bioplasticsMAGAZINE_1202

ioplastics magazine Vol. 7 ISSN 1862-5258
Highlights
Rigid Packaging | 18
Additives | 35
Basics
Thermoforming | 54
March/April
... is read in 91 countries
02 | 2012
Cover Story
BioWare TM PLA cups | 16

FKuR plastics – made by nature! ®
Terralene TM -excelling Green PE
FKuR distributes Braskem‘s Green PE and produces Terralene compounds
based on Green PE. Bottles are made by Sauer Polymertechnik.
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH
Siemensring 79
D - 47877 Willich
Phone: +49 2154 92 51-0
Fax: +49 2154 92 51-51
sales@fkur.com
www.fkur.com
FKuR Plastics Corp.
921 W New Hope Drive | Building 605
Cedar Park, TX 78613 | USA
Phone: +1 512 986 8478
Fax: +1 512 986 5346
sales.usa@fkur.com

Editorial
dear
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bioplastics MAGAZINE
Sincerely yours
Michael Thielen
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 3

Content
Editorial ...................................3
News ......................................5
Application News ...........................40
Suppliers Guide ............................62
Event Calendar .............................65
Companies in this issue .....................66
02|2012
January/February
Imprint
Publisher / Editorial
Dr. Michael Thielen
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bioplastics magazine
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4 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7
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Application News
News
Expertise in PLA closedcycle
waste management
Closed-cycle waste management for PLA from all stages
of the value chain: this is the aim of RE|PLA Cycle GmbH
(Cologne, Germany), a new subsidiary in the Reclay Group.
RE|PLA Cycle is the first provider to set up PLA closedcycle
waste management for reusable materials in the area
of post-industrial waste. This concerns production waste
from manufacturers, processors and fillers, for example.
Various pilot projects were carried out in sorting and recycling
plants alongside process optimisation and establishment
of the necessary logistics structures. “It was obvious that
corresponding innovative recycling arrangements had to be
created in parallel with the introduction and growing usage
of PLA. The special characteristics of this bioplastic had
hampered developments in the past. RE|PLA Cycle brought
together all those involved – from manufacturers to the
recycling industry – and did their homework with the help of
this joint expertise. We have therefore laid the foundations
for the further development of the market,” stated Raffael
A. Fruscio, management member of RE|PLA Cyclne and
shareholder of the Reclay Group.
RE|PLA Cycle is also working on solutions to enable PLA
products from the area of post-consumer waste, after
collection in (e.g. German yellow) recycling bags, to be
processed in closed-cycle waste management in future. This
should eliminate criticism in this respect relating to the use of
PLA products in the packaging industry. “We already achieve
high-quality recycling results in the area of post-industrial
waste and would like to do the same for post-consumer waste
as well,” remarked Dr. Edmund Stassen, director of the waste
disposal business at the Reclay Group. “Although the current
volume is still too low, the issue of finite fossil resources
means that it is only a matter of time before bioplastics, made
either wholly or partly of renewable resources, will be used
to a significant extent. RE|PLA Cycle is already preparing the
necessary structures for recycling,” added Dr. Stassen.
In addition to the development of complete systems for PLA,
the product spectrum of RE|PLA Cycle also comprises the
realisation of individual projects and support for all aspects
relating to PLA as a key issue for the future. For example,
RE|PLA Cycle provides companies with advice on the use of PLA
right from the initial idea, and provides the necessary technical
knowledge and engineering expertise to ensure successful
implementation. As the volume of PLA used increases, RE|PLA
Cycle will develop further innovative services and products –
tailored entirely to the needs of market participants. MT
Danone and RE|PLA
Cycle cooperate
Danone GmbH (Munich,Germany) and RE|PLA
Cycle GmbH (Cologne, Germany) have agreed to
cooperate in the area of resource recycling. The aim
of the new RE|PLA Cycle GmbH, a subsidiary of the
Reclay Group is to achieve a closed recycling loop
for PLA throughout the stages of the value chain
(see left). In 2011, Danone introduced a yoghurt pot
made from PLA, which is collected via the German
‘Yellow Bin’ (or yellow bags) system for lightweight
packaging waste.
“It is our aim to reduce the use of fossilbased
raw materials as much as possible”, said
Pierre-Alexandre Tupinon, Sourcing & Supplier
Development Director Central Western Europe at
Danone. The collaboration with RE|PLA Cycle is an
important step for us to advance recycling. RE|PLA
Cycle with the many years of experience of the
Reclay Group is ideally positioned to tackle these
challenges.
RE|PLA Cycle is the first supplier to develop a
closed PLA recycling loop in the post-industrial
sector, we can build on this. “However, recycling
PLA, given its special characteristics, is particularly
complicated”, says Raffael A. Fruscio, partner of
the Reclay Group. “We trust that we will be able
to solve the issues surrounding PLA recycling in
collaboration with further partners and our joint
know-how. We believe that we are able to make
a positive contribution to the development of the
market this way”, Raffael Fruscio continues. MT
www.danone.com
www.reclay-group.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 5

News
Fraunhofer and
Univ. Hannover
bundle resources
The Hochschule Hannover – University of Applied Sciences and
Arts is one of the first universities of applied sciences in Germany
to have a Fraunhofer Application Center starting in 2012. So far,
Fraunhofer Application Centers usually exist at major universities
only.
In close cooperation between the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood
Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institute WKI, directed by Prof. Dr.-
Ing. Bohumil Kasal, and the Hochschule Hannover, the Fraunhofer
Application Center for Wood Fiber Research (HOFZET) is expected
to bridge the gap between industry and science.
Head of the new Fraunhofer Application Center and at the same
time WKI staff member will be Prof. Dr.-Ing. Hans-Josef Endres,
who also directs the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
(IfBB) at Faculty II – Mechanical Engineering and Bioprocess
Engineering of the Hochschule Hannover.
“The creation of HOFZET will lead to a marked increase in
bio-based materials research performed in close cooperation
between the Hochschule Hannover and the Fraunhofer Institute”,
Prof. Endres says. “Also, this is an important step forward to link up
university-based research and the industry in the Braunschweig /
Hanover region and beyond.”
Over the first 3 to 5 years HOFZET will receive a grant of
approximately Euros 3 million in public funds from the German
federal state of Lower Saxony. The Center is expected to be
self-sustaining when the grant funding expires after five years.
Research at HOFZET will focus on all aspects of higher-value use
of wood fiber materials for technical applications. WKI’s extensive
experience in the development of wood fibers and wood-based
materials as well as in the chemistry of wood, cellulose and
renewable resources, combined with the very successful research
on biocomposites conducted at the Hochschule Hannover in
collaboration with industry partners for about 15 years, will form
a solid basis for future joint activities. By pooling their resources,
the two institutions will be able to expand their research potential
for the benefit of all partners concerned.
“Sustainability cannot be achieved without natural fibers“, says
Prof. Kasal, director of the Fraunhofer WKI. “Wood fibers have the
highest potential and offer great possibilities for application ranging
from the building and construction industry to high-performance
composites.” In the future, new applications will be investigated,
new products and technologies developed and issues raised that
are growth-enhancing for the economy. The new Application
Center will play a leading role in this process. MT
Bio-based
plasticizers from
LANXESS
LANXESS (Leverkusen, Germany) is
strengthening its commitment to renewable
raw materials. The German specialty chemicals
company aims to produce phthalate-free
plasticizers from bio-based succinic acid from 2012
onwards. Its strategic partner is the U.S. company
BioAmber, Inc., based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
BioAmber is a global leader in succinic acid
generated on the basis of renewable resources.
Together, the two companies are developing
plasticizers, whose cost-effectiveness and safety
profile make them sustainable alternatives to
phthalate-containing formulations.
BioAmber produces succinic acid through
the fermentation of renewable raw materials.
The process developed by BioAmber consumes
considerably less energy than the production of
succinic acid using fossil fuels, is significantly more
cost-effective and has a better carbon footprint. In
the future, the company plans to use waste from
the agriculture industry and sugarcane processing
as starting materials.
“Our cooperation with BioAmber is a unique
opportunity to launch a new generation of
plasticizers on the market that meet all legal
regulations and can also score in terms of
environmental aspects and sustainability,” said
Jorge Nogueira, head of Lanxess‘ Functional
Chemicals business unit that manufactures
phthalate-free plasticizers.
As a result of legal initiatives, demand for
phthalate-free plasticizers is growing in markets
such as North America, Western Europe and Japan.
An increase in demand is also being observed in
global growth markets such as Latin America.
Authorities are increasingly restricting the use of
phthalate-containing plasticizers for consumer
goods such as toys, food packaging and cables. MT
www.lanxess.com
www.fh-hannover.de
www.wki.fraunhofer.de
6 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

News
Ajinomoto and Toray
jointly research bio-PA
iStock
Obama calls for
increased use of
biobased products
On February 21, 2012 the White House
released a memorandum signed by US
President Barack Obama detailing part of
the Administration’s plan to increase the use
of biobased products including such made
from biobased plastics. The announcement
makes provisions to increase the number of
products designated in the program for Federal
procurement by 50% in the next year, as well
as increasing federal procurement of certified
biobased products. The increased access to the
federal procurement market is a major boost
to biobased products producers, providing
a consistent market for their products. In
addition to the Presidential Memorandum, the
newspaper USA Today carried a story in their
February 21 issue featuring an interview with
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. Secretary
Vilsack said, „We want to get to the point where
we‘re using everything we grow and everything
we raise,” to reduce dependence on foreign oil
and increase rural jobs. The article included a
picture of the USDA Certified Biobased label
that consumers will see more and more of on
their store shelves in the future. The online
version also includes a video of the USA Today
interview with Secretary Vilsack. MT
The full text of the Presidential Memo,
The article in USA Today and Secretary Vilsack’s
announcement can be downloaded from
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/201202
www.biopreferred.gov
Ajinomoto Co., Inc. and Toray Industries, Inc. (both Tokyo,
Japan) have entered into an agreement to begin joint research for
manufacturing the nylon raw material 1,5-pentanediamine (1,5-
PD) from the amino acid lysine produced from plant materials by
Ajinomoto using fermentation technology, and commercializing a
biobased nylon made from this substance.
Biobased nylon is a type of nylon manufactured by polymerizing
chemicals produced from plant materials. The biobased nylon that
Ajinomoto and Toray will research and develop is produced from
plant materials by decarbonating the amino acid lysine through an
enzyme reaction to make 1,5-PD, which Toray then polymerizes
with dicarboxylic acid. The amino acid lysine is a core product of
the Ajinomoto Group produced using fermentation technology. This
biobased nylon fiber made from 1,5-PD is not only sustainable because
it is plant-based, but also shows promise for development into highly
comfortable clothing. For example, nylon 56 fiber manufactured
using 1,5-PD is pleasing to the touch, yet has the same strength
and heat resistance as conventional nylon 66 fiber made from the
petrochemical derivative hexamethylenediamine. It also absorbs and
desorbs moisture nearly as well as cotton. MT
www.ajinomoto.com
www.toray.com
Foils for Thermoforming • special foils • OFO-Naturale
= oeconomisch+
oecologisch
means: sustainability
… our motivation from the beginning
OFO-Natylene
Go pro nature and notice the difference!
Reduce GHG emissions!
Use OFO-Natylene which has taken 2,5 kg CO 2 to create
1 kg Bio-PE. Available in natural or requested color.
Take advantage of the possibility to use OFO-Natylene
several times. We will take back regrinded punch scrap
out of the thermoforming process – but carefully sorted
according to the type.
Use OFO-Natylene for the packaging of your BIO-products.
Suitable for deep freezing and cooking vegetables in the
micro wave.
Please contact OFoTec-Folien GmbH for OFO-Natylene:
Phone: +49 (0)7473 91434
Fax: +49 (0)7473 25989
Mobile: +49 (0)170 2976703
e-Mail: vertrieb@ofotec.de
D-72147 Nehren (Germany)
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 7

News
NatureWorks and
BioAmber form JV
NatureWorks and BioAmber (both Minnesota, USA) have
announced the creation of AmberWorks, a joint venture to bring new
performance bio-based polymer compositions to market.
Gaïalene plant
fully operational.
The Roquette Group, one of the world leaders
in the processing of raw vegetable materials,
is now becoming a major plant-based plastics
player. It has successfully launched its first
industrial production unit (25,000 tonnes) for
GAIALENE ® plant-based plastics end of 2011
at its main site in Lestrem (Pas-de-Calais,
France).
After several years of investment in research
& development, the Roquette Group has
developed a range of plant-based plastics that
are now available in industrial quantities under
the Gaïalene brand.
These unique Gaïalene plant-based plastics
are produced with a patented technology from
locally grown cereals. They have a particularly
low carbon footprint and are veritable carbon
traps thanks to their vegetable origin and what
is more they are totally recyclable at the end of
their service lives in the existing sectors.
The resins are used in the conventional
processes to be found in the plastics technology
such as the production of films, injection
moulded parts and small bottles.
In order to serve the European market,
where there is a big demand for products with
a low carbon footprint, the Roquette Group
chose to set up its first industrial production
unit for GAÏALENE on its main site at Lestrem
in northern France. The reason for this location
is also to have the benefit of the upstream
integration of plant-based resources within the
biggest biorefinery in Europe.
www.gaialene.com
The joint venture builds on the natural synergy between the two.
Beyond its Ingeo PLA technology platform, NatureWorks brings
to the joint venture a global commercial presence, established
customer relationships, developed applications across a breadth
of industries and deep experience in commercializing new-tothe-world
polymers. BioAmber owns PLA/PBS compounding
intellectual property and applies award-winning biotechnology
and chemical processing to produce renewable chemicals. These
renewable chemicals deliver high-performance, low-carbonfootprint
building blocks that are cost competitive with their
petrochemical equivalents. The joint venture combines the best of
both companies into an entity tasked with developing a new family
of bio-based compounded polymer solutions.
With the formation of the joint venture, NatureWorks plans to
commercialize a new family of compounded Ingeo resin grades.
This new family of developmental Ingeo compounded resins is
designed for food service ware applications, expanding the Ingeo
property range in terms of flexibility, toughness, heat resistance,
and drop-in processability on existing manufacturing equipment.
Based on market interest, further formulated solutions optimized
for a number of different applications beyond food service will be
assessed over the coming 12 to 24 months.
Compounded PLA/PBS resin grades, developed and manufactured
by AmberWorks, will be marketed exclusively through the
NatureWorks global commercial organization as new and distinct
solutions within the company’s Ingeo portfolio of products.
“The new product range being developed by the joint venture
enables NatureWorks to broaden its existing product portfolio,
allowing for bio-based product solutions in applications that were
previously difficult to address,” said Marc Verbruggen, president
and CEO, NatureWorks. “The properties of PLA and PBS are
complementary and making compounds using both materials will
result in a broad and attractive property profile...”
“The AmberWorks JV builds on BioAmber’s core business: the
production of cost competitive, renewable chemicals that include
succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol,” said Jean-Francois Huc, president
and chief executive officer, BioAmber. “Our novel PBS compounding
technology has enabled us to forward integrate into polymers and
our partnership with NatureWorks, the global market leader in
biopolymers, will strengthen and accelerate market access for our
growing portfolio of renewable solutions.” MT
www.natureworksllc.com
www.bio-amber.com
8 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

News
Metabolix Provides Business Update
Metabolix (Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA) plans to launch its business in PHA biopolymers under a new
commercial model. Richard Eno, CEO of Metabolix: “(Since January) we are in discussions with about 15 potential
offtake partners, and considering about 10 different manufacturing options. (In response to) questions including
the timing of a partnership, possible structures, and the resulting financial implications (…) we need some time
while we work through the option set so that we can provide solid information on our commercial model as we
go forward.
Metabolix has retained a core team in biopolymers to provide continuity with the technology, manufacturing
process and markets during this period of transition. In addition, the Company is working closely with customers
to understand their product needs. With more than 5 million pounds of product inventory available, Metabolix
expects it will have adequate product inventory to supply core customers with PHA biopolymer until new inventory
becomes available and to continue product development in high value-added applications.
Eno: “We remain enthusiastic and committed to successfully commercializing the Mirel family of PHA
biopolymers,” and in a conference call he continues: “from the customer and market perspective, the previous
approach was very broad-based. This was due to the large scale of the ADM plant and widespread market interest
in PHAs. What we now plan to do is focus on the high valued opportunities, which we have identified through
our time in the market. The initial design of the ADM plant was about 50,000 tons per year. We are developing
a market-entry opportunity in the 10,000 ton per year range. The technology base that was deployed at Clinton
was a 2006-era technology-base, which performed well at a world-class industrial scale. However, since 2006
the technology has continued to advance rapidly, and there are numerous elements that were not yet installed at
Clinton.
Going forward, we would see elements of this 2012 technology-base being deployed. What does that mean?
We expect lower capital, improved yields, and experience we bring from across the entire value chain, from
fermentation right down through final product fabrication. With the combination of high valued segments, a
smaller scale plant and new process technology, we expect to approach cash break-even much sooner than
under the previous model.
(…) As a leader in the development of bio-based polymer technology, Metabolix has assembled a broad intellectual
property portfolio covering key elements of making and using advanced biomaterials, including biopolymer blends.
For areas outside of our technical and commercial focus, we are amenable to licensing arrangements that provide
Metabolix the opportunity to receive licensing income, and pave the way for the introduction of new materials
to the marketplace. With that interest, we recently issued a sub-license under a University of Massachusetts
patent we control for biopolymer blends to NatureWorks, a global leader in the PLA biopolymers industry. This
intellectual property helps NatureWorks expand the market for bioplastics, through blending its PLA product with
other bioplastics.- MT
CAN YOU GUARANTEE
THE ORIGIN OF
RENEWABLE PRODUCTS ?
Vinçotte, leader in bioplastics certification
www.okbiobased.be
YOUR REPUTATION IS MINE.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 9

