Issue 02/2016

ISSN 1862-5258 

Plant based Material for 

Eyeglass Lenses | 39 

March/April 

02 | 2016 

Basics 

bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 11 

Design for Recyclability | 44 

Highlights 

Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging | 12 

Marine Pollution / Marine Degradation | 16 

Preview 

... is read in 92 countries

Editorial 

dear 

readers 

The first focus topic in this issue is Marine Pollution / Marine Degradation. We 

are all aware of the tremendous pollution of our oceans and waterways by plastic 

debris. And I assume we also all agree that the most obvious thing to do is to ensure 

no plastics end up in the oceans (or better still, in the environment at all), 

whether by preventing littering or improving waste management in general. 

It’s a problem that’s been a topic of endless discussion, with enough having 

already been said on the subject to fill any number of volumes. In this issue 

of bioplastics MAGAZINE we attempt to focus on the issues surrounding the 

biodegradability of certain plastics. Do biodegradable plastics offer potential 

for a solution – or at least for certain aspects of the problem? As I’m sure 

this topic will spark controversy and open up debate, we’re kicking off the 

discussion with this issue. Please feel free to send us your comments and 

views on the topic. 

In the Basics section, we cover the question: “What needs to be considered 

when designing a plastic product, in order to facilitate easy recycling at 

the end of its useful life?” For a comprehensive overview, we have included 

both conventional plastics and bioplastics with their particularities. 

If you are curious about what we were excited about in our first issues 

ten years ago, just flip to page 45, where we continue the new “blast from 

the past” series. 

And we’re launching yet another new series of articles under the title 

“Brand-Owner’s perspective on bioplastics and how to unleash their full potential” 

. See p. 33, where Michhael Knutzen of Coca-Cola shares his thoughts with us. 

Have you already downloaded our App for smartphones and tablets? Just go to 

Apple-Appstore or the Android Google Playstore and search for bioplastics. During 

our anniversary year, all our content can also be downloaded for free. This means that 

you can read bioplastics MAGAZINE and follow us on twitter on your mobile devices – 

wherever you are. 

The call for proposals for the 11 th Global Bioplastics Award (see page 55) is open! 

Please send us your suggestions: if you have seen or heard about any eligible services 

or products in the market that you really liked, whether your own or someone else’s, 

we’ll add these to our long list. The 11 th “Bioplastics Oscar” will be presented during 

the 11 th European Bioplastics Conference on November 29 th in Berlin, Germany. 

And finally, we’d like to remind you of our 4 th PLA World Congress in Munich, 

Germany on May 24 th and 25 th . The programme is now complete and may be found on 

page 10. 

We look forward to seeing you at one of the many upcoming events, and until then, 

enjoy reading bioplastics MAGAZINE. 

Sincerely yours 

Michael Thielen 


ISSN 1862-5258 



March/April 


Basics 


Highlights 



Preview 

... is read in 92 countries 

Follow us on twitter! 

www.twitter.com/bioplasticsmag 

Like us on Facebook! 

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bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/16] Vol. 11 3

Content 

Imprint 

02|2016 

March / April 

Thermoforming / 

Rigid Packaging 

12 Thermoforming and easy peel films 

14 a-PHA modified PLA for thermoforming 

Marine Pollution / 

Marine Degradation 

16 Plastics, biodegradation, 

and risk assessment 

18 Designing for biodegradability in ocean 

environment 

21 PHA – truly biodegradable 

22 Trash is mobile 

24 UNEP Report on biodegradable plastics 

& marine litter 

26 Statement of Open Bio to the UNEP report 

Report 

8 Bioplastics.online, 

finding the right bioplastics 

Events 

10 4 th PLA World Congress, programme 

28 Chinaplas Showguide & Preview 

Materials 

32 The 100 % bio-PET/polyester approach 

Analysis 

34 Breaking down complex assemblies 

From Science & Research 

40 HMF from chicory salad waste 

Basics 

42 Bioplastics packaging: 

design for a circular plastics economy 

44 Design for recyclability 

10 Years Ago 

45 IBAW industry association becomes 

European Bioplastics 

3 Editorial 

5 News 

33 Brand Owner’s View 

38 Application News 

46 Glossary 

50 Suppliers Guide 

53 Event Calendar 

54 Companies in this issue 

Publisher / Editorial 

Dr. Michael Thielen (MT) 

Karen Laird (KL) 

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 

Florian Junker 

phone: +49(0)2161-6884467 

fax: +49(0)2161 6884468 

f.junker@zuendgeber.com 

Chris Shaw 

Chris Shaw Media Ltd 

Media Sales Representative 

phone: +44 (0) 1270 522130 

mobile: +44 (0) 7983 967471 

Layout/Production 

Ulrich Gewehr (Dr. Gupta Verlag) 

Max Godenrath (Dr. Gupta Verlag) 

Print 

Poligrāfijas grupa Mūkusala Ltd. 

1004 Riga, Latvia 

bioplastics MAGAZINE is printed on 

chlorine-free FSC certified paper. 

Print run: 3,700 copies 

(plus 1000 copies printed in China for 

Chinaplas): Total print run: 4,700 copies 

bioplastics magazine 

ISSN 1862-5258 

bM is published 6 times a year. 

This publication is sent to qualified 

subscribers (149 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. No 

items may be reproduced, copied or 

stored in any form, including electronic 

format, without the prior consent of the 

publisher. Opinions expressed in articies 

do not necessarily reflect those of 

Polymedia Publisher. 

All articles appearing in bioplastics 

MAGAZINE, or on the website www. 

bioplasticsmagazine.com are strictly 

covered by copyright. 

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 in I’m Green 

bio-polyethylene envelopes sponsored 

by FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich, 

Germany 

Cover 

Photo: shutterstock/BestPhotoStudio 

Follow us on twitter: 

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daily upated news at 


News 

France supports biobased & home-compostable bags 

European Bioplastics (EUBP), the association representing the bioplastics industry in Europe, welcomes the approval of the 

French implementation decree on single-use plastic bags, which was published by the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable 

Development and Energy last week on 1 February 2016. 

“The decree sets out clear requirements for the reduction of single-use plastic bags in favor of biobased, biodegradable and 

home-compostable bags. This is an important measure and supports the efforts of EUBP to emphasise the essential role of 

bioplastics for the circular economy in Europe,” says Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of EUBP. 

In September last year, the French government notified the European Commission and its 27 EU colleague nations of its draft 

decree (décret) restricting use of plastics carrier bags in France. The decree, as part of the new law on Energy Transition and 

Green Growth, was intended as the instrument to implement the obligations on plastics bags that had been adopted by the 

French Assemblée Nationale to implement the EU requirements, and stated: 

“The decree defines the conditions for the application of the legislative provisions of the Environmental Code, aiming to ban 

the marketing of disposable plastic bags, with the exception, for bags other than carrier bags, of compostable bags that can be 

disposed of with household composting waste and which entirely or partially consist of bio-sourced materials.” 

On 21 December 2015, the European Commission formally issued a detailed letter to the French government objecting to 

parts of its draft decree to restrict the use of single use plastics carrier bags. As of 1 February, however, an implementation 

decree setting out the requirements and conditions in greater detail has been approved and will come into effect on 1 July 

2016. The decree applies to single-use carrier bags below a thickness of 50 µm, which will have to meet the requirements of 

the French standard for home composting and feature a biobased content of at least 30 %. The minimum biobased content 

will increase progressively to 40 % in 2018, 50 % in 2020, and 60 % in 2025. Appropriate bioplastics materials have been readily 

available on the market for quite some time, and manufacturers are eagerly waiting in the wings. 

Christophe Doukhi-de Boissoudy, president of French association Club Bio-plastiques comments: “We welcome the 

mobilisation of public authorities in order to finally achieve such a measure. It will allow biobased and biodegradable plastics 

stakeholders to harness the benefits of their research efforts to develop new biodegradable and compostable plastics that 

reduce our dependency on oil. The decree will help to reduce the plastic bags pollution as well as to revive economic activity for 

French plastics converters, as 90 % of fruit and vegetable bags are currently being imported.” 

The law makes France one of the first European countries to take concrete measures on plastic bags in favor of biobased and 

compostable bags in an effort to comply with the European Directive to reduce the consumption of lightweight plastic bags. It 

also underpins the benefits of separate collection of organic waste with biodegradable and compostable bags. The draft decree 

was amended to take the notions of the European Commission and the French State Council into account. 

“We expect the French decree to serve as an example for European legislation and to contribute to the increased demand of 

sustainable bioplastic solutions,” von Pogrell concluded. KL 

www.european-bioplastics.org 

Corbion PLA plant in Thailand 

Corbion has announced in early March that after completing the pre-engineering stage of its proposed 75,000 tonnes per 

year PLA polymerization plant in Thailand on schedule, the project is now moving into the basic engineering phase. 

The new plant will be located in Thailand, Rayong Province, at the existing Corbion site and will produce a complete portfolio 

of PLA polymers, ranging from standard PLA to high-heat resistant PLA. The company announced the project in 2014, citing 

strong customer interest in PLA as the motivation behind the investment, although at that time, Tjerk de Ruiter, CEO of Corbion, 

stressed that “we will only commence with this investment if we can secure at least one-third of plant capacity in committed 

PLA volumes from customers”. 

The pre-engineering phase commenced in 2015, after “the necessary technical and financial validation for such a plant” had 

been secured. 

Construction, which is expected to require capital expenditures of approximately EUR 65 million for the PLA plant and 

EUR 20 million for the lactide plant, is expected to start later this year with a targeted start-up in the second half of 2018. 

Additionally, Corbion will expand its existing lactide plant in Thailand by 25,000 tonnes per year. With this expansion the 

company will be able to serve both its own PLA plant and current and future lactide customers. The lactide expansion will also 

enable the production of a wider range of lactides than is currently possible. 

Corbion’s pre-marketing activities continue and a portfolio of PLA resins is commercially available for technical validation. 

Corbion will also continue to explore strategic opportunities as part of its PLA growth strategy. KL 

www.corbion.com 


News 

daily upated news at 


NatureWorks: methane as third-generation feedstock 

The new USD 1 million 771 m² (8,300 sqft) laboratory at NatureWorks world headquarters (Minnetonka, Minnesota, USA) is 

the latest milestone in the company’s multi-year program to commercialize a fermentation process for transforming methane, 

a potent greenhouse gas, into lactic acid, the building block of Ingeo PLA biopolymer. It includes the hiring of six scientists to 

staff the new facility. 

The methane to lactic acid research project began in 2013 as a joint effort between NatureWorks and Calysta Energy, Menlo 

Park, California, USA, to develop a fermentation biocatalyst. In 2014, laboratory-scale fermentation of lactic acid from methane 

utilizing a new biocatalyst was proven, and the United States Department of Energy awarded USD 2.5 million to the project. In 

2016, the opening of the new laboratory at NatureWorks headquarters marks another major advancement in the journey from 

proof of concept to commercialization. 

“A commercially viable methane to lactic acid conversion technology would be revolutionary,” said Bill Suehr, NatureWorks 

Chief Operating Officer. 

“It diversifies NatureWorks away from the current reliance on agricultural feedstocks, and with methane as feedstock, it 

could structurally lower the cost of producing Ingeo. It is exciting to envision a future where greenhouse gas is transformed 

into Ingeo-based compostable food serviceware, personal care items such as wipes and diapers, durable products such as 

computer cases and toys, films for wrapping fresh produce, filament for 3D printers, deli packaging, and more.” 

Based on the research collaboration between NatureWorks and Calysta, NatureWorks hopes to subsequently develop a 

2,223 m² (25,000 sqft) pilot plant in Minnesota by 2018 and hire an additional 15 employees. Within the next six years the 

company is looking at the possible construction of a USD 50 million demonstration project. It’s conceivable that within the next 

decade NatureWorks will bring online the first global-scale methane to lactic acid fermentation facility. KL 

www.natureworksllc.com | www.calysta.com 

Avantium and BASF: JV to make PEF 

BASF and Avantium announced in mid-March that they have signed a letter of intent and entered into exclusive negotiations 

to establish a joint venture (JV) for the production and marketing of furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), as 

well as marketing of polyethylenefuranoate (PEF), based on this new chemical building block. 

The JV will use the YXY process ® developed by Avantium in its laboratories in Amsterdam and pilot 

plant in Geleen, Netherlands, for the production of biobased FDCA. It is intended to further develop 

this process as well as to construct a reference plant for the production of FDCA with an annual 

capacity of up to 50,000 tonnes per year at BASF’s Verbund site in Antwerp, Belgium. The aim is to 

build up world-leading positions in FDCA and PEF, and subsequently license the technology for 

industrial scale application. 

FDCA is the essential chemical building block for the production of PEF. Compared to PET, 

for instance, PEF is characterized by improved barrier properties for gases like carbon dioxide 

and oxygen. This can lead to longer shelf life of packaged products. Due to its higher mechanical 

strength, thinner PEF packaging can be produced, which means less material is required. This 

makes PEF particularly suitable for the production of certain food and beverage packaging, for 

example films and plastic bottles. After use, PEF can be recycled. 

“With the planned joint venture, we want to combine Avantium’s specific production technology 

and application know-how for FDCA and PEF with the strengths of BASF,” said Dr. Stefan Blank, 

President of BASF’s Intermediates division. “Of particular importance is our expertise in market 

development and large-scale production as an established and reliable chemical company in the 

business of intermediates and polymers,” Blank added. 

“The contemplated joint venture with BASF is a major milestone in the development and 

commercialization of this game-changing technology. Partnering with the number one chemical 

company in the world, provides us with access to the capabilities that are required to bring this 

technology to industrialization,” said Tom van Aken, Chief Executive Officer of Avantium. 

“The joint venture will further strengthen the global technology and establish the market 

leadership for FDCA and PEF. With BASF, we plan to start production of FDCA to enable the first 

commercial launch of this exciting bio-based material and to further develop and grow the market 

to its full potential.” KL/MT 

www.avantium.com | www.basf.com 

6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/16] Vol. 11

News 

CO 2 

-based building block 

for PEF 

Stanford scientists have discovered a novel way to make PEF 

from carbon dioxide (CO 2 

) and inedible plant material, such as 

agricultural waste and grasses as a low-carbon alternative to PET. 

“Our goal is to replace petroleum-derived products with plastic 

made from CO 2 

,” said Matthew Kanan, an assistant professor of 

chemistry at Stanford. “If you could do that without using a lot of 

non-renewable energy, you could dramatically lower the carbon 

footprint of the plastics industry.” 

The scientists focused on the development of polyethylenefuranoate, 

or PEF. The properties of PEF, including their 

advantages over PET have been described manifold in bioplastics 

MAGAZINE. However, the plastics industry is trying hard to find a 

low-cost way to manufacture it at scale. The bottleneck has been 

figuring out a commercially viable way to produce the precursor 

FDCA sustainably. 

Instead of using sugar from corn to make FDCA, the Stanford 

team has been experimenting with furfural, a compound made 

from agricultural waste that has been widely used for decades. 

But making FDCA from furfural and CO 2 

typically requires 

hazardous chemicals that are expensive and energy-intensive to 

make. “That really defeats the purpose of what we’re trying to 

do,” Kanan said. 

The Stanford team’s approach has the potential to significantly 

reduce greenhouse emissions, Kanan said, because the CO 2 

required to make PEF could be obtained from fossil-fuel power 

plant emissions or other industrial sites. KL/MT 

http://news.stanford.edu/news/2016/march/low-carbon-bioplastic-030916.html 

Hybrid technology to 

make biobased nylon 

Engineers at Iowa State University have found a way to combine 

a genetically engineered strain of yeast and an electrocatalyst to 

efficiently convert sugar into a new type of nylon. 

Previous attempts to combine biocatalysis and chemical 

catalysis to produce biobased chemicals have resulted in low 

conversion rates. That’s usually because the biological processes 

leave residual impurities that harm the effectiveness of chemical 

catalysts. 

The engineers’ successful hybrid conversion process is 

described online and as the cover paper of the Feb. 12 issue of 

the journal “Angewandte Chemie International Edition”. 

“The ideal biorefinery pipelines, from biomass to the final 

products, are currently disrupted by a gap between biological 

conversion and chemical diversification. We herein report a 

strategy to bridge this gap with a hybrid fermentation and 

electrocatalytic process,” wrote lead authors Zengyi Shao and 

Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, Iowa State assistant professors of 

chemical and biological engineering who are also affiliated with 

the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center 

for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) based at Iowa State. KL/MT 

www.news.iastate.edu/news/2016/02/08/biopolymers 

IKEA to move away 

from fossil plastics 

IKEA SUPPLY AG and Newlight Technologies have 

announced that they have entered into a supply 

collaboration, and technology license agreement 

that will supply IKEA with AirCarbon from Newlight’s 

commercial-scale production facilities and enable IKEA 

to produce AirCarbon thermoplastic under a technology 

license. 

Under the agreement, IKEA will purchase 50 % of 

the material from Newlight’s 23,000 tonnes per year 

plant in the United States, and subsequently IKEA has 

exclusive rights in the home furnishings industry to use 

Newlight’s carbon capture technology to convert biobased 

greenhouse gases, first from biogas and later 

from carbon dioxide, into AirCarbon thermoplastics for 

use in its home furnishing products. Both the companies 

will work together to identify and select the low cost 

carbon sources and development of the technology to 

use a range of renewable substrates, with a long term 

goal to develop capacities up to 453,000 tonnes per year. 

The AirCarbon plants are initially intended to run using 

biogas from landfills as their sole carbon feedstock 

inputs, with expansion into other AirCarbon feedstocks 

over time, such as carbon dioxide. 

Minh Nguyen Hoang, 

Category Manager 

of Plastics at IKEA of 

Sweden says: “IKEA 

wants to contribute 

to a transformational 

change in the industry 

and to the development 

of plastics made from 

renewable sources. 

In line with our 

sustainability goals, we are moving away from virgin fossil 

based plastic materials in favor of plastic produced from 

renewable sources such as biogas, sugar wastes, and other 

renewable carbon sources. We believe our partnership 

with Newlight has the potential, once fully scaled, to be 

an important component of our multi-pronged effort to 

provide IKEA’s customers with affordable plastics products 

made from renewable resources.” 

Added CEO of Newlight, Mark Herrema: “IKEA’s 

partnership with Newlight marks an important shift in 

how the world can make materials: from fossil fuels to 

captured carbon, from consumption to generation, from 

depletion to restoration. IKEA is a leader in the concept 

of harnessing its operations to improve the world, and 

we are proud to be a part of that effort.” 

IKEA’s long-term ambition is for all the plastic material 

used in their home furnishing products to be renewable 

or recycled material. The company is starting with their 

home furnishing plastic products, representing about 

40 % of the total plastic volume used in the IKEA range.” 

KL/MT 

www.ikea.com | www.newlight.com 


Report 

Bioplastics.online, 

finding the right bioplastics 

In the recent years there have been many developments worldwide in the field of bioplastics, both in biodegradable polymers 

and in biobased polymers and of course combinations of both. Many new exciting applications have been launched and the 

forecasts for biobased applications are looking extremely positive. 

