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ioplastics magazine Vol. 2 ISSN 1862-5258<br />
Special editorial Focus:<br />
Biodegradable bags<br />
Review K2007<br />
Düsseldorf | 8<br />
Logos, Part 6 | 36<br />
04 | 2007
Don’t worry,<br />
the raw material for Ecovio ®<br />
is renewable.<br />
Ecovio ® , a biodegradable plastic from the PlasticsPlus TM product line,<br />
is keeping up with the times when it comes to plastic bags and food<br />
packaging. Ecovio ® is made of corn starch, a renewable raw material,<br />
and it has properties like HD-PE, which translates into a double plus<br />
point for you. Films made of Ecovio ® are water-resistant, very strong<br />
and degrade completely in composting facilities within just a few weeks.<br />
www.ecovio.com<br />
I N N O VAT I O N R E L I A B I L I T Y PA R T N E R S H I P D I V E R S I T Y
Editorial<br />
dear readers<br />
Probably the most exciting event in the world of plastics processing and<br />
applications is the K-exhibition, which takes place every three years.<br />
This year, at the end of October, about 242,000 visitors from more than<br />
100 countries came to the exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany. 3,130<br />
exhibitors presented their products, services and innovations, and<br />
bioplastics were a part – albeit a small part – of that mega event.<br />
More than 3,000 copies of bioplastics MAGAZINE were picked up from<br />
our booth in hall 7 by interested visitors. We were pleased to meet so<br />
many of you personally, and talk about so many different topics. We<br />
were really quite reluctant to leave the booth from time to time, but we<br />
too wanted to see the more than 40 companies exhibiting products such<br />
as resins, additives, machines and services related to bioplastics.<br />
But it was not only K‘2007 that caught our attention this fall. There was<br />
the 2nd European Bioplastics Conference in Paris and the Bioplastics<br />
Event in Cologne where the 2nd Bioplastics Awards were made to the<br />
innovative and well-deserving winners. And there were in fact many<br />
other bioplastics / biopackaging / bioresin events that our editorial<br />
team simply could not attend, but I am sure that these too made a<br />
significant contribution to disseminating information and promoting<br />
networking between the delegates.<br />
As well as many other topics from the bioplastics world, the markets,<br />
science, politics and so on, the special editorial focus in this issue of<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE is ‘bags‘.<br />
I hope you enjoy reading this last issue of 2007. From<br />
2008 we will publish six issues per year and we look<br />
forward to your comments, editorial contributions and<br />
more exciting events where we can meet with you.<br />
Special editorial Focus:<br />
Biodegradable bags<br />
04 | 2007<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE Vol. 2 ISSN 1862-5258<br />
Michael Thielen<br />
Publisher<br />
Review K2007<br />
Düsseldorf | 8<br />
Logos, Part 6 | 36<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/07] Vol. 2
Content<br />
Editorial 03<br />
News 05<br />
Suppliers Guide 39<br />
Events 42<br />
December 04|2007<br />
Review<br />
K’2007 Review 08<br />
2nd European Bioplastics Conference 14<br />
Bioplastics Awards 2007 16<br />
Special<br />
Shopping bags, that dissolve in hot water 18<br />
World‘s first biodegradable zipper bag 19<br />
Compostable shopping carrier bags 20<br />
Biobags: In-line production is the future 21<br />
Materials<br />
Lactide Monomers for the production of PLA 22<br />
Processing<br />
Oriented films continue their 25<br />
successful run – even with PLA<br />
From Science & Research<br />
From Waste 2 Gold: Making bioplastic 28<br />
products from biomass waste streams<br />
Opinion<br />
Biopolymers as an option for 32<br />
sustainability – Quo vadis?<br />
Mailbox<br />
Letter to the Editor 35<br />
Basics<br />
Logos Part 6 36<br />
Glossary 37<br />
Impressum<br />
Publisher / Editorial<br />
Dr. Michael Thielen<br />
Samuel Brangenberg<br />
Dr. Thomas Isenburg, Contributing Editor<br />
Layout/Production<br />
Mark Speckenbach, Jörg Neufert<br />
Head Office<br />
Polymedia Publisher GmbH<br />
Hackesstr. 99<br />
41066 Mönchengladbach, Germany<br />
phone: +49 (0)2161 664864<br />
fax: +49 (0)2161 631045<br />
info@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
www.bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Media Adviser<br />
Elke Schulte, Katrin Stein<br />
phone: +49(0)2359-2996-0<br />
fax: +49(0)2359-2996-10<br />
es@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Print<br />
Tölkes Druck + Medien GmbH<br />
Höffgeshofweg 12<br />
47807 Krefeld, Germany<br />
Print run: 4,000 copies<br />
bioplastics magazine<br />
ISSN 1862-5258<br />
bioplastics magazine is published<br />
4 times in 2007 and 6 times a year from 2008.<br />
This publication is sent to qualified<br />
subscribers (149 Euro for 6 issues).<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE is read<br />
in more than 80 countries.<br />
Not to be reproduced in any form<br />
without permission from the publisher<br />
The fact that product names may not<br />
be identified in our editorial as trade<br />
marks is not an indication that such<br />
names are not registered trade marks.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE tries to use British<br />
spelling. However, in articles based on<br />
information from the USA, American<br />
spelling may also be used.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/07] Vol. 2
News<br />
Sustainability a key<br />
criterion for DuPont’s<br />
Packaging Award<br />
DuPont has announced that the packaging industry’s longest running,<br />
independently judged global innovation awards program has<br />
added a special emphasis on sustainability. Innovation in the journey<br />
toward sustainable packaging will now be a key consideration in addition<br />
to innovation in delivering quality packaging solutions.<br />
DuPont, being one of the first companies to publicly establish environmental<br />
goals 17 years ago, has broadened its sustainability commitments<br />
beyond internal footprint reduction to include market-driven<br />
targets for both revenue and research and development investment, as<br />
stated by the company. The goals are tied directly to business growth,<br />
specifically to the development of safer and environmentally improved<br />
new products for key global markets.<br />
The call for entries for the 20th DuPont Awards competition (closing<br />
Jan 31, 2008) was announced at the Sustainable Packaging Forum in<br />
Pittsburgh, Pa., by William F. Weber, vice president, DuPont Packaging.<br />
“Today there are strong drivers toward sustainable packaging including<br />
increasing consumer awareness, pull from brand owners and retailers,<br />
legislation and other factors. As a global leader in packaging materials<br />
and technologies, DuPont is working with customers on science-based<br />
packaging innovations that address consumer demands for performance<br />
and sustainability,” Weber said.<br />
“DuPont is committed to creating shareholder and societal value<br />
while reducing the environmental footprint in our value chains,” he<br />
continued. “Consistent with this commitment, the DuPont Packaging<br />
Awards now will honor materials, processing, technology and service<br />
achievements that demonstrate progress toward sustainability, while<br />
also meeting important market requirements for enhanced performance<br />
such as improved freshness, convenience and shelf appeal,” Weber<br />
said.<br />
A prestigious international jury panel contributed to the evaluation<br />
criteria for the 20th DuPont Packaging Awards. Factors such as innovation,<br />
enhanced performance, responsible sourcing, clean production<br />
and effective recovery will be considered in selecting the winners. As it<br />
was the case in the previous years also; the usage of a DuPont material,<br />
technology, process or service is not required for eligibility.<br />
In a collaboration to showcase packaging solutions that implement<br />
sustainability, information about entries in this year’s DuPont Awards<br />
will be posted online at the GreenBlue/Sustainable Packaging Coalition<br />
Design Library to be launched in early 2008. Capturing the innovations<br />
represented among these entries will support best practices throughout<br />
the packaging industry. GreenBlue is a nonprofit institute committed<br />
to sustainability by design and is home to the Sustainable Packaging<br />
Coalition, an industry working group recognized as the definitive<br />
resource for credible information about packaging sustainability.<br />
Potential growth<br />
for Australian<br />
bioproducts<br />
A range of biologically-based products,<br />
such as biodegradable plastics and packaging<br />
materials produced from plants instead<br />
of petroleum, offer new opportunities for<br />
Australian farmers.<br />
‘Biobased Products – Opportunities for<br />
Australian agricultural industries‘ is one of<br />
four new reports from the Rural Industries<br />
Research and Development Corporation<br />
(RIRDC) presenting a picture of the current<br />
status and future prospects for Australia’s<br />
biofuels and biobased product industries.<br />
The reports examine a range of issues relevant<br />
to government and policy-makers, the<br />
biofuels industry, the agricultural and livestock<br />
industries, scientists and consumers.<br />
“Research into the development of Australia’s<br />
biofuel and bioproducts industries<br />
has become an integral part of determining<br />
and securing our nation’s energy future,”<br />
said RIRDC Chair Mary Boydell. “We are<br />
particularly keen to identify new biobased<br />
industries that will complement, rather<br />
than compete with, food production,” she<br />
said. “There … are … products like plastics<br />
that are heavily reliant on petroleum. This<br />
research identifies potential replacements<br />
for fossil fuels with agricultural products<br />
like sugar, soybeans, woody crops and corn<br />
starch,” Ms Boydell added.<br />
www.rirdc.gov.au<br />
www.packaging.dupont.com<br />
www.greenblue.org<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
News<br />
Photo: RacingThePlanet Limited (www.racingtheplanet.com)<br />
Novamont supported antarctic<br />
marathon runner<br />
The Italian marathon runner Francesco Galanzino joined six other athletes in<br />
crossing the coldest landmass in the world, racing over 250 km in temperatures<br />
ranging from -10 C° to -30°C. Starting out by sea from Argentina, they crossed<br />
the Southern Polar ice cap in 5 days, from 21 November to 1 December, 2007.<br />
Galanzino, wherever possible, replaced traditional plastics with biodegradable<br />
and compostable plastics. Novamont provided him with kits of single-use<br />
Mater-Bi tableware as well as sorted collection refuse bags. This allowed all<br />
refuse to be returned to Italy for intelligent disposal. Every kg of organic matter<br />
which is properly initiated in compositing allows for a saving of about 250gr in<br />
CO 2<br />
emissions, considerably reducing environmental impact.<br />
www.novamont.com<br />
www.4deserts/thelastdesert/<br />
Novomer raises<br />
$6.6 million to bring<br />
novel ‘eco-plastics‘<br />
to market<br />
Novomer Inc., a Cornell University spin-off founded<br />
in 2004, announced that it has raised US-$6.6<br />
million in series A funding. Physic Ventures co-led<br />
the financing in partnership with Flagship Ventures.<br />
The company is today pioneering a family of highperformance,<br />
biodegradable plastics, polymers and<br />
other chemicals from renewable substances such<br />
as carbon dioxide.<br />
Founded in 2004, Novomer’s technology is based<br />
on the discoveries of Professor Geoffrey Coates and<br />
his research group at Cornell University. Coates is<br />
an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of<br />
polymer science and a leading innovator in the increasingly<br />
vital arena of sustainable materials.<br />
The national trade magazine of the American<br />
Chemical Society wrote about Novomer‘s pioneering<br />
work: “Geoffrey W. Coates and his group at Cornell<br />
University have spent a decade developing catalysts<br />
to incorporate CO 2<br />
into polymers. Two successes,<br />
building on work by other groups dating back to the<br />
late 1960s, are β-diiminate zinc acetate and salen<br />
cobalt carboxylate complexes. These catalysts promote<br />
alternating copolymerization of various epoxides<br />
with CO 2<br />
to make biodegradable aliphatic polycarbonates.<br />
www.novomer.com<br />
Meredian Inc. announced<br />
acquisition of PHA<br />
technology from Procter<br />
& Gamble<br />
Meredian, Inc. a privately held corporation from Georgia, USA,<br />
announced the acquisition of an extensive intellectual property<br />
portfolio from The Procter & Gamble Company relating to Polyhydroxyalkanoate<br />
(PHA) technology. Procter & Gamble developed the<br />
technology through more than a decade of research, resulting in a<br />
highly functional and cost effective material, which will now be produced<br />
commercially by Meredian, Inc.<br />
“We are very pleased and excited to bring leading-edge, green<br />
technology to the marketplace,“ said S. Blake Lindsey, President of<br />
Meredian, Inc. “Meredian biopolymers combined with our existing<br />
DaniMer and Seluma biopolymers will enable us to provide synergies<br />
within these technology platforms and will result in one of the<br />
world‘s most versatile biopolymer product lines.“<br />
Harry Coleman, director of P&G‘s External Business Development<br />
adds, “As part of our open innovation strategy, P&G was seeking an<br />
enthusiastic company that could efficiently commercialize our intellectual<br />
property on polymers. We selected Meredian because of<br />
their dedication to biopolymers and strong ability to take our development<br />
work to the next level - delivering products to the market.<br />
We look forward to future collaboration with Meredian in this area.“<br />
Meredian expects to begin construction in 2008 on the first of four<br />
planned production facilities; the first will be located in the Southeastern<br />
United States. Meredian plans to produce over 600 million<br />
pounds of biopolymers annually.<br />
www.meredianpha.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
New study on<br />
‘Nanohybrid’ PHB<br />
News<br />
In its November issue ACS‘ Biomacromolecules, a bi-monthly<br />
journal, published a study on the development of a new biodegradable<br />
‘nanohybrid’ plastic, based on PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate). In<br />
this study, Pralay Maiti, Carl A. Batt, and Emmanuel P. Giannelis<br />
(all from the Department of Material Science and Engineering or<br />
the Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New<br />
York) compared the strength and biodegradation rates of a ‘hybrid‘<br />
of PHB which contains ‘nanoclays‘ (nanoparticles of clay) to<br />
‘conventional‘ PHB. It was observed that the modified PHB showed<br />