Review
Handbook of
Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Engineering Applications
The intention of the new (2011) Handbook of Bioplastics and
Biocomposites Engineering Applications, written by 40 scientists
from industry and academia, is to explore the extensive
applications made with bioplastics & biocomposites for the packaging,
automotive, biomedical, and construction industries. Edited
by Srikanth Pilla (Research Staff in the BIONATES theme at the
Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison)
reports on current research and applications in the bioplastics and
biocomposites arena. This interdisciplinary science integrates pure
and applied sciences such as chemistry, engineering and materials
science. The Handbook focuses on five main categories of applications
packaging; civil engineering; biomedical; automotive; general
engineering.
Srikanth Pilla (ed.),
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken,
and Scrivener Publishing LLC, Salem,
2011, 594 p., hardcover,
EUR 169.00,
ISBN 978-0-470-62607-8
By Michael Thielen
The book is available via the
bioplastics MAGAZINE bookstore
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
The majority of the chapters review the properties, processing,
characterization, synthesis and applications of the bio-based and
biodegradable polymers and composites. This includes polylactic
acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), guar gum based plastics,
cellulose polyesters, starch based bioplastics, vegetable oil derived
bioplastics, biopolyethylene, chitosan, etc. as well as thermosetting
bioplastics and biocomposites with a focus on the automobile
industry
In addition the book shows ways how to improve the properties of
bioplastics, polymer blends, and biocomposites by combining them
with both synthetic and natural fillers and reinforcements such as
nanoclays, nanotubes (CNTs), and natural fibers (both wood and
plant fibers).
The Handbook is a good choice for engineers, scientists
and researchers who are working in the fields of bioplastics,
biocomposites, biomaterials for biomedical engineering,
biochemistry, and materials science. The book will also be of great
importance to engineers in many industries including automotive,
biomedical, construction, and food packaging.
The book is the first application oriented book in the field of
bioplastics and biocomposites. It is well written with plenty of
illustrations and useful literature references. Studies that expand
the boundaries of bioplastics that will allow for the new materials to
be applied to most generic engineering applications. It is structured
in six parts and a total of 19 chapters. A comprehensive index allows
the quick location of information the reader is looking for.
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Event
(f.l.t.r.)
Michael Carus (nova-Institut
Cord Grashorn (Linotech)
Martin Vollet (Livemold)
Nina Kehler (Resopal)
Tanja Schaefer (Resopal)
Frank Mack (Coperion)
Robert Schwemmer (NAPORO)
2012 Biomaterials Innovation
With 110 participants from 15 countries, the ‘5th International
Congress 2012 on Bio-based Plastics and Composites & Industrial
Biotechnology’ (14-15 March, Cologne, Germany) focused
on Scandinavia, Italy and Germany. Organiser nova-Institute and sponsors
Proganic and Coperion expressed their satisfaction with both the latest
developments and the lively discussions at the congress. Innovation prizes
were awarded to the companies Naporo, Martin Fuchs Spielwaren and
Resopal.
www.coperion.com
www.naporo.com
www.martin-fuchs-spielwaren.de
www.resopal.de
www.biowerkstoff-kongress.de
Biomaterials, i.e. bio-based plastics and composites, are becoming
increasingly visible on the market and playing an important role in
establishing a bio-based economy that will one day completely replace
petrochemistry. Companies such as Novozymes (Denmark), Borregard
(Norway), Novamont (Italy), Bayer Material Science (Germany), Evonik
(Germany) and Henkel (Germany) presented their concepts for biorefineries,
new bio-polymers and natural-fibre-reinforced composites.
The congress sponsor Proganic, based in Bavaria, exhibited a wide range
of new products – especially kitchen articles – made from its Proganic ®
material, which is composed of PLA, PHA, minerals and natural waxes,
making it 100% bio-based. This material is now used to make fibres and
yarns, opening up a whole world of potential new uses.
The 2012 ‘Biomaterial of the Year’ innovation prize, now in its fifth year
and this time sponsored by Coperion GmbH (Stuttgart/Germany), attracted
a great deal of interest. The congress’s advisory committee drew up a
shortlist of five innovative products out of some 20 proposals- The relevant
firms presented their innovations in a short talk and with some exhibits.
The audience then voted for their favourites.
Bulrush plants (iStockphoto)
1st prize: NAPORO GmbH –
Fibre mouldings made from bulrush
NAPORO GmbH from Austria manufactures low-density fibre mouldings
for various uses from the little-used bulrush. The binding process works
through the NAPORO ‘NATglue’ technology, whereby waxes and oils
derived from the marsh plant are activated as binding agent. Bulrush is
a wild plant that grows to heights of up to 4 metres, forms large, highly
resistant clumps in wetlands and can be managed sustainably.
2nd prize: Martin Fuchs Spielwaren GmbH & Co. KG – ‘spielstabil bioline’
toy range made from modified PLA (see p. 24)
3rd prize: Resopal GmbH – RE-Y-Stone made from recycled paper with
bagasse resin. MT
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 11

Event Application News
© liz linder photography, inc.
Review:
Innovation
Takes Root
www.innovationtakesroot.com
Gary Hirshberg, Stonyfield Farm
(© liz linder photography, inc.)
The third biennial Innovation Takes Root Ingeo
user’s forum (Feb. 20-22) in Orlando, Florida welcomed
314 attendees representing 171 companies
from the USA and almost 50% from 20 different Asian,
South American, and European countries. 27 exhibiting
companies rounded the event off. Some of the many highlights
are reported about below.
Keynote addresses from Tom Clynes, acclaimed
journalist, photographer, and author of Wild Planet, Gary
Hirshberg (see photograph), co-founder and chairman of
Stonyfield Farm, Steven Peterson, director of Sourcing
Sustainability at General Mills, and Paul Conway, vice
chair of Cargill discussed the macro issues facing society
today and helped put into context the need for alternative
solutions as opposed to business as usual.
Hirshberg of Stonyfield Farm said that over dependence
on fossil fuels, environmental health risks, weakened
ecosystems, species loss, and pollinator decline
are extremely troubling trend lines. He showed how
Stonyfield Farm by focusing on key issues can make a
difference. Stonyfield Farm, which in 2011 had sales of
$356 million U.S., has over the past six years achieved
a 46 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, an 11 %
reduction in facility energy consumption, a 57 % reduction
in waste, and lessoned its use of petroleum-based plastic
as demonstrated through a reduction of 18 tractor trailer
loads of plastic per year.
Hirshberg passionately laid out the rationale for
improvements to health, the environment, and the other
trend lines he discussed earlier in his talk through heavier
reliance on organic methodologies. Stonyfield Farm was
the first company to move to bioplastic yogurt containers
when it adopted an Ingeo blend in 2010.
Session highlights from conference technical tracks
Semi durables
Arkema’s Plexiglas ® rNew technology has produced
synergies in compounding PMMA with Ingeo that increase
impact and chemical resistance that exceed conventional
modified acrylics, allowing its products to compete with
polymers such as PETG and PC while delivering excellent
clarity and flow. IBM worked with a major compounder
to establish a clear path to qualify Ingeo blends as
potential replacements for polycarbonate. Polycarbonate
represents 95 % of the materials consumed by IBM. This
development opens the door for Ingeo expansion in IT
applications.
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Event
Packaging and food service
“Sustainability in Sports Entertainment” showcased
the journey the Portland Trail Blazers organization
undertook to secure a Gold Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for its arena
(the Rose Garden), marking the first time that significant
cost savings have been attributed to compostable
products. Many contributing elements were noted in the
area of compostable food packaging. Waste diversion
rates now exceed 80 %, an increase of more than 40
% since 2007. The sports organization’s sustainability
journey to attain LEED Gold Certification incurred costs of
$560,000, while total savings to date from waste diversion
equaled $836,000. Specific to food and packaging wastes,
the introduction of new solutions, including the use of
Stalk Market branded food service ware, many derived
from Ingeo, increased both the diversion of waste from
landfills and the composting of food and packaging waste.
Fibers
NatureWorks reviewed data that showed new production
capabilities are expanding the Ingeo resin product portfolio. In
nonwoven fabrics, these new Ingeo resin grades provide lower
shrinkage, increased dimensional stability, and opportunities
for broader asset utilization.
Films and flexible packaging
ConAgra Foods showcased various film applications. From
tamper bands to shrink sleeves, the adoption of rPLA has
allowed packagers to down gauge film because of Ingeo’s
higher stiffness, achieve higher yield because of the lower
density, and reduce energy costs due to cooler shrink tunnel
temperatures and ease of storage. In addition to all these
advantages, consumer acceptance has risen because of
the higher visual appeal and ease of removal for the Ingeo
bands. FKuR announced several new grades of Ingeo-based
films. These films are clear, flexible, and, depending upon the
grade, have a range of barrier properties that can be used for
packaging fresh produce and other prepared foods.
Mestre-Venice, Italy, 23-24 April
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The Biopolymer World Congress 2012 is one of the not-tobe-missed
biopolymer events of the year that is delivering
engaging, thought-provoking speakers and world-renowned
leaders. The Congress provides top quality education and
artfully designed opportunities to network and interact with
other industry professionals and biopolymer industry leaders.
There are many reasons to attend the Biopolymer World
Congress this 23-24 April in Mestre-Venice, Italy.
Here are Just the Top 5 reasons You Should Attend the Congress:
Recent Developments & Latest Challenges
More Than Just Sit and Listen. We Are Truly Interactive
Meet Industry Leaders from Across the Entire Value Chain
Unsurpassed Networking Opportunities
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as a Congress attendee, you have access to 21 educational talks, 10 interactive
presentations, and 11 networking opportunities over the duration of the
CONFERENCE.
That’s 17+ hours worth of education and networking!
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 13

News
bioplastics MAGAZINE presents:
The 2nd PLA World Congress in Munich/Germany is the must-attend
conference for everyone interested in PLA, its benefits, and challenges. The
conference offers high class presentations from top individuals in the industry
and also offers excellent networkung opportunities along with a table top exhibition.
Please find below the preliminary programme. Find more details and register at the
conference website
2 nd PLA World
C o n g r e s s
15 + 16 MAY 2012 * Munich * Germany
www.pla-world-congress.com
2nd PLA World Congress, Preliminary Program
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
(subject to changes, visit www.pla-world-congress for updates)
08:00 - 08:30 Registration, Welcome-Coffee
08.30 - 08.45 Michael Thielen, Polymedia Publisher Welcome
08:45 - 09:15 Harald Kaeb, narocon Keynote Speech: Bioplastics - Future or Hype ?
09:15 - 09:40 Udo Mühlbauer, Uhde Inventa-Fischer Uhde Inventa-Fischer’s pilot plant facilities for LA and PLA
09:40 - 10:05 Roland Essel, nova-Institut Meta LCA for PLA
10:05 - 10:30 Patrick Farquet, Sulzer Chemtech Sulzer plants for PLA production: efficient, compact and reliable
10:30 - 10:55 Q&A
10:55 - 11:20 Coffeebreak sponsored by EREMA
11:20 - 11:45 Erwin Vink, NatureWorks Ingeo Biopolymers: An update of the latest developments in Products,
Sustainable Feedstock and Product Certification and End of Life
11:45 - 12:10 Francois de Bie, Purac High Heat PLA for use in high performance fibers and other
durable applications
12:10 - 12:35 Kevin Yang, Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co PLA Alloy and Application
12:35 - 12:50 Q&A
12:50 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 14:35 Patrick Zimmermann, FkUR Modifying PLA to the next level
14:35 - 14:50 Karin Molenveld, Wageningen (WUR) Strain induced crystallisation as a method to optimize PLA properties in
practical applications
14:50 - 15:15 Daniel Ganz, Sukano PLA Masterbatch Technology – State of the art and latest trends
15.15 - 15:40 Marcel Dartee, Polyone Additives / Masterbatches for PLA
15:40 - 15:55 Q&A
15:55 - 16:30 Coffeebreak
16:35 - 17:00 Jan Noordegraaf, Synbra Latest developments in E-PLA foam
17:00 - 17:25 Makoto Kobayashi, Toray International Toray‘s modified PLA materials
17:25 - 17:50 Ramani Narayan, Michigan State University Positioning and branding PLA products from carbon footprint and end-of-life
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
09:00 - 09:25 Mr. Shim, SK Chemicals SK Chemicals’ New PLA
09:25 - 09:50 Karl Zimmermann, Brückner Latest Technology in Film Stretching
09:50 - 10:15 Frank Ernst, Taghleef NATIVIA – The BoPLA film for packaging and labelling applications
10:15 - 10:40 Larissa Zirkel, Huhtamaki Innovative Concepts of Functional PLA Films
10:40 - 10:55 Q&A
10.55 - 11:20 Coffeebreak
11:20 - 11:45 Mathias Hahn, Fraunhofer IAP Modification of PLA with view to enhanced barrier and thermal properties
11:45 - 12:10 Shankara Prasad, SPC Biotech Bio conversion of agriwaste to polylactic acid
12:10 - 12:35 Johann Zimmermann Experiences in Processing PLA
12:35 - 12:50 Q&A
12:50 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 14:35 Steve Dejonghe, Galactic Building the recycling scheme for PLA
14:35 - 14:50 Gerold Breuer, Erema Closing the loop on bioplastics by mechanical recycling
14:50 - 15:15 Sebastian Schippers, Institut für Kunststoffverarbeitung
(IKV)
Recycling of polylactic acid and utilization of recycled polylactic
acid for packaging applications
15.15 - 15:40 Harald Klöden, RE|PLA Cycle PLA closed cycle waste management
15:40 - 15:55 Q&A
16:00 - 16:30 Panel discussion: End of life options
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Bookstore
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www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books
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* plus VAT (where applicable), plus cost for shipping/handling
details see www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books
NEW
Dr.-Ing. Michael Thielen
Bioplastics - Basics, Applications, Markets
General conditions, market situation, production,
structure and properties
New ‘basics‘ book on bioplastics: The book is intended
to offer a rapid and uncomplicated introduction into
the subject of bioplastics, and is aimed at all interested
readers, in particular those who have not yet had the
opportunity to dig deeply into the subject, such as
students, those just joining this industry, and lay readers.
€ 18.65 or
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reduced price
Author: Jan Th. J. Ravenstijn, MSc
The state of the art on Bioplastics
(Special prices for research and
non-profit organisations upon request)
‚The state-of-the-art on Bioplastics 2010‘
describes the revolutionary growth of
bio-based monomers, polymers, and
plastics and changes in performance and
variety for the entire global plastics m
arket in the first decades of this century...
NEW
€ 169.00*
Edited by Srikanth Pilla
Handbook of Bioplastics and
Biocomposites Engineering Applications
Engineering Applications
The intention of this new book (2011), written by
40 scientists from industry and academia, is to
explore the extensive applications made with
bioplastics & biocomposites. The Handbook focuses
on five main categories of applications packaging;
civil engineering; biomedical; automotive; general
engineering. It is structured in six parts and a total of
19 chapters. A comprehensive index allows the quick
location of information the reader is looking for.
€ 279,44*
€ 279,44*
Hans-Josef Endres, Andrea Siebert-Raths
Engineering Biopolymers
Markets, Manufacturing, Properties
and Applications
Hans-Josef Endres, Andrea Siebert-Raths
Technische Biopolymere
Rahmenbedingungen, Marktsituation,
Herstellung, Aufbau und Eigenschaften
This book is unique in its focus on market-relevant
bio/renewable materials. It is based on comprehensive
research projects, during which these
materials were systematically analyzed and
characterized. For the first time the interested
reader will find comparable data not only for
biogenic polymers and biological macromolecules
such as proteins, but also for engineering
materials. The reader will also find valuable
information regarding micro-structure,
manufacturing, and processing-, application-,
and recycling properties of biopolymers
€ 99.00*
Rainer Höfer (Editor)
Sustainable Solutions for Modern Economies
Apocalypse now? Was the financial crisis which
erupted in 2008 the ‘writing on the wall’, the
Menetekel for the Industrial Age? Is mankind
approaching the impasse of Easter Island, Anasazi
and Maya societies shortly before collapse –
‘‘which followed swiftly upon the society’s reaching
its peak of population, monument construction and
environmental impact’’? Or will mankind be capable
of a new global common sense?

Cover Application Story News
Fair play Commitment
to Environment
Huhtamaki’s PLA beer cup assortment emerges
as a clear winner in stadiums and arenas
Sustainable packaging is quite a new addition to the environmental
considerations for packaging. With eco-friendly
PLA cold drink cups for the catering market, Huhtamaki has
since several years been promoting this aspect. Recently, more and
more organizers of big events and football games in stadiums decided
to join the ranks.
In 2009, the first Premier League arenas in Germany together
with several Second League stadiums pioneered the concept
of using biodegradable NatureWorks ® PLA beer cups for their
big events. These were the early birds in recognising not only
the positively practical benefits of these products, but also their
sustainable aspects: PLA is made from annually renewable
resources, is compostable and thus can be disposed of completely
naturally. Other stadiums as well as various breweries were quick
to follow, and soon both operators and visitors appreciated the
evident advantages of this environmental-friendly solution for
cups. Single use cups offer guaranteed hygiene, as each guest gets
a new cup. There is no need for dishwashing as for reusable cups.
This saves labour time, water, heating energy and detergents. The
lightweight PLA cups are safe, as they do not break nor splinter.
The cups are light to carry and easy to handle and in addition allow
a faster and more focused customer service. Last but not least, the
possibility for customised printing offers additional promotional
opportunities.
In terms of sustainability, the concept offers far more. Belonging
to Huhtamaki’s future friendly BioWare packaging portfolio, PLA
beer cups together with molded fibre strongholders stand out as
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Cover Story
Our cover photo protagonists
and their friends enjoy beer
from PLA cups
the stadium’s visible demonstration of environmental awareness
as promoter of new and fair-play solutions:
The PLA cups offer a simple way of contributing to more
sustainable environmental performance. Their PR appeal can
rise an increased media interest. For sponsoring or advertising
companies the cups can be used to improve the corporate and
brand image and can help to differ from competition. And finally
cups made from PLA offer a possibility for single waste stream.
Moreover, the PLA beer cups are compostable and certified in
accordance with EN 13432, European norm for compostability of
packaging, meaning that they degrade completely in industrial
composting facilities. The options for disposal are plentiful:
incineration with energy recovery, composting and recycling. Apart
from that, Huhtamaki and stadium operators are jointly working
on a promising ‘from cradle to cradle’ project, planning to build a
closed recycled PLA material loop for stadiums and arenas.
Huhtamaki was the first to launch a complete range of
compostable tableware. The BioWare family was launched in
2004 and is continuously developed with new products. BioWare
products are available in Europe and Oceania.
Huhtamaki has maintained the Pass status in the Kempen SNS
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Universe since 2002. Only
those European companies that meet or exceed the strict business
ethical, social and environmental performance standards set by
Kempen Capital Management and SNS Asset Management qualify
for inclusion.
www.huhtamaki.de/foodservice
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 13

