce quality compost). 

Likewise, biodegradation of agricultural applications (i.e. mulch 

films) happens within specific boundaries, limited in space 

(the mulched field) and time (the growing season of the crop). 

Standards that establish biodegradability product performance 

and safe environmental credentials for plastics that might 

be intentionally composted or used in agriculture do exist: 

EN 13432 [2] and EN 17033 [3]. But in case of uncontrolled 

leakage into the environment what is the expected role of 

biodegradability? Materials showing marine biodegradation are 

already available [4, 5]. But any waste, whether biodegradable or 

not, must be collected and managed in a waste treatment plant. 

Independent of whether the single-use product is biodegradable 

or not, any uncontrolled leakage is a potential harm to the 

environment (a risk). That said, leakage into the environment can 

happen but we are not able yet to measure the associated risk. 

The uncontrolled release of packaging and plastics items 

into the environment is a random event, without space and time 

boundaries. Where, when, how 

much, persistence, etc. All these 

questions must be tentatively 

answered in order to assess 

the impact and the risk posed 

to the environment by leakage 

of single-use products (made 

with any material). Thus, probability needs to be considered 

when addressing littering and the ecological risk. We can 

claim a product to be compatible with composting, because 

biodegradation will happen within space and time boundaries. 

We, the bioplastics industry and society cannot claim a product 

to be “harmless” in case of littering, because there will always 

be a probability of damage likewise we should not aim to qualify 

a product as “ready-for- littering” based on its presumed 

biodegradability. In conclusion: 

1: Biodegradable plastics are a true solution for organic 

recycling. Biodegradable plastics are made for controlled 

recovery. The normative framework is very clear and robust, 

and we can state that biodegradability is needed for recovery 

by organic recycling, in compliance with the Packaging and 

Packaging Waste Directive’s essential requirements . 

2: 80 % of marine litter comes from land. Thus, the quest for 

a standard on “marine biodegradability” of plastics is actually 

out-of-focus. Littering mostly happens in cities, parks, terrains 

along the routes, etc. A standard on “marine biodegradability” 

of single-use products and packaging means a standard (and 

presumption that it is good) on “Environmental fate of littered 

waste”. 

3: A methodology for impact and risk assessment of littering is 

needed. Any mitigation action must be based on the capability of 

measuring the addressed problem and then design, implement, 

and monitor the actions meant to contrast it. Currently a 

specific methodology for the assessment of the risk and impact 

of post-consumer waste in case of littering is not available. 

4: Biodegradability reduces the risk. Persistence (e.g. soil 

and marine biodegradability) is clearly a factor that influences 

the amount of litter present in the environment. Thus, it is 

important to characterise the biodegradability of products 

in order to determine the risk associated with leakage but 

keeping in mind that in any cases all products are expected 

to be recovered 

References. 

[1] It derives from the Greek πλαστικός (plastikos) “capable of being shaped or 

molded” 

[2] Packaging. Requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and 

biodegradation. Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance 

of packaging 

[3] Plastics. Biodegradable mulch films for use in agriculture and horticulture. 

Requirements and test methods 

[4] F. Degli Innocenti (2012) bioplastics MAGAZINE 04(vol 7):44-45 

[5] F. Degli Innocenti (2016) bioplastics MAGAZINE 02(vol 11):16-17 


Automotive 

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10 Years ago 

F 

In addition, until recently, PLA couldn’t be applied to 

applications such as expanded bead foam. The thermal 

properties as well as its brittleness did not allow reheating 

and expansion, but a solution was found for this. Additional 

opportunities are also identified since Purac started a new 

D-Lactide production last year, Synbra envisages now 

to also to use a stereocomplex PLA made from Purac’s 

new D-lactide monomer, yielding foam with microwavable 

capabilities. The first results are extremely promising and 

prototypes were made. 

The prestigious NRK sustainable innovation award 2008/2009 

was handed over by MVO chairman Wim Lageweg to Synbra’s 

Lex Edelman, Jan Noordegraaf and Wout Abbenhuis 

A big advantage is that BioFoam can be custom expanded 

to densities between 20-40 grams per litre (g/l), without 

a limitation in moulded size. Achievable densities are far 

lower than with continuously extruded PLA (in an XPS like 

process) which hovers around 100-150g/l. “No wonder,“ 

Noordegraaf says, ”that particle foam E-PLA is perceived 

to be superior to X-PLA and he adds “because E-PLA foam 

creates the highest amount of parts per kilo.” 

The main markets for BioFoam are for example specialty 

packaging for consumer goods and cushion filling made 

from biobased materials. The maker of the famous Fatboy 

beanbag furniture, the dutch company Fatboy the Original 

bv, is about to use BioFoam beads for filling. 

For the cold chain transport sector DGP-Group of York 

(UK) is the leading launch customer. 

Foam 

End of last year Synbra started up a demonstration and 

product development plant located at Sulzer Chemtech 

in Switzerland. This unit, for the time being only available 

to partners of Purac, shall facilitate both product and 

process development to meet various application and 

customer demands. A production plant in Etten-Leur, the 

Netherlands with a capacity of 5,000 t/a is targeted to be 

operational by the end of 2009. Synbra intends to assume 

a leading position in Europe as supplier of biologically 

degradable foamed polymers from renewable sources and 

plans to expand the PLA capacity to 50,000 t/a. 

Expanded 

PLA as a 

particle foam 

Starting in Europe, Synbra already has plans to bring 

their BioFoam to North America in a partnership with 

a US based company. “BioFoam will be global,” as Jan 

Noordegraaf puts it. 

In January 2009 Synbra was awarded the prestigious 

PRIMA ondernemen gold innovation award by the Dutch 

rubber and plastics association (NRK) for its exemplary 

innovative and sustainable development. 

www.synbra.com 

bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/09] Vol. 4 23 

The product development team of Synbra, Matthijs 

Gebraad, Jürgen de Jong and Hans van Sas showing the 

largest BioFoam part moulded to date 

T 

he first PLA producer that signed a partner contract 

with Purac and Sulzer Chemtech (see page 18) to 

produce their own PLA is the Dutch company Synbra 

from Etten-Leur, a company that has been producing 

EPS (expanded Polystyrene – a mouldable styrenics 

based particle foam) for many years. Now as customers 

from Synbra are increasingly looking for environmentally 

benign and sustainable solutions, Synbra wanted to find a 

biodegradable alternative based on renewable resources. 

Together with the University of Wageningen, The Netherlands, 

Synbra had already developed a process for E-PLA 

using CO 2 instead of pentane as a blowing agent. Thus the 

E-PLA does not contain any volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs). The E-PLA foam, now marketed under the brand 

name BioFoam ® offers comparable or even better properties 

compared to EPS in properties like shock absorption, 

insulation value and moulding shrinkage. In order to 

better distinguish BioFoam from EPS and other particle 

foams, Synbra’s E-PLA plans to colour it in a light green 

tone. 