Helian Polymers, based in Venlo, The Netherlands is a company specialized in the field of masterbatches, bioplastic 

compounds and materials for 3D Printing. Since 2003 Helian Polymers has been active developing both additives and 

compounds for bioplastics. 

This combined knowledge has led to the start of the company colorFabb, today a leading producer of 3D printing filaments 

from various engineered biopolymers, with great experience in online ordering and supplying systems with a sophisticated 

infrastructure. 

A new development of Helian Polymers is the soon to be launched online material platform called bioplastics.online. This 

web based platform is intended to support potential users of bioplastics to select the ideal type for a certain application and at 

the same time offering the opportunity to order initial quantities for test runs. On the other hand, it supports material suppliers 

to offer their various types and grades and – backed by Helian Polymer’s infrastructure – get initial test quantities supplied to 

interested customers. 

bioplastics.online will feature a wide variety of both biodegradable polymers and 

compounds as well as biobased polymers and composites. The focus of this platform 

is to bring initial ordering quantities to the market in a fast and transparent way, by 

partnering up with the leading manufacturers of bioplastics worldwide. 

The interactive website offers support to select the right bioplastic for a certain 

application using various categories and filters and eventually order small lots of 

25/50/100 kg for trial purposes. The materials will be send worldwide with DHL or 

UPS, including molded sample plaques (cf. photo) of the ordered materials. 

bioplastics.online is planned to go live mid of May this year. bioplastic MAGAZINE 

supports this new and unique initiative platform and acts as media partner. MT 

www.bioplastics.online 


Market study on 

Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers in the World 

Capacities, Production and Applications: Status Quo and Trends towards 2020 

NEW: Buy the most comprehensive trend reports on bio-based polymers – and if you are not satisfied, give it back! 

Bio-based polymers: Worldwide production 

capacity will triple from 5.7 million tonnes in 

2014 to nearly 17 million tonnes in 2020. The 

data show a 10% growth rate from 2012 to 2013 

and even 11% from 2013 to 2014. However, 

growth rate is expected to decrease in 2015. 

Consequence of the low oil price? 

million t/a 

Bio-based polymers: Evolution of worldwide production capacities 

from 2011 to 2020 

20 

actual data 

forecast 

The new third edition of the well-known 500 

page-market study and trend reports on 

“Bio-based Building Blocks and Polymers 

in the World – Capacities, Production and 

Applications: Status Quo and Trends Towards 

2020” is available by now. It includes consistent 

data from the year 2012 to the latest data of 2014 

and the recently published data from European 

Bioplastics, the association representing the 

interests of Europe’s bioplastics industry. 

Bio-based drop-in PET and the new polymer 

PHA show the fastest rates of market growth. 

Europe looses considerable shares in total 

production to Asia. The bio-based polymer 

turnover was about € 11 billion worldwide 

in 2014 compared to € 10 billion in 2013. 

http://bio-based.eu/markets 

© 

15 

10 

5 

2011 

-Institut.eu | 2015 

2% of total 

polymer capacity, 

€11 billion turnover 

2012 

Epoxies 

PE 

2013 

PUR 

PBS 

2014 

CA 

PBAT 

2015 

PET 

PA 

2016 

PTT 

PHA 

2017 

PEF 

2018 

Starch 

Blends 

EPDM 

PLA 

2019 

2020 

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

The nova-Institute carried out this study in 

collaboration with renowned international 

experts from the field of bio-based building 

blocks and polymers. The study investigates 

every kind of bio-based polymer and, for the 

second time, several major building blocks 

produced around the world. 

What makes this report unique? 

■ The 500 page-market study contains 

over 200 tables and figures, 96 company 

profiles and 11 exclusive trend reports 

written by international experts. 

■ These market data on bio-based building 

blocks and polymers are the main source 

of the European Bioplastics market data. 

■ In addition to market data, the report offers a 

complete and in-depth overview of the biobased 

economy, from policy to standards 

& norms, from brand strategies to 

environmental assessment and many more. 

■ A comprehensive short version 

(24 pages) is available for free at 

http://bio-based.eu/markets 

To whom is the report addressed? 

■ The whole polymer value chain: 

agro-industry, feedstock suppliers, 

chemical industry (petro-based and 

bio-based), global consumer 

industries and brands owners 

■ Investors 

■ Associations and decision makers 

Content of the full report 

This 500 page-report presents the findings of 

nova-Institute’s market study, which is made up 

of three parts: “market data”, “trend reports” 

and “company profiles” and contains over 200 

tables and figures. 

The “market data” section presents market 

data about total production capacities and the 

main application fields for selected bio-based 

polymers worldwide (status quo in 2011, 2013 

and 2014, trends and investments towards 

2020). This part not only covers bio-based 

polymers, but also investigates the current biobased 

building block platforms. 

The “trend reports” section contains a total of 

eleven independent articles by leading experts 

Order the full report 

The full report can be ordered for 3,000 € 

plus VAT and the short version of the report 

can be downloaded for free at: 

www.bio-based.eu/markets 

NEW: Buy the trends reports separately! 

Contact 

Dipl.-Ing. Florence Aeschelmann 

+49 (0) 22 33 / 48 14-48 

florence.aeschelmann@nova-institut.de 

in the field of bio-based polymers. These trend 

reports cover in detail every important trend 

in the worldwide bio-based building block and 

polymer market. 

The final “company profiles” section includes 

96 company profiles with specific data 

including locations, bio-based building blocks 

and polymers, feedstocks and production 

capacities (actual data for 2011, 2013 and 

2014 and forecasts for 2020). The profiles also 

encompass basic information on the companies 

(joint ventures, partnerships, technology and 

bio-based products). A company index by biobased 

building blocks and polymers, with list of 

acronyms, follows.

Events 

4 th PLA World Congress 

24 – 25 MAY 2016 MUNICH › GERMANY 

bioplastics MAGAZINE presents: 

3 rd PLA World Congress 

The PLA World Congress in Munich/Germany, organised by bioplastics MAGAZINE 

now for the 4 th time, is the must-attend 27 conference + 28 MAY for 2014 everyone MUNICH interested › GERMANY in PLA, 

its benefits, and challenges. The global conference offers high class presentations 

from top individuals in the industry from Europe, USA, New Zealand and China and 

also offers excellent networkung opportunities along with a table top exhibition. 

Please find below the programme. More details and a registration form can be 

found at the conference website 

www.pla-world-congress.com 

4 th PLA World Congress, programme 

Tuesday, May 24, 2016 

07:00-08:30 Registration, Welcome-Coffee 

08:30-08:45 Michael Thielen, Polymedia Publisher Welcome Remarks 

08:45-09:15 Constance Ißbrücker, European Bioplastics Keynote Speech: The current situation of PLA in Europe and globally 

09:15-09:40 Michael Carus, nova-Institute The role of PLA in the Bio-based Economy 

09:40-10:05 Ramani Narayan, Michigan State University Understanding the PLA molecule – From stereochemistry to applicability 

10:05-10:30 Udo Mühlbauer, Uhde Inventa-Fischer New features of Uhde Inventa-Fischer’s PLAneo ® process 

10:30-10:45 Q&A 

10:45-11:10 Coffee 

11:10-11:35 Mariagiovanna Vetere, NatureWorks Ingeo – developing new applications in a circular economy perspective 

11:35-12:00 Hugo Vuurens, Corbion Purac Latest application innovations in PLA bioplastics 

12:00-12:25 Björn Bergmann, Fraunhofer ICT InnoREX: European project reveals processing options for intensified PLA production 

12:25-12:40 Q&A 

12:40-13:45 Lunch 

13:45-14:10 Jan Henke, ISCC Sustainable supply chains for PLA production 

14:10-14:35 Patrick Zimmermann, FKuR Advanced PLA solutions 

14:35-15:00 Daniel Ganz, Sukano Sustainability without compromises – Discover a toolbox of solutions for PLA 

15:00-15:25 Chung-Jen (Robin) Wu, Supla Not just PLA, it is SUPLA 

15:25-15:40 Q&A 

15:40-16:00 Coffee 

16:00-16:25 Vittorio Bortolon, Plantura Italia Plantura, ecofriendly automotive biopolymer 

16:25-16.50 Amparo Verdú Solís , AIMPLAS New PLA based fibres for automotive interior applications 

16:50-17:00 Q&A 

17:00-17:30 Panel discussion (t.b.d.) PLA market development: chances, obstacles and challenges (t.b.c.) 

from 19:00 Bavarian Night Hofbräuhaus, Munich 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016 

08:50-09:00 Michael Thielen, Polymedia Publisher Welcome remarks, 2 nd day 

09:00-09:25 Jan Noordegraaf, Synbra An expanding update on BioFoam E-PLA foam applications 

09:25-09:50 Kate Parker, Biopolymer Network / Scion Functional bio based foam – expanding into new areas 

09:50-10:15 John Leung, Biosolutions Heat resistant PLA sheet foam 

10:15-10:40 Vasily Topolkaraev, Kimberly-Clark Novel Nanocellular PLA-polyolefin Hybrid Composites 

10:40-10:55 Q&A 

10:55-11:20 Coffee 

11:20-11:45 Antje Lieske, Fraunhofer IAP Development of industrially feasible structure variations of polylactide 

11:45-12:10 Gerald Schennink, Wageningen UR PLA for durable applications comparing PLA hybrids with nucleated PLA (t.b.c.) 

12:10-12:35 Nico Schmidt, Univ. App. Sc. Hamm-Lippstadt LED-Application 

12:35-13:00 Bert Lagrain, KU Leuven PLA: a perfect marriage between bio- and chemical technology 

13:00-13:15 Q&A 

13:15-14:15 Lunch 

14:15-14:40 Remy Jongboom, Biotec BIOPLAST 900, what else? 

14:40-15:05 Tanja Fell, Fraunhofer IVV Present and potential future recycling of PLA waste – Chances and opportunities 

15:05-15:30 Nikola Kocić, Südd. Kunststoffzentrum SKZ Degradation of PLA during long-term storage 

15:30-15:55 Ruud Rouleaux, Helian Polymers How to find the right bioplastic for your application? 

15:55-16:05 Q&A 

16:05-16:10 Michael Thielen, Polymedia Publisher Closing remarks 

Subject to changes, please visit the conference website 


organized by 


24 – 25 MAY 2016 MUNICH › GERMANY 

is a versatile bioplastics raw 

PLA material from renewable resources. 

It is being used for films and rigid packaging, 

for fibres in woven and non-woven applications. 

Automotive industry 

and consumer electronics are thoroughly 

investigating and even already applying PLA. 

New methods of polymerizing, compounding 

or blending of PLA have broadened the range 

of properties and thus the range of possible 

applications. 

That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE is now 

organizing the 4 th PLA World Congress on: 

24 – 25 May 2016 in Munich / Germany 

Experts from all involved fields will share their 

knowledge and contribute to a comprehensive 

overview of today‘s opportunities and challenges 

and discuss the possibilities, limitations 

and future prospects of PLA for all kind of 

applications. Like the three congresses 

the 4 th PLA World Congress will also offer 

excellent networking opportunities for all 

delegates and speakers as well as exhibitors 

of the table-top exhibition. 

The team of bioplastics MAGAZINE is looking 

forward to seeing you in Munich. 

The conference will comprise high class presentations on 

› Latest developments 

› Market overview 

REGISTER NOW 

› High temperature behaviour 

› Blends and comounds 

› Additives / Colorants 

› Applications (film and rigid packaging, textile, 

automotive,electronics, toys, and many more) 

Contact us at: mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

for exhibition and sponsoring opportunities 


› Fibers, fabrics, textiles, nonwovens 

› Reinforcements 

› End of life options 

(recycling,composting, incineration etc) 

Gold 

Sponsor: 

Silver 

Sponsor: 

Media 

Partner: 

Supported by:

Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging 

Thermoforming 

and easy peel films 

By: 

Warwick Armstrong 

General Manager 

Business Development and Marketing 

Plantic Technologies 

Altona, Victoria, Australia 

The growing trend of consumer awareness towards 

the impact of their actions on the environment has 

seen Plantic Technologies Ltd (Altona, Victora, Australia), 

a part of the Kuraray group, successful in supplying 

some of the world’s largest retailers and produces 

high barrier rigid bioplastic materials. Plantic’s thermoformable 

rigid bottom webs are providing a new class in 

ultra-high barrier films made from renewable 

and recyclable materials. 

Plantic Technologies has achieved a 

unique place in the world market 

for bioplastics through proprietary 

technology that 

delivers biodegradable 

and renewable 

sourced 

alternatives to 

conventional 

plastics based on 

corn and cassava, 

which is not genetically 

modified. 

Unlike other bioplastics 

companies who utilise 

organic materials but whose 

polymers are still developed in 

refineries, Plantic’s polymer as well as its 

raw material, are grown in a field. This means 

that the resins are derived from the natural occurring 

polymers in starch and converted in a proprietary process 

into materials that can be used as a packaging material. 

Starch is a naturally occurring polysaccharide consisting 

of the polymers amylose and amylopectin and used as an 

energy store in green plants. Larger amounts of starch 

are particularly found in cereal crops (such as corn, wheat 

and rice) and also tubers (such as potato and cassava). 

The entire process integrates the science of organic 

innovation with commercial and industrial productivity in 

a new way. The result is both a broad range of immediate 

performance and cost advantages, and long-term 

environmental and sustainability benefits. 

PLANTIC E, PLANTIC R, PLANTIC RE, PLANTIC 

ES AND PLANTIC EF represent the company’s flagship 

products for rigid and flexible packaging. These products 

are a direct replacement for conventional polymers and 

when compared with oil based products an independent 

assessment (carried out by Quantis – Environmental 

Life Cycle Assessment Consultants) found that Plantic’s 

products use up to 40 % less energy and provide a 

reduction in greenhouse gases by up to 70 %. 

Plantic HP, a fully biodegradable high barrier structure 

forms the core of all Plantic products and depending on 

the customer needs the outer skins can be made to seal 

onto conventional PE and PET sealing layers. Proving 

popular amongst retailers is one of the latest released 

products from Plantic: An easy peel skin pack range with 

the ability to seal to PET and PE top webs that is available 

in a wide range of colours and textures. 

Plantic R, a fully recyclable high barrier product is being 

used extensively for red meat applications. Plantic R seals 

to most traditional PET based top webs. This rigid 

product runs on all traditional thermoforming 

lines and gives the producer the opportunity 

to down gauge whilst achieving a higher 

barrier performance and stronger 

pack presentation. 

Plantic Technologies is 

supplying major supermarket 

customers 

in Australia, Europe 

and America 

in applications 

such as fresh case 

ready beef, pork, lamb 

and veal, smoked and 

processed meats, chicken, 

fresh pasta and cheese applications. 

Plantic’s products 

have proven to have exceptional 

gas barrier properties which dramatically 

extend the shelf life of the 

packaged product (for more details 

see bM 05/2015, pp. 40). 

Plantic Technologies is expanding 

rapidly and refining its technology to meet the ever growing 

global needs for more environmentally and performance 

efficient packaging materials. Plantic Technologies has 

released a new range of flexible materials with the same 

environmental and performance characteristics as their 

rigid based structures. These flexible options are proving 

already to be a preferred choice for many consumers, 

retailers and processors. 

“Plantic materials are not just about being a sustainable 

material, it has an ultra-high barrier that can improve 

the shelf life of a product, and reduce food waste. With 

Plantic materials you can have an enormous impact on 

value change and reduce the effects of climate change, 

both by reducing food waste and using more sustainable 

materials.” Brendan Morris Plantic Technologies Limited 

CEO and Managing Director said. 

www.plantic.com.au 


World’s first, Plant-based 

High Refractive Index Material 

for Eyeglass Lenses, 

Do Green MR 

Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI) has set out to contribute to society by 

providing innovative, high quality products and services to customers 

while maintaining harmony with the environment on a global scale. 

MCI has over 30 years of experience in the development and 

production of innovative optical lens materials for the global market, 

particularly with its thin & lightweight eyeglass lenses made from the 

“MR series” of high refractive index materials. 

with the SWANS program of Yamamoto Kogaku Co., Ltd., which has 

a history of designing sports products that offer comfort and 

performance, and Itoh Optical Industrial Co., Ltd., which has 

expertise in high-performance eyeglass lens manufacturing. The 

sunglasses were provided not only to participating athletes but also 

to referees at the triathlon and staff in the Executive Office. By 

sponsoring the event, MCI not only provided plant-based 

sunglasses, but also appealed to the social/ethical activities of the 

Do Green initiative. MCI’s support was widely praised by the people 

involved in the triathlon. 

MR-60 plant-based lenses in standard eyeglasses 

MCI has developed MR-60 , a plant-based high refractive index lens 

material for standard eyeglasses, by using a biomass-derived 

industrial isocyanate and a biomass-derived polythiol as well as a 

non-metallic catalyst for polymerization. In 2014, MR-60 was 

certified by the the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

as a plant-derived product with a biomass of 57%. It was also 

certified by the Japan Organics Recycling Association (JORA) as a 

plant-derived product with a biomass of 30-40%. The ultra-high 

refractive index glass lens material MR-174 , which was previously 

available on the market, also acquired certification as a plant-derived 

product with a biomass of 82% from the USDA and as a 

plant-derived product with a biomass of 30-40% from the JORA in 

2014. 

(The degree of biomass from JORA is 

the ratio between fossil fuel-derived 

carbon and biomass-derived ingredients; 

the biomass degree from the USDA is 

the ratio between fossil fuel-derived 

carbon and biomass-derived carbon as 

tested according to ASTM-D6866-12.) 

MR-60 biomass certifications from 

USDA and JORA 

MR-60 plant-based lenses in sunglasses 

MCI launched the first activity of the Do Green initiative during 

October 27-29 th , 2015, with 153 farmers and residents of Gujarat, 

India. The Do Green initiative strives to solve vision related issues 

faced by farmers who produce the raw material of MCI’s 

plant-derived product. The Do Green initiative relies on cooperation 

with a local Indian optometrist and an eye care professional from the 

Japanese lens specialty store Lensya. ICA Japan, a registered NGO, 

and Holistic Child Development India, a local NGO in India, assisted 

with coordination. The Do Green initiative began as a way to 

contribute to society. MCI aims to connect manufacturers, retailers, 

and consumers with the message of the Do Green initiative through 

Do Green products. 

MCI’s Do Green products include the world’s only plant-derived 

poly-isocyanate STABiO ; Econykol , a polyol derived from castor oil 

from seeds that are grown in Gujarat,India; as well as the plant-based 

lens materials MR-60 and MR-174 . MCI is continuing to develop 

new Do Green plant-based materials. 