Rigid Packaging
PLA for
thermoforming
More functionality by sustainable
thermoforming films
By
Larissa Zirkel
Huhtamaki Films
Forchheim, Germany
Fig. 1: Die-cutting test with Huhtamaki standard (right side, Q.
4007) and flexibilised (left side, Q. 4010) PLA grades
Under the brand-name BioWare Huhtamaki offers a
sustainable material concept, where all products are
biodegradable, compostable and preferably bio-based,
i.e. derived from renewable resources. Since 2004 Huhtamaki
Films has been developing innovative PLA films for thermoforming
purposes showing outstanding performance during
processing and application. In general, the films have coextruded
structures consisting of up to nine layers and are
available in thicknesses between 180 and 800 µm.
Rigid packaging
Standard PLA thick films for thermoforming are highly
transparent and glossy. They exhibit a high tear strength,
which is comparable to that of PS. Due to its intrinsic high
value of surface tension of 36 to 38 mN/m, PLA is easily
printable. Moreover, trays from PLA show an excellent
sealability at temperatures much lower than required to
process common polymer materials. Besides, special
combinations of different biodegradable polymers offer the
opportunity to create packings with easy opening properties
by introducing a peel layer to either the lid film or the tray.
The very high oxygen and water vapour transmission rates
often make an additional perforation step redundant as spare
humidity from the product can easily evaporate through
the PLA trays or lid films, thus, protecting e.g. food from
moulding. As PLA has a very good flavour and aroma barrier,
it is very qualified for packing food with a distinctive smell as
e.g. cheese or goods, that require a protection of their specific
aroma, like e.g. herbs. Furthermore, it could be shown, that
the climatic conditions inside a PLA packaging due to the
gas exchange from inside the package to the environment,
related to its pronounced permeation ability, is beneficial for
the maturing of cheese without influencing its unique taste.
Another advantage of PLA trays for packing food is its high
resistance to grease and oil.
Flexibilised films
Although the application of pure PLA is preferred in many
cases due to its 100% origin from renewable resources, these
standard grades exhibit some disadvantages in terms of their
mechanical properties. Thus, pure PLA has a high rigidity,
which causes e.g. splintering when the films are die-cut (cf.
fig. 1, right side, grade 4007). Additionally, trays and blisters
especially for packing food but also other goods in general
have to withstand drop tests. When dropping a package from
a shelf at the point of sale, it should neither break nor splinter
for giving a good protection to the products inside. This kind of
damage is usually observed when using a standard pure PLA.
Therefore, the material has to be modified to obtain a certain
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Rigid Packaging
flexibility as it is known e.g. from the PET widely spread
in this market. Adding special modifiers to PLA, which
are also completely biodegradable, its mechanical
properties can be improved to values close to the
ones of PET (cf. fig. 2). Compared to standard PLA,
the flexibilised version shows a significantly reduced
elastic modulus in the range of PET and a relatively
high impact strength, which could be increased to the
100-fold of the poor original value. These improved
mechanical properties allow the PLA film to be diecut
without splintering (cf. fig. 1, left side, grade 4010)
and enable the trays and blisters produced thereof to
withstand the required drop tests. As the flexibiliser is
biodegradable, too, these modified films are certified
according to the DIN EN 13432 for biodegradability.
Apart from the mechanical properties, the modifier
does not affect the unique characteristics of PLA like
transparency, gloss, printability, sealability, and aroma
barrier. As there is no migration of the flexibiliser
used, Huhtamaki PLA films comply with the FDA and,
therefore, are appropriate for packing all kind of food.
By introducing different amounts of modifier to the
PLA, the flexibilisation can be adjusted to the degree
required by the specific application, enabling custommade
solutions, which are offered by Huhtamaki in
form of a wide variety of films.
Golden PLA
A very new product in the range of Huhtamaki BioWare
films for thermoforming is a golden PLA developed for
e.g. luxury packaging or the confectionary industry.
First results of production trials were presented
already at the Interpack 2011 and the ProSweets 2012,
where they attracted a broad interest (cf. fig. 3). The
golden trays from coloured and metalized PLA are also
fully biodegradable and comply with the DIN EN 13432.
Just like the transparent versions, Huhtamaki offers
them with different degrees of flexibilisation to meet
the specific application requirements.
PLA standard | PLA flexibilised | PET
3500 350
3000 300
2500 250
2000 200
1500 150
1000 100
500 50
0
md td md td
E-Modulus in MPa
Impact Strength in kJ/m ≤
Fig. 2: Comparison of mechanical properties of Huhtamaki standard
and flexibilised PLA films with PET
Fig. 3: Golden trays for confectionary from Huhtamaki
flexibilised PLA films; thermoformed by Falomo
Termoplastici S.r.l., Italy
0
Barrier
For some applications, mainly in the food
packaging market, the high oxygen and water vapour
transmission rates of PLA are of disadvantage.
Especially the infiltration of oxygen into the package
significantly reduces the shelf life of fresh products.
The coextruded structure of Huhtamaki PLA films
allows the introduction of additional functionalities
as e.g. barrier properties. Figure 4 shows the oxygen
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 19

Rigid Packaging
Oxygen and Water Vapour Transmission rate
10
8
6
4
2
0
OTR (cm≥/m≤d) | WVTR (g/m≤d)
Q. 1050
350 µm
Q. 1051
350 µm
Q. 1051
500 µm
Q. 1052
350 µm
Fig. 4: Comparison of oxygen and water vapour transmission rates
for different Huhtamaki PLA based barrier films
and water vapour transmission rates of the different
Huhtamaki PLA barrier film qualities 1050, 1051, and
1052. With increasing film grade number, the thickness
of the barrier layer is increased, which explains the
strong decrease of the transmission rate values.
Besides the thickness of the barrier layer, an increase of
the overall film thickness also reduces the permeation
values to a certain extent. However, this decrease is not
as pronounced as the one related to the thickness of
the barrier layer. As the thickness of the film applied
is mostly determined by the application specification,
the required barrier level of the PLA film is normally
adjusted by choosing an appropriate barrier layer
thickness, which is represented by the three different
grades shown in figure 4. The ability of a Huhtamaki PLA
barrier tray combined with a PLA barrier lid film to keep
a modified gas atmosphere inside the packaging over a
long period of time is presented in figure 5. The results
show an excellent stability of the gas composition during
the 32 days tested.
100
80
O 2
| CO 2
| N 2
N 2
CO 2
Up to now, there is no appropriate bio barrier material
available in the market, which is either biodegradable
or derived from renewable resources. To be able to offer
a sustainable solution, the Huhtamaki BioWare range
was extended by developing films that are mainly biobased.
Actually, a conventional barrier material was
used, which is not biodegradable. However, due to the
PLA basis of the films, they have a very high content of
materials with an origin of renewable resources and
could be certified “OK biobased” by Vinçotte with up to
three stars for a content of bio-based material between
60% and 80%. Of course, the selection of an appropriate
bio barrier material is an ongoing research process for
Huhtamaki Films.
Composition of Gas in %
60
40
20
O 2
0
1 7 15 32
Time in d
Fig. 5: Temporal stability of a modified gas atmosphere inside a
packaging of a Huhtamaki PLA barrier tray and lid film
All Huhtamaki PLA films for thermoforming can
be easily processed on conventional production lines
using standard machines, tools and moulds. This was
confirmed by performing numerous trials with different
machine manufacturers, converters and end users.
Compared to common materials for thermoforming,
they are processed at significantly lower temperatures,
saving energy for the production and, therefore, giving
an additional benefit to the environment.
www.huhtamaki-films.com
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

A sustainable alternative to traditional plastics
Cereplast ® offers a wide range of
bioplastic resin grades that are
suitable for a variety of applications
Cereplast Compostables ® resins for
certied compostable, single-use
applications
Cereplast Sustainables ® resins for
biobased, durable applications
Cereplast ® resins work with all
major converting processes
Injection Molding
Thermoforming
Blown Film
Blow Molding
Extrusions
www.cereplast.com

Material Application News News
Food colouring meets
bioplastics
The GRAFE-Group (Blankenhain,Germany) is an
innovative partner to the plastics processing industry. A
joint venture between SENSIENT Imaging Technologies
GmbH and specialist masterbatch manufacturer Grafe
has managed to combine food colouring and bio-based
plastics.
Environmental awareness and health protection have
played an exemplary role within the Grafe-Group for
several years. The company markets masterbatches for
colouring bioplastics under the brand name “Biocolen”.
Combining plastics derived from renewable raw materials
with food colourings opens new ways of achieving closed
loop recycling.
The silica encapsulated colourants (SEC) by Sensient
Imaging Technologies provide a technical solution for
encapsulating natural food colourings which greatly
restricts migration in formulations. Silica was chosen
deliberately as this material is present in foods and is
approved for food use.
The silicate matrix - the protective layer encapsulating
the colourings - limits the oxidising effect of oxygen on
the dye molecules and improve the colourings’ resistance
to solvents, water, pH and environmental influences and
minimise migration of the dyes out of the matrix. A wide
range of natural and synthetic food colorants is used.
The Grafe Group has tested the colourings in
different polymers, which has resulted in several colour
combinations such as brown, green, orange, yellow, red
and violet.
“It is not the strongest who survive, but the ones most
adaptable to change.” (Charles Darwin)
www.grafe.com
Bioplastic
for plastic
wrapping
film
Api Spa (Mussolente,
Italy) has over half a
century of success in the
production of TPE (thermo
plastic elastomers) and TPU
(thermoplastic polyurethane). For the last 5 years they have
used this experience to embark on an important project
studying and developing bioplastics. In particular, API have
concentrated on research into biodegradability, a property
which is shared by all materials in the Apinat range.
After perfecting the formulation of Apinat (TPE) for use in
injection moulding, extrusion of tubes and profiles, both soft
and rigid grades, today new Apinat formulations are being
developed which are ideal for plastic wrapping film. The
new products may be converted using either blown or cast
extrusion. With the new formulation of Apinat it is possible
to obtain a film suitable for producing biodegradable plastic
shopping bags which can be composted in compliance
with both European Standard EN13432 as well as the
requirements of Italian law.
The advantages which are most immediately derived
from these innovative Apinat formulations are:
• It is very tough, which makes the bags very durable, even
when carrying objects with sharp edges; The complete
absence of unpleasant odours: all ingredients which may
cause bad smells have been eliminated from the Apinat
formulation;
• The mechanical properties of Apinat enable the
film thickness to be reduced, resulting in numerous
advantages including not only a reduction in the cost of
raw materials, but also a reduction in the environmental
impact because reduced material thickness means
faster biodegradation times.
Apinat is the answer to the criticisms raised against
biodegradable products: “…for the mechanical (extreme
fragility) and organoleptic (the unpleasant smell produced)
properties, it is very difficult for some industries to use these
materials, especially small shops; imagine, for instance, a
clothing and fabrics market, ironmongers or a shop selling
household goods.” (Mr. Delio Dadola, president of Italian
chemical association Unionchimica).
www.apiplastic.com
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Material News
New
machine
for additives
Laurel BioComposite LLC (Laurel, Nebraska, USA) has
purchased an ENTEK E-Max 53mm twin screw extruder
as the next step in its multi-tiered strategy to provide
injection molders with its new patent-pending Bio-Res.
The production-size extruder (~225 kW, 1200 rpm) joins
a 25 mm unit in the advanced materials manufacturer’s
Minnesota-based pilot plant and offers the capability
to produce ~450 kg (1000 lbs) of Bio-Res per hour. The
machine’s higher production rate supports ~3,600 tonnes
(8,000,000 lbs) annually, 1/6 the projected full-scale
(~22,000 tonnes or 48,000,000 lbs.) plant capacity. Bio-
Res is a high-performance, cost effective replacement
for traditional petroleum-based resins in a variety of
manufacturing processes for plastics. Bio-Res is made
from distillers grains (i.e. residues of the bio-ethanol
production).
“Customers want to know that Laurel BioComposite
has substantial production capacity available,” says Tim
Bearnes, president of the board for Laurel BioComposite.
“The addition of the new extruder will allow us to make
test articles for customers before the master batch
plant is completed.” The extruder enables Bio-Res to
cost-effectively raise the renewable or ‘green’ content
of plastic products by as much as 40 %. The new biomaterial
is available in a pellet form which blends easily
with polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid and PHA
matrices.
Bio-Res pellets are made of 80 % bio-material and
sold in master batches. Injection molders can insert the
pellets directly into injection molded parts. The material
can also be blended with various resins. Superior flow
characteristics make the material unique in the bio
additives market for thermoplastics. Bio-Res is especially
suited for use in a range of industries including shipping,
lawn and garden, agriculture and automotive applications.
In addition to the material’s green advantages, customertested
Bio-Res-based injection molded parts have
already demonstrated a 10 % increase in stiffness and
tensile modulus over the base resin.
New mulch film
material
With the addition of Ecovio ® F Mulch, BASF (headquartered
in Ludwigshafen,Germany) is expanding its line of
biodegradable plastic compounds in the form of a grade for
use in the manufacture of agricultural films. In contrast to
agricultural film made from conventional polyethylene (PE),
this film biodegrades. It is no longer necessary for farmers
to retrieve the film from the field for disposal or recycling
after the harvest. They can simply plow it under along with
what remains from the plants. This saves time and reduces
costs. Production of the film is also economical, since it can
be manufactured at a lighter gauge than conventional PE
film without any loss in performance. Moreover, Ecovio F
Mulch represents a drop-in solution for the film producer:
This resin can be processed on conventional PE extrusion
machines without the need to further compound with other
components and without extensive modification. Thus the
processor can convert his equipment quickly and without
great effort. The material is now available in commercial
quantities around the world.
To test the performance of its resin, BASF conducted
comparative investigations with recognized agricultural
institutes in Spain and France. These involved growing
vegetables in different locations without mulch film, with
conventional PE film as well as with Ecovio F Mulch film.
The institutes investigated growth and yield in addition to
the tear strength of the film. While for this purpose melons
and lettuce were planted in France, the institutes in Spain
grew tomatoes and peppers. All tests demonstrated that
growth and yield do not depend on the type of plastic film.
Compared to growing without film, use of film always
increased yields by 10 to 20%.
www.basf.com
www.ecovio.de
www.laurelbiocomposite.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 23

Application News
(Photo: nova-Institute)
Scuffproof toys
Martin Fuchs Spielwaren, is a German toy
manufacturer from Zirndorf since almost a centrury….
After starting with plastic toys in the 1960s the company
launched its ‘Spielstabil’ (rigid toys) line of products and
is consequently relying on ‘Made in Germany’. The high
quality products are only sold via specialised stores with
competent customer consulting. In 2009 Fuchs started to
use ecologically sustainably materials.
The latest product line ‘bioline’ comprises among
other items, a series of ‘indestructible’ sandbox toys. The
material used is a (>70% biobased) blend from PLA, PHA
and other components (made by Linotech, Waldenburg,
Germany and Livemold, Breitungen, Germany), which
makes the products 100% biodegradable. “Not exactly
compostable,” as Martin Vollet, Technical Manager of
Martin Fuchs points out.” But composting is not the
targeted end of life… . At least, these toys will never be
found by archaeologists.”
For the end of life, this toy manufacturer has a very
special solution. They ask consumers to send back their
old toys, rather than dispose them. Fuchs promise to
recycle even the oldest and dirtiest toys. This is possible
by applying a special 2-component injection moulding
technology. Here the post consumer scrap is injected as
a core material in a 2-layer structure. The outer layer is
beautifully coloured virgin material.
www.spielstabil.de
www.linotech.de
www.livemold.de
Bioplastic Connector
Molex Incorporated, LisleISLE, Illinois, USA, announced
the Stac64-e connector for automotive applications has
received third party Environmental Claims Validation
(ECV). The UL Environment ECV certification confirms
that the Stac64-e connector contains 71 % bio-based
content in accordance with ASTM D6866-11. Constructed
of resin derived from renewable plant-based castor oil,
the Stac64-e harness connector provides an alternative
to traditional petroleum-based connectors while offering
equivalent performance and quality characteristics.
Designed to withstand harsh environments, the
20-circuit, dual-row harness Stac64-e connector has
also successfully completed USCAR-2 Standard Class
II validation testing for mechanical, environmental and
electrical performance characteristics for unsealed
connector automotive applications. The bioplastic
resin Stac64-e connector joins an existing portfolio of
Molex Stac64 PCB connectors featuring a stackable,
modular housing which can be ganged together into
larger header assemblies, significantly reducing timeto-market
by eliminating the need for custom tooling.
Stac64 connectors support the needs of navigation,
instrumentation, and other automotive applications.
“Driving demand for innovative automotive electronics,
we see a global proliferation of factories manufacturing
vehicles with an array of sustainable components. Durable
bioplastic based resins offer an excellent alternative to
traditional resins,” states Mark Rettig, global marketing
director, Molex. “For customers interested in reducing
the use of petroleum- based resins without sacrificing
quality, Molex connectors constructed of bioplastic resins
are a natural fit.”
Recognizing the role of responsible automotive
component manufacturers in advancing sustainable
automotive design, Molex will continue to develop and
build on its bioplastic based resin connector portfolio as
a supplement to current product offerings
www.molex.com
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Application News
High Performance
PA for connectors
Edgetek AMX is a high performance polyamide
compound by PolyOne, using PA10T as the base resin,
which offers high heat resistance, high flowability,
high weld line strength and ultra low moisture uptake.
Compared with other high temperature polyamide, the
low moisture uptake can dramatically avoid the blistering
issue during IR reflow process.
The base resin of Edgetek AMX is PA10T, a bioderived
material (50% derived from castor bean), which
can address the sustainability concerns through the
reduction of CO 2
emission and energy consumption at
the beginning of the product life cycle, which reduces the
carbon footprint of the final products.
Edgetek AMX compounds offer the lowest moisture
uptake in all high temperature polyamides. This
important feature is critical for connectors, and there will
be no blistering risk during IR reflow process. Edgetek
AMX inherits all the other properties of high temperature
polyamide (toughness, high weld line strength, etc.). In
addition, it is easy to achieve UL V-0 with halogen-free
flame retardant.
Edgetek AMX balanced the performance and cost for
connector applications. The typical connector includes
Signal/Backplane, Power, Memory card, FFC/FPC,
Modular Jack, and BtB and I/O.
www.polyone.com
Fairytale ending for
premium sweets
Miss Muffet & Co (London, UK) decided to use
Innovia Films’ compostable cellulose-based material,
NatureFlex to wrap its range of fairytale and nursery
rhyme inspired premium confectionery.
Miss Muffet & Co is company, set up by Sarah Cadman,
who has a philosophy of using natural ingredients
wherever possible.
Outlining why she chose NatureFlex to wrap her
range of quality sweets, Sarah stated, “It was really
important for Miss Muffet & Co that our packaging had
the lowest possible impact on the world around us and
it had to clearly show the contents. We chose Innovia
Films’ transparent NatureFlex, primarily due to its
environmental credentials. At the same time it keeps our
sweets tasting and looking good.”
NatureFlex offers significant advantages for packing
and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static
properties, high gloss and transparency, resistance to
grease and oil, good barrier to gases and aromas, print
receptive surface and a wide heat-seal range.
Transparent NatureFlex NE is used to flow wrap the
sweets, which are then packed in beautifully designed,
story book-shaped ‘keepsake’ boxes, with drawings by
children’s illustrator, Rosie Brooks. The titles (stories)
of sweets in the range include: Three Blind Sugar Mice,
Oranges and Lemon Drops, Jack and the Jelly Bean Stalk,
Goldilocks and the Jelly Bears and Tom Thumb Drops.
www.innoviafilms.com
www.missmuffetsweets.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 25