Although the situation seems to have eased, at the 

time they could not buy PLA. Synbra decided to make it 

themselves. “NatureWorks told us at that time to come 

back in three years“ says Jan Noordegraaf, Managing 

Director of Synbra and we would not wait so long”. Earlier 

in their polystyrene business Synbra had decided to go one 

step further in the value chain and polymerise their own 

Polystyrene, so now it was a logic step for them to do the 

same with PLA. “Then we found Purac, the market leader 

for lactic acid was only 40 km away from us. And Purac 

together with Sulzer were offering exactly what we were 

looking for, so it was clear for us what we had to do,” adds 

Jan Noordegraaf. 

tinyurl.com/2009-biofoam 

22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/09] Vol. 4 


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We obtained acceptance by major 

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We found innovative and new applications, 

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The FARREL POMINI Continuous Mixing 

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Basics 

Glossary 4.3 last update issue 01/2019 

In bioplastics MAGAZINE again and again 

the same expressions appear that some of our readers 

might not (yet) be familiar with. This glossary shall help 

with these terms and shall help avoid repeated explanations 

such as PLA (Polylactide) in various articles. 

Bioplastics (as defined by European Bioplastics 

e.V.) is a term used to define two different 

kinds of plastics: 

a. Plastics based on → renewable resources 

(the focus is the origin of the raw material 

used). These can be biodegradable or not. 

b. → Biodegradable and → compostable 

plastics according to EN13432 or similar 

standards (the focus is the compostability of 

the final product; biodegradable and compostable 

plastics can be based on renewable 

(biobased) and/or non-renewable (fossil) resources). 

Bioplastics may be 

- based on renewable resources and biodegradable; 

- based on renewable resources but not be 

biodegradable; and 

- based on fossil resources and biodegradable. 

1 st Generation feedstock | Carbohydrate rich 

plants such as corn or sugar cane that can 

also be used as food or animal feed are called 

food crops or 1 st generation feedstock. Bred 

my mankind over centuries for highest energy 

efficiency, currently, 1 st generation feedstock 

is the most efficient feedstock for the production 

of bioplastics as it requires the least 

amount of land to grow and produce the highest 

yields. [bM 04/09] 

2 nd Generation feedstock | refers to feedstock 

not suitable for food or feed. It can be either 

non-food crops (e.g. cellulose) or waste materials 

from 1 st generation feedstock (e.g. 

waste vegetable oil). [bM 06/11] 

3 rd Generation feedstock | This term currently 

relates to biomass from algae, which – having 

a higher growth yield than 1 st and 2 nd generation 

feedstock – were given their own category. 

It also relates to bioplastics from waste 

streams such as CO 2 

or methane [bM 02/16] 

Aerobic digestion | Aerobic means in the 

presence of oxygen. In →composting, which is 

an aerobic process, →microorganisms access 

the present oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere. 

They metabolize the organic material 

to energy, CO 2 

, water and cell biomass, 

whereby part of the energy of the organic material 

is released as heat. [bM 03/07, bM 02/09] 

Since this Glossary will not be printed 

in each issue you can download a pdf version 

from our website (bit.ly/OunBB0) 

bioplastics MAGAZINE is grateful to European Bioplastics for the permission to use parts of their Glossary. 

Version 4.0 was revised using EuBP’s latest version (Jan 2015). 

[*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive article previously published in bioplastics MAGAZINE) 

Anaerobic digestion | In anaerobic digestion, 

organic matter is degraded by a microbial 

population in the absence of oxygen 

and producing methane and carbon dioxide 

(= →biogas) and a solid residue that can be 

composted in a subsequent step without 

practically releasing any heat. The biogas can 

be treated in a Combined Heat and Power 

Plant (CHP), producing electricity and heat, or 

can be upgraded to bio-methane [14] [bM 06/09] 

Amorphous | non-crystalline, glassy with unordered 

lattice 

Amylopectin | Polymeric branched starch 

molecule with very high molecular weight 

(biopolymer, monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09] 

Amylose | Polymeric non-branched starch 

molecule with high molecular weight (biopolymer, 

monomer is →Glucose) [bM 05/09] 

Biobased | The term biobased describes the 

part of a material or product that is stemming 

from →biomass. When making a biobasedclaim, 

the unit (→biobased carbon content, 

→biobased mass content), a percentage and 

the measuring method should be clearly stated [1] 

Biobased carbon | carbon contained in or 

stemming from →biomass. A material or 

product made of fossil and →renewable resources 

contains fossil and →biobased carbon. 

The biobased carbon content is measured via 

the 14 C method (radio carbon dating method) 

that adheres to the technical specifications as 

described in [1,4,5,6]. 

Biobased labels | The fact that (and to 

what percentage) a product or a material is 

→biobased can be indicated by respective 

labels. Ideally, meaningful labels should be 

based on harmonised standards and a corresponding 

certification process by independent 

third party institutions. For the property 

biobased such labels are in place by certifiers 

→DIN CERTCO and →Vinçotte who both base 

their certifications on the technical specification 

as described in [4,5] 

A certification and corresponding label depicting 

the biobased mass content was developed 

by the French Association Chimie du Végétal 

[ACDV]. 

Biobased mass content | describes the 

amount of biobased mass contained in a material 

or product. This method is complementary 

to the 14 C method, and furthermore, takes 

other chemical elements besides the biobased 

carbon into account, such as oxygen, nitrogen 

and hydrogen. A measuring method has 

been developed and tested by the Association 

Chimie du Végétal (ACDV) [1] 

Biobased plastic | A plastic in which constitutional 

units are totally or partly from → 

biomass [3]. If this claim is used, a percentage 

should always be given to which extent 

the product/material is → biobased [1] 

[bM 01/07, bM 03/10] 

Biodegradable Plastics | Biodegradable Plastics 

are plastics that are completely assimilated 

by the → microorganisms present a defined 

environment as food for their energy. The 

carbon of the plastic must completely be converted 

into CO 2 

during the microbial process. 

The process of biodegradation depends on 

the environmental conditions, which influence 

it (e.g. location, temperature, humidity) and 

on the material or application itself. Consequently, 

the process and its outcome can vary 

considerably. Biodegradability is linked to the 

structure of the polymer chain; it does not depend 

on the origin of the raw materials. 

There is currently no single, overarching standard 

to back up claims about biodegradability. 

One standard for example is ISO or in Europe: 

EN 14995 Plastics- Evaluation of compostability 

- Test scheme and specifications 

[bM 02/06, bM 01/07] 

Biogas | → Anaerobic digestion 

Biomass | Material of biological origin excluding 

material embedded in geological formations 

and material transformed to fossilised 

material. This includes organic material, e.g. 

trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, algae and 

waste of biological origin, e.g. manure [1, 2] 

Biorefinery | the co-production of a spectrum 

of bio-based products (food, feed, materials, 

chemicals including monomers or building 

blocks for bioplastics) and energy (fuels, power, 

heat) from biomass.[bM 02/13] 

Blend | Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at 

least two microscopically dispersed and molecularly 

distributed base polymers 

Bisphenol-A (BPA) | Monomer used to produce 

different polymers. BPA is said to cause 

health problems, due to the fact that is behaves 

like a hormone. Therefore it is banned 

for use in children’s products in many countries. 