MCI was a sponsor of the “2015 World Triathlon Series Yokohama” 

held in Yokohama, Japan, an event which aimed to “contribute to 

society through sports” . The event utilized the sustainability 

management system standard ISO 20121. MCI made the decision to 

carry out joint development with Yokohama City on sunglasses made 

with MR-60 . The sunglasses were produced through collaboration 

Eye care professional conducting an 

eye exam with a machine 

Optometrist conducting an eye exam 

(Do Green initiative in India) 

MITSUI CHEMICALS EUROPE GmbH, Functional Chemicals Division 

Oststr. 34, 40211 Dusseldorf, GERMANY, http://eu.mitsuichem.com/ 

E-mail: MR-info@mcie.de, TEL: +49-211-1733277, FAX: +49-211-1719970 

Read more about MCI’s Do Green MR in “MR View No.7 & No.8” at the following URL. 

http://www.mitsuichem.com/special/mr/resources/mrview.htm

Thermoforming / Rigid Packaging 

a-PHA modified PLA 

for thermoforming 

Recent reports indicate an emerging market trend 

toward sustainable packaging options due to environmental 

awareness among consumers for alternatives 

with improved biodegradability. For instance, the 

Foodservice Packaging Institute’s 2015 Trends Report 

found that there was an increasing focus on compostable 

packaging and the expectation is that more companies 

will need to address the demand for sustainable 

packaging applications in the near future. 

PLA is one of the more commonly used biopolymers 

in industrial compostable applications. Because 

PLA is derived from renewable sources, it is a sought 

after solution for green packaging material. It is well 

understood that the physical properties of PLA can 

present challenges during processing as well as in 

the performance of finished articles. One problem is 

the inherent brittleness and relatively low toughness 

of PLA that can present challenges in adapting the 

biopolymer to new packaging applications. For example, 

petroleum-based performance modifiers diminish 

biobased content and at increased addition rates can 

compromise compostability. This underscores the need 

to identify new additives for PLA that improve properties 

while maintaining biobased content and industrial 

compostability. 

Metabolix, a leader in PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) 

technology, launched a new amorphous PHA (a-PHA) 

biopolymer material in 2015. This a-PHA specialty 

material is a high molecular weight, low T g 

rubber that 

extends the additive space for PHA materials. Metabolix 

has reported research demonstrating the use of its 

a-PHA as process aids and performance modifiers for 

PVC as well as performance modifiers for PLA. It should 

be noted that the results produced with a-PHA in PVC 

and PLA are far superior to those using semi-crystalline 

versions of PHA. 

Metabolix has shown that a-PHA is an effective modifier 

for PLA across a range of applications including food and 

consumer product packaging, film, food service ware, 

3D printing filament, fibers and nonwovens. In sheet and 

thermoforming applications specifically, adding a-PHA at 

low loading levels (such as less than 5 %) can eliminate 

the brittle fracture commonly associated with the edge 

trimming, conveying and cutting of extruded sheets and 

thermoformed parts. Adding a-PHA also increases the 

impact strength of the finished part, and at loading levels 

up to 10 %, an increase in toughness and ductility can be 

achieved to such an extent that it prevents brittle failure 

and splintering under impact load. Ultimately, a-PHA 

modified PLA shows an excellent balance of properties 

and is not limited to the 1 % loading limit of a noncompostable 

modifier per ASTM D6400. 

PLA modified with a-PHA represents an attractive 

option for producing thermoformed containers for food 

service ware. These containers have high biocontent 

and are industrially compostable, per ASTM D6400 and 

EN13432. Furthermore, the containers are strong, and 

because PHA and PLA are biopolymers with similar 

refractive indices, the containers retain a very high level 

of clarity. 

Consumers, brand owners and regulators continue to 

drive incentives to utilize sustainable packaging materials 

for carry out options as well as divert food waste from 

landfills. Companies looking to meet growing demands 

for compostable packaging 

options should explore 

a-PHA modified PLA 

materials as a solution 

for their food service and 

consumer packaging 

applications. 

www.metabolix.com 

By: 

Michael Andrews 

Director Product and Application Development 

Metabolix, Inc. 

Lowell, Massachussetts, USA 


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Marine pollution / Marine degradation 

Plastics, biodegradation, and 

risk assessment 

Bioplastics: facts and perceptions 

After 25 years on the market, we ought to know a lot 

about bioplastics. Standardisation has exacted definitions 

for the term, testing methods have validated their proper 

recovery and, above all, industry has established a clear 

purpose for their intended use. However, despite these 

foundations, knowledge of what bioplastics actually are 

remains confined to small circles of experts while public 

opinion is at best confused. Under these circumstances, 

the spread of myths and misinformation can produce a 

ripple effect that threatens the acceptance of bioplastics 

as a whole. Some concepts are often misunderstood (e. g. 

bio-based is often synonymized with biodegradability 

(in this article we will use the term bioplastics to mean 

biodegradable plastics); the existence of standards is 

not properly valued, so much so that sometimes we see 

“biodegradable” plastics in quotation marks implying that 

the supposed biodegradability has yet to be demonstrated. 

Bioplastics and the marine environment 

The lack of clarity about bioplastics recently surfaced in 

discussions of marine litter. The problem of plastic marine 

debris is not new; careless waste management requires 

a serious investment in awareness, prevention, and 

recovery programs at global scales. However, bioplastics 

have been unwittingly dragged into the debate, with the 

misperception that they could easily solve the chronic 

problem of marine litter. The bioplastics industry does not 

consider biodegradability as a license for littering in the 

environment for several reasons that follow. 

The value of biodegradability 

Packaging and consumer products must have the 

potential to be recovered in some way at their end of 

use. In certain contexts, biodegradability allows recovery 

through organic recycling. This option is contemplated 

by the European Directive on Packaging [1] and it is 

beneficial whenever packaging is mixed with kitchen 

waste (biowaste). In fact the combination of plastic/ 

biowaste is not recyclable: food dirties the plastic and 

plastics contaminate food. However the combination of 

bioplastic/biowaste is recyclable into compost. The CEN 

standard EN 13432 [2] identifies packaging for organic 

recycling but makes no claims of biodegradability in any 

other environment including the sea. The EN 13432 scope 

is crystal-clear; there is no room for misunderstanding. 

Biodegradable plastics and recycling 

The contamination of plastic recycling represents another 

issue that surfaces whenever a debate on bioplastics 

starts. What’s surprising is that technically speaking 

plastics recycling simply does not exist because the term 

plastics is a collective term including different materials 

that are incompatible with one another and can only be 

recycled separately. Cross contamination is always an 

impediment to recycling (e. g. non-biodegradable plastics 

interfere with recycling of biowaste). The management of 

end-of-life must comply with the specific features of each 

product and waste stream. Whenever separate collection 

is practiced, bioplastics are recoverable through organic 

recycling and incentivize proper waste management. 

Biodegradation in nature 

To avoid misleading communications, it is critical 

that the term biodegradable only be associated with 

the relevant degradation environment (where) and 

its associated conditions (how much and how long). 

In agriculture, tests specific to soil define mulch film 

Fig. 1:Testing degradation in an aquarium 

(photo: HYDRA Institute for Marine Sciences) 

Fig. 2: Testing biodegradation in sediment 



By: 

Francesco Degli Innocenti 

Ecology of Products and Environmental Communication 

Novamont, 

Novara, Italy 

biodegradation because this depositional environment 

is microbiologically different from composting. Similarly, 

tests specific to the marine environment are now under 

development (cf fig. 1). Novamont studied the behaviour 

of MATER-BI through ASTM [3] and ISO [4] test methods 

(cf fig. 2). Tests performed in marine sediments showed 

biodegradation (as CO 2 

evolution) in excess of 90 % 

(absolute or relative to cellulose) in less than one year; 

Certiquality (Certification Institute; Milan,) verified 

these results within the European Commission’s pilot 

program ETV [5]. These results are in agreement with 

previous findings [6]. 

Biodegradability and risk assessment 

How should we interpret these very promising 

biodegradation data? Generally speaking, the 

environmental risk depends on the concentration of 

the environmental stressor and on its residence time 

in the environment. The lower the concentration and 

the shorter the residence time, the better. Bioplastics 

do not immediately disappear upon exposure to the 

sea. However, biodegradability is a factor that reduces 

the risk by reducing the stressor’s residence time. 

Therefore, on one hand the idea of solving the problem 

of plastics in the ocean just by shifting to bioplastics is 

unfounded. On the other hand, for those applications 

where accidental release is certain or very probable, 

biodegradability can become a means of decreasing 

the environmental risk. Materials that show full and 

relatively fast biodegradation may be suitable for plastic 

products known to wear down or become stranded 

(for example, fishing gear) and scatter into the sea. 

Bioplastics like MATER-BI materials hold promise for 

aquaculture professional applications (e. g. nets for 

mussels farming, cf. fig. 3) where the disposal of plastic 

waste is an inevitable outcome. 

Fig. 3: Mussel farming nets (Source unknown, found e. g. in 

presentations by ISPRA [7]) 

www.novamont.com 

[1] European Parliament and Council Directive 94/62/EC of 20 

December 1994 on packaging and packaging waste 

[2] EN 13432:2000 Packaging. Requirements for packaging 

recoverable through composting and biodegradation. Test scheme 

and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging 

[3] ASTM D7991 – 15 Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic 

Biodegradation of Plastics Buried in Sandy Marine Sediment under 

Controlled Laboratory Conditions 

[4] ISO/DIS 19679 Plastics — Determination of aerobic biodegradation 

of non-floating plastic materials in a seawater/sediment interface 

— Method by analysis of evolved carbon dioxide 

[5] http://iet.jrc.ec.europa.eu/etv/aerobic-biodegradation-mater-biaf03a0-and-mater-bi-af05s0-mater-bi-third-generation-undermarine 

[6] F. Degli Innocenti (2012) Single-use carrier bags: littering, bans and 

biodegradation in sea water. Bioplastic Magazine 042012 (vol 7):44- 

45 

[7] http://oceania.research.um.edu.mt/cms/calypsoweb/images/ 

meeting2/catania-meeting/Andaloro.pdf 



Designing for biodegradability 

in ocean environment 

A solution or exacerbating the solution? 

The Problem 

The issue of plastics and microplastics leaking into the 

oceans is the subject of much discussion and concern [1]. 

Articles in print and electronic media document not only 

the unmanaged plastic waste entering the oceans but the 

negative impacts on the marine ecosystem as a whole 

[2 – 4]. 

United Nations (UN) estimates suggest that 80 % of 

ocean plastic comes from land based sources, and the 

actual number is probably higher [1]. These estimates 

are based on the fact that most plastic waste is typically 

buoyant and that much of it could be found floating across 

the ocean in the large gyres. The remaining 20 % of 

ocean plastic is believed to originate from marine-based 

sources, such as oil rigs, fishing vessels, piers, and boats 

transporting freight or passengers. 

In a recent paper published in the high impact peer 

reviewed journal Science [5], we reported that in 2012, 4.8 

to 12.7 million tons of plastics leaked into oceans from 

land based mismanaged wastes in 192 countries located 

within 50 km of a coast – primarily from the developing 

countries of Asia. This is shown in detail in figure 1. The 

mismanaged plastic waste shown as blue bars goes 

from 31.9 million tons in 2010 to 69.9 million tons in 2025 

without any intervention and business as usual. The red, 

green, and orange bars represent three different scenarios 

of mismanaged waste leakage into the oceans – 15 %, 

25 %, and 40 % for each of the years. Therefore, without 

any intervention, 10.4 to 27.7 million tons of mismanaged 

plastic waste in these costal countries will leak into the 

oceans by 2025. These are conservative figures and other 

literature papers put this number much higher. 

Is marine biodegradability a solution or 

problem? 

In response, scientists and technologists in academe 

and industry are developing and introducing plastics 

for biodegradability in the marine environment as 

a solution to the problem of plastic pollution of the 

oceans. There are ASTM standards for determining 

the percent biodegradability in marine environment – 

ASTM D6691 is Standard Test Method for Determining 

Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials in the Marine 

Environment by a Defined Microbial Consortium or 

Natural Sea Water Inoculum; ASTM D7473-12 Standard 

Test Method for Weight Attrition of Plastic Materials 

in the Marine Environment by Open System Aquarium 

Incubations; a new Standard Test Method for Determining 

Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastics Buried in Sandy 

Marine Sediment under Controlled Laboratory Conditions. 

The operating temperatures for these laboratory scale 

test methods are around 23 to 28 °C. Certain PHA 

(polyhydroxyalkanoates) films show 80 %+ biodegradability 

in river water at 25 °C as shown in figure 2. Synthetic 

polyesters – polyethylene succinate, polyethylene adipate, 

and polybutylene adipate are biodegradable in river water 

at 25 °C as shown in figure 3. 

Fig. 1: Land based mismanaged plastic waste from 192 countries located within 50 km of a coast – 

primarily from the developing countries of Asia [5] 

80 

70 

60 

Mismanaged plastic waste (MMT/year) 

15% leakage to ocean 



50 

MMT 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

2010 2015 2020 2025 

Year 



By: 

Ramani Narayan 

Distinguished Professor, 

and Sayli Bote 

Research Assistant at Biobased Materials Research Group 

Michigan State University 

East Lansing, Michigan, USA 

However, the ocean (marine) environment is NOT 

a managed disposal environment like composting or 

anaerobic digestion which are sound end-of-life options 

for food and biowaste components of the solid waste 

stream along with truly and completely biodegradablecompostable 

plastics. Furthermore, ocean temperatures 

drop precipitously as you go down in depth (4 ° C on reaching 

2,000 m) and the ocean environment can be much different 

and less active than the lab test environment. So these 

marine biodegradable plastics (which show complete 

biodegradability in a lab test method) could remain in 

ocean environments for very long period of time and cause 

serious environmental impacts that have been recorded 

for ocean microplastic wastes. 

Therefore, designing for marine biodegradability is 

NOT A SOLUTION to plastics pollution in the ocean 

environment. The goal should be to prevent these 

plastics from entering the ocean environment in the first 

place. For products used in the marine environment like 

fishing nets, lobster pots, biodegradability may provide a 

value attribute so that if it is inadvertently lost and enter 

into the ocean environment they are utilizable as food by 

the microbial populations over a period of time. However, 

this cannot and should not be used for making marketing 

claims especially in Business to Consumer (B2C) 

communication. The marine biodegradability test method 

Standards are useful in evaluating the persistence, fate, 

and impact of plastics in the ocean environment but not to 

be used in marketing claims. 

Solution for microplastics in ocean 

environment and the role for biodegradability. 

Another major finding of the Science paper (5) is that 

reducing the amount of land based mismanaged wastes 

generated in these developing Asian countries would 

significantly reduce plastics waste entering into the 

oceans. For example: 

• Reducing mismanaged waste by 50 % in the Top 5 

countries corresponds to a 26 % reduction. 

• Reducing mismanaged waste by 50 % in Top 10 

countries corresponds to a 34 % reduction. 


countries corresponds to 45 % reduction. 


countries corresponds to 75 % reduction. 

Figure 4 schematically shows the effect of this reduction 

on the overall land based mismanaged waste generation 

(blue bar) – from 69.1million tons with zero intervention 

BOD-biodegradability (%) 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

P(3HB-co-36 % 3HP) 

P(3HB) 

P(3HP) 

0 

0 7 14 21 28 

Time (day) 

Fig. 2: Biodegradability of PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates) films in 

river water at 250 °C 

Fig. 3: Biodegradability of synthetic polyesters in river water at 

25 °C [5] 

BOD-biodegradability (%) 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

Poly(ethyelene succinate) 

Poly(ethylene adipate) 

Poly(butylene adipate) 

Poly(butylene sebacate) 

0 

0 7 14 21 28 

Time (day) 



in 2012 to 17.1 million tons in 2025 by just reducing the 

mismanaged waste by 50 % in the top 35 countries. The red, 

green, and orange bars show the corresponding reductions 

in the amount of the mismanaged plastic waste entering the 

oceans based on 15 %, 25 %, and 40 % leakage – for example 

if one assumes the 15 % leakage scenario, the amount of 

plastic waste entering the oceans is reduced from 10.4 million 

tons to 2.1 million tons (red bar, figure 4). 

Therefore, developing systems to divert land based 

mismanaged plastic waste to managed end-of-life disposal 

systems like recycling, waste-to-energy, and composting or 

anaerobic digestors would prevent the mismanaged plastic 

waste from entering into the oceans. These efforts along with 

educational and consumer awareness messaging can clearly 

advance the goal to cleaner ocean environment. 

Conclusions 

Keep plastics out of the marine environment through: 

• Recover organics (biowastes) and compostable plastics 

through compostable and anaerobic digestion. Design for 

compostability/biodegradability in managed end-of-life disposal 

systems for single use, disposable, packaging and molded 

products and remove it from the mismanaged waste stream 

• Recover value plastics for mechanical or chemical 

recycling including waste to energy 

References 

1. Microplastics in the ocean: A global assessment, United Nations Joint 

Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP), 

Working Group 40, 2015, gesamp.org. 

2. ‘Plastics, the environment and human health’ compiled by R. C. 

Thompson, C. J. Moore, F. S. vom Saal and S. H. Swan Phil. Trans. R. Soc. 

London, Ser. B 264 (2009) doi:10.1098/rstb.2009.0030 

3. A. A. Koelmans, E. Besseling, and E. M. Foekema, “Leaching of plastic 

additives to marine organisms,” Environmental Pollution, 2014, Volume 

187, pp. 49–54; C. K. Pham, E. Ramirez Llodra, C. H. S. Alt, T. Amaro, M. 

Bergmann, M. Canals, J. B. Company, J. Davies, G. Duineveld, F. Galgani, 

K. L. Howell, V. A. I. Huvenne, E. Isidro, D. O. B. Jones, G. Lastras, T. 

Morato, J. N. Gomes-Pereira, A. Purser, H. Stewart, I. Tojeira, X. Tubau, D. 

V. Rooij, and P. A. Tyler, “Marine litter distribution and density in European 

seas, from the shelves to deep basins,” PLoS ONE, 2014, Volume 9, 

Number 4; Y. C. Jang, J. Lee, S. Hong, J. Y. Mok, K. S. Kim, Y. J. Lee, H. 

W. Choi, H. Kang, and S. Lee, “Estimation of the annual flow and stock 

of marine debris in South Korea for management purposes,” Marine 

Pollution Bulletin, 2014, Volume 86, Numbers 1–2, pp. 505–11; Trash free 

seas report: Every piece, every person, every community matters; Results 

from the 2014 International Coastal Cleanup, Ocean Conservancy, 2015, 

oceanconservancy.org. 

4. C. M. Rochman, E. Hoh, T. Kurobe, and S. J. Teh, “Ingested plastic 

transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress,” 

Scientific Reports, 2013, Volume 3; C. M. Rochman, T. Kurobe, I. 

Flores, and S. J. Teh, “Early warning signs of endocrine disruption in 

adult fish from the ingestion of polyethylene with and without sorbed 

chemical pollutants from the marine environment,” Science of the Total 

Environment, 2014, Volume 493, pp. 656–61. 