increased mechanical and thermal properties and decomposed<br />
faster than regular PHB. The biodegradation rate of the nanohybrid<br />
PHB is enhanced significantly in the presence of nanoclay. In<br />
about seven weeks the material decomposed almost completely,<br />
whereas the rate of biodegradation is quite slow in pristine PHB, as<br />
the researchers discovered.<br />
http://pubs.acs.org/cgi-bin/sample.cgi/bomaf6/<br />
2007/8/i11/html/bm700500t.html<br />
Biggest European<br />
WPC Congress<br />
After the great success of the First German WPC Congress in<br />
2005 (WPC=Wood-Plastic-Composites) the organiser, nova-Institut<br />
from Hürth, Germany, arranged the Second German WPC Congress<br />
on 4th and 5th of December 2007 in Cologne. About 350 participants<br />
from 24 countries saw presentations that were simultaneously<br />
translated into English. 30 companies showed their innovations in<br />
the accompanying exhibtion. Among the highlights of the event was<br />
the first WPC Innovations award and the introduction of a ‘certificate<br />
of quality‘ by the Association of the German Wood-Based Panels<br />
Industries (VHI). Even though the matrix in WPCs is still mainly<br />
made of polypropylene, an increasing number of developments also<br />
cover the use of biobased polymers as matrix components.<br />
www.wpc-kongress.de<br />
www.vhi.de<br />
Bio-coated paper<br />
cup range launched<br />
by Huhtamaki<br />
Huhtamaki‘s range of single-use BioWare cups,<br />
plates, containers and cutlery is now being completed<br />
with bio-coated paper cups for hot and cold<br />
drinks. The BioWare paper cup range is the first<br />
complete bio-coated paper hot and cold cup range<br />
launched in Europe, as the company stated. The<br />
bio-coating allows the paper cups to be composted<br />
in industrial composting facilities. Fibers for the paper<br />
cups come from sustainably managed forests<br />
and can be traced back to their origin. The cartonboard<br />
material has Forestry Stewardship Council‘s<br />
(FSC) chain of custody certificate.<br />
BioWare paper cups are as strong and rigid as<br />
conventional Huhtamaki heavy board cups. The<br />
complete range of hot and cold cups include cup<br />
sizes from 100ml to 500ml, making this range suitable<br />
for different beverages and drink sizes. Excellent<br />
customized printing and promotional options,<br />
but also attractive BioWare stock design with ‘compostable’<br />
printing, are available.<br />
Designed to fulfill the needs of various foodservice<br />
operators, BioWare products work in uses<br />
ranging from outdoor festivals and mass events to<br />
catering and daily food and beverage service. By using<br />
BioWare, restaurants and event organizers can<br />
combine the waste stream for packaging and food.<br />
www.huhtamaki.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Review<br />
show<br />
review<br />
K‘2007 the world‘s number 1 plastics and rubber fair<br />
In the last issue, we reported about the bioplastics related exhibits of a<br />
large number of companies, to be presented at K‘2007 in Düsseldorf Germany,<br />
from October 24 to 31, 2007. Together with this review, we try to give<br />
our readers a most complete overview about what K‘2007 offered in terms<br />
of bioplastics materials, machinery and applications.<br />
Arkema: Pebax Rnew<br />
Arkema unveiled<br />
latest innovations<br />
Well known for its many years of experience<br />
with Rilsan ® Polymaide 11 made from castor<br />
oil (see bM 01/2007) Arkema, Paris, France<br />
presented three new technical polymers produced<br />
from renewable raw materials. Pebax ®<br />
Rnew, a first range of thermoplastic elastomers<br />
based on the chemistry of polyamide 11<br />
produced from castor oil, offers properties<br />
such as lightweight, flex fatigue resistance<br />
and elasticity return, over a wide temperature<br />
range.<br />
Biostrength TM , an innovative impact modifier<br />
for biodegradable PLA allows converters<br />
to process the biobased resins using conventional<br />
equipment. These additives also impart<br />
to this new polymer made from renewable raw<br />
materials the necessary mechanical, optical<br />
and aesthetic properties to fulfill the requirements<br />
of the main intended markets.<br />
Also from 100% renewable raw materials<br />
is Platamid ® Rnew, a new concept for thermoplastic<br />
hotmelt adhesives. A new grade<br />
has been developed to fulfill two new market<br />
needs: reduced emissions as per standard<br />
VDA 278, and eco-design by using raw materials<br />
from 100% renewable raw materials.<br />
The power of nature<br />
BIOPLAST GmbH from Emmerich, Germany, a subsidiary of the Sphere<br />
Group and Stanelco plc, presented BIOPLAST ® , a new generation of thermoplastic<br />
and completely biodegradable materials. Its range of five major<br />
products covers a wide number of rigid and flexible product applications.<br />
BIOTEC‘s expertise lies in the know-how regarding blending and modifying<br />
such resins to special compounds and blends, concentrates and<br />
masterbatches. The materials are certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO<br />
9001:2000 and DIN EN ISO 14001:2004. This certification is audited by an<br />
independent certification agency annually.<br />
www.biotec.de<br />
Hishiecolo pipes, which<br />
return to soil<br />
Biodegradable plastic pipes and fittings from raw materials such as PLA<br />
were presented by Mitsubishi Plastics Inc from Hiratsuka-City, Japan. The<br />
pipes offer the same strength and impact properties as Mitsubishi‘s vinyl<br />
chloride ‚Hishi Pipes‘, but they biodegrade and undergo hydrolysis from<br />
water and microbes living in the natural world. Potential applications are<br />
temporary pipes for short term use, pipes where retrieval is difficult and<br />
pipes in areas where the natural environment is a concern (rainwater<br />
ducts, etc.). Mitsubishi expect a variety of other uses to appear.<br />
www.mpl.co.jp<br />
Flexible PU-foam with<br />
100% biobased polyol<br />
Mitsui Chemicals Polyurethanes from Nagaura, Japan presented flexible<br />
polyurethane foams with a polyol component made from 100% castor<br />
oil. The final polyurethane contains 70% polyol and 30% isocyanate. The<br />
main feature of this polyurethane foam is its low resilience property, which<br />
makes it ideal for use in pillows. Other polyurethane foams with a biobased<br />
content are rigid foams for insulation purposes. In these materials<br />
the polyol consists of 30% renewable raw materials.<br />
www.arkema.com<br />
www.mcpu.mitsui-chem.co.jp<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
J.C. Grubisisch<br />
No<br />
rainforest to be cut for<br />
sugarcane production?<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE reported about BRASKEM and the new<br />
bio-polyethylene based on ethanol from sugarcane in the last<br />
issue. However, once in a while people express their concerns<br />
about rainforests being uprooted for new agricultural space to<br />
grow sugarcane that is needed for the production of bio-ethanol.<br />
In a press conference at K‘2007, J.C. Grubisich, CEO of Braskem<br />
stated that in Brasil the rainforests are in the north of the vast<br />
country, whereas the sugarcane plantations are in the southeast.<br />
In addition, land and climate in the north – the rainforest<br />
area - isn’t appropriate for sugarcane production. At least for<br />
the time being, bio-ethanol production from sugarcane does not<br />
threaten the brasilian rainforests.<br />
www.braskem.com.br<br />
PLA Nanoalloy<br />
Toray Industries, Inc. presented a Polylactic Acid Nanoally<br />
with improved properties. A small amount of high performance<br />
polymer is finely dispersed at nanometer scale in PLA building<br />
a network structure. The new materials reach impact and heat<br />
resistance properties above those of PET, PS and even HI-PS.<br />
Potential applications are for example mobile phone charger or<br />
PC housings. Earlier this year Toray announced that it has successfully<br />
developed a plant fiber-reinforced PLA plastic with improved<br />
heat resistance, rigidity and moldability by compounding<br />
cellulose-based plant fibers with PLA. Able to withstand heat<br />
up to 150°C, which is the highest level in the world for biomass<br />
plastics, the newly developed plastic has double the rigidity of<br />
existing PLA plastics and has achieved significant reduction in<br />
the time required for molding.<br />
PLA - cast and<br />
biaxially oriented<br />
film equipment<br />
Review<br />
Brückner Formtec GmbH and Brückner Maschinenbau<br />
GmbH & Co. KG presented their equipment for<br />
converting thermoplastics including PLA into films.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE reported about cast film lines<br />
from Brückner Formtec in issue 01/2007. BOPLA (biaxially<br />
oriented PLA) films can be produced on machinery<br />
from Brückner Mashcinenbau (see page 25 in<br />
this issue).<br />
www.brueckner.com<br />
BASF polyamide 6.10<br />
based on castor oil<br />
A material developed, produced and marketed by<br />
BASF over fifty years ago in the pioneering phase of<br />
engineering plastics is undergoing a renaissance. At<br />
K‘2007 BASF unveiled Ultramid ® BALANCE, a polyamide<br />
6.10. This is based to the extent of about 60% on<br />
sebacic acid, a renewable raw material derived from<br />
castor oil.<br />
In the K-show preview we already mentioned Ecovio<br />
L foam materials based on of Ecoflex and polylactic<br />
acid (PLA). Ecovio L Foam’s content of PLA amounts<br />
to more than 75% in weight. According to the standard<br />
ASTM D6866 it has a “biobased content” of more than<br />
75% as well. This number describes the amount of biobased<br />
carbon atoms. BASF is anticipating its first production-scale<br />
amounts by early 2008, so that Ecovio L<br />
Foam will be introduced into the market among select<br />
partners over the course of 2008.<br />
www.basf.com<br />
BASF: Eccovio L foam<br />
www.toray.com<br />
For details about the exhibits of the following companies,<br />
see bioplastics MAGAZINE issue 03/2007:<br />
A. Schulman GmbH<br />
Clariant International AG<br />
Biomer<br />
FkuR Kunststoff GmbH<br />
Fraunhofer Umsicht<br />
Grafe Advanced Polymers GmbH<br />
M-Base Engineering + Software GmbH<br />
Novamont S.p.A.<br />
PolyOne<br />
Telles (Metabolix)<br />
Roll-o-matic<br />
Sukano Products Ltd.<br />
FAS converting machinery see page 21 in this issue<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Review<br />
Dow and Crystalsev:<br />
Polyethylene from<br />
ethanol<br />
The Dow Chemical Company, the world‘s largest producer<br />
of polyethylene, and Crystalsev, one of Brazil‘s largest<br />
ethanol players presented their plans for a world-scale<br />
facility to manufacture polyethylene from sugar cane.<br />
The two companies will form a joint venture in Brazil to<br />
design and build the first integrated facility of its scale in<br />
the world. Start of production is expected for 2011 with a<br />
capacity of 350,000 metric tons.<br />
www.dow.com<br />
www.crystalsev.com.br.<br />
Transforming<br />
modified natural materials<br />
into innovative<br />
applications<br />
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has built<br />
up extensive knowledge in modifying and adding new<br />
functions to natural polymers—such as starch, cellulose,<br />
and wood fibres—over the past 10 years. This work<br />
has resulted in a number of sustainable processes and<br />
commercial products, such as starch derivates for tailoring<br />
the surface properties of paper, starch-based<br />
pigments, water-based and hot-melt glues, injection<br />
moulding materials, dispersion formulations into coatings<br />
and adhesives as well as coating and matrix materials<br />
for the controlled release of ingedients.<br />
Gehr: extruded rods<br />
First in the world<br />
extruded rods made of<br />
biopolymer<br />
The family owned company GEHR, which is located in Mannheim,<br />
Germany, has extruded what is most probably the world’s<br />
first ‘biological rod’. PLA-L is the name of this biopolymer.<br />
PLA-L consists of Polylactide (PLA) and Lignin (= wood). With<br />
PLA-L, the worldwide leading company for extruded thermoplastics<br />
(POM, PVC, PEEK, etc), further expands its product<br />
range in rods. PLA-L is available in the diameters from 10 to<br />
40mm.<br />
PLA-L is a thermoplastic material based on renewable,<br />
ecologically harmless and biodegradable raw materials. Under<br />
appropriate conditions it can be disposed of by either industrial<br />
composting or by climate-neutral incineration. PLA-L<br />
exhibits good mechanical properties that are similar to ABS.<br />
It shows a high stiffness (modulus of elasticity is 2740 MPa)<br />
and good impact strength. It also exhibits a good resistance to<br />
polar media such as acids, bases and solvents. It can be used<br />
in temperatures from - 30 °C to + 60 °C.<br />
„You can hardly imagine the variety of applications“, says<br />
Bernhard Grosskinsky, head of the technical department at<br />
GEHR.<br />
„Because of its advantages with regards to its biodegradability<br />
and consequent low environmental impact, it is very<br />
likely that PLA-L can be used in the toy and agricultural industry<br />
as well as in mechanical engineering and the medical<br />
industry.“<br />
www.gehr.de<br />
Elastogran: matress<br />
www.vtt.fi<br />
Matress made of<br />
24% renewables<br />
Elastogran GmbH, a company of the BASF group presented<br />
Lupranol ® BALANCE. Through the application of a completely<br />
novel type of catalyst it has been possible for the first time to employ<br />
natural castor- oil in the production of low-emission flexible<br />
foam polyols. The new product is made up of 31% castor oil. A<br />
finished mattress made with Lupranol BALANCE contains up to<br />
24% by weight of castor oil, without impairing the performance<br />
of the foam. This very high percentage of renewable raw material<br />
in the finished product is a breakthrough in the realm of<br />
polyurethane base products.<br />
www.elastogran.de<br />
10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Biodegradable<br />
compound<br />
SAM-A C&I Corporation Ltd from Korea presented<br />
their advanced technology to improve physical properties,<br />
processability and chemical stability of biodegradable<br />
resins which have inherently fragile properties.<br />
SAM-A offers this by enhancing the compatibility of biodegradable<br />
resins, proper composition and development<br />
of additives based on many years of experience. SAM-A‘s<br />
biodegradable resins are composed of PLA and aliphatic<br />
polyester, environmentally friendly and biodegradable<br />
plastics and can replace traditional plastics because<br />
they offer excellent physical properties such as strength,<br />
heat stability and chemical resistance, as can be read in<br />
their K‘2007 brochure.<br />
www.samacni.co.kr<br />
3rd generation natural<br />
fibre composites<br />
At present Kareline Oy Ltd fom Joensuu, Finland say<br />