BPI | Biodegradable Products Institute, a notfor-profit 

association. Through their innovative 

compostable label program, BPI educates 

manufacturers, legislators and consumers 

about the importance of scientifically based 

standards for compostable materials which 

biodegrade in large composting facilities. 

Carbon footprint | (CFPs resp. PCFs – Product 

Carbon Footprint): Sum of →greenhouse 

gas emissions and removals in a product system, 

expressed as CO 2 

equivalent, and based 

on a →life cycle assessment. The CO 2 

equivalent 

of a specific amount of a greenhouse gas 

is calculated as the mass of a given greenhouse 

gas multiplied by its →global warmingpotential 

[1,2,15] 


Basics 

Carbon neutral, CO 2 

neutral | describes a 

product or process that has a negligible impact 

on total atmospheric CO 2 

levels. For 

example, carbon neutrality means that any 

CO 2 

released when a plant decomposes or 

is burnt is offset by an equal amount of CO 2 

absorbed by the plant through photosynthesis 

when it is growing. 

Carbon neutrality can also be achieved 

through buying sufficient carbon credits to 

make up the difference. The latter option is 

not allowed when communicating → LCAs 

or carbon footprints regarding a material or 

product [1, 2]. 

Carbon-neutral claims are tricky as products 

will not in most cases reach carbon neutrality 

if their complete life cycle is taken into consideration 

(including the end-of life). 

If an assessment of a material, however, is 

conducted (cradle to gate), carbon neutrality 

might be a valid claim in a B2B context. In this 

case, the unit assessed in the complete life 

cycle has to be clarified [1] 

Cascade use | of →renewable resources means 

to first use the →biomass to produce biobased 

industrial products and afterwards – due to 

their favourable energy balance – use them 

for energy generation (e.g. from a biobased 

plastic product to →biogas production). The 

feedstock is used efficiently and value generation 

increases decisively. 

Catalyst | substance that enables and accelerates 

a chemical reaction 

Cellophane | Clear film on the basis of →cellulose 

[bM 01/10] 

Cellulose | Cellulose is the principal component 

of cell walls in all higher forms of plant 

life, at varying percentages. It is therefore the 

most common organic compound and also 

the most common polysaccharide (multisugar) 

[11]. Cellulose is a polymeric molecule 

with very high molecular weight (monomer is 

→Glucose), industrial production from wood 

or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and 

fibres [bM 01/10] 

Cellulose ester | Cellulose esters occur by 

the esterification of cellulose with organic 

acids. The most important cellulose esters 

from a technical point of view are cellulose 

acetate (CA with acetic acid), cellulose propionate 

(CP with propionic acid) and cellulose 

butyrate (CB with butanoic acid). Mixed polymerisates, 

such as cellulose acetate propionate 

(CAP) can also be formed. One of the most 

well-known applications of cellulose aceto 

butyrate (CAB) is the moulded handle on the 

Swiss army knife [11] 

Cellulose acetate CA | → Cellulose ester 

CEN | Comité Européen de Normalisation 

(European organisation for standardization) 

Certification | is a process in which materials/products 

undergo a string of (laboratory) 

tests in order to verify that the fulfil certain 

requirements. Sound certification systems 

should be based on (ideally harmonised) European 

standards or technical specifications 

(e.g. by →CEN, USDA, ASTM, etc.) and be 

performed by independent third party laboratories. 

Successful certification guarantees 

a high product safety - also on this basis interconnected 

labels can be awarded that help 

the consumer to make an informed decision. 

Compost | A soil conditioning material of decomposing 

organic matter which provides nutrients 

and enhances soil structure. 

[bM 06/08, 02/09] 

Compostable Plastics | Plastics that are 

→ biodegradable under →composting conditions: 

specified humidity, temperature, 

→ microorganisms and timeframe. In order 

to make accurate and specific claims about 

compostability, the location (home, → industrial) 

and timeframe need to be specified [1]. 

Several national and international standards 

exist for clearer definitions, for example EN 

14995 Plastics - Evaluation of compostability - 

Test scheme and specifications. [bM 02/06, bM 01/07] 

Composting | is the controlled →aerobic, or 

oxygen-requiring, decomposition of organic 

materials by →microorganisms, under controlled 

conditions. It reduces the volume and 

mass of the raw materials while transforming 

them into CO 2 

, water and a valuable soil conditioner 

– compost. 

When talking about composting of bioplastics, 

foremost →industrial composting in a 

managed composting facility is meant (criteria 

defined in EN 13432). 

The main difference between industrial and 

home composting is, that in industrial composting 

facilities temperatures are much 

higher and kept stable, whereas in the composting 

pile temperatures are usually lower, 

and less constant as depending on factors 

such as weather conditions. Home composting 

is a way slower-paced process than 

industrial composting. Also a comparatively 

smaller volume of waste is involved. [bM 03/07] 

Compound | plastic mixture from different 

raw materials (polymer and additives) [bM 04/10) 

Copolymer | Plastic composed of different 

monomers. 

Cradle-to-Gate | Describes the system 

boundaries of an environmental →Life Cycle 

Assessment (LCA) which covers all activities 

from the cradle (i.e., the extraction of raw materials, 

agricultural activities and forestry) up 

to the factory gate 

Cradle-to-Cradle | (sometimes abbreviated 

as C2C): Is an expression which communicates 

the concept of a closed-cycle economy, 

in which waste is used as raw material 

(‘waste equals food’). Cradle-to-Cradle is not 

a term that is typically used in →LCA studies. 

Cradle-to-Grave | Describes the system 

boundaries of a full →Life Cycle Assessment 

from manufacture (cradle) to use phase and 

disposal phase (grave). 

Crystalline | Plastic with regularly arranged 

molecules in a lattice structure 

Density | Quotient from mass and volume of 

a material, also referred to as specific weight 

DIN | Deutsches Institut für Normung (German 

organisation for standardization) 

DIN-CERTCO | independant certifying organisation 

for the assessment on the conformity 

of bioplastics 

Dispersing | fine distribution of non-miscible 

liquids into a homogeneous, stable mixture 

Drop-In bioplastics | chemically indentical 

to conventional petroleum based plastics, 

but made from renewable resources. Examples 

are bio-PE made from bio-ethanol (from 

e.g. sugar cane) or partly biobased PET; the 

monoethylene glykol made from bio-ethanol 

(from e.g. sugar cane). Developments to 

make terephthalic acid from renewable resources 

are under way. Other examples are 

polyamides (partly biobased e.g. PA 4.10 or PA 

6.10 or fully biobased like PA 5.10 or PA10.10) 

EN 13432 | European standard for the assessment 

of the → compostability of plastic 

packaging products 

Energy recovery | recovery and exploitation 

of the energy potential in (plastic) waste for 

the production of electricity or heat in waste 

incineration pants (waste-to-energy) 

Environmental claim | A statement, symbol 

or graphic that indicates one or more environmental 

aspect(s) of a product, a component, 

packaging or a service. [16] 

Enzymes | proteins that catalyze chemical 

reactions 

Enzyme-mediated plastics | are no →bioplastics. 

Instead, a conventional non-biodegradable 

plastic (e.g. fossil-based PE) is enriched 

with small amounts of an organic additive. 