Application News
Stand up pouches
for easter eggs
Innovia Films’ renewable, compostable cellulose-based
material, NatureFlex, won Ganong Bros Limited’s (New
Brunswick, Canada) approval, to pack its range of Easter
confectionery in stand up pouches.
Bruce Rafuse, Vice President of Marketing at Ganong
explained “We had two primary objectives in selecting
the package: first and foremost was to improve sales and
distribution and second to differentiate us from the competition.
We considered several alternatives, but based upon feedback
from consumers and retailers decided upon NatureFlex due
to it being compostable and the distinct competitive advantage
this gives us. Our ultimate goal is to move all our products into
compostable pouches.”
The stand up pouch pack is converted by Canadian based
- Genpak - using compostable NatureFlex NKR laminated to
a biopolymer sealant layer. “NatureFlex provides excellent
barriers to oxygen and moisture, which ensure the product
maintains its quality. The film also printed and performed
well on our machines,” said Bill Reilly, Development Manager,
Genpak.
The range of Ganong’s Easter confectionery which is packed
in the NatureFlex stand up pouches includes: Chocolate
Covered Cherry Eggs, Easter Eggs, Chocolate Covered
Marshmallow Eggs and Easter Animal Jellies. These products
will be available nationally in Canada in the run up to Easter.
Happy
Candy
Handy Candy
LLC (Birmingham
Alabama, USA)
has developed
a versatile and
frankly fun new
fresh food package made from plant based Ingeo
(PLA) biopolymer. The ‘Handy Candy’ package was
a finalist at the 2011 Produce Marketing Association
Fresh Summit for innovative packaging, and
Flavor Pic Tomato Co. was the first licensee to
distribute. The unique package manufactured by
Fabri-Kal (headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan
USA) consists of their Greenware ® 7 oz. cup and
matching dome lid with hole for easy on-the-go
snacking, and lends itself to a variety of uses for
grape tomatoes – individual servings, pre-packed
salads, and grab-and-go snacks. The Happy Candy
package is child friendly and features a re-sealable
label. The innovative graphics are friendly and eyecatching
making the new package a delight any way
one looks at it.
www.natureworksllc.com
www.myhandycandy.com
www.fabri-kal.com
The pack design has already the caught the eye of the industry
and won a PAC (The Packaging Association) Silver Award for
‘Branded Package Made in Canada’.
NatureFlex was an obvious solution for use in this application
as the film begins life as a natural product – wood - and breaks
down at the end of its lifecycle in a home compost bin (or
industrial compost environment) within a matter of weeks.
www.innoviafilms.com
www.ganong.com
www.genpak.com
The stand up pouches for Ganong’s Easter confectionery range are
made using Innovia Films’ compostable NatureFlex material.
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Show Preview
Chinaplas
2012
The 26th International Exhibition on Plastics
and Rubber Industries, CHINAPLAS 2012,
which is dedicated to showcasing the worldclass
cutting-edge plastics and rubber technologies,
will be held at Shanghai New International
Expo Centre on April 18-21, 2012. This year again,
there will be a special themed zone dedicated to
bioplastics but which will be 40% bigger than last
year.
With the growing global concern with regard
to green manufacturing, bioplastics is inevitably
the focus in the plastics industry, with enormous
potential in the market. As the international
platform for advanced technology in the plastics
and rubber industries, CHINAPLAS 2012 will
introduce the world’s leading bioplastics suppliers
and their products, such as PLA, PHA, PBS,
PPC, PCL, PVA, TPS, PA and PTT. The renowned
exhibitors include Cardia, Danisco, Ecomann, Esun,
Hisun, Kingfa, NatureWorks, etc. Highlighting
advanced technology and the latest development
in bioplastics, the 4th International Conference on
Bioplastics and their Applications will be held at
the same time as CHINAPLAS 2012. As in 2011,
speakers from the leading bioplastics suppliers
will share their expertise with the audience. The
conference is supported by overseas and Chinese
plastics associations.
This article contains details of a number of
companies exhibiting at Chinaplas 2012. In addition
please see the detailed floor map in the centre of the
magazine. This detachable ‘Show Guide’ will help
you find most of the exhibitors who are showcasing
bioplastics-related products and services. Those
not mentioned here will be covered in the show
review in the next issue. If you visit Chinaplas make
sure to visit the booth of bioplastics MAGAZINE in Hall
N3 (booth N3L37).
Toray
Toray Industries, Inc./Toray Plastics (China) Co. Ltd., are
becoming ‘a leading global company of advanced materials’
by pursuing technological innovation based on chemistry
under the corporate slogan ‘Innovation by Chemistry’. Toray is
focusing on ‘Green Innovation Business’ as the future growth
opportunity. The company aims to contribute to a ‘Sustainable
Low-Carbon Society’ all over the world. At Chinaplas Toray is
exhibiting ‘Green Innovation Products’ and advanced materials
for applications such as photovoltaic, lithium ion batteries,
LED, electric vehicles / hybrid electric vehicles etc. for smart
community and automobile industry use. They display bio-based
polymers, and will propose a solution to the global environmental
issues. For example floor mats made from PLA can be found in a
production model car. These unique fibres are made from PLA/
Nylon polymer-alloy improving abrasion quality. In addition Toray
has been developing new polymer particles and succeeded in
fabricating such a
micro-particulate
PLA.
www.toray.com
N3H41
Shenzhen Ecomann
Shenzhen Ecomann Biotechnology Co. LTD., is a high-tech
enterprise that is engaged in R&D, manufacturing, and sales of
PHA and PHA based bio-resins with a current annual capacity
of 5,000 tonnes and new capacity of 75,000 tonnes in 2 years.
Ecomann’s PHA is EN13432 and OK Compost Home
certified and its PHA based bio-resins are available for various
applications such as film, sheet, injection moulding and
thermoforming.
At Chinaplas 2012, Ecomann will not only display PHA
based bio-resins and finished products, but also present
its development in employing PHA to improve physical and
chemical properties of other bio-based polymers.
www.ecomann.com N3L17
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

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Fukutomi
FUKUTOMI CO. LTD., has developed a wide range of eco-friendly PLA
products. These include PLA cutlery and food packaging which greatly
reduce landfill waste. They are 100% non-toxic and certified to international
food safety standards. Custom designs are available.
PLA golf tees do not need to be picked up when broken. PLA golf tees
are more durable than traditional wooden ones. Fukutomi offers tees with
customised logo printing. Flower pots made of PLA can be buried with plant
seedlings, it is not necessary to remove them from the ground. They offer
excellent ventilation with smooth finishing.
Fukutomi furthermore offers PLA Pellets made from PLA production
scrap. These are suitable for various manufacturing industries and are
available in different levels of toughness, transparency and heat resistance
www.fukutomi.com
N3P01
Wuhan Huali
Wuhan Huali Environment Technology Co. LTD., will present ‘ECO-KEEP’
products at the 2012 Chinaplas Exhibition. Eco-keep is the Wuhan Huali
brand of disposable housewares and these items are made from PSM ®
bioplastics, which use plant starch and other renewable sources as their
main components, manufactured by polymer modification and plasticization.
At the end of 2010 the first generation of ‘Eco-Keep’ products arrived on
the supermarket shelves of the Hubei Province in China. Shortly after their
launch these eco-friendly household goods gained a high level of praise
from consumers. In June of 2011 ‘Eco-keep’ successfully enter into the
procurement system of more than 400 Wal-Mart supermarket stores in
China and by 2012, ‘Eco-keep’ will be successfully launched in 2000+ stores
in China, including Wal-mart and Carrefour, upgrading the product lines to
16 categories and nearly 100 SKU’s.
www.psm.com.cn
N3M31
Kingfa
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co. Ltd., the
largest modified plastics manufacturer
in China, owns five manufacturing
facilities in that country (Guangzhou,
Shanghai, Mianyang, Tianjin and
Zhuhai) with an annual production
capacity over 1,000,000 tonnes of
modified plastics.
ECOPOND ® biodegradable plastics
has become a world leader with
independent intellectual property
rights. Based on a strong technical
background, perfect quality control
and a global sales network, Kingfa is
expanding the Ecopond biodegradable
plastics product range and
applications.
For strategic development Kingfa
built a new manufacturing plant for
Ecopond products with an annual
capacity of 30,000 tonnes. Ecopond
fully biodegradable plastics (FLEX-
162, FLEX-262 and FLEX-64D) comply
with all the biodegradability standards
including EN 13432, ASTM D6400 and
AS 4736 (Australia). Products are ideal
for 100% biodegradable shopping
bags, trash bags, mulching films, food
containers, office supplies and toys,
etc.
www.kingfa.com.cn N3L31
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 29

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Xinfu
Zhejiang Hangzhou Xinfu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is, among other things, a global leading manufacturer of vitamin B5. In
addition XINFU specializes in the field of biochemicals, fine chemicals and Eco-Materials.
Biocosafe is a type of biodegradable macromolecular polymer synthesized from diacid and diols by a direct process
of condensation polymerization catalyzed by a highly effective non-toxic catalyzer that is developed by XINFU. It is certified
compostable as to EN13432 and ASTM D6400.
The Biocosafe resin series includes Biocosafe 1803 (PBSA), Biocosafe 1903 (PBS) and Biocosafe 2003 (PBAT), which can
satisfy the different processing requirements of injection moulding, extrusion, blown film, fibre, bristle, straw and tube. Xinfu
also have a research team to develop resin modification and product applications.
XINFU is seeking opportunities to cooperate with different partner in order to develop biodegradable plastic market.
www.xinfupharm.com N3K03
Fukan Plastics*
Shanghai Fukun New Material Science & Technology Co. Ltd.,
presents AddiFlex oxo-biodegradable plastic additive as a viable,
practical and easy to use solution for the present plastic littering
situation in China. It was developed in Europe and the USA over
the last 15 years.
The picture demonstrates a real life test indicating oxidative
degradation of an HDPE polymer carrier bag within 6 weeks in
outdoor weather conditions similar to those in China, i.e. general
weather conditions between 18°C and max 40°C, sunlight and rain.
The results have been backed by a parallel test in Germany under
weather conditions between 5°C and max 28°C, sunlight and rain.
• The first stage of the degradation process leads to
macromolecular chain breakdown due to the decomposition of
peroxides which drives the auto-accelerating oxidation of the
polymer, and it is this decomposition which is accelerated by
the transition metal catalysis. Oxidation, technically known as
degradation, as per ASTM D6954
• The second stage, known as the biodegradation stage, is when
the material from stage one is metabolized by microorganisms
resulting in biomass, water and carbon dioxide.
www.fukan-cn.com N3S51
WinGram
WinGram Industrial, a Hong Kong based
company specialized in cellulose acetate (CA)
material, started with traditional CA 15 years
ago. WinGram is a major CA material supplier to
most of the spectacle frame makers in China who
produce European and US high quality branded
frames. Two years ago they started developing
biodegradable CA and successfully formulated
their own 100% biodegradable polymer material
which was recently certified to ISO14855.
After the biodegradable material launch not only
do the spectacle frame makers now ask for the
material to build up their own Eco line, but also
toy manufacturers started to test the material. An
important advantage of working with WinGram
CA material is that there is no need to modify or
alter existing tooling or injection machines. The
material passed comprehensive testing, such as
impact, drop and hardening tests. Three grades
are available:
S70 is a 100% biodegradable CA. It is specially
formulated for spectacle frame production and it
is highly transparent if needed. It is suitable for
both injection moulding and sheet extrusion.
S72 is a 100% compostable CA. It is slightly
yellowish but it is good for semi-transparent
injection moulding and sheet extrusion processes
for toys or other plastic products.
S73W: This grade is a hybrid of CA and traditional
plastic, or formulated as 100% compostable
upon-request. Ready for coloring is an injection
moulding grade material for toys or household
products.
The results exceeded the performance seen in
controlled laboratory tests
www.ecoplant.hk N3S39
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

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Hisun
In 2012 Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials Co. Ltd., heatresistant
PLA resin received more and more attention
from manufacturers of branded cutlery. Therefore,
Hisun improved the existing type REVODE213 and
developed a new heat-resistant modified PLA
resin, Revode213S, which is perfectly suitable for
durable heat-resistant tableware. Revode213S has
excellent heat-resistance, higher safety, easier
colour matching and brighter gloss, as well as better
processing and mechanical properties. In terms of
the cost, properties, food contact safety and many
other characteristics, Revode213S performs better
than high-end melamine products in the current
market.
In 2009, Hisun launched a cost-effective modified
PLA resin, Revode213, with a heat-resistance of 90°C,
which overcomes the low heat-resistance problems of
traditional PLA and is better than starch-based products
in processing and mechanical properties. All of these
characteristics were quickly growing in popularity with
the majority of tableware manufacturers. For better
marketing, Hisun established a close cooperation
with some professional green product manufacturers
to focus on 100% biodegradable products such as
disposable knives, forks and spoons. The product
quickly won the international market’s recognition, a
large number of orders from Europe and the United
States pushed the manufacturers’ production capacity
which was expanded several times in one year. At the
same time Hisun also gained additional status through
its heat-resistant PLA in the industrial field.
www.plaweb.com N3L39
* As this preview is based upon an open invitation for
editorial contributions from all exhibitors, it also
contains information about companies presenting
oxo-degradable products. However, we are still
not convinced that these products will completely
biodegrade. Until now, no independent scientific
evidence has been presented to the editor.
NatureWorks
NatureWorks LLC is
a company dedicated
to meeting the world’s
needs today without
compromising the earth’s
ability to meet the needs
of tomorrow. NatureWorks
LLC is the first commercial
scale manufacturer
and global supplier of
polylactide biopolymer,
which markets under
the Ingeo brand name.
Ingeo biopolymers are derived from 100% annually renewable
resources with performance and economics that compete
with oil-based plastics and fibres. By replacing petroleum
with a renewable plant-based feedstock, NatureWorks
production of Ingeo uses significantly less non-renewable
energy, and generates significantly lower CO 2
emissions than
all traditional petroleum-based polymers. The environmental
credentials are backed by a rigorous, peer reviewed, published
eco-profile.
NatureWorks booth at Chinaplas 2012 will present a series
of low-carbon-footprint products, including packaging,
electronics, clothing, housewares, health and personal care,
semi-durable, and the foodservice industry products which
are made from Ingeo biopolymers.
www.natureworksllc.com N3K31
Shenzhen Esun
Founded in 2002, Shenzhen Esun Industrial Co.,Ltd not only
inventively synthesize PLA in China, but also consider PLA
modification as its overriding goal and obtain satisfactory
achievement in PLA alloy.
PLA alloy has excellent biocompatibility, good
mechanical strength, elastic modulus, and thermoforming.
Esun has launched two new PLA alloys: PLA/PBS alloy
Esun 1323A and PLA/POM alloy Esun1604A. These two alloys
contain a high amount of PLA. In line with pure PLA it can be
processed easily on standard injection lines and converting
equipment.
Esun 1323A and Esun 1604A offer good toughness and
impact resistance, shining surface and pigment ability, high
mechanical strength, low shrinkage, can be used many
applications.
Esun PLA meets the requirements of EN13432 and ASTM
D6400.
www.brightcn.net N3M21
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 31

Show Guide
Chinaplas
2012
Booth
Company
N3K17 ACUMEN ENGINEERING PTE LTD 17
N3P09 ADSALE 7
N3K21 BIOGRADE (NANJING) PTY LTD. 29
N3L37 bioplastics MAGAZINE 26
N3L27 CHINA PLASTIC & RUBBER JOURNAL 21
1 2
3
N3M11 FEIXIANG CHEMICAL BINHAI CO., LTD 11
N3S51 FUKAN PLASTICS GMBH 3
N3P01 FUKUTOMI COMPANY LTD. 6
N3M01 JIANGSU CAIHUA PACKAGING GROUP COMPANY 9
N3L31 KINGFA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.2 28
6 8 9
N3K31 NATUREWORKS LLC 30
N1M21 NGAI HING HONG COMPANY LTD. (N1)
N3M07 NING XIA LIVAN BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCT CO., LTD. 8
7
10
11
N3M19 NUVIA TECHNOLOGIES INC. 10
N1F41 POLYONE (N1)
N1E01 RHEINCHEMIE (N1)
N3S57 SHANDONG FUWIN NEW MATERIAL CO. LTD. 1
N3L07 SHANDONG TAIKANG BIODEGR. PACKAGING MATERIALS CO.LTD. 12
19 20
N3L21 SHANGHAI SANCHENG POLYMER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO.LTD 25
N3L17 SHENZHEN ECOMANN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD 14
N3M21 SHENZHEN ESUN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. 20
N3M27 SHENZHEN PLASTIC & RUBBER ASSOCIATION 19
N3S41 SHONAN TRADING CO.LTD. 4
N2 B01 SK CHEMICALS (N2)
N2B01 SK INNOVATION (N2)
N3K11 SUZHOU HANFENG NEW MATERIALS CO.,LTD. 18
N1H41 TEIJIN CHEMICALS LTD. (N1)
N3L01 TIANJIN GREENBIO MATERIALS CO. LTD 13
N3H41 TORAY 24
N3S55 VICTORY PLASTICS PTY LTD. 2
N3L11 WELLS PLASTIC LIMITED 15
N3S39 WINGRAM INDUSTRY CO., LTD 5
N3M31 WUHAN HUALI ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. 23
N3M41 YAT SHUN HONG COMPANY LTD 22
N3K03 ZHEJIANG HANGZHOU XINFU PHARMACEUTICAL CO., LTD. 16
N3L39 ZHEJIANG HISUN BIOMATERIALS CO.,LTD. 27
22
23

On this floor plan you find the majority of
companies offering bioplastics related products
or services, such as resins, compounds, additives,
semi-finished products and much more.
BIOADIMIDE TM IN BIOPLASTICS.
EXPANDING THE PERFORMANCE OF BIO-POLYESTER.
For your convenience, you can take the centerfold
out of the magazine and use it as your personal
‘Show-Guide’ .
4
5
12
13
16
14
15
17
18
Focusing on performance for the plastics industries.
Whatever requirements move your world:
We will move them with you. www.rheinchemie.com
21
25
29
26
bioplastics MAGAZINE
27
28
30
24
Booth E1G41
High Quality Film Production: Efficiency, Productivity, Flexibility
• High uptime, throughput and raw material efficiency
• Fast product changes
• Easy operation and low maintenance
• Reduced manpower and energy consumption
• Excellent film quality
• Processing of bio-based and bio-degradable film
www.brueckner.com
Register now! www.pla-world-congress.com
2 nd PLA World
C o n g r e s s
15 + 16 MAY 2012 * Munich * Germany

Show Preview
PolyOne
reSound Biopolymer Compounds:
Bio-based Compounds for
Durable Applications. PolyOne’s
reSound compounds combine
high performance engineering
thermoplastic resins with bio-derived
polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA)
for a unique balance of temperature,
impact and cost performance, making
them ideal candidates for durable applications across a variety of
industries. Previously, manufacturers of durable goods had little
opportunity to enhance sustainability by integrating biopolymers into
their product design, due to the limited performance properties of
unmodified biopolymers. Customers now have the freedom to design
using reSound biopolymer compounds, a solution that provides
improved performance and significant bio-based content to address
marketplace demand for sustainable solutions.
Tianjin
Tianjin Greenbio Material Co., Ltd. produce
Sogreen PHA products through fermentation
from non-GMO natural sugars and starch and
can supply a wide range of products – PHA
powder and different grades of PHA blended
pellets for blown film, extrusion foaming,
injection molding and fiber drawing. They can
be degraded into carbon dioxide and water by
microorganisms in a variety of environments
including soil, sewage, fresh and marine waters
within 3-6 months. Compared to functionally
equivalent plastic products, they do not cause
any harm to the environment. As derived from
plants rather than from oil, our PHA products
have very low greenhouse gas emissions
throughout their life cycle. Thus, it is truly “from
nature and back to nature”.
www.polyone.com N1F41
www.tjgreenbio.com N3L01
Rhein Chemie
Rhein Chemie’s innovative product line BioAdimide has been
specifically formulated for bioplastics and is poised to widen the
applications of bio-based plastic. It enables the production of
renewable, bio-based polymers for durable applications with a lower
environmental impact.
BioAdimide additives are specially suited to improve the hydrolysis
resistance of bio-based polyester, and to expand its range of
applications. Currently, there are two BioAdimide grades available.
The BioAdimide 100 grade improves the hydrolytic stability up to seven
times that of an unstabilized grade, thereby helping to increase the
service life of the polymer. In addition to providing hydrolytic stability,
BioAdimide 500 XT acts as a chain extender that can increase the melt
viscosity by 20 – 30% compared to an unstabilized grade, allowing
for consistent and easier processing. The two grades can also be
combined, providing both hydrolysis stabilization and improved
processing, for an even broader reach of applications.
Wells Plastics *
Wells Plastics Limited is the developer,
owner and manufacturer of the Reverte oxobiodegradable
technology and trademarks.
Wells supports Reverte with an unrivalled
laboratory facility at which Reverte laboratory
staff conduct a raft of tests on customer specific
finished products ensuring correct addition
levels of Reverte and performance of the
product. Reports are issued for each individual
customer.
Many brand owners have seen the benefits in
using Reverte in a wide range of applications,
from check-out bags through to complex
laminate structures for food packaging. Reverte
has also been used in technical applications
where the degradation profile is critical to
provide a functioning product, such applications
include netting and agricultural films.
In addition to the standard grades of Reverte
Wells will be unveiling a new check-out bag grade
of Reverte, which contains the same additive
package which has achieved ASTM 6954-04 in
polyethylene applications but with a more cost
effective method of delivery, making Reverte even
more competitive and the best all-round solution
for oxo-biodegradability on the marketplace.
www.bioadimide.com N1E01
www.reverteplastics.com N3L11
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Additives
New products for
bio-based polyesters
Rhein Chemie (Mannhein, Germany) was honored by Frost &
Sullivan with the Global New Product Innovation Award 2011
in the Bioplastic Additives Market for its new product line
BioAdimide. This additive has been specifically developed for bioplastics
and is poised to widen the applications of bio-based polyesters.
Additive solutions to
expand the applications
of bio-based polyesters
The new product line under the trade name BioAdimide of
Rhein Chemie’s Engineering Plastics Division enables renewable,
bio-based polymers for durable applications like E&E, automotive
interior, etc.
“The inherent deficiencies of bioplastics, such as poor processing
characteristics and insufficient physical and mechanical properties,
have limited the opportunities for their expansion into advanced
application arenas,“ notes Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst
Deepan Kannan. “However, with the incorporation of BioAdimide
as an additive in the bioplastic formulation, these challenges can
be avoided, facilitating their use in high end applications.“
„We are very pleased that Frost & Sullivan selected us for
this award from many strong competitors. They recognized the
innovation of our new BioAdimide product line which enables the
industry to use bio-based polymers for durable applications with
a lower environmental impact. The increasing use of renewable
bioplastics leads to significant reduction in the carbon footprint,
boosting overall sustainability” emphasized Fei Tan, Head of Global
Business Development, Engineering Plastics Division.
Currently, there are two BioAdimide grades available. The
BioAdimide 100 grade improves the hydrolytic stability up to
seven times of an unstabilized grade, thereby helping to increase
the service life of the polymer. In addition to providing hydrolytic
stability, BioAdimide 500 XT acts as a chain extender that can
increase the melt viscosity 20 to 30 % compared to an unstabilized
grade,making it more stable and easier to process in extrusion,
blow-molding or filament applications.
The two grades can also be combined, providing both hydrolysis
stabilization and improved processing, for an even broader reach
of applications. The new product line opens up the possibility for
bioplastics to expand into previously out of reach durable markets .
Moreover, the addition of BioAdimide offers the ability to
incorporate higher levels of regrind into customer formulations.
The amount of regrind can be increased to a level as high as 40%.
MT
Retained tensile strength [%]
Melt volume rate [cm 3 /10 min]
100
80
60
40
20
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
3,4
0 Unstabilized 1 x
extruded
Hydrolysis stabilization
Testing conditions: 65°C in water
5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Time [days]
Unstabilized
1 x extruded
0.75% BioAdimide 100 +
0.75% BioAdimide 500 XT
Melt volume rate modification
Testing conditions: 200°C / 2.16 kg
4,2
0.5% BioAdimide 100 +
1.0% BioAdimide 500 XT
1.0% BioAdimide 100 +
0.5% BioAdimide 500 XT
4,5 4,6
1.0%
BioAdimide
100
The BioAdimide product line enables the production
of renewable, bio-based polymers for durable
applications with a lower environmental impact
1.5%
BioAdimide
100
www.bioadimide.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 35