5. Jenna R. Jambeck, Roland Geyer, Chris Wilcox, Theodore R. Siegler, 

Miriam Perryman, Anthony Andrady, Ramani Narayan, Kara Lavender Law, 

Science, Vol 347, Issue 6223, pg 768, 2015 

6. Y. Doi et al. Polym. Deg. & Stab., 51, 281, 1996 

Fig 4: Reducing mismanaged plastic waste by controlled managed waste systems reduces plastic waste 

leakage into ocean 

80 

70 

60 

Mismanaged plastic waste (MMT/year) 

15 % leakage to ocean 



50 

MMT 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

0 26 34 41 75 

Reduction (%) 

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PHA – truly biodegradable 

Most packaging will far outlast the useful life of any of 

the products they protect, causing a growing concern 

for packaging disposal due to the shortage of space 

for landfills. Furthermore, burning is not a sustainable option 

in many countries since some traditional plastics can create 

toxic fumes which cause damage to people’s health and the 

environment. 

The advantages of traditional plastics are widely recognized. 

The challenge is making materials that are just as effective 

while eliminating any detrimental effects to our planet. There 

is a tremendous amount of research in the area of bioplastics, 

with the promise of medium chain length (mcl) PHAs leading 

the way as a viable alternative to traditional polymers. 

To understand the difference between mcl PHAs and other 

biopolymer alternatives, it is helpful to understand what mcl 

PHA’s are and how they are made. Medium chain length PHA 

polyesters are produced by a natural bacterial fermentation 

process. Selected bacteria are fed natural food sources such 

as sugars, lipids, or fatty acids to produce PHAs granules as 

an energy reserve, much like humans store fat in their bodies. 

These granules are harvested by fracturing the cell walls of the 

host bacteria and separating the PHA granules from the cell 

debris. This highly controlled process yields polyesters within 

specific ranges of molecular weights, chain lengths, and comonomers 

allowing MHG to produce polymers with a wide 

array of physical and mechanical properties, including barrier 

properties suitable for food packaging. Extensive testing is 

currently underway with committed brand owners who are 

working to validate these materials in several manufacturing 

disciplines. Commercial launch of elected products will occur 

before the end of 2016, with PHA being commercially available 

to the general marketplace in 2018. 

Unlike most biopolymers available today, PHA is not just 

compostable in industrial composting plants. Although 

industrial compostability is a giant step in the right direction, 

the conditions must be conducive for hydrolysis to promote the 

polymer decomposition. PHA polymers degrade enzymatically 

and have a decomposition profile similar to cellulose. 

Virtually any environment that contain microbials will utilize 

PHA polymers as a food source and consume it. Thus PHA 

is, what MHG calls “truly biodegradable” – meaning it also 

degrades in a home composter as well as in soil, sweet- and 

sea water. These claims have been independently verified by 

the most recognized certification body in the world, Vinçotte 

International. Vinçotte awarded MHG all available certifications 

for safe biodegradation, including their first ever “OK Marine 

Biodegradable” certification, validating the legitimacy of the 

testing to recognized international standards. 

MHG is proud of achieving this milestone as a step toward 

helping the planet. Over the past years, the growing level of 

pollution contaminating the oceans has been highlighted 

in all traditional and social media. The ugly truth is that 

pollution is a blight on all environments wherever it occurs, 

and proven to be very difficult to control in some areas. MHG 

does include biodegradability as one of many attributes of 

this amazing new polymer. However, MHG in no way promotes 

or condones the improper disposal of any material. Only the 

brand owners can choose to best way to market the attributes 

of MHG polymers since they alone determine what features 

bring value to their brand or product. But when litter does 

occur and PHA materials inadvertently find their way into the 

ecosystem, PHA materials by MHG provide the final level of 

insurance, allowing microorganisms to return these polymers 

to the earth. Just like they would with any other natural food 

source in their environment. 

www.mhgbio.com 

By: 

John T. Moore 

Vice President- Business Development 

Meredian Holdings Group 

Bainbridge, Georgia, USA 



Trash is mobile 

OK biodegradable MARINE certification 

By: 

Petra Michiels 

Contract Manager 

Vinçotte 

Vilvoorde, Belgium 

If gravity would not exist 

Trash is mobile. Certainly plastic items are usually very 

light and are transported by rivers and winds. Gravity brings 

garbage down to the sea level. If gravity would not exist, the 

floating trash islands at sea would not have grown to such 

vast extensions. 

The cause of marine debris is mainly located at land. 

Depending on the literature, land based sources account 

for 60 to 90 % of marine litter globally. Solving a problem by 

tackling its root is always more effective than just fighting its 

symptoms. Therefore the solution for marine debris has to be 

sought mostly at land. 

Prevention and remediation 

When it comes to solving problems, of whatever kind, this 

can be done either before the problem occurs: by prevention, 

or afterwards, by remediation. 

In the case of marine debris, prevention can be stimulated 

by market instruments such as subsidies or oppositely taxes, 

or a legal ban of certain materials. Also communication and 

education can change attitudes regarding litter. Any litter that 

is avoided, whether it is high in the mountains, in cities or at 

the sea shores, helps against the marine debris problem. 

Remediation is the removal of garbage. This can be done by 

active human intervention. Or if a material is biodegradable 

in a marine environment, it disappears without further 

interaction needed. 

Dread in perspective 

Marine biodegradable products are a very sensitive topic. 

The perceived dread is that it could accidently encourage 

people to litter at sea. However, this perception is based on 

the idea that marine debris is mainly created at sea. And 

also on the thought that people would indeed increase their 

littering when they know a product biodegrades. These are 

assumptions that need to be put in perspective. 

Scope of products 

When launching the OK biodegradable MARINE certification 

system in March 2015, the risk of misunderstandings amongst 

consumers was treated with high priority. Therefore in this 

certification system, a clear distinction is made between: 

(1) the certification of the claim of marine biodegradation and 

(2) the authorization to communicate about this certification. 

Only for a very limited group of products, authorization to 

communicate on the product about the OK biodegradable 

MARINE certificate is allowed. It concerns products that 

are actually used – and therefore unavoidably spilled – in 

the marine environment (e. g. fishing line, fishing baits, cull 

panel, etc.). For these products, marine biodegradability can 

actually be a real interest to their consumers. 

Mentioning the OK biodegradable MARINE logo on all 

other products that could possibly encourage the customer 

to marine littering is not allowed. For these products 

marine biodegradability is an unknown functionality with an 

intrinsic added value: if it inadvertently ends up in the marine 

environment, it will be utilized by microorganisms. 

Verification of the claim 

Marine biodegradability is an added value to any product 

or packaging regardless of where it is consumed. The 

chance that it eventually ends up at sea will always exist. 

Any supplier who invests in adding this functionality to his 

product or packaging should have the opportunity to have this 

information verified according to international standards. This 



verification is not only a reference to harmonize the claim 

but also offers the supplier the opportunity to distinguish 

his truly marine biodegradable product from any doubtful 

claim of his competitors. 

Therefore there is a need for a neutral verification 

system of the claim of marine biodegradability. In March 

2015 Vinçotte has launched the OK biodegradable MARINE 

certification system. Before a product can be certified, 

it is tested in four different ways, based on the following 

standards: 

• biodegradation: measured by oxygen consumption or 

CO 2 

production: OECD 306, ISO 16221, ASTM D6691 

• ecotoxicity: water quality is measured on aquatic 

organisms (daphnids, fish, algea, cyanobacteria, … 

according to the relevant OECD standards or OPPTS 

documents) 

• disintegration: in lack of an international standard, a 

set of requirements (delay, temperature, replicates, 

pass levels, …) is developed specifically for the OK 

biodegradable MARINE certification in cooperation with 

international experts 

• limits of heavy metals and fluor content: ISO 17088, 

and a limit for cobalt as defined in ASTM D6400 

To conclude 

It is hard to tell which remedy will be proven to be most 

effective against marine debris. Trash that has the inherent 

capacity of disappearing without human intervention is 

without no doubt a plus. Having said this, negative side effects 

e. g. possible confusion of consumers must not be overlooked. 

However the need for a unique verification system in order 

to avoid all sorts of claims regarding marine biodegradability 

is not in dispute. 

www.okbiodegradable.be 

organized by 

supported by 

20. - 22.10.2016 

Messe Düsseldorf, Germany 

Bioplastics in 

Packaging 

BIOPLASTICS 

BUSINESS 

BREAKFAST 

B 

3 

PLA, an Innovative 

Bioplastic 

Bioplastics in 

Durable Applications 

Subject to changes 

Call for Papers now open 

www.bioplastics-breakfast.com 

Contact: Dr. Michael Thielen (mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com) 

At the World‘s biggest trade show on plastics and rubber: 

K‘2016 in Düsseldorf bioplastics will certainly play an 

important role again. 

On three days during the show from Oct 20 - 22, 2016 

bioplastics MAGAZINE will host a Bioplastics Business 

Breakfast: From 8 am to 12 noon the delegates get the 

chance to listen and discuss highclass presentations and 

benefit from a unique networking opportunity. 

The trade fair opens at 10 am. 



UNEP Report 

on biodegradable plastics & marine litter 

Summarized and interpreted by 

Karen Laird and Michael Thielen 

Photo: Ludwig Tröller / CreativeCommons 

In November 2015 the United Nations Environment Programme 

(UNEP) published a report, entitled “Biodegradable 

Plastics and Marine Litter. Misconceptions, 

Concerns and Impacts on Marine Environments”. 

The objective of (the) briefing paper is to provide a 

concise summary of some of the key issues surrounding 

the biodegradability of plastics in the oceans, and whether 

the adoption of biodegradable plastics will reduce the 

impact of marine plastics overall [1]. 

Plastic debris is ubiquitous in the marine environment, 

comes from a multitude of sources and is composed of a 

great variety of polymers and copolymers [1]. 

It has been suggested that plastics considered to be 

biodegradable may play an important role in reducing the 

impact of ocean plastics. Environmental biodegradation is 

the partial or complete breakdown of a polymer as a result 

of microbial activity, into CO 2 

, H 2 

O and biomasses, as a 

result of a combination of hydrolysis, photodegradation 

and microbial action (enzyme secretion and within-cell 

processes). Although this property may be appealing, it is 

critical to evaluate the potential of ‘biodegradable’ plastics 

in terms of their impact on the marine environment, before 

encouraging wider use [1]. 

The report found that complete biodegradation of plastics 

occurs in conditions that are rarely, if ever, met in marine 

environments, with some polymers requiring industrial 

composters and prolonged temperatures of above 50 °C 

to disintegrate. There is also limited evidence suggesting 

that labelling products as biodegradable increases the 

public’s inclination to litter, as some people are attracted 

by technological solutions as an alternative to changing 

behaviour. Labelling a product as biodegradable may be 

seen as a technical fix that removes responsibility from 

the individual, resulting in a reluctance to take action. 

As stated in the report, plastics most commonly used 

for general applications, such as polyethylene (PE), 

polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are not 

biodegradable in marine environments (nor in any other, 

MT). Polymers, which biodegrade under favourable 

conditions on land, such as acetyl cellulose (AcC), 

UN Photo Martine Perret 



polybutylene succinate (PBS), polycaprolactone (PCL), 

polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and others are much slower to 

break up in the ocean and their widespread adoption 

is likely to contribute to marine litter and consequent 

undesirable consequences for marine ecosystems. 

“Recent estimates from UNEP have shown as much as 

20 million tonnes of plastic end up in the world’s oceans 

each year,” said Achim Steiner, Executive Director of the 

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in a press release. 

“Once in the ocean, plastic does not go away, but breaks 

down into microplastic particles. This report shows there 

are no quick fixes, and a more responsible approach to 

managing the lifecycle of plastics will be needed to reduce 

their impacts on our oceans and ecosystems.” 

These microplastics have, in recent years, become a 

source of growing concern. Microplastics are particles 

up to five millimetres in diameter, that are either 

manufactured or created when plastic breaks down. Their 

ingestion has been widely reported in marine organisms, 

including seabirds, fish, mussels, worms and zooplankton. 

The UNEP study also analyzed the environmental 

impacts of oxo-degradable plastics, enriched with a pro 

oxidant, such as manganese, which precipitates their 

fragmentation. It found that in marine environments 

even this fragmentation is fairly slow and can take 

up to 5 years, during which products made from this 

type of plastic continue to pollute the ocean. Moreover, 

convincing evidence showing that oxo-degradable 

polymers completely biodegrade to CO 2 

and water after 

fragmentation is still lacking. 

According to UNEP, oxo-degradable plastics can pose 

a threat to marine ecosystems even after fragmentation. 

The report says it should be assumed that microplastics 

created in the fragmentation process remain in the ocean, 

where they can be ingested by marine organisms and 

facilitate the transport of harmful microbes, pathogens 

and algal species. The report also quotes a UK government 

review that stated that “oxo-degradable plastics did not 

provide a lower environmental impact compared with 

conventional plastics”. The recommended solutions for 

dealing with end-of-life oxo-degradable plastics were 

incineration (first choice) or landfill. In addition, the 

authors observed that: as the (oxo-degradable) plastics 

will not degrade for approximately 2 – 5 years, they will still 

remain visible as litter before they start to degrade. 

The report more or less confirms what many in the 

industry have known for a long time, and it contains 

important information for the public at large – both as 

regards oxo-degradable plastics and biodegradable 

plastics. 

Well-written and well-researched, the report is by 

no means an attack on biobased plastics, but rather an 

attempt to get a message out and to create awareness. 

As its authors put it: “Assessing the impact of plastics in 

the environment, and communicating the conclusions to 

a disparate audience is challenging. The science itself is 

complex and multidisciplinary. Some synthetic polymers 

are made from biomass and some from fossil fuels, 

and some can be made from either. Polymers derived 

from fossil fuels can be biodegradable. Conversely, 

some polymers made from biomass sources, such 

as maize, may be non-biodegradable. Apart from the 

polymer composition, material behaviour is linked to 

the environmental setting, which can be very variable in 

the ocean. The conditions under which biodegradable 

polymers will actually biodegrade vary widely.” 

And the report closes with the final conclusion: On the 

balance of the available evidence, biodegradable plastics 

will not play a significant role in reducing marine litter [1]. 

[1] UNEP 2015. Biodegradable Plastics & Marine Litter. Misconceptions, 

Concerns and Impacts on Marine Environments. Nairobi. 

a pdf-version is available at bit.ly/1R7IALI 

Photo: M. Thielen, 



Statement of Open Bio 

to the UNEP (2015) report on „Biodegradable Plastics and Marine Litter. 

Misconceptions, concerns and impacts on marine environments.” 

Executive summary 

While the Open- Bio consortium generally appreciates the 

UNEP report (cf. pp. 24 in this issue of bM) for its contributions 

to explaining and clarifying many aspects concerning the 

relation between different plastic materials and marine 

plastic litter, several aspects are criticized as well. 

• Both the summary and the conclusion simplify matters 

too much, thus inviting confusion by the public and 

policy makers. 

• Some of the final conclusions concerning the possible 

role of biodegradable plastics are not solution- oriented 

and remain rather pessimistic, whereas the main text 

offers several well- elaborated segments of the general 

topic, where solutions via market regulation, legislation, 

directed scientific research and industrial development 

could be achieved in relatively short time or may be 

readily adopted through political action. 

• The statements on rate of biodegradation and impact 

made by the report are not differentiated enough. More 

research is clearly needed. 

• In terms of communication and labelling, even more 

concise wording is needed and a strict distinction 

should be made between B2B communication and B2C 

communication in order to avoid litter. 

The Open- Bio statement furthermore offers some 

corrections to technical mistakes of the UNEP report and 

preliminary results from the project’s research. 

The Open- Bio group concludes that biodegradable 

plastics are not a solution to littering. Littering 

must be opposed by means of prevention, waste 

management (that includes separate collection and 

organic recycling of biodegradable plastics), public 

awareness, etc. On the other hand, plastics that 

are shown to be truly biodegradable in the marine 

environment could be profitably used in those 

applications where dispersion in the sea is certain or 

highly probable (e. g. fishing gear, fish farming gear, 

beach gear, paint, etc.). 

General considerations 

It is certain that littering needs to be avoided and 

reduced possibly to zero by all means (prevention, 

cutting waste streams, raising public awareness, 

etc.). But for certain applications it is inevitable that 

plastic products will enter the oceans, via rivers or 

e. g. by loss of fishing gear or wear of tourist beach 

equipment. Wouldn’t it be better if this litter was 

biodegradable? This is stated with always seeing that 

biodegradable litter is still litter, and should also be 

avoided at all means! However, it will at least not 

remain there forever, compared to non- biodegradable 

plastic litter. 

Rate of biodegradation and its risk assessment 

A point of critique concerns the frequently mentioned rate 

of (bio)degradation in the UNEP report. It is not differentiated 

between the inherent biodegradation rate of an industrial 

biodegradable material and the degradation rate of the item 

that finally ends up in the environment. The report states that 

biodegradable plastics do degrade under marine conditions 

but are much slower than in industrial composting, and 

also when tested in gastrointestinal fluids of a turtles, and 

will therefore still harm the marine environment. Most 

biodegradable plastics are not water- soluble. This means 

that the biodegradable plastic products will not immediately 

“disappear” when they reach the sea but persist in this 

environment for a given time (a residence time). By means of 

a risk assessment it is possible to characterize the magnitude 

of risks to ecological receptors (e.g. mammals, birds, fish, 

corals, microorganisms or even whole ecosystems) from the 

stressors, that may be present in the environment. Plastic 

items littered to the sea do have impact on several levels, 

some of which are well documented and some still lack 

scientific knowledge (GESAMP 2015, Bergmann et al. 2015). 

Impacts 

In terms of impact to the marine environment, little 

research has been completed comparing non- biodegradable 

and biodegradable plastics. There are scientific studies on 

the impacts of non- biodegradable litter and parts of the 

knowledge can be transferred to biodegradable litter, but 

not all of it. More research on the impact of biodegradable 

polymers is clearly needed. Therefore we think that the 

statement of the UNEP report is important, however a bit 

premature. 

The global perspective 

In the discussion we miss the global view and also more 

options for developing countries. Many have currently 

no (or insufficient) waste management infrastructures 

in place. But the plastic consumption in many of these 

countries (esp. China, Indonesia, India, etc.) are expected 

to rise tremendously in the coming years. In the case of 

mismanagement and the waste ending up in the ocean, it 

would not remain there forever when it is biodegradable 

under marine conditions. 

Recycling 

Biodegradable plastics do not hinder plastic recycling 

by being ‘biodegradable’ or ‘compostable’ (investigated 

by Open- Bio consortium, Task 6.4), but because recycling 

requires pure waste streams. Any contamination of a waste 

stream of a particular plastic (e. g. PE) with another type 

of polymer (whether it is biodegradable or not) requires 

good separation practices. Only so called ‘oxo- degradable’ 

plastics pose a threat to plastic recycling by compromising 

the quality of the final product. 