Microorganisms are supposed to consume 

these additives and the degradation process 

should then expand to the non-biodegradable 

PE and thus make the material degrade. After 

some time the plastic is supposed to visually 

disappear and to be completely converted to 

carbon dioxide and water. This is a theoretical 

concept which has not been backed up by 

any verifiable proof so far. Producers promote 

enzyme-mediated plastics as a solution to littering. 

As no proof for the degradation process 

has been provided, environmental beneficial 

effects are highly questionable. 

Ethylene | colour- and odourless gas, made 

e.g. from, Naphtha (petroleum) by cracking or 

from bio-ethanol by dehydration, monomer of 

the polymer polyethylene (PE) 

European Bioplastics e.V. | The industry association 

representing the interests of Europe’s 

thriving bioplastics’ industry. Founded 

in Germany in 1993 as IBAW, European 

Bioplastics today represents the interests 

of about 50 member companies throughout 

the European Union and worldwide. With 

members from the agricultural feedstock, 

chemical and plastics industries, as well as 

industrial users and recycling companies, European 

Bioplastics serves as both a contact 

platform and catalyst for advancing the aims 

of the growing bioplastics industry. 

Extrusion | process used to create plastic 

profiles (or sheet) of a fixed cross-section 

consisting of mixing, melting, homogenising 

and shaping of the plastic. 

FDCA | 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, an intermediate 

chemical produced from 5-HMF. 

The dicarboxylic acid can be used to make → 

PEF = polyethylene furanoate, a polyester that 

could be a 100% biobased alternative to PET. 

Fermentation | Biochemical reactions controlled 

by → microorganisms or → enyzmes (e.g. 

the transformation of sugar into lactic acid). 

FSC | Forest Stewardship Council. FSC is an 

independent, non-governmental, not-forprofit 

organization established to promote the 

responsible and sustainable management of 

the world’s forests. 


Basics 

Gelatine | Translucent brittle solid substance, 

colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless 

and odorless, extracted from the collagen inside 

animals‘ connective tissue. 

Genetically modified organism (GMO) | Organisms, 

such as plants and animals, whose 

genetic material (DNA) has been altered 

are called genetically modified organisms 

(GMOs). Food and feed which contain or 

consist of such GMOs, or are produced from 

GMOs, are called genetically modified (GM) 

food or feed [1]. If GM crops are used in bioplastics 

production, the multiple-stage processing 

and the high heat used to create the 

polymer removes all traces of genetic material. 

This means that the final bioplastics product 

contains no genetic traces. The resulting 

bioplastics is therefore well suited to use in 

food packaging as it contains no genetically 

modified material and cannot interact with 

the contents. 

Global Warming | Global warming is the rise 

in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere 

and oceans since the late 19th century 

and its projected continuation [8]. Global 

warming is said to be accelerated by → green 

house gases. 

Glucose | Monosaccharide (or simple sugar). 

G. is the most important carbohydrate (sugar) 

in biology. G. is formed by photosynthesis or 

hydrolyse of many carbohydrates e. g. starch. 

Greenhouse gas GHG | Gaseous constituent 

of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic, 

that absorbs and emits radiation at 

specific wavelengths within the spectrum of 

infrared radiation emitted by the earth’s surface, 

the atmosphere, and clouds [1, 9] 

Greenwashing | The act of misleading consumers 

regarding the environmental practices 

of a company, or the environmental benefits 

of a product or service [1, 10] 

Granulate, granules | small plastic particles 

(3-4 millimetres), a form in which plastic is 

sold and fed into machines, easy to handle 

and dose. 

HMF (5-HMF) | 5-hydroxymethylfurfural is an 

organic compound derived from sugar dehydration. 

It is a platform chemical, a building 

block for 20 performance polymers and over 

175 different chemical substances. The molecule 

consists of a furan ring which contains 

both aldehyde and alcohol functional groups. 

5-HMF has applications in many different 

industries such as bioplastics, packaging, 

pharmaceuticals, adhesives and chemicals. 

One of the most promising routes is 2,5 

furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), produced as an 

intermediate when 5-HMF is oxidised. FDCA 

is used to produce PEF, which can substitute 

terephthalic acid in polyester, especially polyethylene 

terephthalate (PET). [bM 03/14, 02/16] 

Home composting | →composting [bM 06/08] 

Humus | In agriculture, humus is often used 

simply to mean mature →compost, or natural 

compost extracted from a forest or other 

spontaneous source for use to amend soil. 

Hydrophilic | Property: water-friendly, soluble 

in water or other polar solvents (e.g. used 

in conjunction with a plastic which is not water 

resistant and weather proof or that absorbs 

water such as Polyamide (PA). 

Hydrophobic | Property: water-resistant, not 

soluble in water (e.g. a plastic which is water 

resistant and weather proof, or that does not 

absorb any water such as Polyethylene (PE) 

or Polypropylene (PP). 

Industrial composting | is an established 

process with commonly agreed upon requirements 

(e.g. temperature, timeframe) for transforming 

biodegradable waste into stable, sanitised 

products to be used in agriculture. The 

criteria for industrial compostability of packaging 

have been defined in the EN 13432. Materials 

and products complying with this standard 

can be certified and subsequently labelled 

accordingly [1,7] [bM 06/08, 02/09] 

ISO | International Organization for Standardization 

JBPA | Japan Bioplastics Association 

Land use | The surface required to grow sufficient 

feedstock (land use) for today’s bioplastic 

production is less than 0.01 percent of the 

global agricultural area of 5 billion hectares. 

It is not yet foreseeable to what extent an increased 

use of food residues, non-food crops 

or cellulosic biomass (see also →1 st /2 nd /3 rd 

generation feedstock) in bioplastics production 

might lead to an even further reduced 

land use in the future [bM 04/09, 01/14] 

LCA | is the compilation and evaluation of the 

input, output and the potential environmental 

impact of a product system throughout its life 

cycle [17]. It is sometimes also referred to as 

life cycle analysis, ecobalance or cradle-tograve 

analysis. [bM 01/09] 

Littering | is the (illegal) act of leaving waste 

such as cigarette butts, paper, tins, bottles, 

cups, plates, cutlery or bags lying in an open 

or public place. 

Marine litter | Following the European Commission’s 

definition, “marine litter consists of 

items that have been deliberately discarded, 

unintentionally lost, or transported by winds 

and rivers, into the sea and on beaches. It 

mainly consists of plastics, wood, metals, 

glass, rubber, clothing and paper”. Marine 

debris originates from a variety of sources. 

Shipping and fishing activities are the predominant 

sea-based, ineffectively managed 

landfills as well as public littering the main 

land-based sources. Marine litter can pose a 

threat to living organisms, especially due to 

ingestion or entanglement. 

Currently, there is no international standard 

available, which appropriately describes the 

biodegradation of plastics in the marine environment. 

However, a number of standardisation 

projects are in progress at ISO and ASTM 

level. Furthermore, the European project 

OPEN BIO addresses the marine biodegradation 

of biobased products.[bM 02/16] 

Mass balance | describes the relationship between 

input and output of a specific substance 

within a system in which the output from the 

system cannot exceed the input into the system. 