they have the widest range of bio-composites available<br />
in the market. These materials are based on PLA, but<br />
also natural fibre composites with a matrix of PP, PE,<br />
ABS, PS, POM are available. The natural fibre content<br />
varies between 20 to 55 wt-%.<br />
The reinforcing fibres used are wood-based cellulose<br />
fibres manufactured in the most ecologically advanced<br />
mills in the world. Wood raw material used in the process<br />
is environmentally certified.<br />
The Kareline ® composite granulates can be injection<br />
moulded in all standard thermoplastic injection moulding<br />
machines and tools. This material has already been<br />
in use all over the world in a wide variety of different<br />
machines and tools.<br />
www.kareline.fi<br />
Kareline: flexwood guitar<br />
Symphony in<br />
technology<br />
Reifenhäuser GmbH & Co. KG presented their machinery in<br />
Düsseldorf as well as in their premises in Troisdorf Germany.<br />
In the Technology Center in Troisdorf a premium 3-layer blown<br />
film line Filmtec 3-1700-IBC-RHS with IBC was shown among<br />
others. The flexible line concept with an excellent price/performance<br />
ratio features low-temperature screws and three<br />
REItorque extruders, so that the range of applications is completed<br />
by bio packaging.<br />
Processing of PLA material was be demonstrated on the<br />
high-performance thermoforming sheet line MIREX-W-3-<br />
130/80/50-1000. The series is available as mono or coex line<br />
for up to 7 layers.<br />
www.reifenhauser.com<br />
Review<br />
BioLog: product examples<br />
New compounding<br />
process for bioplastics<br />
BioLog GmbH from Queis, Germany have developed a new<br />
patented bioplastic based on starch, chitosan and polyester.<br />
It can be processed in film blowing (10-30 µm) e.g. for food<br />
packaging or in thicknesses of 30-200 µm for mulch films,<br />
bags, liners or covers. Monolayer as well as multilayer applications<br />
are possible. Furthermore extrusion blow moulding,<br />
thermoforming films, injection moulding applications such as<br />
planting pots, cups, cutlery etc. Foam applications for building<br />
industry and packaging applications round off the portfolio.<br />
In Düsseldorf, BioLog presented themselves at the booth of<br />
Reimelt Henschel MischSysteme GmbH from Kassel, Germany.<br />
They developed a new process for the compounding of<br />
BioLog material. A new screw design of the twin-screw extruder<br />
allows to process higher amounts of starch even with a<br />
higher moisture content.<br />
www.biolog-heppe.de<br />
www.reimelt-henschel.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 11
Review<br />
PLA sheet material with<br />
better impact properties<br />
UK-based VitasheetGroup has developed a new range of biodegradable<br />
PLA based materials which offer greater impact resistance and<br />
improved processability — properties which are often challenging with<br />
PLA.<br />
ViForm Bio 9100 and ViPrint Bio 9100 offer the traditional benefits of<br />
PLA products — compostability, renewable resources origins, but have<br />
been modified so they will have a much better impact strength‚ improving<br />
overall durability of the material and affording excellent performance<br />
in die-cutting and folding.<br />
Biodegradable materials such as PLA are currently used in a number<br />
of applications ranging from food packaging to blisters, but until now<br />
have had little interest for producers of horticulture labels or cosmetic<br />
boxes due to issues with brittleness and folding ability.<br />
“What has traditionally limited the use of bio-degradable materials in<br />
certain applications has now become a thing of the past,“ says Stephane<br />
Jacquet, VitasheetGroup Business Manager for the Packaging and<br />
Graphic Arts sectors.<br />
ViForm Bio 9100 and ViPrint Bio 9100 are available in white and transparent<br />
and gauges ranging from 300 micron to 650 micron.<br />
www.vitasheetgroup.com<br />
DuPont expands portfolio of<br />
renewably sourced polymers<br />
With Sorona ® EP thermoplastic resins, Hytrel ® RS thermoplastic<br />
elastomers, Biomax ® RS packaging resins and Selar ® VP breathable<br />
films DuPont presented in Düsseldorf a number of new plastics based<br />
on renewable resources.<br />
A key ingredient in Sorona EP is Bio-PDO which is made by DuPont<br />
and Tate & Lyle. Bio-PDO will be used in the two glass-reinforced grades<br />
of Sorona EP that will initially be available.<br />
Hytrel RS incorporates Cerenol renewably sourced polyol made with<br />
Bio-PDO. Initial grades of Hytrel RS will have a renewable content range<br />
of 25-50%.<br />
Biomax RS 1001 is a renewably sourced polytrimethyl terephthalate<br />
(PTT) offering aimed at rigid packaging applications such as injection<br />
molded containers, caps and consumer items such as media cases<br />
where it would replace polypropylene. Initial applications are targeted<br />
for cosmetics, food and consumer goods packaging. Biomax RS 1001<br />
incorporates has a renewable content of 35% with Bio-PDO as the key<br />
ingredient.<br />
Selar VP is a renewably sourced breathable film, designed for use in<br />
applications where foods need to respire, such as fresh fish and produce.<br />
It is up to 40% renewably sourced with the incorporation of a vegetable<br />
based fatty acid.<br />
www.dupont.com<br />
The “green”<br />
challenge<br />
For high-potential applications – ranging<br />
from refrigerator insulation to imitation<br />
forest floors Bayer MaterialScience from<br />
Leverkusen, Germany has now developed<br />
polyols (as component for polyurethanes)<br />
based up to 70% by weight on renewable raw<br />
materials to help cut down emissions.<br />
Polyurethane all-foam mattresses are currently<br />
very much in vogue and their market<br />
share has been rising for years. However, consumers<br />
would be unwilling to accept compromises<br />
in performance or above all durability.<br />
Following extensive development work, experts<br />
from Bayer MaterialScience were able<br />
to raise the properties of the „green“ foams<br />
up to the same high level as standard products.<br />
At K 2007, Bayer MaterialScience also<br />
presented a molded-foam part typically used<br />
in car seats. The polyol used for this was also<br />
based largely on renewable raw materials.<br />
Another exhibit on display was a high-end<br />
refrigerator. The proportion of renewable raw<br />
materials it uses is double that of conventional<br />
polyurethane insulating foam systems.<br />
Walking or running on a soft surface provides<br />
a more comfortable underfoot sensation.<br />
An artificial forest floor that Bayer MaterialScience<br />
has produced by combining a<br />
viscoelastic flexible polyurethane foam with<br />
textile overlays and a soft pile offers this feeling<br />
for your own bathroom. An extremely high<br />
volume of a polyol based on modified vegetable<br />
oils is used in the formulation without<br />
producing any adverse effect on technical<br />
properties such as tensile strength and durability.<br />
www.bayer.com<br />
Photo: Bayer<br />
12 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Timberland shoesoles<br />
with renewable content in<br />
the polyol component<br />
Dow Footwear Solutions announced during K‘2007 that it will supply its<br />
VORALAST Soling System with renewable content to The Timberland Company<br />
for the Miōn ® Spring 2008 line of outdoor footwear. Dow Footwear Solutions<br />
is a business unit recently launched by The Dow Chemical Company<br />
and is a leading provider of innovative solutions to the footwear industry<br />
worldwide. „We are very excited about our development partnership with<br />
Timberland that has used our VORALAST R series system with renewable<br />
polyol content to deliver both a durable, water resistant polyurethane sole<br />
and an advance in sustainability,” said Antonio Batistini, Research & Development<br />
Director for Dow Footwear Solutions.<br />
www.dowfootwear.com<br />
PLA bottle blowing<br />
machinery<br />
Stretch blow moulding machines for the production of PLA bottles are part<br />
of the scope of supply of Sistec srl. from Pordenone, Italy. Their models SSB-<br />
02/03 are the ideal solution, versatile and easy to use, as a spokesman said.<br />
Sistec presented themselves on the stand of MAG Plastic SA in Hall 13, right<br />
next to SIG Corpoplast from Hamburg, Germany. SIG‘s BLOMAX machine series<br />
were the first to produce the PLA bottles of Biota (USA) and Belu (UK). In<br />
addition, sister company SIG Plasmax offers barrier coating systems to apply<br />
an inner layer of SiOx (glass) to both, PLA and PET bottles for enhanced barrier<br />
properties against water vapour, CO 2 and Oxygen.<br />
www.sistec-pn.it, www.sig.biz<br />
10mm twinscrew<br />
compounder<br />
An ideal solution for compounding minimal<br />
amounts of test compositions, for example of<br />
sensitive materials or with nano materials, is<br />
the 10 mm twinscrew compounder of Rondol<br />
from Stone, UK. Non Invasive mixing allows<br />
rapid batch mixing at a selected degree of<br />
specific energy allowing totally enclosed high<br />
shear or low shear mixing. The twinscrew<br />
compounding technique meets the essential<br />
requirements of<br />
• High torque dispersive mixing with optimised<br />
screw profiles<br />
• The capability of adding measured quantities<br />
of nano materials to melt stream<br />
• The facility to process small quantities<br />
• A small equipment ‘footprint’ to allow<br />
bench top/clean room installation<br />
www.rondol.com<br />
Eco-Smart TM hot runner<br />
system for PLA<br />
D-M-E, a Milacron company introduced Eco-Smart hot runner systems,<br />
which are ideaI for processing “green“ plastic resins - proven successful with<br />
PLA. Eco-Smart Hot Runner Systems provide an ecological molding advantage.<br />
D-M-E is qualifying additional polymers as they become available.<br />
Key Advantages of Eco-Smart Hot Runner Systems:<br />
• Uninterrupted material flow path for reduced shear<br />
• Corrosion-resistant components<br />
• Front-removable heaters and thermocouples for easy system maintenance<br />
• Thermal isolation component design for improved performance<br />
• Superior thermal control from machine nozzle to moulded part surface<br />
Masterbatches<br />
for PLA<br />
Masterbatched for PLA were shown by<br />
VANETTI MASTERBATCHES from Marnate,<br />
Italy. The masterbatches for PLA granulate<br />
are particularly recommended for film extrusion.<br />
Continuous research in this field, in cooperation<br />
with University Politecnico Milano,<br />
Italy, will allow the range of masterbatches to<br />
be expanded in compliance with the standards<br />
requested in the various fields of application.<br />
Certification according to EN 13432 is expected<br />
for the end of this year.<br />
www.vanettimaster.com<br />
www.dme.net<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 13
Review<br />
2 nd European Bioplastics<br />
Conference<br />
in Disneyland Paris<br />
Dr. Harald Käb<br />
The 2nd European Bioplastics Conference has proven to<br />
be the place to be in bioplastics industry. 360 bioplastics<br />
professionals from 29 countries met in Paris at the largest<br />
bioplastics event ever in Europe that was organised<br />
for the second time by the industry association European<br />
Bioplastics.<br />
Record attendance of delegates, speakers and exhibitors<br />
The number of delegates as well as the comprehensive<br />
exhibition showed the relevance of the promising industry.<br />
The delegates followed the presentations of 45 speakers<br />
about material novelties, biopackaging innovations, consumer<br />
insights, political frameworks to end of life options<br />
in alternating plenary and parallel sessions.<br />
The exhibition room, where 26 exhibiting companies<br />
showcased their latest products and developments, provided<br />
a unique environment for extended networking.<br />
Keynotes on bioplastics<br />
The first plenary session was opened by a welcome<br />
adress of Dr. Harald Käb, Chairman of European Bioplastics<br />
and Christophe Doukhi-de Boissoudy, Chairman of the<br />
French Clubbioplastiques. Käb introduced the challenges<br />
for the future bioplastics development: „Sufficient material<br />
supply will be a very basic parameter for the future<br />
of bioplastics. This can be achieved by utilising existing<br />
production capacities to the full, building up new production<br />
sites by known and yet unknown market players and<br />
broadening the scope of materials and material properties.“<br />
Also waste management will play a crucial role as<br />
well as material developments.<br />
„The bioplastics industry is at a cutting edge. Fortunately,<br />
politics become more and more aware of the potential<br />
of reducing dependency on crude oil not only for fuels but<br />
also in material use of renewable ressources.“ The representative<br />
of the French Ministry of Agriculture, Julien<br />
Turienne, took up the thread and explained the French<br />
policies for bio-based products, which are motivated by<br />
14 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Review<br />
360 bioplastics experts 26 exhibitors<br />
their advantages, i.e. the substitution of non renewable<br />
resources, the improvement of innovation and competitiveness<br />
and the preservation and creation of jobs in agriculture<br />
and agro-industry. Amongst the French actions<br />
are the proposal to prefer bioplastic bags regulated by law<br />
(which was rejected by the European Commission due to<br />
the free trade and packaging directive; France now works<br />
on transforming these measures in incentive measures,<br />
e.g. ecotax).<br />
Production capacities<br />
European Bioplastics estimates the global production<br />
capacities of bioplastics to sextuple until 2011. The shares<br />
of the three material classes synthetic/biodegradable,<br />
biobased/biodegradable and biobased/non-biodegradable<br />
are expected to change significantly towards biobased/<br />
nonbiodegradable bioplastics. While their share is about<br />
12% in 2007 (of a total production capacity of 262.000<br />
tonnes/year), in 2011 the share of biobased/non-biodegradable<br />
bioplastics will be almost 40% of total capacity.<br />
The overall capacity will increase to 766.000 tonnes/year<br />
in 2009 to about 1.500.000 tonnes/year in 2011.<br />
European Bioplastics bases its estimations on publicly<br />
available announcements that have been published in the<br />
last months as well as on information gathered amongst<br />
their members. Provided a positive access to capital markets<br />
and thus investments production capacities can grow<br />
even faster.<br />
Material properties and material types<br />
To capture an even broader application range than today<br />
some bioplastics need to improve their material properties.<br />
Basically, this applies for barrier properties and heat<br />
resistance. Usual PLA softens at a temperature of about<br />
60°C and is not deployable for several applications. According<br />