This is the short version - source: 

www.biobasedeconomy.eu/media/downloads/2016/02/16-02-01_ 

Open-Bio-comment-on-UNEP-report-FINAL-short.pdf 

The long version is available at: 

bit.ly/1Ts8bCR 

Labelling 

The labelling of ‘oxo- degradable’ plastics as 

‘biodegradable’ or ‘compostable’ is not correct (see 

EN 13432:2000) because these materials simply 

fragment and do not biodegrade, no matter where 

their life cycle will end. Open- Bio confirms that a 

label or certification should be not misleading and 

should not lead to wrong behaviours. The information 

should preferably only be used at the industrial 

level to describe material properties to business 

partners, but not on a broad consumer level unless 

necessary. Based on the current state of knowledge 

we recommend also not to label a product for the 

general public unless necessary for the specific 

application, but to enforce by political means that 

those products which will certainly or probably end up 

in the marine environment need to be biodegradable 

in the specific marine environment of application. The 

Open- Bio team is currently working on an update of 

the standard methodology taking into account the 

current standards for marine biodegradation (see 

Open- Bio D5.5). 

First results from Open- Bio and further 

research 

First results from Open- Bio do confirm the 

statement of the report that degradation is slower 

under marine conditions than under composting 

conditions and that it depends on the material type 

and specific environmental conditions. The work 

within Open- Bio shows that the tested polymers do 

biodegrade under optimal laboratory conditions. 

Linking the lab data with the data we obtain from field 

and mesocosm experiments will allow us to validate 

the lab test. Further ecotoxicological tests should be 

added to the tests, which will provide more insight on 

the impact of biodegradation. The goal is to develop a 

test scheme and specifications (time and percentage 

of biodegradation, temperature range, etc.) for 

the biodegradation under marine conditions to be 

finalised by a standardisation organisation. That will 

provide policy makers and the industry with a good 

instrument to implement biodegradable polymers 

where they can be part of a concept to mitigate 

unavoidable marine litter. 

Polymers that are proven to be biodegradable 

in the marine environment can thus improve the 

situation in case plastic is not to be replaced by other 

materials, in concert with all possible measures like 

prevention, waste management, public awareness, 

etc. Summarising the mentioned points, we think that 

the public, mass- media, industry and policy makers 

have a great potential and possibilities to support the 

protection of the environment here. • 

RETHINKING 

PLASTICS 

29/30 November 2016 

Steigenberger Hotel Berlin 

SAVE 

THE 

DATE! 

For more information email: 

conference@european-bioplastics.org 

@EUBioplastics #eubpconf2016 

www.conference.european-bioplastics.org 


Booth Company on Floorplan 

C8B05 Anhui Tianyi Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd. 

N3P11 AU CO., LTD. 1 

N3L09 BASF (China) Company Ltd. 2 

N3M15 bioplastics MAGAZINE 3 

N3A21 China XD Plastics Company Ltd. 

N3J61 Coating p. Materials co., Ltd. 

N1F01 Croda Europe Ltd 

N4F01 Dandong Ritian Nano Technology CO., LTD. 

N3S45 Doill Ecotec Co., Ltd., Korea 4 

N3S41 Dongguan Xinhai environmental protection material Co., Ltd. 5 

N2E51 Emery Oleochemicals HK LTD 

N3K01 EnerPlastics L.L.C. 6 

N1C21 Evonik Degussa (China) Co., Ltd. 

N3P59 Fukutomi Company Ltd. 

N4M01 Gema Elektro Plastik VE Elektronik San. Dis Tic. A.S. 

N3L05 GRABIO Greentech Corporation 7 

C9B51 GuangDong ShunDe LuHua Photoelectric New Mat. Ind.Co. 

N2R01 Hairma Chemicals (GZ) Ltd. 

N4L21 Hebei Jingu Plasticizer Co., LTD. 

N2S15 Jacobson van den Berg (Hong Kong) Ltd 

N3R41 Jetwell Trading Limited 

N3M19 Jiangsu Jinhe Hi-tech Co.,Ltd 8 

N3K15 Jiangsu Torise Biomaterials Co., Ltd 9 

C10F17 Jinan Shengquan Group Co.,Ltd 

N3L01 JinHui ZhaoLong High-Tech Co.,Ltd 10 

N1G41 Kingfa Science and Technology Co., Ltd 

N1G01 Kuraray (Shanghai) Co., Ltd 

C13F61 Lifeline Technologies 

C2E41 Maosheng Environmental Protection Technology Co.,Ltd 

N3M15 Matchexpo 3 

N3L07 Minima Technology Co., Ltd. 11 

N3L51 Miracll Chemicals Co., Ltd. 

N1E01 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation 

N3K09 Natureworks LLC 12 

N1B01 Ngai Hing Hong Plastic Materials (HK) Ltd. 

N3K05 Polyalloy Inc. 13 

W1D55 Procotex Corporation 

N3P01 Proviron Functional Chemicals N.V. 14 

C11F41 Rajiv Plastic Industries 

N3K11 Reverdia 15 

N3L21 Roquette 16 

N2D41 Samyang Corporation 

N4J61 Shandong Jiqing Chemcal Co., Ltd. 

C8E51 Shanghai Xiner Low-carbon Environmental Technology Co., Ltd 

N4K09 Shenzhen All Technology Limited 

N3M11 Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co., Ltd. 17 

N3M17 Shenzhen Polymer Industry Association 30 

N1L25 Sukano Sdn Bhd 

N3M05 Suzhou Hanfeng New Material Co.,Ltd. 18 

N3S51 Suzhou Hydal Biotech Co.,Ltd 19 

N3S49 Suzhou Mitac Precision Technology Co., Ltd. 20 

N3M03 Taizhou Sudarshan New Material Co.,Ltd 21 

N1F41 Teijin Kasei (HK) Ltd 

N3S43 TÜV Rheinland (Shnghai) CO LTD 22 

N3L11 Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH 23 

W3M15 Wei Li Plastics Machinery (H.K.) Ltd 

C13A21 WeiFang Graceland Chemicals CO., LTD 

N3L15 Weihai Lianqiao New Material Science&Technology Co.,Ltd 24 

C14E51 Woosung Chemical CO.,Ltd. 

N3K21 Wuhan Huali Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. 25 

N3P51 Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe Polyester co., ltD. 

N3M01 Yat Shun Hong Company Ltd 26 

C13A49 Yongxi Plastics Technology 

N3M21 Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd 27 

N3K07 Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co.,Ltd. 28 

N3P01 Zhejiang Pu Wei Lun Chemicals Co.,Ltd 14 

N3S29 Zhuhai Xunfeng Special Plastics Co. Ltd. 29 

Layout Plan courtesy Adsale Exhibition Service 

Show Guid 

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bioplastics MAGAZINE 

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BIOPLASTICS ZONE 

28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/16] Vol. 11 

In this Show Guide you find the majority of compa 

compounds, additives, semi-finished products and 

this centerfold out of the magazine an

Show Preview 

CHINAPLAS 2016 Preview 

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24 

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CHINAPLAS, recognized as Asia’s No. 1 and theworld’s 

No. 2 plastics and rubber trade fair by the industry, 

will hold its 30 th edition in 2016 in Shanghai. To celebrate 

the reach of the milestone, there will be more attractions 

and celebration activities at the show for all to join! 

Looking back, when CHINAPLAS was held for the 

first time in Beijing in 1983, the exhibition area was only 

2,000 m², and 90 % of the exhibitors were from overseas. 

At that time, the production technology in China was still 

at a very low level, CHINAPLAS visitors mainly came to 

learn the advanced technologies from overseas countries. 

Today, China has become a big manufacturing country 

with strong production ability, and is exporting the most 

plastics and rubber machineries in recent years. In the 

past three decades, CHINAPLAS has been moving forward 

together with the Chinese market, and has developed into 

a platform for the showcase of both overseas technologies 

and Chinese machineries for export. 

16 

2 

25 12 

Hall N3 

The 30 th CHINAPLAS will be held from 25 to 28 April, 2016 

at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, PR China, 

with an exhibition area over 240,000 m², and more than 

3,200 exhibitors are expected. The show is supported by a 

number of country and region pavilions, including Austrian, 

German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Swiss, Taiwanese, 

and USA Pavilions. With broader range of exhibits, the 

number of theme zones will rise to sixteen, among which 

the “Automation Technology Zone”, “Composite & High 

Performance Materials Zone” and “Recycling Technology 

Zone” are all new to the coming show in Shanghai. 

Intelligent production lines and systems, industrial robots, 

high performance materials, composite materials, the 

latest and most complete recycling solutions as well as 

other plastics and rubber technology breakthroughs will be 

showcased under one roof. 

As in recent years, the setup of theme zones at 

Chinaplas is always a good indicator of market needs. 

Thus CHINAPLAS 2016 will again feature a Bioplastics 

Zone in Hall N3. If you visit Chinaplas make sure to visit 

the booth of bioplastics MAGAZINE in Hall N3 (booth N3M15). 

On the following pages you will find some short 

reports of some of the 66 exhibitors showing bioplastics 

related products or services, 30 of which are located in 

the Bioplastics Zone in hall N3. This preview will be 

complemented by a review in the next issue. MT 

nies offering bioplastic products, such as resins, 

much more. For your convenience, you can take 

d use it as your personal show guide 

bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/16] Vol. 11 

29

Show Preview 

Wuhan Huali 

Wuhan Huali will present PSM ® biodegradable 

& biobased plastics materials and finished 

products during Chinaplas 2016. PSM bioplastics 

are made through modification and plasticization 

from renewable, natural materials, such as corn, 

potato, tapioca or wheat starch, bamboo cellulose 

and sugarcane. PSM biodegradable plastics are 

certified by third party certification bodies Vinçotte 

and DIN Certco, and obtained the OK Compost and 

Compostable certificates. PSM biobased plastics are 

also certified by Vinçotte with the OK-Biobased and 

received 4 stars (more than 80 %). PSM biodegradable 

and biobased plastic materials can be widely applied 

in film blowing, thermoforming, injection moulding 

and foaming processes.s. 

N3K21 25 

www.psm.com.cn | www.hlbio.com 

NatureWorks 

From 3D printer filaments to new ultra-high barrier 

film, NatureWorks showcase Ingeo polylactide. 

NatureWorks features 3D860 – a new Ingeo 

formulation for 3D PLA filament designed to provide 

impact resistance and heat resistance rivalling ABS 

and other styrenics in terms of performance and 

for use in home and business/industrial printing of 

durable parts, as well as for prototyping parts for 

durable injection molded goods. A number of new, 

innovative 3D printed products will be on display 

including print-it-yourself headphones and masks. 

NatureWorks also showcases a new ultra-high 

barrier Ingeo-based flexible substrate designed to 

keep processed foods fresh on store shelves. This 

is the first application of Ingeo for longer shelf life 

foods that are increasingly packaged in pouches. 

Other Ingeo biobased products on display include 

compostable food serviceware, nonwovens, fibers, 

films, rigid packaging, and toys and other injection 

molded or extruded durables. 

N3K09 12 

JinHui ZhaoLong 

JinHui ZhaoLong High Technology Co. Ltd is one of the largest 

biodegradable plastic enterprises in China with a 20,000 tonnes/ 

annum PBAT production line. JinHui ZhaoLong are currently 

manufacturing ECOWORLD (PBAT) and ECOWILL which is a 

family of modified PBAT compounding materials that comprise 

Ecowill FS-0330 (Ecoworld PBAT blended with corn starch) and 

Ecowill FP-0330 (Ecoworld PBAT blended with PLA). After three 

years of development since its first establishment in 2012, 

JinHui ZhaoLong has now been able to provide qualified PBAT 

and PBAT compounds with high stability and consistency which 

have acquired numbers of certifications issued by both domestic 

and international authoritative certification bodies. Besides, the 

company has developed a large number of domestic and foreign 

high-quality upstream and downstream customers. 

N3L01 10 

www.ecoworld.jinhuigroup.com 

Kingfa 

Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd., established in 1993 and 

headquartered in Guangzhou, is a global leader in high 

performance modified plastic industry. Kingfa initiated its bio 

program in 2001 and decided to make ECOPOND ® a sub-brand 

in Kingfa. 

Ecopond provides a complete package solution for retailers, 

such as roll bags (for fish and meat), shopping bags and 

some other packaging films that directly contact with foods. 

Compostable waste bags provide a sanitary and convenient 

collection solution for organic waste management. With the 

development of E-commerce and environmental awareness, 

Ecopond also finds a huge potential market in packaging such as 

air-bubble bag and air cushion film. 

Kingfa intensely cooperates with the Chinese government and 

environmental research organizations to implement biodegradable 

mulch film experiments in different areas. An exclusive formula is 

designed for every area and different crops like potatoes, peanuts, 

corn, cottons, etc., taking various changing weather condition and 

soil condition into account. The experiments prove great success 

in many places with fruitful output of the crops. 

In 2014, Kingfa added 3D printing application to the Ecopond 

family and began the business with promotion of its highly renowned 

modified PLA series. Ecopond 3D printing raw materials are widely 

applied in the mainstream Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). 

N1G41 

www.ecopond.com.cn 

www.natureworksllc.com 


Show Preview 

Doill Ecotec 

Doill WPC (Wood-Plastic Composites) compounds are new 

eco-friendly materials in pellet form which are manufactured 

with a special binding technique using wood flour and 

thermoplastic polymers (PP, PE, ABS, ASA, PS, SAN, PMMA, 

PLA, etc). The materials are suitable for extrusion and 

injection molding with advanced woody feeling, excellent 

durability, excellent water-proof properties, easy molding 

characteristics, reducing CO 2 

, bio-based plastic materials 

and recycled to 100 %. 

Extrusion molding applications include decking, cladding, 

louver, sound-proof walls, floor, furniture, blinder, panels, 

foamed products, interior products, filaments for 3d printing, 

etc.. By injection molding the following applications can be 

produced: kitchen utensils, cutting board, food containers, 

food trays, flower boxes, hangers and scoops, cosmetic 

containers, automobile parts, industrial products, and much 

more. 

N3S45 4 

www.doillecotec.com 

Uhde Inventa-Fischer 

The Polymer Division of ThyssenKrupp Industrial 

Solutions AG focuses on the development, engineering 

and construction of efficient plant concepts and processes 

in the fields of monomers, intermediates, polymers and 

machinery. 

At Chinaplas 2016 ThyssenKrupp will present their 

latest innovations and developments in biobased polymers 

They believe in providing cost-efficient processes for 

the production of non-petroleum-based polymers, such 

as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) 

as well as its monomers and intermediates lactic acid, 

succinic acid and lactide. to fulfill the vision of sustainably 

replacing a considerable amount of conventionally 

produced materials in the near future. 

ThyssenKrupp’s state-of-the-art technologies 

are backed by more than 50 years’ experience in 

the development, engineering and design of leading 

polymerization processes, as well as t h e 

engineering and construction 

of more than 400 

production plants 

throughout 

the world. 

N3L11 

23 

www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com 

Coating p. Materials Co. 

CPMC will present new eco-friendly solutions, targeted at synthetic leather and related 

industries. This bio-based calendaring grade TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) can not only 

solve the problems caused in PVC and PU synthetic leather industries, but also have five 

advantages as the follows. 

CPMC’s TPU has many advantages including good physical properties, degradable, nontoxic 

and non-plasticizer. The process is eco-friendly and offers a high yield rate, and there 

is no DMF residue in the final products. As a result, the products can solve VOC emission 

problem effectively. The production technology of calendaring grade TPU for eco-friendly 

synthetic leather is the same as for PVC, existing PVC synthetic leather equipment can be used. The functions and features are 

similar to PVC/PU synthetic leather. 

Customers who upgrade use advanced these eco-friendly materials, can promote your brand values and increase 

consumers’brand image. 

The presented bio-based calendaring grade TPU for eco-friendly synthetic leather can be applied to furnishings industry, 

clothing industry, car industry, footwear industry and so on. 

N3J61 

www.coating.com.tw 

Oxo-fragmentable plastics 

And finally there are a number of companies offering oxo-fragmentable plastics such as EnerPlastics (N3K01) or Rajiv 

Plastic Industries (C11F41). However, as of yet, bioplastics MAGAZINE does not consider such products as bioplastics. We are still 

waiting for satisfactory scientifically backed evidence by internationally accepted independent laboratories, proving a complete 

biodegradation into water, carbon-dioxide and biomass without accelerating any measurement nor extrapolating any initially 

measured degradation. MT 


Materials 

The 100 % bio-PET/polyester 

approach 

The bio-PET bottle is now followed by a bio-PET T-shirt 

According to different forecasts of e.g. European Bioplastics 

or the Institute of Bioplastics and Biocomposites 

(IfBB), the bioplastic market will continue to grow in 

the next years with bio-PET 30 representing the lion’s share 

(> 75 %). 30 wt.% of this bio-PET 30 is represented by biobased 

mono ethylene glycol (MEG). In order to be able to produce 

100 % biobased PET, many different technologies for the 

production of PTA (purified terepthalic acid) or its precursor 

paraxylene (PX) are currently under development. 

Bio-PET 30 

Bio-PET 30 was introduced in 2009 and can by now be 

found in the marketplace used by brands such as Coca-Cola, 

Danone, Nestle etc. in more than 25 countries around the 

world. Bio-MEG is currently made from bio-ethylene which 

is dehydrated from ethanol and dropped into the current 

ethylene glycol production plants with co-production of DEG 

(di-ethylene glycol) and TEG (tri-ethylene glycol). Ethanol is 

well known to be made from fermentation of sugars including 

those from first and second generation biomass. Ethanol 

could also be converted from syngas (CO+H 2 

) which could as 

well be biobased if made from biomass. 

There are other routes under development to make bio-MEG 

from sugars and carbon dioxide (CO 2 

). For example, sugars 

could directly go under catalytic reactions to generate MEG, 

MPG (mono propylene glycol) and others. The key issue is 

how to make more MEG than MPG which could be made from 

glycerol and usually cheaper than MEG. While CO 2 

is used 

for MEG production, oxalic acid is formed as an intermediate 

after electrochemical reaction of CO 2 

and further reduced to 

MEG. 

100 % bio-PET/polyester 

The first batch of empty bottles made from 100 % bio-PET 

were demonstrated by Coca-Cola (PlantBottle) in 2014 with 

biobased PTA technology from Virent and Far Eastern New 

Century (FENC). Last year, at Milan Expo, the first 100 % 

bio-PET bottles filled with beverages were introduced; again 

made using bio-PX from Virent’s pilot scale production and via 

FENC’s conversions. At the Sustainable Plastics conference 

in Cologne on March 1 st , 2016, FENC showed the world’s first 

100 % bio-polyester shirt. The weaving and dyeing properties 

of the 100 % bio-polyester fibres proved to be the same as 

those of petro based polyester. This is a great progress of 

FENC’s 100 % bio-polyester and shows the possible use of biobased 

PX/PTA for dropping in to many other all downstream 

polyester applications. 