First attempts were made by plastic raw material 

producers to claim their products renewable 

(plastics) based on a certain input 

of biomass in a huge and complex chemical 

plant, then mathematically allocating this 

biomass input to the produced plastic. 

These approaches are at least controversially 

disputed [bM 04/14, 05/14, 01/15] 

Microorganism | Living organisms of microscopic 

size, such as bacteria, funghi or yeast. 

Molecule | group of at least two atoms held 

together by covalent chemical bonds. 

Monomer | molecules that are linked by polymerization 

to form chains of molecules and 

then plastics 

Mulch film | Foil to cover bottom of farmland 

Organic recycling | means the treatment of 

separately collected organic waste by anaerobic 

digestion and/or composting. 

Oxo-degradable / Oxo-fragmentable | materials 

and products that do not biodegrade! 

The underlying technology of oxo-degradability 

or oxo-fragmentation is based on special additives, 

which, if incorporated into standard 

resins, are purported to accelerate the fragmentation 

of products made thereof. Oxodegradable 

or oxo-fragmentable materials do 

not meet accepted industry standards on compostability 

such as EN 13432. [bM 01/09, 05/09] 

PBAT | Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, is 

an aliphatic-aromatic copolyester that has the 

properties of conventional polyethylene but is 

fully biodegradable under industrial composting. 

PBAT is made from fossil petroleum with 

first attempts being made to produce it partly 

from renewable resources [bM 06/09] 

PBS | Polybutylene succinate, a 100% biodegradable 

polymer, made from (e.g. bio-BDO) 

and succinic acid, which can also be produced 

biobased [bM 03/12]. 

PC | Polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyester, 

petroleum based and not degradable, used 

for e.g. baby bottles or CDs. Criticized for its 

BPA (→ Bisphenol-A) content. 

PCL | Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil 

based), biodegradable bioplastic, e.g. used as 

a blend component. 

PE | Polyethylene, thermoplastic polymerised 

from ethylene. Can be made from renewable 

resources (sugar cane via bio-ethanol) [bM 05/10] 

PEF | polyethylene furanoate, a polyester 

made from monoethylene glycol (MEG) and 

→FDCA (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid , an intermediate 

chemical produced from 5-HMF). It 

can be a 100% biobased alternative for PET. 

PEF also has improved product characteristics, 

such as better structural strength and 

improved barrier behaviour, which will allow 

for the use of PEF bottles in additional applications. 

[bM 03/11, 04/12] 

PET | Polyethylenterephthalate, transparent 

polyester used for bottles and film. The 

polyester is made from monoethylene glycol 

(MEG), that can be renewably sourced from 

bio-ethanol (sugar cane) and (until now fossil) 

terephthalic acid [bM 04/14] 

PGA | Polyglycolic acid or Polyglycolide is a biodegradable, 

thermoplastic polymer and the 

simplest linear, aliphatic polyester. Besides 

ist use in the biomedical field, PGA has been 

introduced as a barrier resin [bM 03/09] 

PHA | Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or the 

polyhydroxy fatty acids, are a family of biodegradable 

polyesters. As in many mammals, 

including humans, that hold energy reserves 

in the form of body fat there are also bacteria 

that hold intracellular reserves in for of 

of polyhydroxy alkanoates. Here the microorganisms 

store a particularly high level of 


Basics 

energy reserves (up to 80% of their own body 

weight) for when their sources of nutrition become 

scarce. By farming this type of bacteria, 

and feeding them on sugar or starch (mostly 

from maize), or at times on plant oils or other 

nutrients rich in carbonates, it is possible to 

obtain PHA‘s on an industrial scale [11]. The 

most common types of PHA are PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate, 

PHBV and PHBH. Depending 

on the bacteria and their food, PHAs with 

different mechanical properties, from rubbery 

soft trough stiff and hard as ABS, can be produced. 

Some PHSs are even biodegradable in 

soil or in a marine environment 

PLA | Polylactide or Polylactic Acid (PLA), a 

biodegradable, thermoplastic, linear aliphatic 

polyester based on lactic acid, a natural acid, 

is mainly produced by fermentation of sugar 

or starch with the help of micro-organisms. 

Lactic acid comes in two isomer forms, i.e. as 

laevorotatory D(-)lactic acid and as dextrorotary 

L(+)lactic acid. 

Modified PLA types can be produced by the 

use of the right additives or by certain combinations 

of L- and D- lactides (stereocomplexing), 

which then have the required rigidity for 

use at higher temperatures [13] [bM 01/09, 01/12] 

Plastics | Materials with large molecular 

chains of natural or fossil raw materials, produced 

by chemical or biochemical reactions. 

PPC | Polypropylene Carbonate, a bioplastic 

made by copolymerizing CO 2 

with propylene 

oxide (PO) [bM 04/12] 

PTT | Polytrimethylterephthalate (PTT), partially 

biobased polyester, is similarly to PET 

produced using terephthalic acid or dimethyl 

terephthalate and a diol. In this case it is a 

biobased 1,3 propanediol, also known as bio- 

PDO [bM 01/13] 

Renewable Resources | agricultural raw materials, 

which are not used as food or feed, 

but as raw material for industrial products 

or to generate energy. The use of renewable 

resources by industry saves fossil resources 

and reduces the amount of → greenhouse gas 

emissions. Biobased plastics are predominantly 

made of annual crops such as corn, 

cereals and sugar beets or perennial cultures 

such as cassava and sugar cane. 

Resource efficiency | Use of limited natural 

resources in a sustainable way while minimising 

impacts on the environment. A resource 

efficient economy creates more output 

or value with lesser input. 

Seedling Logo | The compostability label or 

logo Seedling is connected to the standard 

EN 13432/EN 14995 and a certification process 

managed by the independent institutions 

→DIN CERTCO and → Vinçotte. Bioplastics 

products carrying the Seedling fulfil the 

criteria laid down in the EN 13432 regarding 

industrial compostability. [bM 01/06, 02/10] 

Saccharins or carbohydrates | Saccharins or 

carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family. 

Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar 

units. For example, there are known mono-, 

di- and polysaccharose. → glucose is a monosaccarin. 

They are important for the diet and 

produced biology in plants. 

Semi-finished products | plastic in form of 

sheet, film, rods or the like to be further processed 

into finshed products 

Sorbitol | Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction 

of glucose changing the aldehyde group 

to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is used as 

a plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch. 

Starch | Natural polymer (carbohydrate) 

consisting of → amylose and → amylopectin, 

gained from maize, potatoes, wheat, tapioca 

etc. When glucose is connected to polymerchains 

in definite way the result (product) is 

called starch. Each molecule is based on 300 

-12000-glucose units. Depending on the connection, 

there are two types → amylose and → 

amylopectin known. [bM 05/09] 

Starch derivatives | Starch derivatives are 

based on the chemical structure of → starch. 

The chemical structure can be changed by 

introducing new functional groups without 

changing the → starch polymer. The product 

has different chemical qualities. Mostly the 

hydrophilic character is not the same. 