to a manufacturer, PLA composed from D- and L-<br />
lactic acid shall be heat resistant up to 175°C. Thus, PLA<br />
will become applicable for e.g. micro-wave suitable products.<br />
According to several studies PLA bottles have a large<br />
growth potential. To capture more applications the barrier<br />
properties need improvement.The high permeability of<br />
water vapour for instance reduces the shelf-life. However,<br />
it is expected that new PLA types and barrier solutions will<br />
widen the scope of applications very soon. It is likely that<br />
new bioplastic materials and an increasing availability of<br />
bioplastics will accelerate product innovations.<br />
Waste management and bioplastics treatment<br />
Waste management will be a key success factor of bioplastics<br />
in two different ways. On the one hand, for compostable<br />
plastic products it is crucial to have composting<br />
infrastructures in place. That’s the reason why European<br />
Bioplastics advocates for a separate collection of organic<br />
and residual waste and for installing composting sites<br />
across Europe. In the EU, organic waste accounts for<br />
around 38% of municipal waste. This amounts to around<br />
120 million tonnes of organic waste per year, with the potential<br />
to obtain over 50 million tonnes of compost annually<br />
(in EU 25).<br />
On the other hand European Bioplastics is strongly supporting<br />
an adequate treatment of bioplastics given the<br />
quantities of the material. Organizing the most optimized<br />
waste management system is dependent on local infrastructures<br />
for collection and recycling, local and regional<br />
regulations, the total volume on the market available and<br />
the composition of waste streams.<br />
With both bioplastics and biopackaging in their infancy,<br />
the development of the market should not be delayed even<br />
though the most optimal recovery systems have often not<br />
been recognized by local authorities. The risks associated<br />
with existing recovery schemes should be monitored.<br />
These will be limited at this time given the relatively small<br />
volumes that currently enter the market. Once volumes<br />
reach a critical mass, waste management systems which<br />
make most sense from an environmental and economic<br />
point of view can be set up. Over time, recycling may be<br />
the best option for certain bioplastics, especially if a homogenous<br />
stream can be organized such as in place for<br />
plastic bottles.<br />
www.european-bioplastics.org<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 15
Review<br />
Bioplastics Awards 2007<br />
The second Bioplastics Awards took place together<br />
with the ninth Bioplastics conference<br />
in Cologne, Germany, on December 5 th . Organised<br />
by European Plastics News, an audience of<br />
around 100 people attended the event to witness the<br />
recognition of some of the best bioplastics developments<br />
and applications.<br />
Launched in 2006, the Bioplastics Awards are intended<br />
to raise the profile of bioplastics, which, although<br />
a developing market, is still very much a niche.<br />
The result is that the sector’s achievements tend to be<br />
overshadowed by innovations in the mainstream packaging<br />
and plastics industries.<br />
The seven categories of the Bioplastics Awards intend<br />
to change all that, providing a platform to promote<br />
the innovative ideas that are driving the bioplastics<br />
market forward.<br />
EPN Editor and Conference manager, Chris Smith,<br />
said: “The 2007 Bioplastics Awards come at an important<br />
time for the bioplastics industry as we are seeing<br />
new and important developments not only in traditional<br />
compostable bioplastics but also in bio-sourced<br />
versions of traditional polymers, such as PE, PA, PU<br />
and TPEs. When this industry looks back in 10 years<br />
or so we might say that 2007 marked the beginning<br />
of a new renewable era in bioplastics production and<br />
application.”<br />
www.bpevent.com<br />
Nominees & Winners<br />
Category<br />
Best Innovation<br />
in Bioplastics<br />
Best Bioplastics<br />
Processor<br />
Best Bioplastics<br />
Application –<br />
Packaging<br />
Nominees & Winners<br />
Braskem, Brazil<br />
(Polyethylene from ethanol derived from<br />
sugar cane)<br />
Dow Polyurethanes, USA<br />
(Renuva range of bio-derived polyols,<br />
derived from vegetable oils)<br />
Merquinsa Mercados Quimicos, Spain<br />
(Pearlthane ECO TPUs, with 40 – 49%<br />
renewable contents)<br />
Teijin, Japan<br />
(BioFront PLA fibres with a melting point<br />
of 210°C)<br />
Amcor Flexibles, UK<br />
(heat sealable VFFS film using Mater-bi<br />
and much more)<br />
Leoplast, Italy<br />
(High quality PLA cases and packaging<br />
for the cosmetics industry)<br />
Treofan, Germany<br />
(Production of Biophan PLA films)<br />
Alcan Packaging, Ireland<br />
(Lamination of a range of fully compostable<br />
printed film products using PLA and<br />
Mater-bi)<br />
Alcan Packaging, Ireland<br />
(first fully printable laminate of Natureflex<br />
cellulose and Mater-bi, which can be<br />
home composted)<br />
Amcor Flexibles, UK<br />
(heat sealable VFFS Mater-bi film for<br />
packaging of Sainsbury’s So Organic<br />
salad potato range)<br />
Coopbox Europe, Italy<br />
(Naturalbox PLA foamed PLA tray and<br />
capping film meat packaging system)<br />
Wiedmer AG, Switzerland<br />
(Compostable PCO28 closure in Mater-bi<br />
resin for packaging of still beverages)<br />
16 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Photos: European Plastics News<br />
Review<br />
Category<br />
Nominees & Winners<br />
Category<br />
Nominees & Winners<br />
Best Bioplastics<br />
Application –<br />
Non-Packaging<br />
WIP, Italy<br />
(Lov’N range of biodegradable hypoallergenic<br />
sanitary pads, exploiting the<br />
breathability of Mater-bi to retain moisture<br />
and keep the skin dry while moisture<br />
is absorbed by three PLA Ingeo fibre<br />
filtering layers)<br />
Arkema, France<br />
(Use of Pebax Renew in the Wave Creation<br />
training shoe by Mizuno of Japan)<br />
Elastogran, Germany<br />
(Use of bio-derived polyurethane resins<br />
in the Elastocoast coastal erosion defence<br />
system)<br />
NEC Corporation, Japan<br />
(Use of kenaf fibre reinforced PLA in a<br />
mobile phone casing)<br />
Teijin, Japan<br />
(Use of BioFront heat resistant PLA<br />
fibres in automotive prototype seat<br />
Best Bioplastics<br />
Retailer<br />
Delhaize, Belgium<br />
(One of the longest standing supporters<br />
of bioplastics, Delhaize has used more<br />
than 7 million PLA salad packs over the<br />
past two years replacing more than 120<br />
tonnes of traditional plastics. This year<br />
it switched its single-use carrier bags<br />
to starch-based plastics, estimating it<br />
will use 100 tonnes of the resins over the<br />
first 12 months. The group is also working<br />
with its national retail association<br />
FEDIS and waste association Fost-Plus<br />
to develop suitable end-of-life options)<br />
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets, UK<br />
(The 2006 winner in this category,<br />
Sainsbury’s environmental packaging<br />
approach continues to set the standard<br />
in the UK retail sector)<br />
Wal-Mart, US<br />
(Not a company with the greatest record<br />
on sustainability, Wal-Mart’s conversion<br />
to sustainable thinking and launch of its<br />
environmental scorecard have has really<br />
kick-started interest in bioplastics in the<br />
Best Bioplastics<br />
Marketing<br />
Initiative<br />
Excellent Packaging & Supply, US<br />
(provides customers with assistance in<br />
selecting the right product for its needs,<br />
The company is also highly active in the<br />
US in promoting organised composting<br />
schemes, without which many biodegradable<br />
products make little sense)<br />
Alcan Packaging, Ireland<br />
(Promotion of its fully customisable<br />
laminated packaging film materials)<br />
Novamont, Italy<br />
(Supply of two million sets of Mater-bi<br />
disposable tableware for the Loreto<br />
Agorà dei Giovani two-day eco-meeting<br />
in Italy, which was addressed by the<br />
Pope)<br />
Personal<br />
Contribution<br />
to Bioplastics<br />
NOTE:<br />
The Personal<br />
Contribution<br />
award is made<br />
by EPN alone.<br />
Martin K Patel<br />
(Martin Patel is not, perhaps, seen by<br />
many as part of the bioplastics industry,<br />
but the work he has been doing over the<br />
past 15 years in the techno-economic<br />
analysis of energy saving and emission<br />
reductions achievable through new and<br />
existing industrial biotechnologies is<br />
likely to become hugely important in the<br />
years to come.)<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 17
Special<br />
Shopping bags, that<br />
dissolve in hot water<br />
Figure 1: degradation in soil after 3 months<br />
Headquartered Singapore, Biostarch Technology<br />
Pte Ltd was registered in 2004. However the Biostarch<br />
journey began with research in 1998. The<br />
technological process to produce the Biostarch biopolymer<br />
film was registered for international patent in 2005.<br />
The manufacturing headquarter is in Beijing, China.<br />
According to a company‘s spokesman, Biostarch offers<br />
a cost-effective, EN13432 certified, OK Compost mark approved,<br />
100% compostable biopolymer shopping bag solution<br />
and film for packaging. Biostarch products also meet<br />
the American ASTM-6400-99 Standard for Compostable<br />
Plastics and Australian AS4736-2006 Biodegradable<br />
Standard.<br />
Features<br />
The unique biodegradable and compostable nature of<br />
the Biostarch film is demonstrated by its ability to be dissolved<br />
in hot water. The rapid disintegration in a natural<br />
environment can be seen in fig. 1, showing a Biostarch<br />
bag before and after 3 months in the soil of an Australian<br />
garden.<br />
Other features include the following:<br />
• Comparable strength to conventional plastic bags<br />
• Made principally from the renewable resource corn<br />
starch<br />
• Does not contain the conventional plastic constituents<br />
such as polyethylene and polypropylene<br />
• Can be re-used (encouraged)<br />
• Ideally suited for dry goods but tolerates short term<br />
exposure to moisture.<br />
Shopping Bags<br />
For supermarkets, retail and department stores,<br />
Bio-starch Bags provide a variety of solutions:<br />
• Bio-Fresh bags on a roll, with perforation for easy<br />
separation. Ideal for fruit and vegetables.<br />
• Bio-Light, a lightweight bag for dry goods.<br />
• Bio-Mist, a lightweight bag for moist/refrigerated<br />
goods.<br />
• Bio-Multi, a heavy duty flexi loop bag for dry goods<br />
• Bio-Max, a grip hold bag ideal for retail outlets and<br />
department stores<br />
Film for Packaging and Plastic Converters<br />
Biostarch film is ideal for the packaging of dry goods<br />
and rolls are also available for plastic converters to<br />
manufacture bags to their own specifications. Biostarch<br />
film can be processed on conventional plastic bag<br />
manufacturing equipment with some adjustments.<br />
Biostarch‘s Vision<br />
Biostarch recognizes the environmental hazard<br />
caused by plastic bags and products. „We believe that<br />
government, business and environmental groups and<br />
individuals all need to work together to solve this problem,”<br />
says Dr. Jian Mao, CEO of Biostarch Technology.<br />
„Changes in patterns of behaviour are essential and<br />
the provision of certified biodegradable, 100% compostable<br />
biopolymer alternatives is mandatory,” he<br />
adds. Biostarch is excited to be able to be a part of the<br />
solution by offering a cost effective alternative to plastic<br />
bags and packaging and a more environmentally<br />
responsible alternative to paper bags. Together we can<br />
make a difference.<br />
www.biostarch.com<br />
18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Special<br />
Paperflex-Bio; paper plus bioplastic film<br />
Zipper-Bio bag<br />
World‘s first<br />
biodegradable zipper bag<br />
Forapack, an Italian flexible packaging films converter<br />
from Poggiofiorito, has expanded its product<br />
range of ready-made bags and pouches with a new<br />
series for food producers and retailers. The three product<br />
lines follow the approved design and application but<br />
are made completely of biodegradable and compostable<br />
material.<br />
The Bagflex-F-Bio line consists of bags and pouches<br />
made from a single web of bioplastic film, such as PLA,<br />
Materbi, Naturflex and the like. These bags are hot-wire<br />
sealed, and can be custom-printed and micro-perforated.<br />
The Bagflex-HS-Bio series of bags and pouches is made<br />
from a laminate composed of Kraft paper and a bioplastic<br />
film. They come in a wide range of options, e.g. with or<br />
without die-punched handle or custom-printed. The Kraft<br />
paper is available in white or havana colour. The bioplastic<br />
film can be PLA, Materbi or Natureflex, depending on the<br />
application. Organic adhesives are used between the two<br />
layers to allow for 100% biodegradability. In this respect,<br />
Forapack also carries out flexo printing in up to eight colours<br />
with water-based inks. As required the central film is<br />
produced opaque or transparent to show the contents.<br />
The Paperflex-Bio series of bags and pouches consists<br />
of a laminate of paper plus a bioplastic film, with or without<br />
a central „window“. In comparison with the abovementioned<br />
products Paperflex-Bio is produced in reels for<br />
automatic packaging machine applications.<br />
The Zipper-Bio bags are made of paper laminate plus<br />
biodegradable compostable plastic laminates. Its unique<br />
feature is the world‘s first re-closable zippers made of<br />
biodegradable plastic (a Forapack exclusive speciality),<br />
making the contents watertight and airtight. The applica-<br />
tion of the biodegradable zipper to a bag or pouch made<br />
of biodegradable compostable laminate is a Forapack patent.<br />
One of the latest developments is a PLA film with enhanced<br />
oxygen barrier properties to protect the contents<br />
from oxidation. It was developed in collaboration with<br />
an Italian barrier film producer. Barrier enhancement is<br />
obtained by applying a very thin layer of a special, highly<br />
transparent and food-grade lacquer onto the film surface.<br />
The barrier film is converted as a single web (Bagflex-F-Bio)<br />
or alternatively Forapack laminates it to paper<br />
(Bagflex-HS-Bio and Paperflex-Bio) resulting in a biodegradable<br />
laminate that ensures better protection for the<br />
product, and offers a longer shelf life.<br />
All mentioned products are being tested by independent<br />
laboratories and the results will show full comparability<br />
with the properties of fossil oil based plastic films,<br />
including conformity to food contact regulations, machineability,<br />
transparency, natural permeability, long shelflife<br />
and antifog properties. Beside ensuring the necessary<br />