100 % bio-PX/PTA technologies 

In Virent’s BioForming process sugar is catalytically 

converted into bio-PX. Another similar approach is the 

pyrolysis to crack biomass to BTX (mixture of benzene toluene 

xylene) which could be dropped into the petro refinery for 

PX separation. There are many other approaches to convert 

6-carbon (C6) sugars to bio-PX or PTA (C8). 

H 3 

C CH 3 

Paraxylene (PX), C8H10 


Materials 

Si mple mathematics will help us to understand 

all these converting pathways. The first example is 

2+2+2+2=8 by using 3 ethylene molecules (CH 2 

+CH 2 

+CH 2 

) 

to synthesize hexene (C 6 

H 12 

) which could be further 

converted to PX via Diels-Alder reaction with ethylene 

and dehydration. Or hexene could be formed by addition 

reaction of isobutene and ethylene (C 4 

H 8 

+2CH 2 

=C 6 

H 12 

) as a 

part of 4+2+2=8 pathway with Diels-Alder and dehydration 

reactions. Next example is 2+6=8 by adding ethylene to 

sugar fermented muconic acid, 5-hydromethylfurfual 

(HMF) or HMF derivatives and then further chemically 

converted to PTA. The third calculation is 3+5 where 

lactic acid ester combined with bio-isoprene and function 

group transformation to di-acids. The last, but the least 

pathway is 4+4=8 by combining 2 isobutene to bio-PX with 

cyclization and oxidation steps. Of course, the subtraction 

instead of addition will work such as 10-2=8 which could be 

achieved by chemical oxidation to bio-PTA from limonene. 

While so many biological and/or chemical conversions of 

biomass/sugars to bio-PX/PTA, the winner of this 100 % 

bio-PX/PTA commercialization is still unknown, while the 

first commercial plant is the most difficult step due to the 

technology uncertainty of scaling up and a huge capital 

expenditure (CapEx), for much smaller scale compared to 

current petro-based PX/PTA plants. 

By: 

Fanny Liao 

Senior Vice President of RD 

Far Eastern New Century Corporation 

Taiwan 

www.fenc.com/index_en.aspx 

Brand Owners 

Brand-Owner’s perspective 

on bioplastics 

and how to unleash its full potential 

new 

series 

Inspired by a panel discussion during the 10 th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin last November, bioplastics MAGAZINE 

is now starting a new series, titled Brand-Owner’s perspective on bioplastics and how to unleash its full potential. 

Here we ask brand owners for a short statement, quasi as a message to the bioplastics industry. 

The series starts with Michael W. Knutzen of The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, Georgia, USA: 

Innovation comes from inspiration, and at The Coca-Cola Company we 

are greatly inspired by the very people who drink our beverages. 

Our consumers expect us to deliver the beverages they know and love 

in a package that meets their needs such as convenience and safety, 

but also in a package that is environmentally considerate. 

Michael W. Knutzen, 

Global Program Director PlantBottle at 

The Coca-Cola Company 

PlantBottle packaging has been meeting consumer expectations 

since 2009. The first-ever fully recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle 

made partially from plants looks and functions just like traditional 

PET plastic, but has a lighter footprint on the planet and its scarce 

resources. 


Analysis 

Breaking down 

complex assemblies 

By: 

Callum Smith 

Beta Analytic 

London, UK 

Upon signing the Agriculture Act of 2014, US President 

Barack Obama said that it was an innovation bill. 

Among the myriad provisions in the bill, which encourages 

growth in the increasingly large biobased market, was 

an update to the USDA BioPreferred ® program’s guidelines 

concerning biobased content testing for complex assemblies. 

What are complex assemblies? 

Complex assemblies are products for which the percentage 

biobased carbon content cannot be determined from a single 

radiocarbon measurement, such as bicycle saddles, blenders 

and automobiles. Radiocarbon ( 14 C) is abundant in biomass 

and absent in petrochemicals so differentiation is readily 

made in products, but the analytical method is size limiting, 

so the shape and size of complex assemblies may require 

precise subsampling and calculations to derive a formulated 

percentage biobased carbon content. 

Biobased testing strategies for complex 

assemblies 

Conscious of the benefits of promoting the uptake of 

biobased intermediate ingredients in the market, the USDA 

has incorporated guidelines addressing biobased content 

testing for products in the BioPreferred program. Due to 

size or shape or chemical and physical properties, complex 

assemblies require special procedures. This will typically 

involve measuring individual components and mathematically 

deriving a single result or sub-sampling individual components 

and combining them in a mass proportion of the whole for a 

single result. In some difficult cases, such as oil-based paints 

where oil may be encapsulating calcium carbonate in a way 

that it cannot be effectively eliminated, the product may best 

be analysed prior to the addition of the carbonate filler. 

Darden Hood, President of Beta Analytic, a senior 

technical author of ASTM-D6866 and advisor to CEN and 

ISO committees on the use of radiocarbon remarks, “for 

100 grams of a complex assembly consisting of three solid 

components A, B, and C, where 50 grams is A, 20 grams is 

B and 30 grams is C the strategy is quite straightforward to 

overcome size limitation. Subsample 5 grams of A, 2 grams 

of B, 3 grams of C, and combine them for one radiocarbon 

analysis. In more difficult cases, discussion may be required 

to obtain the appropriate percentage biobased carbon result 

while working within the specifications of the standard. All 

organic carbon species need to be quantitatively recovered 

as CO 2 

from the product since each component may have a 

unique percentage biobased carbon content. Loss of any 

proportion of any one them will lead to an inaccurate result; 

requiring complicated lab procedures for materials such 

as hand sanitisers and solvent mixtures of highly different 

volatility. In the case of complex assemblies, close discussion 

with the laboratory promises to yield accurate and easily 

communicable data better than ever before. In turn, this 

should help to promote the production and consumption of 

biobased products, signalling an exciting new phase across 

all of the industries involved”. 

www.radiocarbon.com 

Key components of an Accelerator Mass Spectrometry system, used 

for counting cosmogenic radionuclides in organic matter 

Fictive, not existing example: A wristwatch could consist of: 

50 grams of bio-based Polyamide 6.10 (the housing), 20 grams 

of PLA (the glass) and 30 grams of biobased polyurethane (the 

wristband). The clockwork inside is assumed to be metal, and 

doesn’t count… (Photo: Marcin Bartkowiak) 


Drive Innovation 

Become a Member 

Join university researchers and industry members 

to push the boundaries of renewable resources 

and establish new processes and products. 

www.cb2.iastate.edu 

See us at K 2016 

October 19-26, 2016 

Düsseldorf, Germany 

Hall 5, Booth C07-1

Application News 

Foodstuff packaging 

The compounder and plastics distributor FKuR Kunststoff 

GmbH, Willich, Germany, the film manufacturer Oerlemans 

Plastics BV, Genderen, the Netherlands, and the specialist 

foodstuffs packaging distributor BK Pac AB, Kristianstad, 

Sweden, are closely working together on expanding the 

possibilities for using bio-based plastics for sustainable 

foodstuffs film packaging. 

In this transnational cooperation project, FKuR is the 

distributor for the Green PE from the world-leading, 

Brazilian biopolymer manufacturer Braskem which is used 

to produce the film. This 100 % recyclable, sugar cane-based 

polyethylene helps to reduce the environmental impact caused 

by greenhouse gases because using renewable raw materials 

binds up to 2.15 tonnes of atmospheric CO 2 

for each tonne of 

Green PE. And since the plastic is not biodegradable, this CO 2 

remains bound in the plastic over the entire product life cycle. 

In the next step, Oerlemans Plastics uses the Braskem 

bio-based PE supplied by FKuR in its two production sites in 

Genderen and Giessen in the Netherlands to produce highquality 

flexible films. 

The printed and perforated films produced from Green 

PE are sent to the Scandinavian distributor BK Pac, which 

specialises in packaging materials such as films, trays, 

bags, carton boxes etc. for vegetables, fruit, meat and other 

foodstuffs. Being a local company, BK is highly familiar with 

the requirements of its customers and the market and can 

therefore feed valuable information back into the value chain 

which can be used for further development and innovation. 

Since the introduction of the product line based on Braskem’s 

Green PE, the three companies have been continuously 

working together on extending and further developing the 

line with the aim of promoting this bio-based plastic as 

a sustainable alternative on the Scandinavian market. As 

Patrick Zimmermann, Marketing & Distribution Manager at 

FKuR Kunststoff, says: “Our successful collaboration with 

Oerlemans Plastics and BK Pac is typical of our continuous 

search for ways of increasing product sustainability by using 

renewable resources. It is also a model for many further 

possible national and multinational cooperative projects. 

It clearly demonstrates the potential of such projects to 

conserve resources and help to maintain an environmental 

balance while at the same time generating economic benefits 

along the entire value chain by using Green PE.” 

www.fkur-biobased.com | www.oerlemansplastics.nl 

| www.bkpac.se 

Bioplastic for furniture 

In JELUPLAST ® , the German company JELU-WERK 

presents a novel and versatile material for furniture 

making. Like plastic, Jeluplast can be moulded threedimensionally 

and offers wide scope for design, yet it 

possesses the positive attributes of wood. Jeluplast thus 

attains higher rigidity and flexural strength than plastics. 

In its appearance, feel and smell, the new material closely 

resembles wood, delivering creative design and usage 

opportunities for designers and the furniture industry. 

Due to its special properties, this versatile material is 

suitable both for outdoor and indoor use. Jeluplast is free 

from formaldehyde, chlorine, phenol, plasticisers and PVC. 

It can be processed, for instance, to make high-quality 

seating shells, decorative elements or feet for shelves 

and cabinets using injection moulding. By means of 

compression moulding, the bioplastic can be processed to 

produce stable boards for the substructure of upholstered 

furniture, for example, and for shelving, side and back walls 

as well as for cabinet doors. Panels and injection moulded 

parts from Jeluplast can be glued, bolted, dyed, coated and 

welded. 

Furniture made from Jeluplast is also suitable for 

damp interiors, such as bathrooms, kitchens and saunas, 

because it is resistant to moisture. The bioplastic’s weather 

resistance makes it an attractive material for outdoor 

applications too. It is suitable for garden furniture, exterior 

railings, fences, wall cladding and decking boards. 

Bioplastic with consistent running properties 

Jeluplast consists of food-safe thermoplastic and natural 

fibres. The proportion of natural fibres can be set individually 

between 50 and 70 %. Depending on the type of plastic, 

Jeluplast consists up to 100 % of sustainable materials. 

The properties of the plastic used determine whether 

the end product is long-lasting or biodegradable. The 

properties can be further adjusted by means of additives. 

Flame retardants can be added as well as additives that 

make the material more resistant to moisture. 

Jelu-Werk offers biocomposites based on polyethylene, 

polypropylene, thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactides 

(PLA) and other plastics. The fibres used are wood 

fibres and cellulose fibres. Compounding helps the WPC 

granulates from Jelu to achieve higher compression and to 

be processed better. The bioplastic has consistent running 

properties on the machine, facilitating a higher output. 

Jeluplast can be processed by injection moulding, extrusion, 

compression moulding, blow moulding or foaming. MT 

www.jelu-werk.com 


SUSTPACK 2016 

BUSINESS MADE SUSTAINABLE 

Visit us at Sustpack 2016 

Chicago, IL 

11 - 13 April 2016 

Renewable . Ambient Compostable Plastic . FCN Approved 

First 30 60 120 180 

30 

day days 

60 

days 

120 180 

days days 

Excellent Heat 

sealability 

Heat resistance up to 

100 C 

Runs well with 

LDPE machine 

*This test was conducted under natural condition in Bangkok, Thailand. 

Dreaming of naturally compostable bioplastic ? Here is the answer. 

BioPBS is revolutionary in bioplastic technology by excelling 30°C compostable and being essentially bio-based in accordance 

with OK COMPOST (EN13432), OK COMPOST HOME marks, BPI (ASTM D6400) for composting and DIN CERTCO for biobased 

products. It is compostable without requiring a composting facility and no adverse effects on the environment. 

BioPBS is available in various grades, which can be applied in a wide range of end use applications ranking from paper 

packaging, flexible packaging, agricultural film, and injection molding. It provides non-process changing solution to 

achieve better results in your manufacturing needs, retains the same material quality, and can be processed in existing 

machine as good as conventional material. In comparison with other bioplastics, BioPBS is excellent heat properties 

both heat sealability and heat resistance up to 100 °C. In addition to those benefits, it is only few compostable polymers 

complying with food contact of U.S.FCN NO.1574, EU 10/2011 and JHOSPA. 

8C084/8C085 

8C083 

BioPBS is available in various grades that conform to the following international standards for composting and biobased. 

For more information 

PTTMCC Biochem : +66 (2) 2 140 3555 / info@pttmcc.com 

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 

PTT MCC Biochem Co., Ltd. A Joint Venture Company of PTT and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation 

555/2 Energy Complex Tower, Building B, 14th Floor, Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand 

T: +66 (0) 2 140 3555 I F: +66(0) 2 140 3556 I www.pttmcc.com


Bio-PET Solar control 

window films 

Toray Plastics (America), Inc., the only United States 

manufacturer of polypropylene, polyester, metallized, 

and bio-based films, has developed a bio-based biaxially 

oriented polyester film for use in the manufacture 

of solar control window films for commercial and 

residential applications. 

New Lumirror brand BioView PET film is manufactured 

with Toray’s proprietary sustainable resin blends, which 

are made with approximately 30 % renewable feedstock. 

The new BioView bio-based film is a multi-layer structure 

with surface and optical qualities that are strictly controlled 

by Toray’s proprietary coextrusion technology. It is notable 

for its very low haze, excellent handling and processing 

characteristics, and high scratch resistance. BioView offers 

a performance that is equal to that of traditional solar 

window films during solar film manufacturing, installation, 

and use in technically demanding applications that require 

exceptional optical clarity. 

First PLA wine bottle 

Bodega Matarromera (Valladolid, Spain) has successfully 

completed the development of a new sustainable bottle 

for their wines. It is a packaging manufactured from PLA, 

and it is the first bottle manufactured with this 

material to reproduce the design of traditional 

glass bottles for wine, with some main 

advantages: it is lighter (50 grams) 

fully-recyclable and has a lower 

environmental impact 

in its manufacturing 

process. 

AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology 

Centre (Valencia, 

Spain), has been 

subcontracted by Bodega 

Matarromera 

within this project 

to design the new sustainable 

bottles, as well as 

the preform mould 

and the blowing 

mould to produce 

them. In addition, 

AIMPLAS has also 

carried out the characterisation of 

the new packaging 

that, thanks to an 

inner coating with 

silicon oxide, has 

proven to offer a considerable 

improvement of barrier properties 

against different gases. 

This project has 

counted on the funds 

of the programme EEA GRANTS, funded 

by Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, as well as by the 

Ministry of Science and Innovation from Spain through 

CDTI. The research is framed within the company’s 

commitment with environmental sustainability, what will 

allow a differentiation and increase of competitiveness 

in new markets with a high environmental awareness 

as well, as the Nordic countries and specifically the 

Scandinavian airlines. MT 

www.aimplas.com | www.grupomatarromera.com 

Toray Plastics is a major producer of traditional films, 

made with or without UV protection, used for solar window 

film applications. The company has been on the leading 

edge of bio-based resin technology and plans to produce 

polyester film to be used in the manufacture of solar 

control window film that is made entirely of sustainable 

feedstock. A patent is pending for the new film. 

“This is a very exciting development for window film 

technology and for the commercial and residential 

building markets,” says Milan Moscaritolo, Senior Sales 

and Marketing Director of the Lumirror Division. “The 

construction industry continues to look for innovative ways 

to help developers reduce energy costs. Creating a film that 

lessens the impact on the environment, without sacrificing 

solar protection performance, was the natural next step in 

the evolution of the technology. The BioView film represents 

a perfect marriage between an environment-friendly film 

and an energy-saving application.” KL 

www.toraytpa.com 



Biobased sunglasses for Yokohama World Triathlon 

Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI), headquartered in Toyko, Japan has developed 

MR-60, a plant-based high refractive index lens material for standard 

eyeglasses, by using a biomass-derived industrial isocyanate and a biomassderived 

polythiol as well as a non-metallic catalyst for polymerization. In 2014, 

MR-60 was certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a 

plant-derived product with a biomass of 57 %. 

Last year MCI was a sponsor of the World Triathlon Series Yokohama held in Yokohama, Japan, an event which aimed to 

“contribute to society through sports”. The event utilized the sustainability management system standard ISO 20121. In a joint 

development with Yokohama City MCI developed sunglasses made with MR-60 for athletes, referees and staff in the Executive 

Office of the Triathlon event. The sunglasses were produced in close collaboration with the SWANS program of Yamamoto 

Kogaku Co., Ltd., a company that has a history of designing sports products that offer comfort and performance, and Itoh 

Optical Industrial Co., Ltd., who have expertise in high-performance eyeglass lens manufacturing. 

Both companies accomplished the project in a real short period of time. Itoh Optical Industrial, who was involved in the lens 

development had to overcome challenges with the non-metallic catalyst being used for the lens material. However, together 

with Yamamoto Kogaku and Mitsui Chemicals the project could be successfully 

finished. Mr. Masakazu Honda of Itoh Optical Industrial said in MCI’s customer 

Journal MR View [1] that in addition to high functionality and high quality they were 

now also involved in looking at a low environmental burden. 

Yamamoto Kogaku has worked on numerous products in the field of sports 

eyewear with the brand called SWANS. Together with the other project partners, 

Yamamoto Kogaku also succeeded in mastering challenges such as the unknown 

drilling and cutting characteristics of MR-60 [1]. 

And the article in MR View continues that the project partners learned that “those 

taking part in a triathlon were earnestly looking for suitable sunglasses” and “the 

functions required of sports sunglasses are slightly different when running or 

riding a bicycle.” [1] 

By sponsoring the event, MCI not only provided plant-based sunglasses, but also 

appealed to the social/ethical activities of the Do Green initiative. MCI’s support 

was widely praised by the people involved in the triathlon. MT 

[1] MR View issue No7, September 2015, 

http://www.mitsuichem.com/special/mr/resources/img/mrview_v07_en.pdf 

www.mitsuichem.com 

Ikea’s alternative for polystyrene 

Looking for eco-friendlier packaging, the Swedish furniture and retail giant Ikea has recently announced their intention to 

use an organic, mushroom-based packaging for its flat-pack furniture and thus to move away from polystyrene foams. 

Developed by New York based company Ecovative, Mushroom ® Packaging is made using mycelium, or rather mushroom 

roots, which functions similar to the roots of other plants. Mycelium fastens the fungus to the ground and absorbs nutrients 

(cf. bioplastics MAGAZINE issue 01/2014). 

Already known for its use as a biobased building material, mycelium is beneficial because it grows quickly into a dense 

material, which can then be easily moulded into custom shaped packaging. 