Additives Application News
Make PLA
better
Improving Processing
and Properties
By
Connie Lo and Zuzanna Donnelly
Arkema Inc.
King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania, USA
It took over a decade to get to the present day, and scientists
are continually working to improve the processing and
properties of PLA. Two areas of interest include impact
modification to improve toughness of PLA to overcome the
extremely brittle nature of the polymer; and increasing the
melt strength of the molten polymer in order to access applications
such as blown film and foaming which require a high
degree of melt strength and melt elasticity.
Toughening of PLA
PLA is a brittle polymer compared to many traditional
petroleum-based plastics. However, with the addition of core
shell impact modifiers, these modifiers can dramatically
increase the impact toughness of PLA by as much as several
orders of magnitude. Core shell impact modifiers have
been observed to impart the highest degree of toughening
in PLA. These modifiers mitigate cracking and chipping
problems during processes such as thermoforming as well
as improving the performance of the finished article. Impact
toughening becomes increasingly critical for durable goods
applications that require higher impact strength and good
low temperature impact. The decrease in tensile and flexural
modulus is proportional to the amount of modifier added and
can decrease the stiffness of PLA in applications such as
blown film.
4000
Flexural Modulus
Modulus [MPa]
3000
2000
1000
0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
wt % Impact Modifier
12
Gardner Impact (1mm (40 mil) molded disk)
10
Figure 2: 1 mm (40 mil) thick injection molded PLA
disk without impact modifier (right) and with 5%
rubber based core shell impact modifier (left).
Impact [J]
8
6
4
2
0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
wt % Impact Modifier
Figure 1. Mechanical properties of PLA
core-shell impact modifier
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Additives
Improving Melt Processing
Another area of interest for PLA modification is increasing
the melt strength of the polymer. PLA has very low melt
strength resulting in difficulties in processing the polymer
with techniques such as blown film, deep draw thermoforming
or foaming which rely on large draw down ratios or rapid
controlled expansion of the melt. Melt strength of PLA can
be improved by the addition of small amounts of linear high
molecular weight acrylic copolymers. These copolymers are
highly miscible with PLA resulting in a blend that is optically
transparent. In this manner the melt strength of the blend
can be increased by 50-100% over the neat PLA. Figure 2B
qualitatively illustrates the effect of addition of acrylic melt
strengthener on the PLA melt. The melt containing additive
is noticeably stiffer and holds its shape better than the neat
PLA.
The melt strength of PLA decreases with decreasing PLA
molecular weight. As with other condensation polymers,
PLA is subject to degradation through hydrolysis when
melt processed in the presence of moisture. Thus drying of
PLA pellets as well as PLA regrind scrap is required prior
to processing. When drying equipment is not available,
the use of melt strengthening additives has been shown to
compensate for losses in melt strength due to hydrolysis as
illustrated in Figure 3 below. Thus the addition of 4% of an
acrylic melt strengthener can improve the melt strength of
PLA that has been processed without drying to levels above
the virgin resin.
Future Trends
Bioplastics only contribute to 1% of the plastics used in
the world today. However, its range of applications is rapidly
growing and developing as processors look towards using
bioplastic in areas traditionally dominated by petroleum
based resins. In addition to the additives presented here,
much work is being devoted to addressing the issues of the
low heat distortion temperature of PLA and increasing the
rate of crystallization of PLA from the melt. There are also
trends towards making blends of PLA with starch and other
degradable bioplastics for completely biodegradable articles.
On the other end of the spectrum, manufacturers are looking
to blend PLA with thermoplastics such as polycarbonate or
PMMA for making durable goods with an increased biobased
content. With the current push towards sustainability
coupled with the steadily increasing global PLA production
capacity the applications and innovations around PLA will
undoubtedly grow in the coming years.
Force [N]
Force [N]
Rheotens Analysis of PLA
0.18
0.16
neat PLA
PLA with 2% additive
0.14 PLA with 4% additive
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00 0 100 200 300 400
Pull-Off speed [mm/s]
Figure 2 A) PLA strands analyzed on a Rheotens apparatus
with and without acrylic copolymer.
Figure 2 B) PLA without additive (left) and with 4% melt
strengthener (right)
0.20
0.18
undried PLA processed with 4% additive
Unprocessed PLA
0.16 PLA processed without drying
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00 0 100 200 300
Pull-Off speed [mm/s]
Figure 3. Rheotens data showing effect of acrylic melt
strengthening additive on PLA processed without drying
www.arkema-inc.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 37

Additives
Fig.1: Biocoustic Module (Photo: nimbus group)
Biocoustic
room
divider
Flame retardant
PLA for interior use
By:
Carmen Köhler
Institute of Building Structures
and Structural Design
University of Stuttgart
The prototype Biocoustic Module originated within the scope of
a joint research project covering “clear lightweight construction
panels from renewable raw materials as space divider
elements with acoustic function” being run by the company Nimbus
Group, Stuttgart, Germany together with the Institute of Building
Structures and Structural Design of the University of Stuttgart. The
translucent module should be able to be used as a room divider in
office blocks or public buildings. To allow the use of polylactic acid
(PLA) in interiors, it was modified to give the desired behaviour in
case of fire, and improved thermal stability.
Background
As part of an increasingly intense debate about sustainable
construction and resource scarcity, there is a growing demand
for materials that are resource-efficient, aesthetic and versatile.
In new buildings an increasingly large amount of acoustically
hard materials such as concrete walls, smooth floors and large
windows is used. Hence sound cannot be sufficiently absorbed.
The reverberation time increases dramatically. From practical
experience comes the desire for an easily movable or convertible
room divider, which maintains the visual open appearance and
transparency, but which is also in a position to enable an acoustically
pleasant environment.
The aim of the project, which was funded by DBU (Deutsche
Bundesstiftung Umwelt – a German government environmental
agency ), was to develop a transparent or translucent acoustic board
which has a high ratio of renewable resources in its construction
and which can be used as a flexible space divider, either as a
movable wall or as a component of space-in-space systems. An
injection moulded module was developed, which is based on two
half-shells that can be joined together.
The perforated surface layers, the edges of the module and
connector systems are manufactured using the injection moulding
process. The micro-perforation is required for realizing an
acoustically effective space planning while maintaining the visual
transparency.
Material requirement
The translucent acoustic module should be offered at a competitive
price for the market. With a view to resource protection a very high
proportion of components made from renewable resources is
important. Therefore, the decision was made to use the biobased
plastic PLA. In terms of fire behaviour the classification UL94-V0
was desired. A heat distortion temperature of 70 degree centigrade
should be able to be achieved. After modification, the PLA must still
have a low viscosity, because the melted polymer must flow around
the numerous steel pins in the tool. In addition to the performance
improvement, a certain translucency of the PLA compound should
be achieved.
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Additives
Modifications and results
The flame retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPP) was chosen,
because it does not affect light transmission (Fig. 6 upper right).
TPP is a fish toxin. It is also used as a plasticizer for cellulose
acetate polymers. The experiments have shown that addition of
only 7-8 % by weight is sufficient.
In fire tests in line with the U.S. standard UL 94-V, the modified
material always extinguished by itself within 1-3 seconds after
removing the flame. Non-burning droplets emerged during
the second flaming. Cotton, at a standardised distance to the
specimen, did not ignite (Fig. 4).
Fig.2: An example of the application of the
Biocoustic Module ©Nimbus Group
The softening effect of TPP lowers the softening point and thus
the heat distortion temperature (Fig. 5+6) at 45-46°C. To enhance
this, a nucleating agent in form of a masterbatch was added to
the compound. During injection moulding the cavity temperature
was increased and the cooling times were varied. The cooling
time begins with the volumetric filling of the mould, and ends
with the opening of the mould. The heat deflection temperature
(HDT-B) increases with increasing cooling time. In experiments
at a mould temperature of 100°C and a cooling time of 3 minutes
a PLA compound of 7 % by wt. TPP and 3 % by wt. nucleating
agents the HDT-B values were obtained that indicated an average
increase of 59.7°C.
If the cooling time is extended by one minute, the HDT-B
improves again by 20°C (average). The individual values fluctuate
strongly, since the crystallization is not completed. A subsequent
tempering to minimize these fluctuations increases the HDT-B
additionally (Fig. 5 t3)
A variant would be the production of the mouldings with the
usual mould temperature for PLA of 25°C and a conventional
cooling time. Five minutes of tempering at 100°C led to an
average HDT-B of 73.5 degrees. To control any tendency to
warp, expensive clamping tools must be built. The shrinkage
Fig. 3: Samples of different
materials after flammability test
burning time after each flame
impingement
total flaming/combustion time
(10 experiments)
burn-off until burning clamp
after flame - and annealing time after
the 2nd flame impingement
t 1 t 2 t 3 t 4 t 5
Cellulose acetate
+ 15wt% TPP
+ other
PLA
> 40s, fire was
extinguished
fire was extinguished
before reaching
the burning clamp
> 30s, fire was
extinguished
PLA PLA + 3wt%
+ 7wt% TPP potassium-diphenylsulfone-sulfonate
+ other
+ 3wt% Nanoclay + other
> 35s, fire was extinguished 1 to 3s > 35s, fire was extinguished > 30s
fire was extinguished
before reaching
the burning clamp
PLA + 7wt% TPP
+ 2wt% Nanoclay
+ other
11 to 25s > 300-320s
no
Fig. 4: results of the flammability test (UL 94-V)
yes. In other experiments
fire was extinguished before
reaching the burning clamp
> 30s, fire was extinguished 1 to 3s > 35s, fire was extinguished > 40s
combustion of the cotton yes yes no yes yes
Flammability class UL94 V2 V2 V0 V2 V2
transparency before burning yes yes yes no no
proportion of renewable resources [%] ~ 60 ~ 100 ~ 92,5 ~ 93 ~ 90
no
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 39

Fig. 6. Various degrees of transparency of the panels and their
thermal stability (HDT-B), depending on the formulation and
production parameters
of the material during the post-mould treatment should
be considered during the mould design. The aim was to
get a good HDT-B and a high degree of transparency. The
yellowness index of the PLA was neutralized with an optical
brightener for polylactide. Depending on the dosage of
additives, the bioplastic compound consists of 92.5 % by wt.
of renewable raw materials
Outlook
The necessary longer cycle time of 180 to 240 seconds,
instead of about 20-30 seconds, reduces production
capacity per day. This leads to a high cost per piece. This
aspect leads to the conclusion that this PLA compound
could be mainly used in the higher priced design sector.
The further goal is to minimize the cycle time for each halfshell
and to improve the transparency.
www.itke.uni-stuttgart.de
www.nimbus-group.com
test compound processing and curing HDT-B [°C]
t1 PLA (without additives) CT 25°C; cooling time regular 51,7
t2 PLA + nucleating agent CT 25°C; cooling time regular 51,9
CT 25°C; cooling time regular 45,6
CT 100°C; cooling time 3min 64,9
CT 100°C; cooling time 4min 65,3
PLA + TPP (8wt%) CT 25°C; cooling time regular; 73,5
t3 + nucleating agent (4wt%) temper 5min at 100°C
+ brightener
CT 25°C; cooling time regular; 97,3
temper 180min at 100°C
CT 100°C; cooling time 4min; 112,5
temper 480min at 100°C
PLA + TPP (7wt%) CT 100°C; cooling time 3min 59,7
t4 + nucleating agent (3wt%)
+ brightener
CT 100°C; cooling time 4min 79,9
cavitiy temperature (CT)
parameter HDT-B:
ramp: 120.00 °C/h start temperature: 26°C
preheat time: 300s workload: 0.450 MPa
Fig.5. HDT-B subject to processing method and curing
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Additives
By
Michael Wagner
Deifel Buntfarbenfabrik
Schweinfurt, Germany
Colour-differences of conventional HDPE
to PLA, PLA blend and PBS, that were each
pigmented with the same yellow, red, green
and blue masterbatch, with the first column
showing the natural colour of each plastic.
In this colouring test the maximum pigment
level allowed (regarding the heavy-metal
content as per EN 13432), was used in order
to show the optimum colouring effect.
HDPE
PLA
Colorants for
bioplastics
PLA-Blend
PBS
Today many biobased and/or biodegradable/compostable
plastics are required to be coloured. In order to fulfil,
for instance, the compostability standards (such as EN
13432 or ASTM D6400), some specific technical know-how is
essential with regard to pigment composition and the quantity
required for a specific task.
Whereas dispersing agents or other processing aids could
be chosen on a natural basis (e.g. wax, oil, etc.), for pigments
and other dyestuffs it is quite different: bio-based and
biodegradable colorants of herbal origin (e.g. indigo) do not
withstand the high processing temperature of thermo(bio-)
plastics, hence no ecological alternatives for conventional
colorants are available. Therefore a certain percentage of
non-biodegradable components has to be tolerated: for
instance according to EN 13432 a maximum of five different
alien (i.e. non-biodegradable) components is allowed, with
each not exceeding one percent in the end-product.
Of course, besides quantity, the quality of colorants is also
of decisive importance. Only pigments and other dyes, which
are recommended for the colouring of bioplastics, should be
used. A decisive restriction is, for instance, the heavy-metal
content, which excludes a large number of colorants and
limits both the possibilities of combination among themselves
(affecting various colour-shades, created by pigment
mixtures), and their percentage as an addition to the desired
bioplastic (affecting the intensity of a colour).
A potential negative influence on compostability, which
may be caused by an unpredictable reaction between single
components, will not be seen before the certification tests.
This is one of the reasons why testing of the end-product is
essential. However, a specific and safe previous choice of
working materials (in this case the colorants) is reasonable
and may be more likely ensure a successful certification to
the norms mentioned above.
Considering this, the company Deifel GmbH & Co. KG in
Schweinfurt, Germany, has tested various bio-plastics and
cooperated with appropriate test laboratories. Even faced with
the stringent requirements in the standards, good prospects
for colorants suitable for bio-compostable plastics have been
developed.
With the product line Dei ® Bio, the colorant producer Deifel
designed colour batches, which are matched exactly to this
special purpose.
The pigment formulation and the masterbatch producer
will competently and consultatively assist all customers in the
plastics processing business, enabling them to realize their
individual goals when it comes to product colour – whether
bio-based or biodegradable/compostable.
Besides prescriptive limits regarding heavy metal content,
the basic and natural colour of a certain bioplastic plays
a major role that has to be considered. The same colorant
may look quite different within various plastics (see photo).
Therefore, when choosing a suitable bioplastic, not only
technical requirements, but also the limits of possible colours
should be in focus.
The transparent appearance of natural PLA allows a high
degree of freedom when considering colours. However, if
there are any technical requirements (e.g. shock-resistance
achieved by using a PLA blend) it is usually necessary to
compromise on the coloration, because of the restrictions
outlined above.
The colour applications laboratory at Deifel is engaged
in this subject and can usually help with the choice of the
appropriate type of bio-plastic. For most biodegradable/
compostable plastics (e.g. PLA, PBS, PHA, …) pigment powder
or masterbatch pellets can be used for colouring.
www.deifel-masterbatch.de
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 41