Starch-ester | One characteristic of every 

starch-chain is a free hydroxyl group. When 

every hydroxyl group is connected with an 

acid one product is starch-ester with different 

chemical properties. 

Starch propionate and starch butyrate | 

Starch propionate and starch butyrate can be 

synthesised by treating the → starch with propane 

or butanic acid. The product structure 

is still based on → starch. Every based → glucose 

fragment is connected with a propionate 

or butyrate ester group. The product is more 

hydrophobic than → starch. 

Sustainable | An attempt to provide the best 

outcomes for the human and natural environments 

both now and into the indefinite future. 

One famous definition of sustainability is the 

one created by the Brundtland Commission, 

led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister 

G. H. Brundtland. The Brundtland Commission 

defined sustainable development as 

development that ‘meets the needs of the 

present without compromising the ability of 

future generations to meet their own needs.’ 

Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, 

social, institutional and environmental 

aspects of human society, as well as the nonhuman 

environment). 

Sustainable sourcing | of renewable feedstock 

for biobased plastics is a prerequisite 

for more sustainable products. Impacts such 

as the deforestation of protected habitats 

or social and environmental damage arising 

from poor agricultural practices must 

be avoided. Corresponding certification 

schemes, such as ISCC PLUS, WLC or Bon- 

Sucro, are an appropriate tool to ensure the 

sustainable sourcing of biomass for all applications 

around the globe. 

Sustainability | as defined by European Bioplastics, 

has three dimensions: economic, social 

and environmental. This has been known 

as “the triple bottom line of sustainability”. 

This means that sustainable development involves 

the simultaneous pursuit of economic 

prosperity, environmental protection and social 

equity. In other words, businesses have 

to expand their responsibility to include these 

environmental and social dimensions. Sustainability 

is about making products useful to 

markets and, at the same time, having societal 

benefits and lower environmental impact 

than the alternatives currently available. It also 

implies a commitment to continuous improvement 

that should result in a further reduction 

of the environmental footprint of today’s products, 

processes and raw materials used. 

Thermoplastics | Plastics which soften or 

melt when heated and solidify when cooled 

(solid at room temperature). 

Thermoplastic Starch | (TPS) → starch that 

was modified (cooked, complexed) to make it 

a plastic resin 

Thermoset | Plastics (resins) which do not 

soften or melt when heated. Examples are 

epoxy resins or unsaturated polyester resins. 

TÜV Austria Belgium | independant certifying 

organisation for the assessment on the conformity 

of bioplastics (formerly Vinçotte) 

Vinçotte | → TÜV Austria Belgium 

WPC | Wood Plastic Composite. Composite 

materials made of wood fiber/flour and plastics 

(mostly polypropylene). 

Yard Waste | Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, 

garden residue. 

References: 

[1] Environmental Communication Guide, 

European Bioplastics, Berlin, Germany, 


[2] ISO 14067. Carbon footprint of products - 

Requirements and guidelines for quantification 

and communication 

[3] CEN TR 15932, Plastics - Recommendation 

for terminology and characterisation 

of biopolymers and bioplastics, 2010 

[4] CEN/TS 16137, Plastics - Determination 

of bio-based carbon content, 2011 

[5] ASTM D6866, Standard Test Methods for 

Determining the Biobased Content of 

Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using 

Radiocarbon Analysis 

[6] SPI: Understanding Biobased Carbon 

Content, 2012 

[7] EN 13432, Requirements for packaging 

recoverable through composting and biodegradation. 

Test scheme and evaluation 

criteria for the final acceptance of packaging, 

2000 

[8] Wikipedia 

[9] ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases -- Part 1: 

Specification with guidance..., 2006 

[10] Terrachoice, 2010, www.terrachoice.com 

[11] Thielen, M.: Bioplastics: Basics. Applications. 

Markets, Polymedia Publisher, 


[12] Lörcks, J.: Biokunststoffe, Broschüre der 

FNR, 2005 

[13] de Vos, S.: Improving heat-resistance of 

PLA using poly(D-lactide), 

bioplastics MAGAZINE, Vol. 3, Issue 02/2008 

[14] de Wilde, B.: Anaerobic Digestion, bioplastics 

MAGAZINE, Vol 4., Issue 06/2009 

[15] ISO 14067 onb Corbon Footprint of 

Products 

[16] ISO 14021 on Self-declared Environmental 

claims 

[17] ISO 14044 on Life Cycle Assessment 


Suppliers Guide 

1. Raw Materials 

AGRANA Starch 

Bioplastics 

Conrathstraße 7 

A-3950 Gmuend, Austria 

bioplastics.starch@agrana.com 

www.agrana.com 

Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe 

Polyester Co., Ltd. 

No. 316, South Beijing Rd. Changji, 

Xinjiang, 831100, P.R.China 

Tel.: +86 994 2716865 

Mob: +86 18699400676 

maxirong@lanshantunhe.com 

http://www.lanshantunhe.com 

PBAT & PBS resin supplier 

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 

39 mm 

Simply contact: 

Tel.: +49 2161 6884467 

suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

Stay permanently listed in the 

Suppliers Guide with your company 

logo and contact information. 

For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you 

can be present among top suppliers in 

the field of bioplastics. 

For Example: 

Polymedia Publisher GmbH 

Dammer Str. 112 

41066 Mönchengladbach 

Germany 

Tel. +49 2161 664864 

Fax +49 2161 631045 

info@bioplasticsmagazine.com 


Sample Charge: 

39mm x 6,00 € 

= 234,00 € per entry/per issue 

Sample Charge for one year: 

6 issues x 234,00 EUR = 1,404.00 € 

The entry in our Suppliers Guide is 

bookable for one year (6 issues) and 

extends automatically if it’s not canceled 

three month before expiry. 

www.facebook.com 

www.issuu.com 

www.twitter.com 

www.youtube.com 

BASF SE 

Ludwigshafen, Germany 

Tel: +49 621 60-9995 

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) 152-018 920 51 

frank.steinbrecher@mcpp-europe.com 

MCPP France SAS 

+33 (0) 6 07 22 25 32 

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 

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 

API S.p.A. 

Via Dante Alighieri, 27 

36065 Mussolente (VI), Italy 

Telephone +39 0424 579711 

www.apiplastic.com 

www.apinatbio.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 

Global Biopolymers Co.,Ltd. 

Bioplastics compounds 

(PLA+starch;PLA+rubber) 

194 Lardproa80 yak 14 

Wangthonglang, Bangkok 

Thailand 10310 

info@globalbiopolymers.com 

www.globalbiopolymers.com 

Tel +66 81 9150446 

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 

226 Broadway | PO Box #142 

Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845, USA 

Tel.: +1 620-273-8919 

info@greendotholdings.com 

www.greendotpure.com 

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 

Natureplast – Biopolynov 

11 rue François Arago 

14123 IFS 

Tel: +33 (0)2 31 83 50 87 

www.natureplast.eu 



4. Bioplastics products 

TECNARO GmbH 

Bustadt 40 

D-74360 Ilsfeld. Germany 

Tel: +49 (0)7062/97687-0 

www.tecnaro.de 

1.3 PLA 

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 

Bio-on S.p.A. 