For Ikea, the lifecycle of the material also plays a role. Joanna 

Yarrow, head of sustainability for Ikea told the Telegraph that Ikea 

was looking at introducing mycelium packaging because “a lot of 

products come in polystyrene, traditionally, which can’t be – or is 

very difficult to – recycle.” While polystyrene is a non-biodegradable 

plastic, mycelium packaging will biodegrade naturally within a 

few weeks, if disposed of properly in a dedicated composting 

environment. 

Ikea confirmed it was looking at working with Ecovative, who are 

leaders in the field for innovating with mushroom materials. MT 

www.ecovativedesign.com 


From Science and Research 

HMF from 

chicory salad 

waste 

800,000 tonnes: That’s how much waste in the form 

of chicory roots is generated during the production 

of chicory salad in Europe per year. Currently, after 

harvesting the chicory salad, the roots are disposed of 

in composting or biogas plants. What a waste, thought 

two researchers of the University of Hohenheim, 

Germany. Because these roots can be used to generate 

hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a basic material in the 

future plastics industry. 

The biennial chicory plant only spends the first five 

months on the fields. In mid-October the leaves are 

mulched and the roots are harvested, stored in a cool 

place, and then brought to special growing rooms. 

Only there will the new buds, the future chicory salad, 

sprout. 

Fig. 1: 30 % of the chicory plant can be used for making HMF 

(Source: Wikipedia/Rasbak) 

But in contrast to the food production, at the 

University of Hohenheim the focus lies primarily on the 

non-edible root. “The root makes out approximately 

30 % of the plant (cf. fig.1). The stored carbohydrates 

are not fully used for the formation of the buds and 

valuable reserve substances remain. However, the 

roots can only be used once for chicory growing and 

have to be thrown away after the buds are harvested”, 

explains agricultural biologist Dr. Judit Pfenning. 

Polyamides, polyester, or plastic bottles 

Prof. Andrea Kruse, of the Institute for Agricultural 

Engineering at Univ. Hohenheim explains what they 

do: “On the rack in figure 2 you can see pencil-sized 

stainless steel tube reactors. These are filled with 

chopped chicory roots and water. After adding diluted 

acid into the ultra-stable pressure container, it is heated 

up to a temperature of 200 °C.” This results in a watery 

product which is then processed in further proprietary 

steps to produce unpurified hydroxymethylfurfural 

(HMF) in the form of yellow-brown crystalline powder. 

This is a precursor to form furandicarboxylic acid 

(FDCA), identified by the US Department of Energy (DoE) 

as one of the 12 most important platform chemicals. 

FDCA serves as a raw material for polyamides (e. g. 

for nylon stockings), for polyesters, polyurethanes or – 

more concrete – to make PEF (polyethylene furanoate). 

PEF can for example be used for the production of 

bottles, as a biobased alternative to PET. 

Chicory-made HMF as part of bioeconomy 

As part of a previous research project Kruse already 

found a way to extract the basic chemical HMF from 

fructose. However, she is of the opinion that chicory 

roots as a source are more elegant. After all: “Fructose 


From Science and Research 

is edible. There are better uses for 

it than extracting HMF.” This is not 

the case for chicory roots. “Until 

now, they were waste.” 

The challenge: storage and 

quality of the roots 

The project poses a challenge: 

“The root is only of interest for 

the industry if we can guarantee 

permanent quality,” explains Prof. 

Kruse. 

To this end, the technical 

chemist cooperates with the 

plant scientist Judit Pfenning 

from the Department of General 

Crop Farming. “In general, the 

conditions are very good,” explains 

Pfenning, “because the consumer 

who wants to eat the chicory 

also has very high and consistent 

quality expectations. That is why 

only roots of very high quality are 

transferred from the fields into 

the commercial growing rooms 

operating with water-forcing 

techniques.” 

Another research aspect: How 

the roots can be stored without 

going bad. The problem is that 

chicory is a seasonal business. 

However, suppliers of the chemical 

industry want permanent 

deliveries in order to be able to 

constantly use their plants. 

“This project can only be carried 

out through interdisciplinary 

cooperation,” emphasize the 

scientists. One the one hand the 

project includes quality control, 

growing trials, and storage 

experiments, and on the other 

hand laboratory experiments and 

conversion technology. MT 

www.uni-hohenheim.de 

Fig. 2: Chicory waste can be used as a source for different plastics, 

e. g. nylon or PEF for bottles (Photo: Univ. Hohenheim) 

Fig. 3: Chicory is harvested from special growing rooms. 

(Source: Wikipedia/slick) 


Basics 

Bioplastics packaging: 

design for a circular 

plastics economy 

By: 

Hasso von Pogrell 

Managing Director 


Berlin, Germany 

Applying the principles of a circular economy from 

the onset to the design stage of bioplastic materials 

and packaging solutions offers a competitive edge 

for the bioplastics industry. Today, packaging is the single 

largest field of application for bioplastics with currently 

70 % (1.2 million tonnes) of the global bioplastics production 

capacity, forecast to reach 80 % (6.5 million tonnes) in 

2019. The increase in demand is mainly driven by a growing 

awareness of society’s impact on the environment as well 

as the continuous advancements and innovations in new 

materials and applications. Yet, their true value lies in their 

characteristic of being derived from renewable resources 

and being recyclable as secondary raw materials that reenter 

the circular economy by design. 

Renewable feedstock 

Biobased plastics have the unique advantage over 

conventional plastics to reduce the dependency on 

limited fossil resources and to reduce greenhouse gas 

emissions or even be carbon neutral. Biobased plastics 

are partly or fully derived from biobased resources that 

are sustainably sourced and regrow on an annual basis, 

such as sugarcane, corn, or sugar beet. Moreover, first 

successful projects explore the possibilities to create 

bioplastics from non-food crops and waste products that 

promise to become an efficient resource in the mid- and 

long-term. By replacing the fossil content in plastics with 

plant-based content, carbon is taken from the atmosphere 

and bound in the material. These biobased materials are 

then used to manufacture a broad range of products with a 

potentially neutral or even negative carbon footprint, many 

of which are durable and can be reused or easily recycled 

many times. Consequently, biobased plastics can help the 

EU to meet its 2020 targets of greenhouse gas emissions 

reduction. 

Closed resource cycle 

Bioplastics can make a considerable contribution to 

increased resource efficiency through a closed resource 

cycle and use cascades, especially if biobased materials 

and products are being either reused or recycled and 

eventually used for energy recovery (i.e. renewable 

energy). Bioplastics are suitable for a broad range of endof-life 

options with the overwhelming part of the volumes 

of bioplastics produced today already being recycled 

alongside their conventional counterparts where separate 

recycling streams for certain material types exist (e.g. 

biobased PE in the PE-stream or biobased PET in the 

PET stream). Furthermore, compostability is an add-on 

property of certain types of bioplastics that offers additional 

waste treatment options at the end of a product’s life. 

Biodegradable products, such as compostable biowaste 

bags, food packaging, or cutlery can easily be treated 

together with organic waste in industrial composting 

plants and are thus diverted from landfills and turned into 

valuable compost. This way, bioplastics can contribute to 

higher recycling quotas in the EU, a more efficient waste 

management, and the transition to a circular economy. 

Improved product performance 

The bioplastics industry has come up with numerous 

innovative technical and material solutions. Besides being 

biobased and therefore reducing the carbon footprint 

of a product, biobased plastics also offer new material 

properties for an improved performance, including 

enhanced breathability, increased material strength, and 

improved optical properties. Some new materials offer 

multiple functionalities combined in one material, such as 

PBS-based materials or functional biodegradable coating 

materials for example, where only one film will be needed 

to protect the good or food. 

Bioplastics are essential for the transition to a 

circular economy 

Our industry strongly supports the principles of the 

European Commission’s Circular Economy Proposal, which 

for the first time links the bioeconomy and circular economy, 

and which aims to treat waste as a valuable resource and 

make Europe’s economy cleaner and more competitive. 

The proposal outlines measures to cut resource use, 

reduce waste, and to enable true circularity across Europe 

by setting clear measures, methodologies, and standards. 

The European Commission’s Action plan ‘Closing the loop 

– An EU action plan for the Circular Economy’ in particular 

aims to incentivise the production of more durable, easier 

to repair, reuse, and recycle products. A corresponding 

revision of the Ecodesign Directive is already underway 

and a proposal is soon to be expected. In this context, 

European Bioplastics supports the position of the Ellen 

MacArthur foundation and the World Economy Forum in 

their report on the ‘New Plastics Economy’, which states 

that recyclability alone is not sufficient enough to create 

circularity and resource efficient products. Ecodesign 

requirements should also take efficient use of feedstock 

and efficient waste management solutions into account. 

True ecodesign is only possible if the notion of circularity 

is implemented. Focussing only on recyclability falls short 

of what it desired to achieve. Given the still too high quota 

of landfilling in the EU and the comparatively low quota of 

recycling, there is an urgent need for a more comprehensive 

approach to the problem: In order to provide an incentive 

to drastically reduce waste, while at the same time support 

renewable energy (e.g. biogas) and increase secondary raw 


Basics 

materials (i.e. compost), separate waste 

collection has to become binding for all 

EU Member States as soon as possible, 

including and in particular separate 

biowaste collection. Secondly, we need 

legal measures to reduce and eventually 

phase-out landfill, the earlier the better. 

The European Commission’s Circular 

Economy Proposal addresses all stages 

of the product life cycle and a range of 

responsible economic sectors, including 

product design. Yet, in order to be able 

to harness the many benefits of the 

‘design for circularity’ it is essential to 

acknowledge the contributions of biobased 

materials to the circular economy by 

promoting biobased and biodegradable 

packaging and facilitating a level playing 

field and equal access for all sectors using 

biomass. Secondly, we need to drastically 

improve the waste collection infrastructure 

across Europe and to get better at diverting 

valuable material streams away from 

landfills. 


Life cycle of bioplastics (EUBP) 

BIO MEETS 

PLASTICS. 

The specialists in plastic recycling systems. 

An outstanding technology for recycling both 

bioplastics and conventional polymers 

CHOOSE THE NUMBER ONE. 


Basics 

Design for recyclability 

By Michael Thielen 

Plastic recycling not only plays a vital role in increasing 

resource efficiency, it is essential for the transition to a 

circular economy. While reduce and reuse obviously take 

priority over recycling in the waste hierarchy, recycling is the 

next preferred option to be pursued. Ideally, plastics should 

be mechanically recycled as often as is feasible prior to their 

“final” recycling in the form of incineration (waste-to-energy 

recycling) or – where possible – composting or anaerobic digestion 

(biological recycling). Mechanical recycling refers to 

the various mechanical processes – including grinding or 

milling and subsequent melting – used to recover waste plastics 

and ultimately to produce regranulate from which new 

products can be injection moulded, extruded, thermoformed, 

blow moulded or otherwise produced. However, it is fair to say 

that the recyclability of any product is to a very large extent 

dictated by the way the product is designed. Design decisions, 

such as materials selection, the methods of assembly, labeling 

techniques, decorating techniques, and the like, all have 

a very significant influence on the ability to recycle a product 

or its constituent materials [1]. 

All plastic products 

Regardless of whether a plastic product is made from 

conventional plastics or from biobased and/or biodegradable 

plastics, there are a number of factors to be considered with 

regard to recyclability. 

Standard material identification: A variety of different 

material marking systems 

are used to identify the 

material from which a 

plastic item or component 

is manufactured. [1] 

Thermoplastics are the materials of choice, since only 

this group of plastics can be mechanically recycled without 

significant changes occurring in the properties of the materials. 

However, depending on the specific type of thermoplastic, the 

properties of these plastics can also undergo changes, both 

major and minor, over successive recycling loops (changes 

in molecular weight distribution, chemical structure, color, 

additive effectiveness, etc.). [1] 

Minimize the number of components and minimize the 

variety of used materials: Use snap fits (e.g. for CD jewel 

cases) and living hinges (e.g. for shower gel caps). If a second 

material is needed, for example for multi-shot mouldings, try 

to choose two materials that can be recycled together (e.g. 

PC, PBT and ABS) or that all can be biodegraded (such as PLA 

and PBAT). [1] 

Avoid the use of colour pigments or use the smallest 

possible amount, as these will subsequently not be able to 

be removed from a compound. “The fewer pigments you 

use, the lighter the colour of the recyclate will be and thus 

the broader the range of potential future applications,” says 

Michael Scriba, general manager of recycling company mtm 

(Niedergebra, Germany), in the recent issue of K-Profi [2]. “If 

pigments must be used, use light colours,” he adds. He also 

noted that fillers, such as chalk, may not be beneficial for a 

recycling process, as they modify the density of a material and 

hinder a gravimetric separation of plastics [2]. 

Another important topic are labels. Paper labels and 

glues should be avoided. “Plastic/glue/paper combinations 

are difficult to separate,” says Scriba. “During the washing 

process, the paper absorbs water, the fibres clump together 

and lead to high temperature development in the extrusion 

process which can then lead to undesired odor and stains in 

the recyclate” [2]. Hence in-mould labeling, with plastic labels 

made from the same plastic as the labelled product itself, are 

to be preferred. 

Design for easy disassembly is recommended for multicomponent 

products, for example by means of snap fits or 

screws. Again: use recycling friendly labels and attachments. 

Avoid coatings and glues [1]. 

Biodegradable plastics 

All of the aspects mentioned above certainly also apply in 

respect of biodegradable plastics. Many biodegradable plastics 

can be mechanically recycled. The most important additional 

aspect is that all components (e. g. all layers of a multilayer 

laminate or coextruded product) must be biodegradable. 

Make sure that colour masterbatches (pigments and carrier) 

are biodegradable, as well. The same is true for labels and 

glues. 

Biobased plastics 

The above mentioned recommendations also hold true with 

regard to biobased plastics. After they have undergone as 

many as possible mechanical recycling cycles, the preferred 

end-of-life solution for these plastics is incineration [3]. In a 

well-managed waste-to-energy incineration plant, biobased 

plastics are a kind of a renewable energy source. 

And finally, exactly the same technical, logistical and 

economic conditions for mechanical recycling apply in the 

case of bioplastics as for conventional plastics. Basically, 

all bioplastics can be technically identified and separated 

from the waste stream. This means that the volume of a 

particular type of plastic in the waste plastics determines 

whether separation is economical or not. From the point of 

view of waste logistics, therefore, separability is not the issue 

– the bottleneck is the fact that the amounts of bioplastics 

are simply too small for recycling to offer an economically 

profitable option [3, 4]. 

[1] Bonten, C.: personal consultation, Feb 2016 

[2] Regel, K.: “Verpackungen brauchen ein recyclingfreundliches Design”, 

K-Profi, 1-2/2016, pp20 

[3] Endres, H.-J.: personal consultation, March 2016 

[4] Bellusova, D., Endres H.-J.: Mechanisches Recycling und Stabilisierung 

von Biokunststoffen, VDI Technikforum „Einsatz und Verarbeitung von 

Biokunststoffen“, Berlin, 30.09. - 01.10.2015 


Published in bioplastics MAGAZINE 

10 YEARS AGO 

new 

series 

10 years ago 

In March 2016, Dr. Harald Kaeb says: 

“I chaired and managed the association from 1999 to 2009, during a period of strong growth 

and fundamental changes. It turned into a multi-sectorial international business organisation, 

covering biodegegradable, compostable and non-biodegradable durable plastics and products. 

We started media work and advocacy, everything grew like sugarcane. It was very exciting.” 

News 


The industrial platform for bioplastics and biodegradable polymers, 

IBAW, has re-named itself to become “European Bioplastics”. The new 

name expresses the geographic focus of its work and the emphasis 

placed on the role of renewable raw materials in production of plastics 

with regard to sustainable development and innovation. The members 

of IBAW have decided with a very large majority on the new name and 

have developed new statutes to prepare the organisation for the future. 

Dr. Harald Kaeb 

Chairman of European Bioplastics 

IBAW industry 

association becomes 


Since its foundation in 1993, the association has undergone dynamic 

development. Founded as an industrial working group to define compostability 

and biodegradability of plastics, IBAW developed into body 

representing the interests of the bioplastics and biodegradable polymers 

industry. The association comprises today companies from different 

sectors: agricultural feedstock companies, producers of polymer 

building blocks and plastics additives, plastics 

producers and converters, industrial end users, as 

well as service providers in the form of consulting, 

research and waste management companies. The 

number of member companies has increased from 

35 to 56 within the past 18 months. 

As a multi-sector association, European Bioplastics 

represents all issues within the product life cycle 

– from the cradle to the grave or even back to the 

cradle. All types of applications are covered. The association 

will deal not only with biodegradable polymer products, that 

comply with the EN 13432 standard, but also with those that are nonbiodegradable 

but based on renewable raw materials. 

The mission of the association is to support and promote 

- the growth and use of renewable raw materials in products and applications 

- innovation leading to lower environmental impact of durable and 

non-durable plastic products 

- independent third party certification and product labelling based on 

the EN 13432 standard, if biodegradability and compostability are 

claimed 

- separate collection of organic waste including compostable products, 

and composting 

- the identification and evaluation of other eco-efficient end-of-life options 

European Bioplastics will support the market introduction of renewable 

and biodegradable polymer products. This includes establishment 

of proper framework conditions and the communication of reliable upto-date 

information. On June 19 the association will introduce itself 

in Brussels, in November it will organise a two-day conference at the 

same location. More information is to be found on its website. 


8 bioplastics [06/01] Vol. 1 


Basics 

Glossary 4.2 last update issue 02/2016 

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. 

Vinçotte | independant certifying organisation 

for the assessment on the conformity of bioplastics 

WPC | Wood Plastic Composite. Composite 

materials made of wood fiber/flour and plastics 

(mostly polypropylene). 

Yard Waste | Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, 

garden residue. 

References: 

[1] Environmental Communication Guide, 

European Bioplastics, Berlin, Germany, 

2012 

[2] ISO 14067. Carbon footprint of products - 

Requirements and guidelines for quantification 

and communication 

[3] CEN TR 15932, Plastics - Recommendation 

for terminology and characterisation 

of biopolymers and bioplastics, 2010 

[4] CEN/TS 16137, Plastics - Determination 

of bio-based carbon content, 2011 

[5] ASTM D6866, Standard Test Methods for 

Determining the Biobased Content of 

Solid, Liquid, and Gaseous Samples Using 

Radiocarbon Analysis 

[6] SPI: Understanding Biobased Carbon 

Content, 2012 

[7] EN 13432, Requirements for packaging 

recoverable through composting and biodegradation. 