hygiene and food protection, Forapack promises that the<br />
new packaging solutions to be a valid marketing tool and<br />
offer distributors, food producers and final consumers a<br />
number of additional features that rarely come with other<br />
packaging solutions.<br />
www.forapack.it<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 19
Special<br />
Article contributed by Christian Garaffa,<br />
Marketing Department, Project Manager<br />
Waste Management Area.<br />
After Ireland, San Francisco and Oakland in California,<br />
Modbury in Britain, the debate on disposable<br />
carrier bags has recently moved to London. Many<br />
other countries and cities are looking to introduce or already<br />
have some form of ban, tax, levy or some voluntary<br />
agreement on throwaway shopping bags (e.g. France or<br />
Italy).<br />
The question is always the same: how to manage the<br />
environmental issue posed by non biodegradable carrier<br />
bags? The common logic permeating the different choices<br />
is always the one dictated by the waste hierarchy: prevent,<br />
reuse, recover, dispose of.<br />
Factors like an intensive communication to the consumers<br />
and the introduction of reusable bags “for life”<br />
which can be used for several times before they are finally<br />
thrown away or given back to the store, are an essential<br />
part of this schemes.<br />
Compostable shopping<br />
carrier bags: what is the<br />
logic for their contribution<br />
to the environment?<br />
How do compostable carrier bags place themselves into<br />
this picture?<br />
www.novamont.com<br />
Compostable carriers can actually be a powerful aid to<br />
waste minimization and recovery policies especially there<br />
were organic waste collection schemes are to be set up<br />
or are already in place. In order for such schemes to be<br />
successful they must be hygienic for both consumer and<br />
collection crews and be as convenient as possible. The<br />
best way to ensure both these criteria is for consumers<br />
to line their kitchen caddy with a compostable liner which<br />
can then be tied and placed in the larger container. Using<br />
liners in this fashion not only keeps the system clean and<br />
hygienic from kitchen to collection to treatment facility,<br />
but by being simple to use, they also lead to higher levels<br />
of participation and subsequently greater amounts of food<br />
waste are recovered and less material is landfilled.<br />
A proper communication and the possibility for the<br />
householder to easily identify the compostable bags are<br />
completing the picture for this kind of schemes which are<br />
able to recover as much as 90% of the kitchen organics<br />
present in the household waste.<br />
20 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Special<br />
Article contributed by Jonas Hellström,<br />
Marketing & After Sales Manager,<br />
FAS Converting Machinery AB, Ystad, Sweden<br />
Biobags: in-line<br />
production is the future<br />
The Scandinavian company BioBag International A/S,<br />
headquartered in Askim, Norway has great faith in<br />
the future. They have a long experience of making<br />
plastic bags and have used converting machines from FAS<br />
Converting Machinery AB, Ystad, Sweden for more than 15<br />
years. About three years ago BioBag International started<br />
to specialise in making plastic bags which are 100% biodegradable<br />
and compostable (according to standards such<br />
as EN 13432 or ASTM D6400) and which can be recycled or<br />
incinerated with a neutral greenhouse gas impact. Converting<br />
material from the Italian company Novamont into<br />
bags in-line on a machine from FAS is a very cost-effective<br />
way of making bags on a roll.<br />
”We believe in the future of this project”, says Jorn Johansen,<br />
president and CEO at BioBag International. Many<br />
people are becoming more aware of how important it is<br />
to take care of our Earth. BioBag International A/S has<br />
activities in 18 countries and the list of products is long. In<br />
Belgium for example, BioBag has a business arrangement<br />
with Jemaco nv. (also a customer of FAS), regarding the<br />
marketing and production of high quality bio-products.<br />
Jorn Johansen appreciates the quality of the machines<br />
and the good service from FAS, which fit well in this environmentally<br />
friendly future.<br />
Bag production in-line using the film blowing process<br />
is well known, and has been improved over the years by<br />
FAS, followed by other machine suppliers, as pointed out<br />
by Jonas Hellstrom, Marketing Manager at FAS.<br />
Especially with the combination of tensionless sealing<br />
and sealing from both sides, FAS perforation and sealing<br />
units are the ideal equipment to process biodegradable<br />
products. The FAS sealing system is one of the few that<br />
can handle a wide variety of film materials, e.g. all kinds<br />
of PE from HD to LD, recycled plastics and biodegradable<br />
materials, without any special adjustments required.<br />
In addition to the above-mentioned features, the FAS<br />
perforating and sealing units offer the benefits of constant<br />
or intermittent heating and adjustable seal pressure,<br />
which has proven to give many producers advantages<br />
when running different products on the same machine.<br />
The in-line process of film blowing and bag production<br />
brings a number of additional benefits, such as faster<br />
quality control of the plastic film, no capital locked up in<br />
storage for master rolls or floor space, and a better cash<br />
flow. And - thanks to converting a warm film which enables<br />
thick film to fold easily and the final winding to be<br />
easier – the final products often just look better.<br />
When it comes to total machine investment cost, an<br />
in-line set-up offers advantages over an off-line solution.<br />
One reason is a simpler blown film unit, as there is no<br />
need for a rotating head or winding equipment when running<br />
in-line.<br />
Other costs for a producer are the handling of master<br />
rolls and for the personnel needed to run the machines.<br />
In an in-line environment less operators are needed compared<br />
to an off-line set-up, which also provides financial<br />
benefits.<br />
As one of the biggest bag producers in Europe once<br />
said: “Produce this morning – deliver in the afternoon -<br />
and invoice tomorrow! That´s the key to success!”.<br />
www.fasconverting.se<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 21
Materials<br />
Lactide<br />
Monomers<br />
for the<br />
production<br />
Article contributed by Hans van der Pol, Marketing Manager,<br />
PURAC biochem BV, Gorinchem, the Netherlands<br />
of PLA<br />
So far the focus for bioplastics developments has<br />
been in particular on the environmental and<br />
social elements. To make PLA sustainable on<br />
the long-term it is now crucial that the economic sustainability<br />
is secured. L- and D-lactide produced with<br />
PURAC technology in combination with PURAC’s value<br />
proposition for the value-chain members will allow<br />
PLA to become an attractive economic reality.<br />
Accelerating PLA potential<br />
Although many PLA applications have been developed<br />
over the last years, PLA is currently in short<br />
supply. In order for the bioplastics market to grow at<br />
the pace dictated by the customer demand, there is a<br />
need for a higher level of PLA supply. The main factors<br />
hampering the growth in supply are PLA product quality<br />
and the availability of an economically sustainable<br />
production technology as part of the PLA value-chain.<br />
The key factor in this chain is the technology to produce<br />
high purity, polymer grade, lactic acid with high<br />
carbohydrate efficiency – the core expertise of PURAC,<br />
whose technology has been optimized over decades.<br />
PLA for packaging applications was developed in the<br />
nineties but it is not until very recently that the value<br />
chain for PLA applications has been seriously expanded.<br />
The Kyoto protocol and the associated trading<br />
schemes for carbon dioxide certificates are providing<br />
companies with real incentives to reduce their carbon<br />
dioxide emissions by investing in more environmentally<br />
benign technologies and products. Bioplastics and<br />
bio-fuels are at the forefront of this trend.<br />
Market opportunities<br />
With improvements in PLA supply and quality as<br />
well as development of value added applications it is<br />
expected that the market for PLA can grow to a level<br />
of several hundreds of ktons over the next 10 years.<br />
The bioplastics industry is still in a very early stage of<br />
its development. Institutional, legal and policy framework<br />
conditions are adjusted continuously in order to<br />
stimulate a continuous growth of sustainable materials.<br />
The market for traditional polymers is over 250<br />
mio tons and growing. Many framework conditions for<br />
these traditional polymers actually act as barriers for<br />
the new polymers. The bioplastics industry has grown<br />
so far without the huge subsidies heaped upon bioethanol.<br />
The opportunities to capitalize on this are immense.<br />
The total consumption of biodegradable polymers<br />
stood at around 140 ktons in 2006, with packaging representing<br />
31% of the total consumption. The projected<br />
growth for PLA in this segment is estimated 23%<br />
per year.<br />
With improvements in technology, higher value added<br />
applications such as fibers and engineering plastics<br />
can be developed. Such higher value added applications<br />
are important to turn a bio-based economy into<br />
reality, as it will improve the economic sustainability of<br />
the value-proposition.<br />
Retailers and brand-owners recognize possibilities<br />
to capitalize on the sustainability trend by re-branding<br />
their image as an environmentally conscious company<br />
22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Materials<br />
by incorporating innovative bio-based packaging<br />
solutions into their product lines. This allows them<br />
to create additional added value to their customers,<br />
who are also becoming more environmentally<br />
conscious.<br />
The use of annually renewable resources as a<br />
feed-stock is the main driving force behind sustainable<br />
plastics in the 21st century. Biodegradability<br />
of PLA packaging materials is an advantage<br />
in those countries that have an industrial composting<br />
infrastructure in place. However, no material<br />
can find a sustainable position in the market without<br />
the right functional attributes. For many applications<br />
the biodegradability has no added value,<br />
and PLA is perfectly stable under normal use conditions.<br />
Added value<br />
The added value of PLA polymers comes in the<br />
first place from its unique combination of properties,<br />
such as very high optical clarity, good mechanical<br />
properties, gas and water barrier properties,<br />
etc.. These properties can be influenced<br />
and further improved or modified by value added<br />
polymer technologies, such as compounding, copolymerization,<br />
combining materials or films with<br />
different properties or applying nano-technologies.<br />
Properties that will need improvement to make the<br />
polymer applicable to high-end applications are<br />
its heat deformation temperature and its impact<br />
strength. For bottle applications for example the<br />
gas barrier properties needs improvement.<br />
PLA Value proposition<br />
Due to its strong technology position in lactic<br />
acid, moving one step further in the value-chain is<br />
a logical step for PURAC. This enables polymerand<br />
plastics producers to make the step into PLA<br />
bioplastics. PURAC itself has in-depth experience<br />
with PLA in the relatively small, but high value<br />
added market of medical-grade lactide monomers<br />
and polymers.<br />
The scale to economically produce lactide is<br />
much bigger than the scale to economically produce<br />
PLA. In PURAC’s concept, polymer producers<br />
will not need to invest in complex lactide technology,<br />
but can focus instead on their core expertise:<br />
adding value through the production of specialized<br />
PLA (co-)polymers. By allowing PLA producers to<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 23
Materials<br />
invest in smaller scale plants, the efficiency of PLA<br />
production can be enhanced by focusing on dedicated<br />
grades for certain application areas. Further<br />
value can be added to these (co-) polymers by compounding<br />
them into plastics and using nano- and<br />
other technologies to improve the properties.<br />
PURAC allows polymer producers to add value<br />
in a revolutionary new way by offering two types<br />
of lactide (L-lactide and D-lactide). By combining<br />
these lactides in new and unconventional ways, the<br />
improvement of the PLA heat-stability – one of its<br />
key issues – can become a reality.<br />
PURAC will deploy a business model, where lactide<br />
is manufactured at an advantageous scale and<br />
offered as a premium quality, competitively positioned<br />
product to PLA producers. Based on this<br />
lactide monomer customers will be able produce<br />
superior quality polymer. This business concept allows<br />
medium size and starting PLA companies to<br />
be competitive in the PLA market.<br />
The production of lactide is integrated into the<br />
manufacturing of lactic acid and as such different<br />
grades will be either processed or marketed<br />
through PURAC’s global sales network. PURAC<br />
partners do not have to concern themselves with<br />
the production of lactic acid or lactide and hence<br />
will see a reduced risk profile for the investment,<br />
product management, logistics and warehousing<br />
and operation of facilities.<br />
Outlook<br />
The flexible production unit in PURAC production<br />
site in Spain will be used for lactide production<br />
for selected partners early 2008. This unit will<br />
be extended with the required steps to make high<br />
quality lactide shippable to selected customers all<br />
over the world. The investment path leads to the<br />
industrial scale availability of a lactide production<br />
unit in Thailand.<br />
Since the availability of D(-) lactid acid is essential<br />
for the highest PLA grades, PURAC’s lactic acid<br />
production unit in Spain is being revamped into a<br />
high quality D(-) production plant. The product will<br />
also become available as D-lactide for PDLA production.<br />
PURAC has commenced a focused application<br />
development effort to support customers in<br />
their use of lactide and D(-) products.<br />
www.purac.com<br />
24 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Practically everybody uses them to protect sensitive<br />
goods – high-quality stretched plastics are<br />
undoubtedly the number one within the world of<br />
packaging material. More and more they are replacing<br />
paper, cardboard, tin foil and other materials. Upon applying<br />