Via Santa Margherita al Colle 10/3 

40136 Bologna - ITALY 

Tel.: +39 051 392336 

info@bio-on.it 

www.bio-on.it 

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 

Total Corbion PLA bv 

Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21 

4200 AA Gorinchem 

The Netherlands 

Tel.: +31 183 695 695 

Fax.: +31 183 695 604 

www.total-corbion.com 

pla@total-corbion.com 

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 

1.6 masterbatches 

Bio4Pack GmbH 

D-48419 Rheine, Germany 

Tel.: +49 (0) 5975 955 94 57 

info@bio4pack.com 

www.bio4pack.com 

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 Laboratory Equipment 

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 

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 

GRAFE-Group 



Tel. +49 36459 45 0 

www.grafe.com 

Albrecht Dinkelaker 

Polymer and Product Development 

Blumenweg 2 

79669 Zell im Wiesental, Germany 

Tel.:+49 (0) 7625 91 84 58 

info@polyfea2.de 

www.caprowax-p.eu 

2. Additives/Secondary raw materials 

BeoPlast Besgen GmbH 

Bioplastics injection moulding 

Industriestraße 64 

D-40764 Langenfeld, Germany 

Tel. +49 2173 84840-0 

info@beoplast.de 

www.beoplast.de 

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 

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 

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 

Grabio Greentech Corporation 

Tel: +886-3-598-6496 

No. 91, Guangfu N. Rd., Hsinchu 

Industrial Park,Hukou Township, 

Hsinchu County 30351, Taiwan 

sales@grabio.com.tw 

www.grabio.com.tw 

1.5 PHA 

Bio-on S.p.A. 

Via Santa Margherita al Colle 10/3 

40136 Bologna - ITALY 

Tel.: +39 051 392336 

info@bio-on.it 

www.bio-on.it 

GRAFE-Group 



Tel. +49 36459 45 0 

www.grafe.com 

3. Semi finished products 

3.1 films 

TIPA-Corp. Ltd 

Hanagar 3 Hod 

Hasharon 4501306, ISRAEL 

P.O BOX 7132 

Tel: +972-9-779-6000 

Fax: +972 -9-7715828 

www.tipa-corp.com 

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 

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 

Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH 

Holzhauser Strasse 157–159 

D-13509 Berlin 

Tel. +49 30 43 567 5 

Fax +49 30 43 567 699 

sales.de@uhde-inventa-fischer.com 

Uhde Inventa-Fischer AG 

Via Innovativa 31, CH-7013 Domat/Ems 

Tel. +41 81 632 63 11 

Fax +41 81 632 74 03 

sales.ch@uhde-inventa-fischer.com 

www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com 

9. Services 

Osterfelder Str. 3 

46047 Oberhausen 

Tel.: +49 (0)208 8598 1227 

thomas.wodke@umsicht.fhg.de 

www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de 



‘Basics‘ book 

on bioplastics 

110 pages full 

color, paperback 

ISBN 978-3- 

9814981-1-0: 

Bioplastics 

ISBN 978-3- 

9814981-2-7: 

Biokunststoffe 

2. überarbeitete 

Auflage 

This book, created and published by Polymedia 

Publisher, maker of bioplastics MAGAZINE is 

available in English and German language 

(German now in the second, revised edition). 

The book is intended to offer a rapid and uncomplicated 

introduction into the subject of bioplastics, and is aimed at all 

interested readers, in particular those who have not yet had 

the opportunity to dig deeply into the subject, such as students 

or those just joining this industry, and lay readers. It gives 

an introduction to plastics and bioplastics, explains which 

renewable resources can be used to produce bioplastics, 

what types of bioplastic exist, and which ones are already on 

the market. Further aspects, such as market development, 

the agricultural land required, and waste disposal, are also 

examined. 

An extensive index allows the reader to find specific aspects 

quickly, and is complemented by a comprehensive literature 

list and a guide to sources of additional information on the 

Internet. 

The author Michael Thielen is editor and publisher 

bioplastics MAGAZINE. He is a qualified machinery design 

engineer with a degree in plastics technology from the RWTH 

University in Aachen. He has written several books on the 

subject of blow-moulding technology and disseminated his 

knowledge of plastics in numerous presentations, seminars, 

guest lectures and teaching assignments. 

Order now for € 18.65 or US-$ 25.00 

(+ VAT where applicable, plus shipping and handling, 

ask for details) order at www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/ 

books, by phone +49 2161 6884463 or by e-mail 

books@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

Or subscribe and get it as a free gift 

(see page 53 for details, outside Germany only) 

narocon 

Dr. Harald Kaeb 

Tel.: +49 30-28096930 

kaeb@narocon.de 

www.narocon.de 

9. Services (continued) 

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 

10. Institutions 

10.1 Associations 

BPI - The Biodegradable 

Products Institute 

331 West 57th Street, Suite 415 

New York, NY 10019, USA 

Tel. +1-888-274-5646 

info@bpiworld.org 

European Bioplastics e.V. 

Marienstr. 19/20 

10117 Berlin, Germany 

Tel. +49 30 284 82 350 

Fax +49 30 284 84 359 

info@european-bioplastics.org 


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 

Green Serendipity 

Caroli Buitenhuis 

IJburglaan 836 

1087 EM Amsterdam 

The Netherlands 

Tel.: +31 6-24216733 

www.greenseredipity.nl 


Events 

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now at 

bioplasticsmagazine.com 

the next six issues for €169.– 1) 

Event 

Calendar 

You can meet us 

European Biopolymer Summit 2019 

13.02.2019 - 14.02.2019 - Ghent, Belgium 

http://www.wplgroup.com/aci/event/biopolymer-conference-europe/ 


ISSN 1862-5258 

Nov / Dec 

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Cover Story 



13 th Bioplastics Market 

12.03.2019 - 13.03.2019 - Bangkok, Thailand 

www.cmtevents.com/main.aspx?ev=190310&pu=276943 

22.04.2018 - Geleen, Niederlande 

7 th Conference on Carbon Dioxide as Feedstock for 

Fuels, Chemistry and Polymers 

20.03.2019 - 21.03.2019 - Cologne, Germany 

http://co2-chemistry.eu 

Which sustainable future for plastic? 