Additives Application | Masterbatch News
Brighter
hues and
special
effects
New, bright green and
gold pearlescents open
new opportunities
www.clariant.com
Natural
As part of a continuing effort to expand the color and appearance
options available for compostable biopolymers, Clariant Masterbatches,
Muttenz, Switzerland, is adding new brighter colors and
eye-catching special effects to its RENOL ® -compostable product line.
Typical of the new offerings are a brighter, clearer green concentrate
and a gold-pearl special effect that can add sparkle to personal care
packaging.
Until recently, companies developing products from biopolymers had
to make a difficult decision. They could use all-natural masterbatches
and accept that the range of colors and additives available was limited,
expensive and not very stable. Or, they could use conventional pigments
and functional ingredients and compromise on the environmental
friendliness of their product. Clariant’s Renol-compostable range
provides them with a third choice that could lead to increased acceptance
of biopolymers in new markets. Application targets include packaging
and single- or limited-use products like plastic utensils, drink cups and
pens.
Renol-compostable colors and Cesa-compostable additive
masterbatches incorporate conventional (non-natural) additives and
pigments but they have been formulated and independently tested
for compliance with EN 13432:2000 – the widely recognized European
standard for compostable plastic packaing (including heavy-metal
content and plant toxicity). In addition, Clariant has obtained the highly
desirable ‘OK compost’ certification issued by AIB Vinçotte International
(Vilvoorde, Belgium). The products made at Clariant facilities in Italy and
Spain have obtained the Vinçotte approval stamp for the range of new
eco-friendly masterbatches that they manufacture.
The Renol-compostable product line includes masterbatches based
on over 80 different pigments, and new color choices are becoming
available every day. Cesa-compostable additive masterbatches include
UV-stabilizer and antioxidant packages, with more additives currently
pending review.
Renolnature
Renol compostable
Ecotex-tested pigments
Price/
Performance
Renol-BL and BA standard range
of MB for biopolymers
Color
Choice
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Materials
Energy (Biogas)
Fertilizer (Liquid)
Anaerobic
Digester
Bio Fiber (Solid)
Good
for AD
Versatile bioplastic product
enabling increased use of
Anaerobic Digestion
By
Robert Kean
Biodegradable Technologies Manager
Cortec Corporation
St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
Anaerobic Digestion is a well known process by which organic
wastes are decomposed in the absence of oxygen
by anaerobic micro-organisms; often resulting in the
production of significant amounts of methane gas. Anaerobic
Digestion is most commonly used in wastewater and sewage
treatment and in the treatment of animal manure waste. Over
the past decade, there has been a strongly growing interest in
Anaerobic Digestion as sustainable and environmentally friendly
way to process biodegradable wastes and as a means to produce
renewable energy. Anaerobic Digestion compatible waste bags
will enable increased use of this technology.
Anaerobic Digestion Basics
Anaerobic Digestion can be implemented in a wide variety of
configurations. Key variables include: temperature (mesophilic
~20-45˚C, or thermophilic ~49-70˚C), number of chambers/
stages, batch or continuous process, solids content in process
(high solids ‘dry’ at 25-40% solids, high solids ‘wet’ at ~15-25%
solids, or low solids at less than 15% solids), biogas use (burned
on site or purified for sale), feedstock(s), and output streams/
treatments. Like many technologies, Anaerobic Digestion
benefits from economies of scale; but small or medium size
installations can be economically feasible in specific situations.
Anaerobic Digestion systems can be designed for very efficient
land use, for facilities in urban setting. If properly designed
and operated, they produce no harmful emissions and minimal
unpleasant odors.
The outputs of Anaerobic Digestion usually include biogas,
fibrous solid/sludge, and process liquor. The latter two may be
combined in a slurry. The biogas is typically 50-75% methane. It
can be combusted as-is or scrubbed/purified for sale as natural
gas. The biogas typically contains 25-50% carbon dioxide and
small quantities of other gases; including hydrogen sulfide (up to
about 3%, which can be removed by scrubbing). The solid/sludge
can be used in the same way as compost as a soil improver, or
it can be composted after Anaerobic Digestion to increase the
breakdown of lignin and cellulose. The process liquor is typically
nutrient rich and can be used as a fertilizer. However, if liquor
volume is excessive (e.g. with a large low-solids installation),
process liquor may be discharged or re-used following additional
treatment (primarily to remove nutrients and dissolved solids).
Anaerobic Digestion is an excellent technology for treatment
of (and energy recovery from) animal manure and numerous
facilities have been constructed exclusively for this purpose.
However, other biodegradable feedstocks produce significantly
higher biogas yields. Favorable feedstocks include: food waste,
paper, yard waste (grass/leaves), and crop residue. The biogas
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 43

Materials
Waste in thousand tons
80000
70000
60000
50000
40000
30000
20000
10000
0
US Municipal Waste 2010
63%
Paper/
Paperboard
3%
Food Waste
53%
Yard Waste
Recovered | Landfill / Incineration
Data source: US EPA 2010 Municipal Solid Waste Report
Figure 1: Recent historic recovery
of municipal organic waste via recycling
or compost
[1] Yeatman C.: Biogas Experiences and
Ethanol Prospects, Oxford Farming
Conference, 2007, pp. 1-12.
[2] Edelmann W, Baier U, Engeli H.:
Environmental aspects of the
anaerobic digestion of the organic
fraction of municipal solid wastes and
of solid agricultural wastes,
Water Sci Technol. 2005;52(1-2):203-8.
[3] Darby, Debra: Innovation with a Marine
Focus: New Film Products for Marine
and Anaerobic Digestion, bioplastics
MAGAZINE, 05/11, 2006 pp. 32-33
yield can be highly variable based on feedstock and operating
conditions. However, a typical yield for food scraps may be about 265
m 3 /t and almost 1000 m 3 /t for fat and grease. This compares with
biogas yields in the range of about 25 (cow) to about 80 (chicken)
m 3 /t for manure [1]. Grass clippings and yard waste would likely
be in the range of 150-200. Except for materials high in lignin (e.g.
wood waste), most natural organic materials are readily degraded
with Anaerobic Digestion. Somewhat surprisingly, most compostable
bioplastics do not degrade quickly in Anaerobic Digestion, especially
at lower temperatures.
A study [2] using life cycle assessments (LCA) has shown that
Anaerobic Digestion of municipal organic waste is clearly superior to
both composting and incineration. A key contributor to the improved
LCA is the energy recovered with Anaerobic Digestion (as biogas),
compared with the energy input required for turning/aeration of
compost. Incineration also recovers energy, but this benefit is offset
by greater emissions (of CO 2
and other gaseous combustion products)
and the ash waste which may be concentrated in toxic heavy metals.
Most (non-recyclable) municipal organic waste now goes to land fill
or incineration, with minor amounts diverted to home or industrial
composting. Data from the US, for 2010 (Figure 1) show that only about
3% of food waste was recovered (through composting). Recovery of
yard waste was considerably better (at about 57%). In comparison,
about 63% of paper and paper board was recovered through
recycling. Thus, municipal organic waste (especially food waste)
is a large, favorable, and mostly untapped source of raw materials
for Anaerobic Digestion. Implementation of Anaerobic Digestion
would show numerous environmental benefits over current disposal
methods and provide a clean source for renewable energy. Based
on these benefits, many communities are now exploring Anaerobic
Digestion as a preferable option. One concern in many countries is
the collection infrastructure and logistics, including the availability,
cost, and performance of waste bags.
PHA Advantages for Anaerobic Digestion
EcoWorks ® AD, by Cortec Corporation, St. Paul, Minnesota,
USA, first described in a previous issue of this magazine , is ideally
suited for expanding the use of Anaerobic Digestion for disposal of
municipal organic waste. EcoWorks AD is made from Mirel P5001
PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate), which degrades rapidly and completely
in Anaerobic Digestion (demonstrated by ASTM D5511). This means
that debagging of waste is not necessary for feeding of materials into
the Anaerobic Digestion system, and it is compatible with a wide range
of operating conditions (high or low solids, high or low temperature).
EcoWorks AD has good mechanical properties, including high tear
and impact strength (table 1). Unlike some other compostable/
degradable bags (especially paper bags and some starch bioplastic
blends), EcoWorks AD does not become weak or sticky when it gets
wet. EcoWorks AD can be made in a range of sizes and thicknesses,
to accommodate commercial (e.g. large bags for restaurant or food
service waste collection) or residential (e.g. counter top food scrap
bins, yard waste bags) applications.
44 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Materials
Property Test Method Units Typical Value
Caliper ASTM D6988 µm 44.45
Breaking Factor
Tensile Strength
at Break
Elongation
at Break
Yield Strength
Tear Strength
Dart Drop Impact
Resistance
Puncture
Resistance
MD 0.70
ASTM D882-02 kN/m
TD 0.63
MD 15.98
ASTM D882-02 MPa
TD 13.94
MD 594.26
ASTM D882-02 %
TD 567.84
MD 8.85
ASTM D882-02 MPa
CD 11.43
MD 4332.75
ASTM D1922-06a mN
CD 3044.37
ASTM D1709-04,
grams 147.29
Test Method A
MIL-STD-3010,
N 6.65
TM 2065
* Typical properties represent average laboratory values and
are
not intended as specifications but as guides only.
is working with Metabolix to continue development
and production of EcoWorks AD. The product expands
Cortec’s portfolio of bioplastic products while growing
the market for the Mirel brand bioplastic. Cortec is
now manufacturing EcoWorks AD bags and film, along
with the companion brand EcoOcean, at its Advanced
Films division in Cambridge Minnesota, USA. Plans
are underway to also manufacture the product at the
EcoCortec subsidiary in Beli Manaster, Croatia in the
future. EcoWorks AD is targeted to be price competitive
with other compostable bioplastics, yet provides the
superior benefits described above.
www.cortecvci.com
www.mirel.com
Table 1: Typical Properties Eco Works AD
Further environmental benefits of EcoWorks AD
include:
• Suitable for use in home compost. EcoWorks AD will
degrade at the lower temperature (even ambient
temperatures) of home compost bins compared to
commercial compost facilities.
• It will biodegrade in marine (ASTM D7081), soil,
and fresh water environments; reducing long term
effects of inappropriate disposal (litter). Its ability to
biodegrade in marine environments provides coastal
areas with a technological “safety net” for coastal and
marine preservation.
• It contains 77% biobased carbon content (ASTM D6866)
and has been awarded USDA Biopreferred designation
for Waste Bags
• Meets ASTM D6400 standard for compostable plastics.
In municipal composting facilities, EcoWorks AD breaks
down faster than most other compostable bioplastics,
allowing faster composting cycles and/or less ”plastic”
residue visible in the compost product.
Shaping the
future of
biobased plastics
The combination of mechanical and degradation
properties of EcoWorks AD create the opportunity for a
more environmentally friendly plastic shopping bag. If
provided by retailers, consumers would use the bag to
transport their merchandise home. Then the bag could
be used to collect home waste for disposal via Anaerobic
Digestion, home composting, or collection for municipal
composting.
EcoWorks AD represents a collaborative development
between Cortec and Telles. With the recent termination
of the Telles joint venture, the ownership of the Mirel
brand and technology has reverted to Metabolix. Cortec
www.purac.com/bioplastics
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 45

Report Application News
Meta-analysis of 30 LCAs
Bio-based plastics convince with high
climate protection potential and low use
of fossil resources
By
Roland Essel
Environmental Scientist
nova-Institut
Hürth, Germany
and Michael Carus
Managing Director
nova-Institut
Hürth, Germany
The full study “Meta-analysis of life cycle
assessments for bio-based polymers in the
production of Proganic” (in German language
only) can be downloaded free of charge at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/201202
A
meta-analysis of 30 life-cycle assessments by the nova-Institute
for innovation and ecology on behalf of the Proganic company
shows unambiguously positive results for the widespread biobased
plastics PLA and PHA/PHB.
Since bio-based plastics have increasingly established themselves
and have been showing double-digit growth rates, there is a growing
public discussion regarding whether these new plastics, that are based
on biomass instead of mineral oil, really do, or do not, have ecological
advantages. The Proganic GmbH & Co. KG company from Rain am Lech,
Germany, which exclusively relies on bio-based plastics and has already
managed to place different product lines such as garden and household
goods on the market, wanted to figure it out exactly and entrusted
the nova-Institut, Hürth, Germany, with conducting a comprehensive
meta-analysis of PLA and PHA/PHB, thus answering the question of
ecological assessment based on the latest state of scientific knowledge.
Oliver Schmid, managing director of Proganic commented: “More and
more customers are interested in bio-based solutions, but only in those
that have distinct ecological advantages. We owe it to our customers to
generate reliable data and make these available to them.”
The Proganic ® material used by Proganic mainly consists of the biobased
polymers PLA and PHB, therefore in the Meta-LCA the nova-
Institut looked at PLA and PHA materials.
The result of the meta-analysis of 30 life cycle
assessments of PLA and PHA/PHB
The production of the bio-based polymers PLA and PHA/PHB provides
ecological advantages compared with the production of petrochemical
plastics. The emission of greenhouse gases and also the use of fossil
raw materials are definitely diminished. Therefore the substitution of
petrochemical plastics with bio-based plastics yields positive impacts
in the categories of climate change and depletion of fossil resources –
two criteria that are playing a major role in current political and public
discussion. Michael Carus, co-author and managing director of the
nova-Institut, did express his surprise. “After the excited public debates
of recent months we hadn’t expected such a clear result, the more so as
bio-based plastics are still at the beginning of their development. So the
meta-analysis not only shows the advantages already existing today, but
also the substantial ecological potential as a result of further process
optimisations.”
46 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Report
Figure 1 shows three ellipses, separated from each
other, that represent the clusters of results. The ellipse
on the upper right, which contains data based on
using fossil resources of more than 70 megajoules per
kilogram of plastics and greenhouse gas emissions of
partly clearly more than three kilograms CO 2
equivalent
per kilogram of plastics, correlates with petrochemical
plastics. The other two ellipses illustrate the results of
the bio-based plastics PLA and PHA/PHB, the data of
which for the use of fossil resources are lower than 70
megajoules per kilogram of plastics. At the same time
the greenhouse gas emissions of bio-based plastics
amount to clearly less than three kilograms of CO 2
equivalents per kilogram of plastics. The ellipse of
the PHA/PHB material exhibits a considerably wider
spread of results than the ellipse of PLA.
Figure 2 shows that the production of bio-based
polymers, in comparison to all petrochemical plastics
examined, leads to savings in fossil resources. The
biggest savings potential can be found in comparison
with polycarbonate (PC). The average savings potential
in the production of PLA amounts to 56 ± 13 megajoules
per kilogram of plastics here. The average savings
potential in the production of PHA compared with
PC amounts to 65 ± 25 megajoules per kilogram of
plastics. But also in comparison with PP, HDPE, LDPE,
PET and PS, average savings amounting to between 20
and 40 megajoules per kilogram of plastics are to be
expected.
Figure 3 shows that the production of bio-based
polymers in comparison with the production of
petrochemical plastics in most cases also leads
to greenhouse gas emission savings. The biggest
greenhouse gas emission savings can be found again
when comparing bio-based polymers to polycarbonate
(PC). For PLA, the average savings potential in this
case amounts to 4.7 ± 1.5 kilograms of CO 2
equivalents
per kilogram of plastics. For PHA, the average savings
potential in this case amounts to 5.8 ± 2.7 kilograms of
CO 2
equivalents per kilogram of plastics. In comparison
with PET and Polystyrene (PS), considerable savings
potentials ranging between 2.5 and 4.2 kilograms of
CO 2
equivalents per kilogram of plastics are to be found
in the production of bio-based polymers. The lowest
savings potential are to be found when comparing biobased
polymers with polypropylene (PP).
Greenhouse gas emissions in kg CO 2
eq./kg
10
8
6
4
2
0
-2
-4
PLA
Petroleum based
polymers
(PP, HDPE, LDPE,
PET, PS, PC)
20 40 60 80 100 120
PHA
Depletion of fossil resources in MJ/kg
Figure 1: Comparison of the environmental impacts of
different polymers and Proganic in the impact categories of
climate change and fossil resource depletion
Savings of fossil resources in MJ/kg
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
PLA
PHA
0 Bio-based
vs. PP
Bio-based
vs. HDPE
Bio-based
vs. LDPE
Bio-based
vs. PET
Bio-based
vs. PS
Bio-based
vs. PC
Figure 2: Savings of fossil resources by the production of bio-based
polymers in comparison with the production of petrochemical polymers
Savings of greenhouse gas emissions
in kg CO 2
eq./kg
Proganic
9
PLA
8
PHA
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
-1 Bio-based
vs. PP
Bio-based
vs. HDPE
Bio-based
vs. LDPE
Bio-based
vs. PET
Bio-based
vs. PS
Bio-based
vs. PC
Figure 3: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions due to the
production of bio-based polymers in comparison with the production
of petrochemical polymers
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 47

Report
Results for Proganic
What do these results mean for the Proganic compound? For this, the nova-
Institut has carried out a simple model calculation, to be able to estimate the
environmental impact of Proganic in the different categories mentioned. The
Proganic material consists of PLA, PHB, minerals and carnauba wax. The
greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil resources in the production
of Proganic are significantly determined by the components PLA and PHB. For
the model calculation, in both impact categories the data of NatureWorks LLC
and Metabolix Inc were used. For the minerals, a greenhouse potential of 75
kilograms CO 2
equivalents per kilogram of mineral is assumed. From carnauba
wax, having the lowest mass fraction, no relevant influence is to be expected.
Furthermore the compounding and transport processes were included in the
calculation.
The result: Calculating the greenhouse potential of Proganic yielded an amount
of 0.5 kilograms of CO 2
equivalent per kilogram of that bio-based material. The
use of fossil resources was calculated at 27 megajoules per kilogram of Proganic.
This means that if the production of PLA and PHB, in comparison with the
production of petrochemical plastics, leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions
and a lower use of fossil resources, this is also to be expected for Proganic itself,
according to our calculations. Figure 1 shows can see the respective values
marked with the asterisk.
Further results of the Meta-analysis
Compared with bio-based plastics, petrochemical plastics have already come a
long way in their development. For this reason one can assume that the learning
curve for an efficient production of bio-based polymers in the coming years will
rise to the same degree as the bio-plastics market is expected to grow.
Along with that, the need for research increases, particularly the need
for advanced methods for assessing the environmental impact of bio-based
polymers. In addition to the development of standards for taking into account the
temporary storage of carbon in bio-based products, there is a lack of knowledge
with regard to the impact of indirect changes in land use as well as the carbon
dynamics on agricultural land. Sensitivity analyses and dynamic models can
make a positive contribution to advancing the existing methods.
The results of the meta-analysis show that the environmental impact of biobased
polymers also depends on the relevant renewable resource basis. The
question of which renewable resources cause the lowest environmental impact,
however, cannot be conclusively answered due to the inadequate data base.
But in general one can say that the use of by-products does improve the area
efficiency of renewable resources and thus the life cycle assessment of biobased
polymers. Here the use of agricultural by-products (e.g. corn straw, sugar
cane bagasse, etc.) for the generation of process energy (heat, power) improves
the life cycle assessment as well as their utilisation as an additional source of
raw material (2nd generation biopolymers).
www.bio-based.eu/ecology
www.nova-institut.eu
www.proganic.de
48 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Methodology for the ecological
assessment of bio-based and
petrochemical plastics
The life cycle assessment (LCA) method is used
to analyse the ecological impacts of a production
system; it is internationally standardised (ISO
14040). A meta-analysis of different life cycle
assessments for bio-based polymers such as PLA
and PHA, in contrast to looking at only one single
life cycle assessment, makes it possible to give an
overall view of the ecological ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of
the use of PLA and PHA in comparison with the use
of polypropylene and other petrochemical based
plastics.
A meta-analysis is a statistical method to
define similarities and differences in the results
of different studies and to analyse the reasons
for their respective nature and extent. Due to the
particular importance of the topics on the use of
fossil resources and climate protection in the public
debate, the content focus of the meta-analysis is
restricted to two categories of ecological impacts.
Here the use of fossil resources is understood to
include all fossil resources that are materially or
energetically used for the production of the plastics
(in MJ/kg). The greenhouse potential, expressed as
CO 2
equivalents per kilogram of plastics, serves as
an indicator for climate protection.
The studies looked at are so-called ‘cradle to
gate’ analyses, i.e. the environmental impacts
looked at are analysed from the cradle (i.e. the
cultivation of renewable resources) to the factory
gate (i.e. preparation of plastic resin). So all
subsequent phases of the product life cycle, such
as the utilisation phase or the disposal phase,
remain unconsidered in most of the studies.
In the meta-analysis conducted, more than
30 studies on the ecological assessment of the
production (material and energy flows, preliminary
products) of polylactides (PLA) and polyhydroxy
fatty acids (PHA/PHB) were examined, evaluated
and their results compared with one another.
That makes it possible to generalise statements
and to draw reliable conclusions with regard to
the strengths and weaknesses of the production
systems analysed.
The impact categories looked at in the metaanalysis
are the use of fossil resources and climate
change. When looking at further impact categories,
ecological drawbacks may also be revealed in the
production of bio-based polymers – as is inevitable
with any kind of industrial use of biomass, and
already seen in the agricultural cultivation of
renewable resources.
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 49