a particular process, mono- or biaxial orientation, the<br />
films obtain a wealth of advantageous properties, due to a<br />
change in the morphology of the film’s molecular structure:<br />
• excellent mechanical properties, e.g. stiffness, tear,<br />
shock or puncture resistance<br />
• impermeability to moisture and water vapour<br />
• high resistance to oils, fats and solvents, as well as to<br />
heat and cold<br />
• dimensional stability and scratch resistance<br />
• attractive glossy appearance, thanks to brilliant surface<br />
quality and high transparency<br />
• excellent convertibility, printability and sealability.<br />
Packaging has become a key marketing tool at the point<br />
of sales. As a result, customers in supermarkets and<br />
stores are placing greater emphasis on attractive packaging.<br />
This leads to a greater demand for a variety of speciality<br />
films:<br />
• co-extruded multi-layer structures, up to 7 layers for<br />
ultra-high barrier<br />
• shrink film and sleeves for trendy, full body sleeves<br />
• ultra-high barrier film for lamination<br />
• bio-degradable films for environmental protection and<br />
sustainability<br />
• BOPA (bi-axially oriented Polyamide) film highly suitable<br />
for freezable and cookable (microwavable) packaging<br />
• mono-axial shrink films for bundles and labels<br />
Orientation methods<br />
The orientation methods applied to manufacture such<br />
films are the film blowing process and the tenter frame<br />
process. Blown film extrusion process is based on the<br />
principle of extruding a tube having a thickness that is 40<br />
– 50 times thicker than that of the film to be produced.<br />
As part of the tenter frame process, the cast film derived<br />
from plastic granulate by means of extrusion is stretched<br />
in longitudinal and transverse direction to attain the required<br />
film dimensions. This film is then processed either<br />
sequentially or simultaneously in order to obtain a very<br />
thin, high-rigid end film. Sequential lines first stretch the<br />
cast film in machine direction through a system of rollers.<br />
This stretching is achieved by different speeds between<br />
groups of rolls. Then the film enters the tenter, an ovenlike<br />
device, which uses two endless chains to grip and<br />
stretch the web in transverse direction on diverting rails.<br />
Simultaneous systems stretch the film in both directions<br />
at the same time. The limited yield and inflexibility<br />
of mechanical solutions led to the development of LISIM ®<br />
Oriented<br />
films continue<br />
their<br />
Processing<br />
successful<br />
run – even<br />
with PLA<br />
Article contributed by Christian Aigner,<br />
Marketing Manager, Brückner Maschinenbau<br />
GmbH & Co. KG, Siegsdorf, Germany<br />
Photo: Treofan<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 25
Processing<br />
°C<br />
1 : 2.0 - 3.5<br />
1 : 3.0 - 5.0<br />
Sequential BO stretching line - TDO inlet<br />
Typical temperatures during BOPLA process<br />
technology, which uses linear motors driving clips without<br />
chain connections. This drive principle, also used on the<br />
“Transrapid” (Germany’s high-speed monorail train using<br />
magnetic levitation), allows a new level of freedom to be<br />
obtained when manufacturing high quality film in fast and<br />
extremely flexible production.<br />
Biodegradable oriented film is gaining great<br />
interest<br />
Excellent properties in stiffness, transparency, gloss,<br />
and dead-fold retention, combined with the environmental<br />
benefits clearly emphasize the breadth of its appeal for<br />
use in consumer packaging applications.<br />
• As an alternative to cellophane in: confectionery twist<br />
wrap, premium wrapping for flowers, toiletries and<br />
prestige gifts<br />
• Bags for compost and garden refuse, as well as agricultural<br />
mulch films to replace paper (when wet strength<br />
is required)<br />
• Multi-layer films for packaging uses, especially food<br />
• Lamination films where cellulose acetate can be replaced<br />
• Co-extruded structures with low temperature heat seal<br />
layers and/or flavor and aroma barriers where properties<br />
allow layer simplification or replacement of nylons<br />
• Shrink sleeve films and high modulus label films<br />
• Non-fogging films for fresh produce packaging<br />
Key performance indicators of Brückner’s stretching<br />
lines for biodegradable film<br />
Due to the fact that PLA resin is sensitive to humidity,<br />
special raw material handling and extrusion technology<br />
is needed. Particularly in the storage system, Brückner’s<br />
line layouts include silos with humidity protection. Resin<br />
dryers guarantee the resin’s low moisture content prior<br />
to extrusion.<br />
For the extrusion, Brückner utilizes their over ten year’s<br />
worth of experience in twin screw technology. Benefit: no<br />
additional material drying is needed. The special screw<br />
design creates uniform melt properties. Stainless steel<br />
melt pipes, polymer filters with short dwell times, static<br />
mixers and a three-layer adapter block designed for PLA<br />
are essential to the entire process.<br />
The pinning and stretching properties of PLA are very<br />
similar to the behavior of PET. Therefore, an electrostatic<br />
pinning device is needed to fix the extruded sheet to the<br />
chill roll. A shockless speed variation is realized with a<br />
drive motor concept, which assures a constant take off<br />
speed. A special roll design guarantees a temperature accuracy<br />
of ± 1 K (Kelvin) across the roll surface.<br />
The MDO (machine direction orienter) is equipped with<br />
the same drive technology.<br />
Special drive functions called MSD (MD soft drive system)<br />
assure a “scratch-free” surface of the MD stretched<br />
film. The elongation ratios in machine direction (MD) are<br />
in a range of 2 - 3.5.<br />
The stretching ratios within the transversal direction<br />
(TD) are around 3 to 5. The TDO (transversal direction orienter)<br />
is characterized by accurate and adjustable air distribution<br />
and a reliable chain track system.<br />
Stretching profile<br />
1.767 mm Die<br />
Neck-in<br />
80 mm<br />
Neck-in<br />
120 mm<br />
Clip Range<br />
30 mm<br />
7. 435 mm<br />
1.687 mm Castfilm<br />
1.567 mm MD Film<br />
6.600 mm<br />
Edge trim 150 mm<br />
26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
CF-PLA<br />
BOPLA (2,2 x 6,0)<br />
s-BOPLA (4,5 x 5,2)<br />
220<br />
180<br />
3510<br />
4110<br />
5155<br />
4616<br />
Processing<br />
180<br />
180<br />
120<br />
3000<br />
3050<br />
90<br />
100<br />
70<br />
53<br />
52<br />
17<br />
6<br />
MD<br />
TD<br />
MD<br />
TD<br />
MD<br />
TD<br />
Tensile Strength<br />
[N/mm²]<br />
Elongation at Break<br />
[%]<br />
E-Modulus<br />
[N/mm²]<br />
Mechanical<br />
Properties<br />
Improvement of mechanical properties by biaxial stretching<br />
Sequential BO streching line - Winder<br />
The stretched film needs to be surface treated and the<br />
thickness gauge must be measured. Brückner’s stateof-the-art<br />
treatment systems and scanning devices combined<br />
with a ultra-fast die-bolt system guarantee highest<br />
surface properties and a constant gauge throughout the<br />
complete production.<br />
The winder winds up the final treated film on steel<br />
reels.<br />
Criteria like winding tension, roll profile, roll density and<br />
perfect roll build-up are essential for the further process<br />
steps. Technologies like LIWIND ® (winding technology with<br />
linear motors), tension control systems and winder oscillation<br />
systems are essential for perfect further processing.<br />
The output of such a state-of-the-art stretching line is<br />
1,300 kg/h, with the end film having a thickness range between<br />
15 and 50 µm.<br />
Unique technology center<br />
Brückner‘s experience in processing PLA using an orientation<br />
process is based on their worldwide unique technology<br />
center.<br />
The variety of stretching methods, ranging from monoaxial<br />
to sequential and simultaneous stretching, gave the<br />
possibility to run PLA in each production mode.<br />
Produced PLA film:<br />
• MOPLA (mono-axially oriented PLA) shrink film for<br />
sleeves applications<br />
• BOPLA (bi-axially oriented PLA) thin film<br />
• BOPLA thick film for thermoformapplications<br />
(190 – 350 µm)<br />
All produced film types displayed improved film properties<br />
after the stretching process.<br />
Considering that cast – PLA is brittle and inflexible the<br />
stretching process made the final film flexible, while at the<br />
same time improving its tensile strength and E-modulus.<br />
The final film exhibited excellent dead fold and twist<br />
wrap properties.<br />
The simultaneous stretching mode also presented<br />
amazing results.<br />
Sequentially, PLA can be processed with a MD ration of<br />
2.2 and a TD ration of 6.0. The main challenge in this line<br />
configuration is the maximum pinning speed.<br />
The use of simultaneous technology is completely<br />
changing the situation. Stretching ratios of 4.5 times 5.2<br />
are no longer a problem. Therefore, line output can be dramatically<br />
increased. In addition, film properties were better<br />
when compared to the sequential stretching process.<br />
• Mechanical properties<br />
• Sealing properties (by using a low sealing skin layer)<br />
• Adjustable shrink properties due to the special process<br />
• Better optical quality (no scratches, higher gloss)<br />
Overall, the PLA tests at Brückner’s technology center<br />
were surprisingly successful and they gained a lot of new<br />
experience and insight from these trials. The successful<br />
thermoform application tests for the thick film were carried<br />
out at Brückner’s new Group Company Kiefel GmbH<br />
in Freilassing, Germany.<br />
More PLA technology from Brückner Group<br />
Brückner Formtec, supplier of cast film and sheet extrusion<br />
lines, developed a process to produce PLA film<br />
and sheet for rigid packaging in a very cost effective way<br />
by increasing productivity through high outputs and high<br />
speeds. Highlights of the line concepts are: Twin screw<br />
extrusion for highest efficiency, outputs of up to 2,000 kg/<br />
h, speeds of up to 75 m/min, thickness range from 250 µm<br />
up to 1,200 µm, proven pinning technology, especially suitable<br />
for inline processed high volume applications.<br />
www.brueckner.com<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 27
From Science & Research<br />
Reactor contents transfer<br />
From Waste 2 Gold: Making<br />
bioplastic products from<br />
biomass waste streams<br />
Article contributed by Dr Alan Fernyhough,<br />
Unit Manager of the Bioplastics Engineering<br />
Group, Scion, Rotorua, New Zealand<br />
New Zealand is widely regarded as pristine and<br />
uncluttered. But the country has waste management<br />
challenges just like everywhere else. A large<br />
volume of these wastes arise from its prolific agricultural,<br />
forestry and horticultural sectors. Innovative research<br />
programmes aimed at turning these organic wastes into<br />
high-value bioplastic products are being run by Scion, a<br />
Crown Research Institute based in Rotorua, at the heart<br />
of New Zealand’s green hinterland. At Scion, teams working<br />
on wastewater and environmental (bio)technologies<br />
have come together with those working on biopolymers,<br />
and materials formulation and processing technologies to<br />
create a suite of technology options for converting wastes<br />
into bioplastic related products. The programmes include<br />
turning wastes into bioplastics, or into functional additives<br />
for use in bioplastics, or directly into processed bioplastics<br />
products.<br />
Dr Trevor Stuthridge is the leader of the ‘Waste 2 Gold‘<br />
programme, an overarching framework developed by Scion<br />
for turning wastes into valuable products. He explains<br />
why this research is of vital interest to a nation focused on<br />
minimising waste:<br />
“New Zealanders landfill the equivalent of 872 kg of solid<br />
waste per year per person – one of the highest per capita<br />
rates in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation<br />
and Development). Our primary industries contribute<br />
55% of this total; a major proportion is organic material<br />
28 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
From Science & Research<br />
which can generate methane, a potent greenhouse gas<br />
(GHG), and harmful leachates.”<br />
In a bid to help minimise GHG emissions, New Zealand<br />
has implemented a Waste Management Strategy that aims<br />
to see 95% of these industrial organic wastes re-directed<br />
from landfills by 2010. Dr Stuthridge believes that New<br />
Zealand’s primary sectors can best meet this challenge<br />
by actively exploiting the intrinsic worth of their organic<br />
wastes.<br />
“The only effective way to provide incentives for minimising<br />
liquid and solid wastes and redirecting organic<br />
material from landfills is to ensure that the resource has<br />
an economic value. The ‘Waste 2 Gold‘ initiative is proactively<br />
generating sustainable solutions, which will simultaneously<br />
help to increase revenues, reduce costs and add<br />
value to businesses,” he says.<br />
Carbon-rich industrial wastes, such as those from the<br />
pulp and paper, food processing, and biorefinery sectors<br />
are low cost, high volume feedstocks that are ideal<br />
for sustainable production of biopolymers, fine chemicals<br />
and biofuels. Microbial biotechnologies and chemical<br />
functionalisation technologies are under development by<br />
Scion scientists who are exploring ways of utilising these<br />
feedstocks.<br />
One project involves the use of mixed and/or pure cultures<br />
of bacteria that directly fix nitrogen from the atmosphere,<br />
allowing them to remediate carbon-rich wastes<br />
from these sources, without the need for additional costly<br />
chemicals, and convert the carbon into useful products.<br />
Dr Stuthridge explains that a novel function of these nitrogen-fixing<br />
bacteria is their ability to store excess carbon<br />
in the form of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs, >50% of<br />
dry cell mass).<br />
“We are exploiting this characteristic to produce biopolymers<br />
and biopolymer composites from industrial waste<br />
streams. Given that feedstock costs can comprise over<br />
60% of manufacturing costs, this type of process is expected<br />
to offer substantial economic advantages.”<br />
Nitrogen fixation processes produce very low ecological<br />
footprints since no supplemental nitrogen needs to<br />
be added to achieve microbial growth. This approach can<br />
give a 35% saving in operational costs over conventional<br />
bioconversion methods. In addition, very low nutrient final<br />
wastewater discharges are achieved, amounting to over<br />
90% reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus over conventional<br />
methods. Finally, these aerobic nitrogen fixation<br />