21.03.2019 - Mons, Belgium 

http://www.plasticfuture.eu/ 

bio!TOY: biobased materials for toy applications 

by bioplastics MAGAZINE 

27.-28.03.2019 - Nürnberg, Germany 

www.bio-toy.info 

14 th Annual World Bio Markets 

01.04.2019 - 03.04.2019 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

http://www.worldbiomarkets.co 

Compostable 

sanitary napkin 

project wins 

13th Global 

Bioplastics Award 

| 10 

PIAE – International professional congress for plastics 

in cars 

03.04.2019 - 04.04.2019 - Mannheim, Germany 

https://www.vdi-wissensforum.de/en/piae/ 


Highlights 

Bioplastics from waste streams | 20 

sticmagazine_11.12_2018_flagEBC_210x297_ese.indd 1 31/10/18 14:10 

Films, flexibles, bags | 12 

+ 

r4_ 1.2018 


Highlights 

Foam | 12 


Basics 




12 th International Conference on Bio-based Materials 

15.05.2019 - 16.05.2019 - Cologne, Germany 

http://bio-based-conference.com/ 

Chinaplas 2019 

21.05.2019 - 24.05.2019 - Guangzhou, China 

http://adsale.hk/1935-CPS19_Bioplastics_EN_500x150 

bio!PAC: Conference on biobased packaging 

by bioplastics MAGAZINE 

28.-29.05.2019 - Düsseldorf, Germany 

www.bio-pac.info 

or 

26 th Anniversary meeting of the Bio-Environmental 

Polymer Society (BEPS) 

05.06.2019 - 07.06.2019 - Greenville, SC, USA 

http://www.beps.org/meetings/ 

Plastics beyond Petroleum - BioMass & Recycling 

25.06.2019 - 27.06.2019 - New York City Area, USA 

http://innoplastsolutions.com/conference.html 

Mention the promotion code ‘watch‘ or ‘book‘ 

and you will get our watch or the book 3) 

Bioplastics Basics. Applications. Markets. for free 

(new subscribers only) 

1) Offer valid until 31 Mar 2019 

3) Gratis-Buch in Deutschland nicht möglich, no free book in Germany 


Companies in this issue 

Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert 

Adsale (Chinaplas) 31 

Agrana Starch Bioplastics 50 

AIJU 8 

AMT Coffee 25 

API 50 

Ardent Venture 6 

A-Round 6 

Avantium 7 

BASF 7, 10, 13, 30 50 

Bcomp 14 

Belgian Biopackaging 10 

BeoPlast Besgen 17 51 

BewiSynbra 34 

Bio4pack 10 51 

Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking 12 

Bioblo 8 

Bio-Fed Branch of Akro-Plastic 50 

Bio-On 6, 10, 28, 37 51 

Bioseries 8 

Biotec 10, 13 51, 55 

Biovision & Greenergy 33 

BMEL 17, 40 

BPI 52 

Braskem 8, 10, 27 

Bremen Univ. App. Sc. 17 

Bunzl 10 

Business Finland 6 

Buss 13, 51 

Caprowachs, Albrecht Dinkelaker 51 

Carbiolice 5, 13, 18 

Carbios 18 

Cardia Bioplastics 50 

Cerestec 30 

Chanel 6 

Corona 23 

Covestro 27 

Danimer Scientific 6 

Din Certco 8 

Dr. Heinz Gupta Verlag 39 

DVSI 8 

Ecoplaza 10 

Eerik Paasikivi 6 

eKoala 8, 23 

Eloxel 28 

Erema 51 

European Bioplastics 18, 20 52 

European Comission 12 

Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe 8, 17, 40 

Farrel 45 

Felofin 28 

FKuR 8, 10 2, 50 

Fonti Alta Valle Po 37 

Ford Motor Company 17 

Fraunhofer UMSICHT 51 

Friends of the Earth Europe 12 

Futamura 10 

Futerro 13 

Genomatica 30 

Gianeco 50 

Global Biopolymers 26 

Global Biopolymers 50 

GRABIO Greentech Corporation 51 

Grafe 50, 51 

Green Serendipity 10 

Green Serendipity 52 

Greendot Bioplastic 8 50 

Guangzhou Bioplus Materials Tech. 36 

Hexpol TPE 8 

Hydra Marine Sciences 13 

Ilka Herlin 6 

Indochine Bio Plastiques 51 

Inst. F. Bioplastics & Biocomposites 17 52 

Institut f. Kunststofftechnik 52 

Jinhui Zhaolong 50 

Kaneka 51 

Kartell 28 

Kingfa 50 

Leaf Resources 32 

Lifeline Ventures 6 

LyondellBasell 17 

M-Base 17 

Michigan State University 52 

Microtec 50 

Mika Ihamoutila 6 

Minima Technology 51 

Mitsubishi Chemical 10 

narocon InnovationConsulting 8 52 

Natureplast-Biopolynov 50 

NatureWorks 13 

Natur-Tec 51 

Neste Corporation 13 

Nestlé 6 

nova Institute 8, 18, 21, 29 17, 25, 29, 52 

Novamont 10, 23, 42 51, 56 

Novozymes 32 

Nurel 50 

Organic Waste Systems 13, 18 

Parley for the Oceans 23 

PepsiCo 6 

Persico 14 

Planvest 6 

plasticker 15 

polymediaconsult 52 

Polytan 27 

PTT MCC Biochem 13 50 

Rijksinstitut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu 35 

Rivoira 37 

RK Zero 37 

Saara Kankaanrinta 6 

Saida 51 

Sociedad Cooperativa General Agropacuria 6 

SportGroup Holding 27 

Stora-Enso 25 

Sukano 50 

Sulapac 6, 25 

Sulzer Chemtech 13 

Synbra 30, 44 

Synvina 7 

Taghleef Industries 10 

Tchibo 39 

Technip FMC 13 

Tecnaro 8 51 

Teknor Apex 30 

Tel Aviv Univ. 7 

TianAn Biopolymer 51 

TIPA 51 

Total Corbion PLA 5, 13 51 

TU Berlin 13, 17 

TÜV Rheinland 8 

Uhde-Inventa Fischer 51 

Unisport 34 

Univ. Stuttgart (IKT) 52 

USDA 40 

VDI 43 

Volvo Cars 14 

Welzijn enSport 35 

World Bio Markets 41 

Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe Polyester 50 

Zeijiang Hisun Biomaterials 51 

Zeropack 37 

Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 50 

Issue 

Editorial Planner 

Month 

Publ. 

Date 

edit/ad/ 

Deadline 


02/2019 Mar/Apr 08 Apr 19 08 Mrz 19 Thermoforming / 

Rigid Packaging 

Edit. Focus 1 Edit. Focus 2 Basics 

Building & 

construction 

Bioplastics in packaging 

(update) 

Trade-Fair 

Specials 

Subject to changes 

Chinaplas Preview 

03/2019 May/Jun 03 Jun 19 03 May 19 Injection moulding Toys Microplastics Chinaplas Review 

04/2019 Jul/Aug 05 Aug 19 05 Jul 19 Blow Moulding Biocomposites incl. 

thermoset 

Home composting 


YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND 

A BIOPLAST SUITING 

YOUR NEEDS. 

BIOPLAST®, INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERYDAY PRODUCTS. 

Made from potato starch, BIOPLAST® resins are designed to work on 

existing standard equipment for blown film, flat film, cast film, injection 

molded and thermoformed components. 

100 % biodegradable, BIOPLAST® is particularly suitable for ultra-light 

films with a thickness of approx. 10-15 μm. 

S002 

TRANSPARENT ODORLESS PLASTICIZER 

FREE 

S002 

OK COMPOST 

HOME 

FOOD-CONTACT 

GRADE 

GMO FREE 

www.biotec.de 

member of the SPHERE 

group of companies 

LJ Corporate – © JB Mariou – BIOTEC HRA 1183


EcoComunicazione.it 

r1_05.2017

Issue 01/2019

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