Test scheme and evaluation 

criteria for the final acceptance of packaging, 

2000 

[8] Wikipedia 

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

Specification with guidance..., 2006 

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

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

Markets, Polymedia Publisher, 

2012 

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

FNR, 2005 

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

PLA using poly(D-lactide), 

bioplastics MAGAZINE, Vol. 3, Issue 02/2008 

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

MAGAZINE, Vol 4., Issue 06/2009 

[15] ISO 14067 onb Corbon Footprint of 

Products 

[16] ISO 14021 on Self-declared Environmental 

claims 

[17] ISO 14044 on Life Cycle Assessment 


Suppliers Guide 

1. Raw Materials 

AGRANA Starch 

Bioplastics 

Conrathstraße 7 

A-3950 Gmuend, Austria 

technical.starch@agrana.com 

www.agrana.com 

Jincheng, Lin‘an, Hangzhou, 

Zhejiang 311300, P.R. China 

China contact: Grace Jin 

mobile: 0086 135 7578 9843 

Grace@xinfupharm.com 

Europe contact(Belgium): Susan Zhang 

mobile: 0032 478 991619 

zxh0612@hotmail.com 

www.xinfupharm.com 

Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd. 

No.33 Kefeng Rd, Sc. City, Guangzhou 

Hi-Tech Ind. Development Zone, 

Guangdong, P.R. China. 510663 

Tel: +86 (0)20 6622 1696 

info@ecopond.com.cn 

www.ecopond.com.cn 

FLEX-162 Biodeg. Blown Film Resin! 

Bio-873 4-Star Inj. Bio-Based Resin! 

Simply contact: 

Tel.: +49 2161 6884467 

suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com 

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: 

Showa Denko Europe GmbH 

Konrad-Zuse-Platz 4 

81829 Munich, Germany 

Tel.: +49 89 93996226 

www.showa-denko.com 

support@sde.de 

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 

1.1 bio based monomers 

Corbion Purac 

Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21 

4200 AA Gorinchem - 

The Netherlands 

Tel.: +31 (0)183 695 695 

Fax: +31 (0)183 695 604 

www.corbion.com/bioplastics 

bioplastics@corbion.com 

62 136 Lestrem, France 

Tel.: + 33 (0) 3 21 63 36 00 

www.roquette-performance-plastics.com 

FKuR Kunststoff GmbH 

Siemensring 79 

D - 47 877 Willich 

Tel. +49 2154 9251-0 

Tel.: +49 2154 9251-51 

sales@fkur.com 

www.fkur.com 

GRAFE-Group 

Waldecker Straße 21, 

99444 Blankenhain, Germany 

Tel. +49 36459 45 0 

www.grafe.com 

39 mm 



41066 Mönchengladbach 

Germany 

Tel. +49 2161 664864 

Fax +49 2161 631045 



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 

DuPont de Nemours International S.A. 

2 chemin du Pavillon 

1218 - Le Grand Saconnex 

Switzerland 

Tel.: +41 22 171 51 11 

Fax: +41 22 580 22 45 

www.renewable.dupont.com 

www.plastics.dupont.com 

Tel: +86 351-8689356 

Fax: +86 351-8689718 

www.ecoworld.jinhuigroup.com 

ecoworldsales@jinhuigroup.com 

Evonik Industries AG 

Paul Baumann Straße 1 

45772 Marl, Germany 

Tel +49 2365 49-4717 

evonik-hp@evonik.com 

www.vestamid-terra.com 

www.evonik.com 

1.2 compounds 

API S.p.A. 

Via Dante Alighieri, 27 

36065 Mussolente (VI), Italy 

Telephone +39 0424 579711 

www.apiplastic.com 

www.apinatbio.com 

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 

NUREL Engineering Polymers 

Ctra. Barcelona, km 329 

50016 Zaragoza, Spain 

Tel: +34 976 465 579 

inzea@samca.com 

www.inzea-biopolymers.com 

PolyOne 

Avenue Melville Wilson, 2 

Zoning de la Fagne 

5330 Assesse 

Belgium 

Tel.: + 32 83 660 211 

www.polyone.com 

1.3 PLA 

Shenzhen Esun Ind. Co;Ltd 

www.brightcn.net 

www.esun.en.alibaba.com 

bright@brightcn.net 

Tel: +86-755-2603 1978 



1.4 starch-based bioplastics 

Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients 

ZAC „Les Portes de Riom“ - BP 173 

63204 Riom Cedex - France 

Tel. +33 (0)4 73 67 17 00 

Fax +33 (0)4 73 67 17 10 

www.biolice.com 

BIOTEC 

Biologische Naturverpackungen 

Werner-Heisenberg-Strasse 32 

46446 Emmerich/Germany 

Tel.: +49 (0) 2822 – 92510 

info@biotec.de 

www.biotec.de 

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 

PolyOne 

Avenue Melville Wilson, 2 

Zoning de la Fagne 

5330 Assesse 

Belgium 

Tel.: + 32 83 660 211 

www.polyone.com 

2. Additives/Secondary raw materials 

GRAFE-Group 



Tel. +49 36459 45 0 

www.grafe.com 

3. Semi finished products 

3.1 films 

Infiana Germany GmbH & Co. KG 

Zweibrückenstraße 15-25 

91301 Forchheim 

Tel. +49-9191 81-0 

Fax +49-9191 81-212 

www.infiana.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 

NOVAMONT S.p.A. 

Via Fauser , 8 

28100 Novara - ITALIA 

Fax +39.0321.699.601 

Tel. +39.0321.699.611 


President Packaging Ind., Corp. 

PLA Paper Hot Cup manufacture 

In Taiwan, www.ppi.com.tw 

Tel.: +886-6-570-4066 ext.5531 

Fax: +886-6-570-4077 

sales@ppi.com.tw 

6. Equipment 

6.1 Machinery & Molds 

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 

Fax: +49 (0)208 8598 1424 

thomas.wodke@umsicht.fhg.de 

www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de 

Institut für Kunststofftechnik 

Universität Stuttgart 

Böblinger Straße 70 

70199 Stuttgart 

Tel +49 711/685-62814 

Linda.Goebel@ikt.uni-stuttgart.de 

www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de 

TianAn Biopolymer 

No. 68 Dagang 6th Rd, 

Beilun, Ningbo, China, 315800 

Tel. +86-57 48 68 62 50 2 

Fax +86-57 48 68 77 98 0 

enquiry@tianan-enmat.com 

www.tianan-enmat.com 

Metabolix, Inc. 

Bio-based and biodegradable resins 

and performance additives 

21 Erie Street 

Cambridge, MA 02139, USA 

US +1-617-583-1700 

DE +49 (0) 221 / 88 88 94 00 

www.metabolix.com 

info@metabolix.com 

Taghleef Industries SpA, Italy 

Via E. Fermi, 46 

33058 San Giorgio di Nogaro (UD) 

Contact Emanuela Bardi 

Tel. +39 0431 627264 

Mobile +39 342 6565309 

emanuela.bardi@ti-films.com 

www.ti-films.com 

4. Bioplastics products 

Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey 

Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic 

Container Industry 

284 Pinebush Road 

Cambridge Ontario 

Canada N1T 1Z6 

Tel. +1 519 624 9720 

Fax +1 519 624 9721 

info@hallink.com 

www.hallink.com 

6.2 Laboratory Equipment 

MODA: Biodegradability Analyzer 

SAIDA FDS INC. 

143-10 Isshiki, Yaizu, 

Shizuoka,Japan 

Tel:+81-54-624-6260 

Info2@moda.vg 

www.saidagroup.jp 

narocon 

Dr. Harald Kaeb 

Tel.: +49 30-28096930 

kaeb@narocon.de 

www.narocon.de 

nova-Institut GmbH 

Chemiepark Knapsack 

Industriestrasse 300 

50354 Huerth, Germany 

Tel.: +49(0)2233-48-14 40 

E-Mail: contact@nova-institut.de 

www.biobased.eu 

1.6 masterbatches 

GRAFE-Group 



Tel. +49 36459 45 0 

www.grafe.com 

Minima Technology Co., Ltd. 

Esmy Huang, Marketing Manager 

No.33. Yichang E. Rd., Taipin City, 

Taichung County 

411, Taiwan (R.O.C.) 

Tel. +886(4)2277 6888 

Fax +883(4)2277 6989 

Mobil +886(0)982-829988 

esmy@minima-tech.com 

Skype esmy325 

www.minima-tech.com 

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 

Bioplastics Consulting 

Tel. +49 2161 664864 

info@polymediaconsult.com 



9. Services (continued) 

UL International TTC GmbH 

Rheinuferstrasse 7-9, Geb. R33 

47829 Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany 

Tel.: +49 (0) 2151 5370-333 

Fax: +49 (0) 2151 5370-334 

ttc@ul.com 

www.ulttc.com 

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 

Michigan State University 

Department of Chemical 

Engineering & Materials Science 

Professor Ramani Narayan 

East Lansing MI 48824, USA 

Tel. +1 517 719 7163 

narayan@msu.edu 

10.3 Other Institutions 

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: 

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 

IfBB – Institute for Bioplastics 

and Biocomposites 

University of Applied Sciences 

and Arts Hanover 

Faculty II – Mechanical and 

Bioprocess Engineering 

Heisterbergallee 12 

30453 Hannover, Germany 

Tel.: +49 5 11 / 92 96 - 22 69 

Fax: +49 5 11 / 92 96 - 99 - 22 69 

lisa.mundzeck@fh-hannover.de 

http://www.ifbb-hannover.de/ 

Biobased Packaging Innovations 

Caroli Buitenhuis 

IJburglaan 836 

1087 EM Amsterdam 

The Netherlands 

Tel.: +31 6-24216733 

http://www.biobasedpackaging.nl 



41066 Mönchengladbach 

Germany 

Tel. +49 2161 664864 

Fax +49 2161 631045 



Sample Charge: 

39mm x 6,00 € 

= 234,00 € per entry/per issue 

39 mm 

Sample Charge for one year: 

6 issues x 234,00 EUR = 1,404.00 € 

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.eiha-conference.org 

13 th International Conference of the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) 

1 – 2 June 2016 

Rheinforum, Wesseling near Cologne (Germany) 

Conference language: English 

International Conference 

of the European Industrial 

Hemp Association (EIHA) 

www.eiha-conference.org 

++ Cultivation ++ Processing ++ Economy ++ Sustainability ++ Innovation ++ 

Source: Hempro, Hemcore, NPSP Composites (2), Hemp Technology 

52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/16] Vol. 11 

Don’t miss the biggest industrial hemp event in 2016 – worldwide!

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or similar proof ... 

Empack 2016 (with Biobased Village) 

12.04.2016 - 14.04.2016 - Utrecht, The Netherlands 

bit.ly/1m03cuf 

3 rd Bioplastic Materials Topical Conference 

19.04.2016 - 21.04.2016 - Bloomington, (MN) USA 

www. www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/130808?eb=227133 

Chinaplas 2016 

25.04.2016 - 28.04.2016 - Shanghai, China 

www.ChinaplasOnline.com 

can meet us 

SINAL - les rencontres profesionnelles du biosourcé 

24.05.2016 - 25.05.2016 - Châlons-en-Champagne, France 

www.sinal-exhibition.eu 

Bio-based Chemicals / Biobased Products 2016 

24.05.2016 - 25.05.2016 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

http://www.biobasedproductsworld.com/europe 

Jan/Feb 

01 | 2016 


organized by bioplastics MAGAZINE 

24 - 25. 05.2016 - Munich, Germany 

ISSN 1862-5258 

Basics 

ISSN 1862-5258 

Public Procurement | 34 

Highlights 

Automotive | 12 

Foam | 30 

May 2006 

ISSN 1862-5258 



March/April 



Biobased Products Europe 

25 - 26. 05.2016 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

http://www.biobasedproductsworld.com/europe 

Innovation and Sustainability in Consumer Packaging 

23.06.2016 - Seoul, South Korea 

http://atlatitude.com/w/?tag=research 

ISBP-2016 

26.09.2016 - 29.09.2016 - Madrid, Spain 


Vol. 1 

bioplastics magazine 

Top Talk: 

Interview with Helmut Traitler, 

VP Packaging of Nestlé | 10 


Basics 


Highlights 



Preview 

www.isbp2016.com/home 

3 rd Bioplastics Buisiness Breakfast @ K‘2016 

organized by bioplastics MAGAZINE 

20 - 22.10.2016 - Düsseldorf, Germany 

www.bioplastics-breakfast.com 

+ 

... is read in 92 countries 

Sustainable Bioplastics 

10.11.2016 - 11.11.2016 - Alicante, Spain 

http://bioplastics.conferenceseries.com/ 

or 

11 th European Bioplastics Conference 

29.11.2016 - 30.11.2016- Berlin, Germany 

http://www.european-bioplastics.org/events/eubp-conference/ 

Mention the promotion code ‘watch‘ or ‘book‘ 

and you will get our watch or the book 3) 

Bioplastics Basics. Applications. Markets. for free 

1) Offer valid until 30 April 2016 

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 

Agrana Starch Thermoplastics 50 

AIMPLAS 10,38 

Anhui Tianyi Env. Protection Techn. 28 

API 50 

AU CO. 28 

Avantium 6 

BASF 6,28 

Beta Analytic 34 

Biobased Packaging Innovations 52 

BIO-FED 50 

Biopolymer Network / Scion 10 

Biosolutions 10 

Biotec 10 51 

BK Pac 36 

Bodega Matarromera 38 

BPI 52 

Braskem 36 

Calysta Energy 6 

Center for Biopl. and Biocomposites 35 

China XD Plastics Company 28 

Club Bioplastique 5 

Coating p. Materials 28 

Coca-Cola 32 

ColorFABB 8 

Corbion 5,10 50 

Croda Europe 28 

Dandong Ritian Nano Technology 28 

Danone 32 

Doill Ecotec 28 

Dongguan Xinhai env. prot. material 28 

DuPont 50 

Emery Oleochemicals HK 28 

EnerPlastics 28 

EREMA 43,51 

European Bioplastics 5,10,32,42,45 27,52 

Evonik 28 50 

Far Eastern New Century 32 

FKuR 10,36 2,5 

Fraunhofer IAP 10 

Fraunhofer ICT 10 

Fraunhofer IVV 10 

Fraunhofer UMSICHT 51 

Fukutomi Company 28 

Gema Elektro Plastik . 28 

GRABIO Greentech Corporation 28 51 

Grafe 50,51 

GuangDong ShunDe LuHua 28 

Hairma Chemicals (GZ) 28 

Hallink 51 

Hebei Jingu Plasticizer 28 

Helian Polymers 8, 10 

Ikea 7,39 

Infiana Germany 51 

Institut für Biopl. & Biocomposites 32 52 

Iowa State University 7 

ISCC 10 

Itoh Optical Ind. 39 

Jacobson van den Berg (Hong Kong) 28 

Jelu Werk 36 

Jetwell Trading Limited 28 

Jiangsu Jinhe Hi-tech 28 

Jiangsu Torise Biomaterials 28 

Jinan Shengquan Group 28 

JinHui ZhaoLong 28 50 

Kimberly-Clark Corporation 10 

Kingfa 50 

Kingfa Science and Technology 28 

KU Leuven 10 

Kuraray 12,28 

Lifeline Technologies 28 

Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients 51 

Maosheng Env. Protection Technology 28 

Matchexpo 28 

Meredian Holdings Group 21 

Metabolix 14 51 

Michigan State University 10,18 52 

Minima Technology 28 51 

Miracll Chemicals 28 

Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation 28 

Mitsui 39 13 

mtm 44 

narocon 51 

NatureWorks 6,10,28 

Natur-Tec 51 

Nestlé 32 

Newlight Technologies 7 

Ngai Hing Hong Plastic Materials (HK) 28 

nova-Institute 10 9,51 

Novamont 16 51,56 

NSF 35 

NUREL Engineering Polymers 50 

Oerlemans Plastics 36 

Open-Bio 26 

Plantic 12 

Plantura Italia 10 

plasticker 20 

Polyalloy Inc. 28 

PolyOne 50,51 

President Packaging 51 

Procotex Corporation 28 

Proviron Functional Chemicals 28 

PTT MCC Biochem 37,51 

Rajiv Plastic Industries 28 

Reverdia 28 

Roquette 28 50 

Saida 51 

Samyang Corporation 28 

Shandong Jiqing Chemcal 28 

Shanghai Xiner Low-carbon 28 

Shenzhen All Technology Limited 28 

Shenzhen Esun Industrial 28 50 

Shenzhen Polymer Industry Ass. 28 

Showa Denko 50 

Stanford University 7 

Süddeutsches Kunststoffzentrum SKZ 10 

Sukano 10,28 

Supla 10 

Suzhou Hanfeng New Material 28 

Suzhou Hydal Biotech 28 

Suzhou Mitac Precision Technology 28 

Synbra 10 

Taghleef Industries 51 

Taizhou Sudarshan New Material 28 

Teijin Kasei (HK) 28 

TianAn Biopolymer 51 

Toray Plastics 38 

TÜV Rheinland (Shanghai) 28 

Uhde Inventa-Fischer 10,28 51 

UL International TTC 52 

UNEP 24 

Univ. Hohenheim 40 

Univ. Stuttgart (IKT) 51 

University of Ap. Sc. Hamm-Lippstadt 10 

Vinçotte 22 

Virent 32 

Wageningen UR 10 

Wei Li Plastics Machinery (H.K.) 28 

WeiFang Graceland Chemicals 28 

Weihai Lianqiao New M at. Sc.& Techn. 28 

Woosung Chemical 28 

Wuhan Huali Environmental Technology 28 

Xinjiang Blue Ridge Tunhe Polyester 28 

Yamamoto Kogaku 39 

Yat Shun Hong Company 28 

Yongxi Pplastics Technology 28 

Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical 28 50 

Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials 28 

Zhejiang Pu Wei Lun Chemicals 28 

Zhuhai Xunfeng Special Plastics 28 

Editorial Planner 


Issue Month Publ.-Date 

edit/advert/ 

Deadline 

Editorial Focus (1) Editorial Focus (2) Basics 

03/2016 May/Jun 06 Jun 2016 06 May 2016 Injection moulding Joining of bioplastics 

(welding, glueing etc), 

Adhesives 

PHA (update) 

04/2016 Jul/Aug 01 Aug 2016 01 Jul 2016 Blow Moulding Toys Additives 

Trade-Fair 

Specials 

Chinaplas 

Review 

05/2016 Sep/Oct 04 Oct 2016 02 Sep 2016 Fiber / Textile / 

Nonwoven 

Polyurethanes / 

Elastomers/Rubber 

Co-Polyesters 

K'2016 preview 

06/2016 Nov/Dec 05 Dec 2016 04 Nov 2016 Films / Flexibles / 

Bags 

Consumer & Office 

Electronics 

Certification - Blessing 

and Curse 

K'2016 Review 


PRESENTS 


THE ELEVENTH 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 

More details and an entry form can be downloaded from 

www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/award 

The Bioplastics Award will be presented during the 

11 th European Bioplastics Conference 

November 29-30, 2016, Berlin, Germany 

supported by 

Sponsors welcome, please contact mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com


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QUALITY OUR TOP PRIORITY 

Using the MATER-BI trademark licence 

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THE GUARANTEE 

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MATER-BI is part of a virtuous 

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It is biodegradable and compostable 

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It is the ideal solution for organic 

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compost. 

r8_03.2016

Issue 02/2016

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