processes have a lower oxygen demand than normal systems,<br />
offering a 25% saving in aeration energy costs.<br />
“Of course, in the case of solid wastes, there is a requirement<br />
to make them more easily accessible for microbial<br />
bioconversion”, explains Dr Stuthridge. “Here, we<br />
are integrating proprietary green chemistry-based technologies<br />
that break down the solid organic material, such<br />
Bacteria with PHA<br />
Biodegradable pots<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 29
From Science & Research<br />
as proteins, lipids and polymeric carbohydrates, into<br />
readily degradable feedstocks for the bacteria.”<br />
The ‘Waste 2 Gold‘ framework demands a multi-disciplinary<br />
approach, encompassing microbiology, bioprocess<br />
engineering, biomaterials chemistry, polymer<br />
engineering, and ecotoxicology. Advanced biomaterial<br />
engineering concepts also enhance these opportunities<br />
by taking the bioplastics from bacteria and integrating<br />
functional attributes, such as programmed degradation<br />
and biofunctional additives.<br />
The author of this article is leader of the Biomaterials<br />
Engineering Group and leads many of the bioplastic<br />
pro-duct developments at Scion. They are functionalising<br />
selected wastes, and mixing benign solid wastes<br />
from other sources (such as the horticultural, food<br />
processing and agricultural sectors), with renewableresourced-based<br />
plastics, and selected additives, to<br />
create a range of novel biopolymer products. These<br />
products include controlled-release fertilisers, biodegradable<br />
plant pots, panels, packaging materials, and<br />
other moulded plastic products.<br />
As future disposal options become more limited, these<br />
technologies will provide a viable alternative for not only<br />
reducing waste, but for utilising it as a valuable resource.<br />
Though the initial interest has been from commodity<br />
based product developments, we increasingly see greater<br />
interest in accessing functional attributes of particular<br />
pro-cessed or functionalised wastes in bioplastic products.<br />
This is leading to a range of advanced performance<br />
bioplastic product developments.<br />
Scion has taken this concept outside the lab to some<br />
leading New Zealand plastics processors and has also<br />
worked to directly involve those who generate much of<br />
New Zealand’s organic wastes. Scientists have conducted<br />
surveys to assess primary industry processing activities<br />
within New Zealand and to identify current waste production<br />
and disposal patterns. The surveys highlighted the<br />
availability of high-volume, good quality waste streams,<br />
with producers indicating a clear desire for better options<br />
to use this waste.<br />
This need led to the formation of a partnership between<br />
Scion and a number of major pulp and paper and horticultural<br />
producers and processors to explore opportunities<br />
for developing new products from these waste streams.<br />
This partnership exploits a ‘Waste 2 Gold‘ ‘hotspot’ based<br />
in the Bay of Plenty region, where significant volumes of<br />
the ideal raw materials are available to this programme.<br />
The fledgling regional initiative may be a model for extension<br />
into other sectors in New Zealand as scientists<br />
develop ways of making bio-derived plastics and biobased<br />
composites out of a range of organic wastes from<br />
kiwifruit to cow dung.<br />
“From a purely economic perspective, industrial<br />
wastes can no longer be considered ‘wastes’ but rather<br />
‘untapped resources’. While reducing the amount of<br />
waste generated is the first priority, even the most efficient<br />
manufacturing processes create surplus materials.<br />
The future sustainability of industrial production depends<br />
on the smart utilisation of these residues,” Dr Stuthridge<br />
concludes.<br />
30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Our Covergirl Maria says:“ I‘ve known<br />
about these biodegradable bags made<br />
from starch. But I like the idea that<br />
scientist try to make bioplastics even<br />
from waste.“<br />
Week 1<br />
Week 2<br />
Week 3<br />
Week 4<br />
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EcoWorks ®<br />
www.EcoFilm.com<br />
info@CortecVCI.com<br />
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© Cortec Corporation 2006<br />
70®<br />
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Biodegradable EcoWorks<br />
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Up to 70% Bio-based With<br />
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From thick rigid plastic cards to fl exible protective wrap,<br />
EcoWorks ® 70 by Cortec ® Research Chemists offers universal,<br />
biodegradable replacement to traditional plastic<br />
and polyethylene films. This patent pending breakthrough<br />
meets ASTM D6400 and DIN V 54 900. EcoWorks ® 70<br />
does not contain polyethylene or starch but relies heavily<br />
on renewable, bio-based polyester from corn. 100%<br />
biodegradable, it turns into water and carbon dioxide in<br />
commercial composting.
Opinion<br />
Article contributed by<br />
Miriam Wehrli, Project Manager and<br />
Dr. Markus A. Meier, Head Market Platform Packaging<br />
Market Platform Packaging, Ciba Inc., Basel, Switzerland<br />
Biopolymers as an<br />
option for sustainability<br />
– Quo vadis?<br />
Sustainability has become the new buzzword<br />
in our modern and environmentally aware<br />
society. Government authorities, organizations<br />
and companies all over the world are increasingly<br />
coming up with initiatives to improve<br />
sustainable development while striking the right<br />
balance between environmental, social and economic<br />
concerns.<br />
Specifically relating to the packaging market, the<br />
focus is on reducing carbon footprint and in this<br />
regard, biopolymers are consistently in the spotlight.<br />
When compared to traditional plastics, these<br />
new types of emerging polymers bring numerous<br />
modified properties such as a higher water-vapor<br />
transmission rate (WVTR) and biodegradability.<br />
The latter, however, often leads to confusion and<br />
consumers too often do not know how to deal with<br />
this new feature, what makes them unsure of the<br />
real benefits of biopolymers.<br />
Do we need biodegradable polymers?<br />
Biodegradability is an attribute which is often<br />
associated on the one hand with environmental<br />
friendliness but on the other hand, also with<br />
instability of the polymer and low performance.<br />
Currently biodegradability is frequently used as a<br />
marketing tool, although not all aspects of biodegradability<br />
are known and therefore hardly foreseeable.<br />
32 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Opinion<br />
Life-cycle: Oil-based polymers<br />
Net CO 2<br />
Exploration Refinery Use Collection<br />
Incineration<br />
with energy recovery<br />
0<br />
Recycling<br />
+<br />
+<br />
Life-cycle: Biopolymers<br />
Growth Processing Use Collection<br />
Incineration<br />
with energy recovery<br />
-<br />
Recycling<br />
+<br />
0<br />
No significant difference between polymers<br />
Net CO 2 production (+)<br />
Overall target: CO 2<br />
reduction by process optimization<br />
Figure 1: CO 2 balance<br />
comparison of oil-based<br />
polymers and biopolymers.<br />
Legend:<br />
+ : CO 2<br />
production and release to the atmosphere (emission),<br />
- : CO 2<br />
elimination of plants during growth (photosynthesis),<br />
0 : CO 2<br />
neutral (overall no emission nor elimination)<br />
Already today we are confronted with headlines pointing<br />
at the rising prices for corn tortillas in Mexico due to<br />
increasing demand of bio-resources causing corn shortages.<br />
Feedstock and farmland for biopolymers are in<br />
competition with biofuels as well as land capacity which<br />
could be used to feed people. The benefits of biopolymers<br />
capable of being chemically recycled rather than composted<br />
are therefore obvious. Collecting industrial and<br />
post consumer waste of polylactic acid (PLA), for instance,<br />
and converting it back to lactic acid by depolymerization<br />
results again in a purified base material for the polylactic<br />
acid production. In doing so, corn production, corn wet<br />
milling and fermentation could be avoided and leading to<br />
an overall reduction of costs and energy consumption.<br />
Furthermore, when considering the high efforts presently<br />
made to improve the mechanical and technical properties<br />
of biopolymers, future biopolymer solutions will<br />
most probably end up losing the biodegradability at the<br />
expense of strength. In essence, the development of biobased<br />
polymers should target a polymer which is recyclable<br />
rather than biodegradable.<br />
Carbon footprint<br />
In this context, the main driver for biopolymers on the<br />
market turns out to be the fact that they are based on<br />
renewable raw materials. This is presumably linked with<br />
the increasing pressure to reduce the environmental impact<br />
of products and furthermore to comply with internal<br />
sustainability commitments. Biopolymer resin producers<br />
especially enhance their life cycle studies by purchasing<br />
renewable energy credits, but this option is certainly independent<br />
of the polymer produced.<br />
For the time being, Ciba’s market analysis in collaboration<br />
with Pira International and life cycle assessment<br />
(LCA) studies of biopolymers in cooperation with the Swiss<br />
Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) show neither<br />
clear advantages nor disadvantages of biopolymers compared<br />
with traditional mineral oil based polymers.<br />
As processing, use, collection and even waste management<br />
(except composting) do so far not show significant<br />
difference and are comparable for all kind of polymers in<br />
terms of energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions,<br />
a fully greenhouse gas neutral option (from cradle-tograve)<br />
can only be achieved by using renewable resources.<br />
Even if 100% recycling could be feasible, traditional plastics<br />
would still need crude oil as a feedstock and therefore<br />
release net CO 2 to the atmosphere.<br />
So, the long-term vision for a sustainable solution<br />
points to biopolymers which are 100% recyclable. If this<br />
is considered not feasible, then at least incineration with<br />
heat recovery should be the option and not composting, in<br />
which, neither energy nor base material can be recovered<br />
(destroying value).<br />
Alternatives – biobased polyethylene (PE)<br />
Biopolymers like PLA and starch-based solutions still<br />
show performance drawbacks in end-use packaging applications<br />
compared with traditional polymers. While the<br />
higher WVTR of biopolymers could be a benefit for several<br />
fresh produce packaging applications, they then shortly<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 33
Opinion<br />
reach their limits due to e.g. insufficient heat stability,<br />
brittleness and relatively low gas barriers for other<br />
applications.<br />
Alternatively, there are companies like Dow and<br />
Braskem planning to make polyethylene from sugar<br />
cane. The advantages of this approach are that PE is<br />
already fully established in the market and the properties<br />
for processing and applications are well known.<br />
Even the waste streams do already exist and there<br />
will be no issue of contamination, since the bio-based<br />
polymer is chemically identical with its oil-based analog.<br />
At least short- to mid-term, the bio-based PE could<br />
be a viable alternative to PLA and starch-based biopolymers<br />
and it remains to be seen which solution<br />
will win recognition long-term.<br />
Role of raw material suppliers<br />
Ciba continuously strives for superior performance<br />
and is committed to contribute to long-term sustainable<br />
development. Regarding biopolymers simply as<br />
a new type of polymer on the market, Ciba is committed<br />
to learn more about these new materials. The<br />
company is capitalizing on its expertise in polymers,<br />
colorants and additives to support the development<br />
of biopolymers by improving their technical performance<br />
through additives, focusing on testing compatibility<br />
with polymers and recycling rather than biodegradability.<br />
Beyond the interests in the embryonic biopolymer<br />
market, Ciba offers a wide range of sustainable solutions<br />
for plastics and paper/paperboard packaging.<br />
Consequently Ciba‘s contribution to sustainable<br />
packaging will not only concentrate on additives and<br />
colorants for biopolymers, but also include strength<br />
solutions which allow significant light-weighing of<br />
packaging as well as improvement of recycled resin<br />
performance.<br />
There will be no standard solution eliminating all<br />
present and future concerns. Rather, the point is to<br />
find individual ways to change general attitudes and<br />
develop technologies to balance environmental, economic<br />
and social aspects of sustainability in order to<br />
ensure the same quality of life also for future generations.<br />
www.ciba.com<br />
34 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Mailbox<br />
!<br />
!<br />
Dear Editor,<br />
It is always with great interest that we read bioplastics MAGAZINE as<br />
it brings together a vital collection of news and views in bioplastics, an<br />
industry that we at NatureWorks LLC are deeply committed to. In a recent<br />
editorial in the 03/2007 issue it was suggested that availability in general<br />
of NatureWorks ® biopolymer is causing signs of hesitation in the market.<br />
This is an inaccurate statement and we feel this is an appropriate the time<br />
to bring greater clarity on our current manufacturing position.<br />
Due to the strong and unexpected market growth throughout 2006,<br />
NatureWorks channeled available biopolymer in a secure and strategic<br />
way to our existing partners by carefully mapping supply chains and material<br />
flows. At the same time we reported that NatureWorks LLC continued<br />
to increase production volume by de-bottlenecking production in our<br />
Blair, NE, facility and as a result we are able to secure all existing end<br />
user demands. Today we are also in a position to support and develop<br />
new opportunities, confirming the continued and robust market growth<br />
for NatureWorks biopolymer applications.<br />
In all of what we do, NatureWorks seeks to include our core values<br />
around sustainability and responsibility meaning that we are actively<br />
seeking and having dialogue with key stakeholders to make sure everyone’s<br />
effort follows the same approach.<br />
I think most people close to this industry are aware of our peer reviewed<br />
eco-profiles that have been updated and published recently to reflect key<br />
progress made in this field, as well as position papers laying out our response<br />
to issues such as feedstock sourcing, waste management and our<br />