Basics
Basics of the 14 C method
How to use radiocarbon dating to
determine the biobased carbon content
By
Ann-Sophie Kitzler
Hans-Josef Endres
Andreas Schettler
all University of Applied
Sciences and Arts Hanover
(Institute for Bioplastics
and Biocomposites)
and Michael Nelles
University of Rostock,
Department of Waste
Management and Material Flow
This article is an excerpt of a longer
version which is available for download at
www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/201202
Carbon exists in nature in the form of three isotopes – carbon 12
( 12 C), carbon 13 ( 13 C) and carbon 14 ( 14 C) – which are present in
the atmosphere in various proportions. 12 C, at just about 99%,
represents the majority, whilst 13 C at something in excess of 1% is the
second largest proportion. A 14 C atom, statistically speaking, occurs
only in trace amounts as about 1 part per trillion of the carbon in the
atmosphere, yet is the key to radiocarbon dating [1].
14
C occurs in the upper atmosphere (lower stratosphere and
upper troposphere). Cosmic radiation impacts on the atoms in the
atmosphere and via a splintering (spallation) reaction liberates
neutrons. In a further process such neutrons react with nitrogen
( 14 N) and lead to a nuclear reaction. Here a proton breaks away and a
14
C atom is produced. After it has been formed, this atom, like other
carbon isotopes, combines with the oxygen in the air and forms
carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is distributed in the atmosphere
and by photosynthesis finds its way into the biosphere. It is absorbed
by plants and forms part of the food chain [1].
14
C, unlike 12 C and 13 C, is very unstable and is subject to radioactive
break-up which produces low level Beta radiation. This reaction is
the origin of the name “radiocarbon dating” and there are various
research procedures that depend on this process [1].
The half-life of 14 C, according to Willard Frank Libby, is around
5568 years (± 30) [2]. By the constant exchange of carbons from the
atmosphere and the biosphere (plants and animals on the earth) we
can assume a constant balance between the three isotopes, which
is in line with that natural balance described above. This means that
even in the so-called renewable resources the maximum possible
14
C content from the atmosphere is to be found. This content level
decreases at a precise rate when the exchange of carbons due to
a breakdown in biological activity occurs, i.e. when the metabolic
process can no longer be followed, and the organism dies. The
reduction in 14 C, always in line with the half-life given above, is no
longer compensated by new 14 C formed in the atmosphere. Thus
there is a change in the natural ratio of 12 C to 14 C [1, 3], within the
biomass integrated in a no longer living metabolism.
This means that in fossil materials such as coal, petroleum, or
natural gas, 14 C is no longer contained because the material has
been dead for a very long period of time. Thus the changes that have
taken place in their natural condition allow conclusions to be drawn
regarding the age of materials.
50 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Cosmic Ray
Proton
Basics
14
N + n → 14 C + p
7 6
Spallation
Products
Thermal
Neutron
14
C
Oxidation
14
CO 2
Photosynthesis
Disolved CO 2
Carbonates
Bicarbonates
Fig. 1: Graphic representation of the formation, distribution
and breakdown of natural 14C, modified [2]
Description of the method
Before any analysis can take place the sample has to be
prepared. In the case of radiocarbon dating the sample is
oxidised to form carbon dioxide by heating to a very high
temperature. The resultant CO 2
can now be further converted
to suit the appropriate analysis method (for example into
benzol), and for a method using mass spectrometry it can
be reduced to pure carbon or fed directly to the Counter for
analysis [3, 4].
Depending on the carbon content and the size of the
sample there are two different methods specified by the
standard for radiocarbon dating. The 14 C content can be
determined by counting the decomposing 14 C atoms in the
Counter (Liquid Scintillation-Counter (LSC)) in line with Libby
or (preferred) the still available 14 C atoms (Accelerator Mass
Spectrometry (AMS). In the following we briefly describe the
mass spectroscopy method.
About 0.5 - 0.7 grams of the test material is heated in a
quartz sample vessel at 900°C for at least 2 hours. After
cleaning the pure CO 2
gas this is liquefied under cryogenic
conditions (i.e. by liquid nitrogen at very low temperature)
and fed, in a liquid state, into an AMS sample vessel.
The isotope ratios of 14 C/ 12 C and 13 C/ 12 C are calculated
relative to a standard substance [4]. Here a figure of 0 pmC
14
C (pmC = percent modern carbon), means that the sample
is a fossil carbon source whilst the reading of 100 pmC 14 C
points to the sample being a modern carbon source [4].
All of the chemicals required to purify the combustion
gas, as well as the precise method and interim steps, can be
found under the applicable standard (ASTM-D6866)
Examples of the application of 14 C analysis
Even though radiocarbon dating has its origins in
determining the age of archaeological specimens
(radioactive age determination) and thus is used for dating
organic articles, it has now found applications in some
very different fields of research. It can be used to identify
works of art and fakes, or in the testing of foodstuffs, for
example to differentiate synthetic, chemically identical,
but not natural foods (such as aromas and fragrances,
alcohols or carbon dioxide in sparkling wines and mousses.
It is also used for research and determination of the unique
fingerprint of biobased raw materials in industrial products
such as lubricants, cosmetics and plastics [2, 3]. Whilst
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 51

Basics
BIOBASED >
- 85 %
- 50 %
BIOBASED 50
BIOBASED 20
85 %
Fig. 3: The DIN
CERTCO quality
logo for biobased
products [6]
when investigating lubricants an exact definition of mineral (fossil) and
biogenic lubricants can be achieved, with cosmetics the differentiation
between mineral and biological ingredients is often difficult. In all cases,
by analysing the 14 C content, conclusions can be drawn about the actual
level of renewable (i.e. biological) ingredients. The determination of the
level of biogenic materials in bioplastics is also based on analysis of the
biogenic carbon level.
A common method here is as in the ASTM-D6866 standard [4], which
is based on the same principle as radiocarbon dating without attempting
to identify the age of the specimen and using the method aimed at
measuring the biobased content of the materials [4] . In addition to the
redrafting of the German packaging ordinance, which since 2005 has
exempted certified compostable biopolymers that contain at least 75%
renewable resources from the obligation to be accepted for return by the
suppliers, in the recent past special regulations covering bioplastic have
been increasing. In the future therefore, there will be more attention
paid to the percentage of renewable resources used [5], which currently
can be most accurately checked using the above standard.
A weak point in the procedure lies in the fact that it supplies only
data on the biogenic carbons without considering other substances
such as hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen. Thus a bioplastic filled with glass
fibres qualifies as 100% biobased, as only the biobased carbon content
is identified. Anorganic fillers of natural origin on the other hand (e.g.
calcium carbonate) are classified as non-biobased materials since
calcium carbonate contains no 14 C [5].
A further difficulty is found in the evaluation of bioplastic blends.
This is due these days to the often very different carbon content of the
components of the blend, so that in most cases it is not possible to
make statements about the mass or weight percentage of renewable
resources in the material directly from the biobased carbon content.
Using correction factors that are obtained from the carbon content of
the individual materials, and using the empirical formula, it is a simple
task to carry out the calculations, and so with little expense the actual
mass of biogenic materials can be easily calculated.
For a comparison of a fully or partially biobased biopolymer this
correction factor should always be considered when evaluating the
14
C measurement in order to ensure a genuine analogy of the values.
Only in this way can, for example, a comparable value for CO 2
neutrality
levels be achieved, because – to stay with the example of starch and
PP – when burning PP, because of its structure, more CO 2
is produced
than by starch.
Figure 2 shows the total carbon content and a comparison of biobased
with non-biobased carbon of a few examples of biopolymers according
to 14 C analysis.
Fig. 4: The Vinçotte certification logo
for biobased products [10]
Certification of the biogenic material content
In parallel to establishing the method of measurement the special
regulations regarding biobased plastics are constantly growing. This
means that the materials or products made from renewable resources
52 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

are being increasingly tested for their content of
biogenetic material and are also being appropriately
certified.
So far, in Europe, this has been possible through
only with two certification offices, namely DIN
CERTCO (Germany) and Vinçotte (Belgium). With both
companies the 14 C analysis method presented here for
checking the percentage of biogenic material is in line
with ASTM 6866 and indicates on the certification logo
the level of biobased carbon [6, 7].
DIN CERTCO supplies so-called ‘Quality logos for
biobased products’, at various levels: 20-50%, 50-85%,
> 85%, whereby the figure used relates to the biobased
carbon content [6].
DIN CERTCO applies a double minimum standard
in the certification procedure of each product. This is,
on the one hand, a minimum level of organic material
which is determined by loss on ignition, and which
must not be less than 50%, as well as a minimum
content of biobased carbon that must be more than
20%. If this latter figure is not reached a statement is
supplied confirming the biogenic carbon content, and
a ‘registration of a biobased product’ with a biobased
content of < 20% (without the certification logo, symbol,
or label) is issued [6, 8].
Vinçotte also gives permission to use its certification
logo stating the level of biogenic carbon in the product.
The crucial figure is indicated by the number of stars on
the left-hand side of the logo. The levels are: 20 – 40%
(1 star), 40 – 60% (2 stars), 60 – 80% (3 stars) and > 80%
(4 stars). Again the percentage figure used indicates
the biobased carbon level of the material [7, 9].
With both of these programmes only a voluntary
certification is offered which the manufacturer may
or may not wish to request. A unified guideline for the
testing and certification of biobased products, as well
as a unified evaluation of the materials, is currently
planned at a national and international level, but has
not yet been presented [11].
Additionally, at the current time the option is being
discussed of using not only the ratio of the carbon
isotopes to determine the biobased content, but also to
use the isotope ratio of other elements such as oxygen,
nitrogen and hydrogen. However a new standard must
first be developed [11].
Gesamt-Kohlenstoffanteil [%]
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
PVLA
PHB
PLA
PLA-Copolyester-Blend
PBS
biobased
not biobased
Fig. 2: Percentages of biobased and non-biobased carbon content
within the total carbon content of various bioplastic molecules
Copolyester
References
[1] S. Bowman, Radiocarbon dating, University of Carlifornia Press, 1990.
[2] L. A. Currie, The remarkable metrological history of radiocarbon
dating (II), Bd. Journal of Research of the National Institute of
Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, U.S.A.:
National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2004.
[3] TÜV Rheinland, 2011. [Online 2011]
http://www.agroisolab.de/de/unterscheidung_biogen_fossil.html
[4] ASTM-D6866-04, Standard Test Methods for determing the biobased
Content of natural range Materials using radiocarbon and isotope
radio mass spectrometry analysis, West Conshohocken,
United States: ASTM International, 2004.
[5] Endres, Hans-Josef; Siebert-Raths, Andrea,
Technische Biopolymere, München: Carl Hanser Verlag, 2009.
[6] DIN CERTCO, „Zertifizierungsprogramm biobasierter Produkte nach
ASTM 6866,“ November 2010. [Online 2011] www.dincertco.de
[7] Vincotte, „Certification - C14 Dating Method,“ 2011. [Online 2011]
http://www.okcompost.be, Dokumentation
[8] DIN CERTCO, [Online 2011] www.dincertco.de
[9] Vincotte, „Zertifizierung - OK biobased und Gebrauch der Logos,“
2011. [Online 2011] http://www.okcompost.be, Dokumentation
[10] Vincotte, [Online 2011] http://www.okcompost.be
[11] DIN CERTCO, „Zertifizierung von biobasierten Produkten,“
November 2010. [Online2011] http://www.dincertco.de
[12] B. Kromer, „Bestimmung des fossilen Kohlenstoffanteils mit 14C,“
Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften, Heidelberg, 2009.
[13] P. Becker-Heidmann, Die Tiefenfunktionen der natürlichen
Kohlenstoff-Isotopengehalten von vollständige dünnschichtweise
beprobten Parabraunerden und ihre Relation zur Dynamik der
organschen Substanz in diesen Böden; Dissertation, Hamburg:
Hamburger Budenkundliche Arbeiten, 1989.
[14] W. T. Hering, Angewandte Kernphysik: Einführung und Übersicht,
Stuttgart, Leipzig: Teubner Verlag, 1999.
[15] Universität Erlangen, [Online 2011] http://www.14c.uni-erlangen.de
[16] Beta Analytic Inc., „Explanation of results - biobased Analyses
unsing ASTM-D6866-11,“ Miami, 2011.
CA-Blend
Celluloseester
Bio-PE
Starch - PP - Blend
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 53

Basics
The thermoforming process
By
Martin Barth
Illig GmbH & Co. KG
Heilbronn, Germany
Based on several process steps, thermoforming allows
the production of a dimensionally stable plastic
part made from semi-finished products. At increased
temperature, molded parts are created from semi-finished
products, i.e., from thermoplastic plastic sheets or roll-fed
material.
There are different heating-up methods for heating the
semi-finished products in the thermoforming process [1].
Infrared radiation by means of ceramic, quartz or halogen
heater elements is applied as the universal heating-up
method in most cases.
The forming process of the semi-finished product takes
place in the rubbery-elastic area, the so-called forming
temperature [2]. The deformation of the semi-finished
product is reached by pressure difference as well as partly by
mechanical support [1]. Mechanical pre-forming is carried
out by a pre-stretcher leading to a better material distribution
in the cavity. The later shape of the molded part will then
be reproduced by feeding compressed air or vacuum. The
component geometry is given by a one-sided tool. Once the
semi-finished product has taken on the contour of the cold
tool, the oriented molecular chains freeze in their stretched
position, thus under mold constraint, and the formed plastic
retains its shape [3].
Demolding of the thermoforming product takes place by
the holding forces on the clamping when opening the tool
and/or by ejectors in the tool. If several molded parts like
cups are formed from a larger semi-finished product, these
will be punched out afterwards. The skeletal is what remains
as production waste.
Compared to other plastics processing procedures like
injection molding technique, the thermoforming process
offers many advantages [1]. Due to the low process forces,
even large components are relatively easy to produce. In
consequence of the low forming pressures and the only onesided
tools, the machine and tool costs are considerably
lower for the thermoforming process. In particular for
small quantities, wooden tools or plastics that can be easily
processed are used. The series tools mostly consist of
54 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Basics
(Source: CustomPartNet)
temperature-controlled aluminum. Through the use of multilayer
semi-finished products, the properties of a thermoforming
product can easily be influenced. This allows the realization of
the best possible individual solution for each packaging.
The open process control shows the limits of the procedure.
This makes the molding production prone to external changes.
Through the use of only flat semi-finished products, no custom
parts of mold can be produced and there will always be a wall
thickness reduction.
In principle, all thermoplastic polymers can be processed
with the thermoforming method. Amorphous thermoplastics
have a higher softening temperature than semi-crystalline
thermoplastics [4]. The processing of semi-crystalline
thermoplastics requires precise process control. As a result,
only a few semi-crystalline thermoplastics are applied in the
thermoforming process, e. g., PP, PE, and PET [4], but also
for example, PLA. Among the most frequently processed
amorphous thermoplastics are PVC, PS, ABS, SAN, PMMA,
PC and A-PET [5]. Furthermore, composite materials are used
as multi-layer films as well as fiber-reinforced semi-finished
products and foamed semi-finished products. The production
of various packaging, e. g., yoghurt cups and trays in the food
sector is a major field of application for the thermoforming
process. Thin semi-finished products < 2 mm in the form of
rolls are the material the packaging industry usually processes.
The material proportion of the product’s total costs may be 80
– 90 %, here [6].
There are many other applications exceeding the mere
processing of semi-finished products into packaging. A closer
look reveals that this forming technology is applied across
almost all industries and areas of daily life, be it in the fridge,
in the car, for furniture, in the building sector as facing or light
dome, as surfboards, swimming pools or as a hull. In addition,
the machine building industry produces cover parts or it packs
its spare parts by using thermoforming – and flower pots for
the hobby gardener or complete garden ponds are also created
on thermoforming lines.
References:
[1] Weinand, D.: Modellbildung zum Aufheizen
und Verstrecken beim Thermoformen;
Dissertation, IKV, RWTH Aachen (Aachen
University), (1987).
9, (1993), p. 293-305.
[2] Brinken, F.: Untersuchung zum
Wärmeübertrag beim Thermoformen von
Thermoplasten; Dissertation, Faculty of
Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen
(Aachen University), (1979).
[3] Hegemann, B.: Deformationsverhalten von
Kunststoffen beim Thermoformen,
experimentelle und virtuelle Bestimmung;
Dissertation, IKP, Stuttgart University,
(2004).
[4] Howery, M. F.: Material selection for
thermoforming applications; Annual
Technical
Conference Proceedings (ANTEC), (1997).
[5] Beilharz, F.: Einfluss der
Herstellungsbedingungen von PP-
Halbzeugen auf die
Thermoformeigenschaften; Dissertation,
IKT, Stuttgart University, (2010)
[6] Albert, K. A., et al.: Acrylic modified
polypropylene for thin-gauge
thermoforming:
Improved processing properties and
economics; Journal of Plastic Film and
Sheeting
[7] Schwarzmann, P.: Thermoformen
mit Universalmaschinen, Adolf Illig
Maschinenbau
GmbH & Co., (2000).
[8] Schwarzmann, P.: Thermoformen in der
Praxis, Adolf Illig Maschinenbau GmbH &
Co., (2008).
www.illig.de
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 55

Basics
Thermoforming
of bioplastics
Before the first bioplastics entered the market in significant
quantities and qualities a few years ago, the
industry no longer relied on the development of new
plastic types over decades, but only on the production of polymer
blends with the objective of maintaining the respective
advantages and of eliminating the disadvantages. The ‘sustainability’
by reducing the thickness of mouldings was at the
expense of the reduced recyclability of such multi-layer composite
materials. Now, with the availability of new bioplastics,
it is the task of the producers of extruded films and sheets, as
well as of thermoformers, to ensure the processing methods,
and this is where some, partly significant, differences arise
compared to conventional plastics.
Up until now bioplastics have been used as a replacement for
conventional packaging, which means that they have to meet
the requirements of the packaging industry. This is achieved
by multi-layer structures, the use of special additives, but
also by admixing non-bio materials. The knowledge acquired
over the years when blending plastics helps in obtaining good
and fast results.
Today’s modern thermoforming machines offer a maximum
possibility to meet the widely varying requirements of
bioplastics.
During the processing of bioplastics it is essential to deal
with issues which did not arise during the processing of
conventional thermoforming materials.
In terms of quantity, the most commonly used bioplastic
is PLA. Already in 1995, ILLIG GmbH & Co. KG (Heilbronn,
Germany) conducted the first thermoforming tests with
PLA films. In 1996, the first household containers with lids
formed on an Illig-RDKP 72d were presented at Interpack
in Düsseldorf, Germany. In both cases, the films came from
OFoTec Folien GmbH (Nehren, Germany), the raw material
from the first plant was provided by Cargill, USA. Processing
in a thermoforming machine does not cause any problems for
current raw material qualities. The producers have done their
homework and the initial difficulties have been eliminated.
Large dairies like Danone rely on PLA for their bio-packaging
plastics. Since these products are mostly sold via the cold
chain, the low heat deflection temperature of standard PLA
imposes no limitations.
Through the use of a silicone layer on the film, the low
shrinkage of PLA film can be compensated for by better
demouldability, as well as stack- and de-stackability. In
addition, a reduction of the brittleness is possible with
appropriate additives (see other articles in this issue).
Thus, impact modifiers have already been added to Ofotec’s
first films.
It is generally possible to use the same tools that are used
for commodities, also without preheating. Depending on the
type of the moulded part, the mould temperatures can be
lower than in case of polystyrene (PS).
The poor thermal properties of standard PLA limit the
range of possible applications. However, at present, there
are small test quantities being developed with the objective
of producing stereocomplex versions created with defined
parts of L- and D-lactic acid. The developments with regard
to specialties do not yet allow a large-scale operation in the
packaging arena. Illig will be there when such versions are
considered for testing.
There are different scenarios for the waste issue. In
principle, production waste such as punch scrap and rejects
can be ground up and fed back to the production process (film
extrusion). However, Ofotec has also processed punch scrap
into foam sheets, even though there is still a significant lack
of applications.
The highest rates of growth are attributed to bioplastic PHA
(PHB). The properties are ideal for their use as packaging
plastics. The high temperature stability, the FDA approval,
detailed reproduction accuracy/forming sharpness all make
the plastics an excellent choice for higher temperature-stable
packaging. A special feature is the minimum demoulding
temperature which has to be adhered to. While the well-known
thermoplastics follow the rule that “the colder the conditions
for demoulding of the moulded part, the more dimensionally
56 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7

Basics
by
Martin Barth
Illig GmbH & Co. KG
Heilbronn, Germany
Ekkehard Adam
OFoTec-Folien GmbH
Nehren, Germany
stable it will be”, these plastics have to be removed from the
tool with a minimum residual heat. The new plastics used
require a high crystallinity which ensures sufficient stability
when using it. If the crystallization stage is passed through
too quickly during the cooling process in the thermoforming
machine, too few crystals arise and the plastic becomes very
soft. If the moulded part is demoulded at a temperature above
60° C, crystals can begin to form over a longer period which
leads to the desired stability. During processing the film tends
to stick. This does not cause a problem with regard to the
processing on an automatic roll-fed thermoformer where the
film, held at the side by pins, is fed through the plant in chains.
However, the processing on form-fill-seal lines is prevented.
This machinery uses contact heating and this would directly
stick to the plastics. The final stability of the thermoformed
article is only reached after a few days. This means that the
products require “Do not process before …” information.
Many types of bioplastic, mainly the starch-based ones, can
only be used if they include a defined water content. Due to
the moisture, the thermoformed articles become ready to use
and do not break on being subjected to the smallest load. But
precisely this moisture level makes the processing with the
well-known parameters of conventional plastics impossible.
The water immediately begins to evaporate, forming blisters
on the surface. In such cases, the thermoforming machine
must be equipped with a special heating control.
A very interesting plastic material for technical applications
is manufactured by Tecnaro. Their plastics, based on lignin,
offer ideal properties for thermoforming with highest
precision on sheet processing machines.
Based on the company’s environmentally aware thinking,
Illig is not limited solely to a possible reduction of film
thicknesses for material and thus resource saving and to the
applicability of PLA films. Together with Ofotec, Illig devotes
itself to the use of green HDPE made from sugar cane based
bioethanol. This material can be recycled according to the
established and proven procedures.
Illig also takes care of these new materials. It should be
reviewed to what extent possible changes of the settings in
the automatic thermoforming machines are necessary and/or
to what extent cycle times or stacking methods have to differ.
Here, too, Ofotec was once again the partner and presented
appropriate films. All-purpose tools have been applied as well
as tray tools which are normally used to process PP films.
It became apparent that the direct change from one film
type to another is possible. This applies to unreinforced films.
However, in the meantime, Ofotec is also working on highly
filled versions. Here, the content of the plastics used – even
though already renewable – is to be stretched with mineral
filling for a further increase of the sustainability level. In this
case the film can be heated more easily because the mineral
filler has the task of transporting the heat inside the film
and thus to distribute it more evenly. However, during the
punching process, caution is advised and an optimization may
be necessary. Promising tests are under way.
There will be no universal solution when it comes to
processing, but rather a lot of possibilities and challenges.
Further development of thermoforming machines towards
designing all-purpose machines for all thermoplastically
processable plastics will ensure that it is possible to respond
to any special aspects that may arise. Sophisticated machine
technology, used here in some cases, is not only limited to the
thermoforming machine and its tools regarding longitudinal
and transverse stretching as well as temperature control of
the transport chains, but it also covers additional components
like regular and continuous unwinding from the roll, gentle
stacking, a skeletal granulator adapted for smooth materials
and a precisely adjustable punching technique. The central role
is assigned to the heating. Unlike conventional thermoforming
materials, an extremely accurate temperature control is
necessary. In many cases, there are only a few degrees
between ‘still too cold for processing’ and ‘decomposition is
beginning’.
www.illig.de
www.ofotec.de
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 57

Suppliers Guide
1. Raw Materials
10
20
30
40
Showa Denko Europe GmbH
Konrad-Zuse-Platz 4
81829 Munich, Germany
Tel.: +49 89 93996226
www.showa-denko.com
support@sde.de
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
PSM Bioplastic NA
Chicago, USA
www.psmna.com
+1-630-393-0012
50
60
70
80
90
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:
DuPont de Nemours International S.A.
2 chemin du Pavillon
1218 - Le Grand Saconnex
Switzerland
Tel.: +41 22 171 51 11
Fax: +41 22 580 22 45
plastics@dupont.com
www.renewable.dupont.com
www.plastics.dupont.com
Kingfa Sci. & Tech. Co., Ltd.
Gaotang Industrial Zone, Tianhe,
Guangzhou, P.R.China.
Tel: +86 (0)20 87215915
Fax: +86 (0)20 87037111
info@ecopond.com.cn
www.ecopond.com.cn
FLEX-262/162 Biodegradable
Blown Film Resin!
Jean-Pierre Le Flanchec
3 rue Scheffer
75116 Paris cedex, France
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 65 23 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 53 65 81 99
biosphere@biosphere.eu
www.biosphere.eu
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
39 mm
Polymedia Publisher GmbH
Dammer Str. 112
41066 Mönchengladbach
Germany
Tel. +49 2161 664864
Fax +49 2161 631045
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com
Sample Charge:
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
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1.1 bio based monomers
PURAC division
Arkelsedijk 46, P.O. Box 21
4200 AA Gorinchem -
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 (0)183 695 695
Fax: +31 (0)183 695 604
www.purac.com
PLA@purac.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
www.cereplast.com
US:
Tel: +1 310.615.1900
Fax +1 310.615.9800
Sales@cereplast.com
Europe:
Tel: +49 1763 2131899
weckey@cereplast.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
Natur-Tec ® - Northern Technologies
4201 Woodland Road
Circle Pines, MN 55014 USA
Tel. +1 763.225.6600
Fax +1 763.225.6645
info@natur-tec.com
www.natur-tec.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 Brightchina 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
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
Division of A&O FilmPAC Ltd
7 Osier Way, Warrington Road
GB-Olney/Bucks.
MK46 5FP
Tel.: +44 1234 714 477
Fax: +44 1234 713 221
sales@aandofilmpac.com
www.bioresins.eu
Telles, Metabolix – ADM joint venture
650 Suffolk Street, Suite 100
Lowell, MA 01854 USA
Tel. +1-97 85 13 18 00
Fax +1-97 85 13 18 86
www.mirelplastics.com
Tianan Biologic
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
58 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/12] Vol. 7

Suppliers Guide
1.6 masterbatches
4. Bioplastics products
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
Sukano AG
Chaltenbodenstrasse 23
CH-8834 Schindellegi
Tel. +41 44 787 57 77
Fax +41 44 787 57 78
www.sukano.com
3. Semi finished products
3.1 films
alesco GmbH & Co. KG
Schönthaler Str. 55-59
D-52379 Langerwehe
Sales Germany: +49 2423 402 110
Sales Belgium: +32 9 2260 165
Sales Netherlands: +31 20 5037 710
info@alesco.net | www.alesco.net
WEI MON INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
2F, No.57, Singjhong Rd.,
Neihu District,
Taipei City 114, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel. + 886 - 2 - 27953131
Fax + 886 - 2 - 27919966
sales@weimon.com.tw
www.plandpaper.com
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
Huhtamaki Films
Sonja Haug
Zweibrückenstraße 15-25
91301 Forchheim
Tel. +49-9191 81203
Fax +49-9191 811203
www.huhtamaki-films.com
Cortec® Corporation
4119 White Bear Parkway
St. Paul, MN 55110
Tel. +1 800.426.7832
Fax 651-429-1122
info@cortecvci.com
www.cortecvci.com
President Packaging Ind., Corp.
PLA Paper Hot Cup manufacture
In Taiwan, www.ppi.com.tw
Tel.: +886-6-570-4066 ext.5531
Fax: +886-6-570-4077
sales@ppi.com.tw
6. Equipment
6.1 Machinery & Molds
Arkema Inc.
Functional Additives-Biostrength
900 First Avenue
King of Prussia, PA/USA 19406
Contact: Connie Lo,
Commercial Development Mgr.
Tel: 610.878.6931
connie.lo@arkema.com
www.impactmodifiers.com
www.earthfirstpla.com
www.sidaplax.com
www.plasticsuppliers.com
Sidaplax UK : +44 (1) 604 76 66 99
Sidaplax Belgium: +32 9 210 80 10
Plastic Suppliers: +1 866 378 4178
Eco Cortec®
31 300 Beli Manastir
Bele Bartoka 29
Croatia, MB: 1891782
Tel. +385 31 705 011
Fax +385 31 705 012
info@ecocortec.hr
www.ecocortec.hr
FAS Converting Machinery AB
O Zinkgatan 1/ Box 1503
27100 Ystad, Sweden
Tel.: +46 411 69260
www.fasconverting.com
GRAFE-Group
Waldecker Straße 21,
99444 Blankenhain, Germany
Tel. +49 36459 45 0
www.grafe.com
The HallStar Company
120 S. Riverside Plaza, Ste. 1620
Chicago, IL 60606, USA
+1 312 385 4494
dmarshall@hallstar.com
www.hallstar.com/hallgreen
Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH
Duesseldorfer Strasse 23-27
68219 Mannheim, Germany
Phone: +49 (0)621-8907-233
Fax: +49 (0)621-8907-8233
bioadimide.eu@rheinchemie.com
www.bioadimide.com
Taghleef Industries SpA, Italy
Via E. Fermi, 46
33058 San Giorgio di Nogaro (UD)
Contact Frank Ernst
Tel. +49 2402 7096989
Mobile +49 160 4756573
frank.ernst@ti-films.com
www.ti-films.com
3.1.1 cellulose based films
INNOVIA FILMS LTD
Wigton
Cumbria CA7 9BG
England
Contact: Andy Sweetman
Tel. +44 16973 41549
Fax +44 16973 41452
andy.sweetman@innoviafilms.com
www.innoviafilms.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
NOVAMONT S.p.A.
Via Fauser , 8
28100 Novara - ITALIA
Fax +39.0321.699.601
Tel. +39.0321.699.611
www.novamont.com
Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey
Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic
Container Industry
284 Pinebush Road
Cambridge Ontario
Canada N1T 1Z6
Tel. +1 519 624 9720
Fax +1 519 624 9721
info@hallink.com
www.hallink.com
Roll-o-Matic A/S
Petersmindevej 23
5000 Odense C, Denmark
Tel. + 45 66 11 16 18
Fax + 45 66 14 32 78
rom@roll-o-matic.com
www.roll-o-matic.com
MANN+HUMMEL ProTec GmbH
Stubenwald-Allee 9
64625 Bensheim, Deutschland
Tel. +49 6251 77061 0
Fax +49 6251 77061 510
info@mh-protec.com
www.mh-protec.com
bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/12] Vol. 7 59

Suppliers Guide
6.2 Laboratory Equipment
9. Services
10.2 Universities
MODA : Biodegradability Analyzer
Saida FDS Incorporated
3-6-6 Sakae-cho, Yaizu,
Shizuoka, Japan
Tel : +81-90-6803-4041
info@saidagroup.jp
www.saidagroup.jp
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
Bioplastics Consulting
Tel. +49 2161 664864
info@polymediaconsult.com
10. Institutions
10.1 Associations
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
7. Plant engineering
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
8. Ancillary equipment
Institut für Kunststofftechnik
Universität Stuttgart
Böblinger Straße 70
70199 Stuttgart
Tel +49 711/685-62814
Linda.Goebel@ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
www.ikt.uni-stuttgart.de
narocon
Dr. Harald Kaeb
Tel.: +49 30-28096930
kaeb@narocon.de
www.narocon.de
BPI - The Biodegradable
Products Institute
331 West 57th Street, Suite 415
New York, NY 10019, USA
Tel. +1-888-274-5646
info@bpiworld.org
European Bioplastics e.V.
Marienstr. 19/20
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 30 284 82 350
Fax +49 30 284 84 359
info@european-bioplastics.org
www.european-bioplastics.org
University of Applied Sciences
Faculty II, Department
of Bioprocess Engineering
Heisterbergallee 12
30453 Hannover, Germany
Tel. +49 (0)511-9296-2212
Fax +49 (0)511-9296-2210
hans-josef.endres@fh-hannover.de
www.fakultaet2.fh-hannover.de
nova-Institut GmbH
Chemiepark Knapsack
Industriestrasse 300
50354 Huerth, Germany
Tel.: +49(0)2233-48-14 40
Fax: +49(0)2233-48-14 5
New ‘basics‘ book on bioplastics
This new book, created and published by Polymedia Publisher, maker of bioplastics
MAGAZINE will be available from early April 2012 in English and German language.
The book is intended to offer a rapid and uncomplicated introduction into the subject
of bioplastics, and is aimed at all interested readers, in particular those who have not
yet had the opportunity to dig deeply into the subject, such as students, those just joining
this industry, and lay readers. It gives an introduction to plastics and bioplastics, explains
which renewable resources can be used to produce bioplastics, what types of bioplastic
exist, and which ones are already on the market. Further aspects, such as market development,
the agricultural land required, and waste disposal, are also examined.
An extensive index allows the reader to find specific aspects quickly, and is complemented
by a comprehensive literature list and a guide to sources of additional information
on the Internet.
The author Michael Thielen is editor and publisher bioplastics MAGAZINE. He is a qualified
machinery design engineer with a degree in plastics technology from the RWTH
University in Aachen. He has written several books on the subject of blow-moulding
technology and disseminated his knowledge of plastics in numerous presentations,
seminars, guest lectures and teaching assignments.
110 pages full color, paperback
ISBN 978-3-9814981-1-0: Bioplastics
ISBN 978-3-9814981-0-3: Biokunststoffe
Pre-order now for € 18.65 or US-$ 25.00 (+ VAT where applicable, plus shipping and handling, ask for details)
order at www.bioplasticsmagazine.de/books, by phone +49 2161 6884463 or by e-mail books@bioplasticsmagazine.com
60 bioplastics MAGAZINE [01/12] Vol. 7

Events
Event Calendar
18.04.2012 - 21.04.2012
Chinaplas 2012
www.chinaplasonline.com
23.04.2012 - 24.04.2012
Biopolymer World Congress
NH Laguna Palace Hotel, Mestre-Venice (Italy)
www.biopolymerworld.com
25.04.2012 - 26.04.2012
Durable Bioplastics
Minneapolis, MN, USA
www.infocastinc.com/bioplastics12
08.05.2012 - 09.05.2012
Bioplastics Compounding & Processing
The Hilton Downtown Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
www.amiplastics-na.com
09.05.2012 - 10.05.2012
5. BioKunststoffe
Hannover, Germany
www.hanser-tagungen.de/biokunststoffe
10.05.2012 - 11.05.2012
2nd Congress on Biodegradable Poplymers Packaging
Milano, Italy
Centro Congressi Fiera di Milano – Rho
www.biopolpack.unipr.it/preregistration.htm
19.06.2012 - 20.06.2012
Biobased materials WPC, Natural Fibre and other innovative
Composites Congress
Fellbach, near Stuttgart, Germany
www.nfc-congress.com
05.09.2012 - 06.09.2012
naro.tech 9th International Symposium
Erfurt, Germany
www.narotech.eu
02.10.2012 - 04.10.2012
BioPlastics – The Re-Invention of Plastics
Las Vegas, USA
Caesars Palace Hotel
www.InnoPlastSolutions.com
magnetic_148,5x105.ai 175.00 lpi 15.00° 75.00° 0.00° 45.00° 14.03.2009 10:13:31
Prozess CyanProzess MagentaProzess GelbProzess Schwarz
Magnetic
for Plastics
14.05.2012 - 18.05.2012
SPE Bioplastic Materials Conference
Seattle, Washington USA
Renaissance Seattle Hotel
www.4spe.org
May 15-16, 2012
2 nd PLA World Congress
presented by bioplastics MAGAZINE
Holiday Inn City Center, Munich Germany
www.pla-world-congress.com
23.05.2012 - 24.05.2012
6th Bioplastics Markets
Bangkok, Thailand
www.cmtevents.com/register.aspx?ev=120523&
13.06.2012 - 15.06.2012
BioPlastics: The Re-Invention of Plastics
San Francisco, USA
Hilton - Downtown
www.BioPlastix.com
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
www.plasticker.com
You can meet us!
Please contact us in
advance by e-mail.
• International Trade
in Raw Materials,
Machinery & Products
Free of Charge
• Daily News
from the Industrial Sector
and the Plastics Markets
• Current Market Prices
for Plastics.
• Buyer’s Guide
for Plastics & Additives,
Machinery & Equipment,
Subcontractors
and Services.
• Job Market
for Specialists and
Executive Staff in the
Plastics Industry
Up-to-date • Fast • Professional
bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 7 61

Companies in this issue
Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert Company Editorial Advert
62 bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/12] Vol. 6

2 nd PLA World
C o n g r e s s
15 + 16 MAY 2012 * Munich * Germany
The 2 nd PLA WORLD CONGRESS...
... is this spring’s ‘must-attend’ event for all who are interested in
or even already workig with PLA.
bioplastics MAGAZINE is now organising this unique meeting for the
second time now, after the ‘kick-off’ PLA World Congress in 2008.
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. Together with a table
top exhibition the unique congress offers best opportunities to meet
new contacts or refesh existing ones. Benefit from the various
networking possibilities!
The 2 full-day-conference will be held on the 15 th and 16 th of May
2012 in the Holiday Inn Munich City Centre in the beautiful town of
Munich, Germany.
The 2 nd PLA World Congress is the must-attend conference for
everyone interested in PLA, its benefits, and challenges.
Register now:
The conference will comprise
high class presentations on
• Latest developments
• Market overview
• High temperature behaviour
• Barrier issues
• Additives / Colorants
• Applications
• End of life options
Online registration is open at
www.pla-world-congress.com
Register now to reserve your seat for just € 899,00 + VAT
www.pla-world-congress.com Tel.: +49 (2161) 6884469

A real sign
of sustainable
development.
There is such a thing as genuinely sustainable
development.
Since 1989, Novamont researchers have been working
on an ambitious project that combines the chemical
industry, agriculture and the environment: “Living Chemistry
for Quality of Life”. Its objective has been to create products
with a low environmental impact. The result of Novamont’s
innovative research is the new bioplastic Mater-Bi ® .
Mater-Bi ® is a family of materials, completely biodegradable and compostable
which contain renewable raw materials such as starch and vegetable oil
derivates. Mater-Bi ® performs like traditional plastics but it saves energy,
contributes to reducing the greenhouse effect and at the end of its life cycle,
it closes the loop by changing into fertile humus. Everyone’s dream has
become a reality.
Living Chemistry for Quality of Life.
www.novamont.com
Inventor of the year 2007
Within Mater-Bi ® product range the following certifications are available
The “OK Compost” certificate guarantees conformity with the NF EN 13432 standard
(biodegradable and compostable packaging)
3_2012