overall environmental footprint. Our colleague, Erwin Vink, will elaborate<br />
on this in a paper that will be included in the next issue.<br />
As people around the globe are working to make us less dependent on<br />
fossil raw materials, the use of bioplastics contributes to this in a meaningful<br />
way and bio-packaging solutions are a valuable way to demonstrate<br />
this important evolution.<br />
We are more than happy to provide more details around any of these<br />
topics and we welcome innovative companies to bring their own responsible<br />
products to market and join the growing assortment of applications<br />
based on NatureWorks biopolymer and marketed as Ingeo innovations.<br />
These include not only a complete range of biopackaging solutions but<br />
also high value durable goods such as cosmetics and electronics, as well<br />
as a full range of Ingeo fiber applications.<br />
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further details.<br />
Regards,<br />
Mark Vergauwen – Commercial Director Europe, NatureWorks LLC<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 35
Basics<br />
Logos Part 6:<br />
A number of products made from bioplastics are already on<br />
the market. Almost all of them are labelled with some kind of<br />
a logo that tells the consumer about the special character of<br />
the plastic material used. In this series of articles the logos<br />
and their background are introduced by bioplastics MAGAZINE.<br />
Here we address such questions as: What is the origin and<br />
history of a logo? What does it mean? Which type of legislation<br />
or regulation is it concerned with?<br />
In previous issues bioplastics MAGAZINE introduced six<br />
different logos that inform consumers about the biodagradability<br />
or compostability of packaging and other products<br />
made of bioplastics.<br />
Before we start a new series in 2008, where we introduce<br />
logos informing about the biobased origin of bioplastics products,<br />
we‘d like to summarize the compostable/biodegradable<br />
logos in the following table.<br />
But also in future issues, we will inform our readers about<br />
all modifications, consolidations or cooperations which might<br />
arise about the existing logos.<br />
Logo Name Association Meaning Certifying institute(s) Countries<br />
Compostability<br />
Mark, called<br />
„the Seedling“<br />
(bM 01/2006)<br />
The “Compostable”<br />
logo of BPI<br />
(bM 02/2006)<br />
The “OK Compost”<br />
logo<br />
(bM 01/2007)<br />
European<br />
Bioplastics<br />
www.europeanbioplastics.org<br />
Biodegradable<br />
Products Institute,<br />
USA<br />
www.bpiworld.org<br />
Vinçotte, Belgium<br />
www.vincotte.com<br />
compostable bioplastic<br />
products according to<br />
EN 13432, ASTM<br />
D 6400, ISO 17088<br />
compostable products<br />
according to ASTM D<br />
6400 (Compostable<br />
Plastics) or ASTM<br />
D6868 (Compostable<br />
Packaging)<br />
compostable bioplastic<br />
packaging according to<br />
EN 13432<br />
DIN-Certco (D),<br />
The Composting<br />
Association (UK),<br />
Keurmerk Instituut (NL),<br />
Cobro (PL).<br />
(others to follow)<br />
BPI<br />
Vinçotte, Belgium<br />
Germany, Switzerland, the<br />
Netherlands, Poland and the<br />
United Kongdom.<br />
In Austria the label is used in<br />
model projects in Linz and St.<br />
Pölten. European Bioplastics<br />
promotes the use of product<br />
certification and the use of a<br />
unified label in Europe<br />
USA, Canada<br />
Belgium, France<br />
The Finnish Apple<br />
(bM 02/2007)<br />
Finnish Solid Waste<br />
Association, FSWA<br />
www.jly.fi<br />
mainly for compostable<br />
biowaste bags,<br />
certified in line with EN<br />
13432<br />
Finnish Solid Waste<br />
Association, FSWA<br />
Finnland<br />
The Norwegian<br />
Apple<br />
(bM 02/2007)<br />
Avfall Norge (Waste<br />
Management Norway,<br />
formerly NRF)<br />
www.avfallnorge.no<br />
mainly for compostable<br />
biowaste bags,<br />
certified in line with EN<br />
13432<br />
Avfall Norge<br />
(Waste Management<br />
Norway, formerly NRF)<br />
Norway<br />
“GreenPla”<br />
logo Japan<br />
(bM 03/2007)<br />
Japan BioPlastics<br />
Association(JBPA)<br />
www.jbpaweb.net<br />
Biodegradability according<br />
to Japanese<br />
and international<br />
standards such as ISO<br />
14851, 14852, 14855<br />
Japan BioPlastics<br />
Association (JBPA)<br />
Japan<br />
36 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Basics Glossary<br />
Glossary<br />
Readers who know better explanations<br />
or who would like to suggest<br />
other explanations to be added<br />
to the list, please contact the editor.<br />
[*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive<br />
article previously published in<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE)<br />
In bioplastics MAGAZINE again<br />
and again the same expressions<br />
appear that some of our readers<br />
might (not yet) be familiar with.<br />
This glossary shall help with<br />
these terms and shall help avoid<br />
repeated explanations such as<br />
„PLA (Polylactide)“ in various<br />
articles.<br />
Amylopectin<br />
Polymeric branched starch molecule with very high molecular<br />
weight (biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose).<br />
Amyloseacetat<br />
Linear polymeric glucose-chains are called à amylose.<br />
If this compound is treated with ethan acid one product is<br />
amylacetat. The hydroxyl group is connected with the organic<br />
acid fragment.<br />
Amylose<br />
Polymeric non-branched starch molecule with high molecular<br />
weight (biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose).<br />
Biodegradable Plastics<br />
Biodegradable Plastics are plastics that are completely<br />
assimilated by the à microorganisms present a defined environment<br />
as food for their energy. The carbon of the plastic<br />
must completely be converted into CO 2<br />
.during the microbial<br />
process. For an official definition, please refer to the standards<br />
e.g. ISO or in Europe: EN 14995 Plastics- Evaluation<br />
of compostability - Test scheme and specifications. [bM*<br />
02/2006 p. 34f, bM 01/2007 p38].<br />
Blend<br />
Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at least two microscopically<br />
dispersed and molecularly distributed base polymers.<br />
Cellophane<br />
Clear film on the basis of à cellulose.<br />
Cellulose<br />
Polymeric molecule with very high molecular weight (biopolymer,<br />
monomer is à Glucose), industrial production<br />
from wood or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and<br />
fibres.<br />
Compost<br />
A soil conditioning material of decomposing organic<br />
matter which provides nutrients and enhances soil<br />
structure.<br />
Compostable Plastics<br />
Plastics that are biodegradable under “composting“<br />
conditions: specified humidity, temperature, à microorganisms<br />
and timefame. Several national and international<br />
standards exist for clearer definitions, for example<br />
EN 14995 Plastics - Evaluation of compostability<br />
- Test scheme and specifications [bM 02/2006 p. 34f, bM<br />
01/2007 p38].<br />
Composting<br />
A solid waste management technique that uses natural<br />
process to convert organic materials to CO 2<br />
, water<br />
and humus through the action of à microorganisms.<br />
Copolymer<br />
Plastic composed of different monomers.<br />
Fermentation<br />
Biochemical reactions controlled by à microorganisms<br />
or enyzmes (e.g. the transformation of sugar into<br />
lactic acid).<br />
Gelatine<br />
Translucent brittle solid substance, colorless or<br />
slightly yellow, nearly tasteless and odorless, extracted<br />
from the collagen inside animals‘ connective tissue.<br />
Glucose<br />
Monosaccharide (or simple sugar). G. is the most<br />
important carbohydrate (sugar) in biology. G. is formed<br />
by photosynthesis or hydrolyse of many carbohydrates<br />
e. g. starch.<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2 37
Basics Glossary<br />
Humus<br />
In agriculture, “humus“ is often used simply to mean<br />
mature à compost, or natural compost extracted from<br />
a forest or other spontaneous source for use to amend<br />
soil.<br />
Hydrophilic<br />
Property: “water-friendly“, soluble in water or other<br />
polar solvents (e.g. used in conjunction with a plastic<br />
which is not waterresistant and weatherproof or that<br />
absorbs water such as Polyamide (PA)).<br />
Hydrophobic<br />
Property: “water-resistant“, not soluble in water (e.g.<br />
a plastic which is waterresistant and weatherproof, or<br />
that does not absorb any water such as Polethylene (PE)<br />
or Polypropylene (PP)).<br />
Microorganism<br />
Living organisms of microscopic size, such as bacteria,<br />
funghi or yeast.<br />
PCL<br />
Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil based), biodegradable<br />
bioplastic, e.g. used as a blend component.<br />
PHA<br />
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced<br />
in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids.<br />
The most common type of PHA is à PHB.<br />
PHB<br />
Polyhydroxyl buteric acid (better poly-3-hydroxybutyrate),<br />
is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a polymer belonging<br />
to the polyesters class. PHB is produced by micro-organisms<br />
apparently in response to conditions of<br />
physiological stress. The polymer is primarily a product<br />
of carbon assimilation (from glucose or starch) and is<br />
employed by micro-organisms as a form of energy storage<br />
molecule to be metabolized when other common<br />
energy sources are not available. PHB has properties<br />
similar to those of PP, however it is stiffer and more<br />
brittle.<br />
PLA<br />
Polylactide, a bioplastic made of polymerised lactic<br />
acid.<br />
Saccharins or carbohydrates<br />
Saccharins or carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family.<br />
Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar<br />
units. For example, there are known mono-, di- and<br />
polysaccharose. à glucose is a monosaccarin. They are<br />
important for the diet and produced biology in plants.<br />
Sorbitol<br />
Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction of glucose changing<br />
the aldehyde group to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is<br />
used as a plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch .<br />
Starch<br />
Natural polymer (carbohydrate) consisting of à amylose<br />
and à amylopectin, gained from maize, potatoes, wheat,<br />
tapioca etc. When glucose is connected to polymer-chains<br />
in definite way the result (product) is called starch. Each<br />
molecule is based on 300 -12000-glucose units. Depending<br />
on the connection, there are two types à amylose and<br />
à amylopectin known.<br />
Starch (-derivate)<br />
Starch (-derivates) are based on the chemical structure<br />
of à starch. The chemical structure can be changed by<br />
introducing new functional groups without changing the<br />
à starch polymer. The product has different chemical qualities.<br />
Mostly the hydrophilic character is not the same.<br />
Starch-ester<br />
One characteristic of every starch-chain is a free hydroxyl<br />
group. When every hydroxyl group is connect with ethan acid<br />
one product is starch-ester with different chemical properties.<br />
Starch propionate and starch butyrate<br />
Starch propionate and starch butyrate can be synthesis<br />
by treating the à starch with propane or butanic acid. The<br />
product structure is still based on à starch. Every based<br />
à glucose fragment is connected with a propionate or butyrate<br />
ester group. The product is more hydrophobic than<br />
à starch.<br />
Sustainable<br />
An attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human<br />
and natural environments both now and into the indefinite<br />
future. One of the most often cited definitions of sustainability<br />
is the one created by the Brundtland Commission,<br />
led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem<br />
Brundtland. The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable<br />
development as development that „meets the needs of<br />
the present without compromising the ability of future generations<br />
to meet their own needs.“ Sustainability relates to<br />
the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental<br />
aspects of human society, as well as the non-human<br />
environment).<br />
Thermoplastics<br />
Plastics which soften or melt when heated and solidify<br />
when cooled (solid at room temperature).<br />
Yard Waste<br />
Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, garden residue.<br />
38 bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/04] Vol. 2
Simply contact:<br />
Tel.: +49-2359-2996-0 or suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com<br />
Suppliers Guide<br />
Stay permanently listed in the Suppliers Guide with your company logo and contact information.<br />
For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you can be present among top suppliers in the field of bioplastics.<br />
1. Raw Materials<br />
1.1 bio based monomers<br />
1.3 PLA<br />
1.4 starch-based bioplastics<br />
2. Additives /<br />
Secondary raw materials<br />
4. Bioplastics products<br />
Du Pont de Nemours International S.A.<br />
2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50<br />
CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex,<br />
Geneva, Switzerland<br />
Phone: + 41(0) 22 717 5176<br />
Fax: + 41(0) 22 580 2360<br />
thomas.philipon@che.dupont.com<br />
www.packaging.dupont.com<br />
1.2 compounds<br />
BIOTEC Biologische<br />
Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG<br />
Werner-Heisenberg-Straße 32<br />
46446 Emmerich<br />
Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 2822 92510<br />
Fax: +49 2822 51840<br />
info@biotec.de<br />
www.biotec.de<br />
Du Pont de Nemours International S.A.<br />
2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50<br />
CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex,<br />
Geneva, Switzerland<br />
Phone: + 41(0) 22 717 5176<br />
Fax: + 41(0) 22 580 2360<br />
thomas.philipon@che.dupont.com<br />
www.packaging.dupont.com<br />
3. Semi finished products<br />
3.1 films<br />
natura Verpackungs GmbH<br />
Industriestr. 55 - 57<br />
48432 Rheine<br />
Tel.: +49 5975 303-57<br />
Fax: +49 5975 303-42<br />
info@naturapackaging.com<br />
www.naturapackagign.com<br />
Veriplast Holland BV<br />
Stadhoudersmolenweg 70<br />
NL - 7317 AW Apeldoorn<br />
www.veripure.eu<br />
Info@veripure.eu<br />
R.O.J. Jongboom Holding B.V.<br />
Biopearls<br />
Damstraat 28<br />
6671 AE Zetten<br />
The Netherlands<br />
Tel.: +31 488 451318<br />
Mob: +31 646104345<br />
info@biopearls.nl<br />
www.biopearls.nl<br />
BIOTEC Biologische<br />
Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG<br />
Werner-Heisenberg-Straße 32<br />
46446 Emmerich<br />
Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 2822 92510<br />
Fax: +49 2822 51840<br />
info@biotec.de<br />
www.biotec.de<br />
Plantic Technologies GmbH<br />
Heinrich-Busold-Straße 50<br />
D-61169 Friedberg<br />
Germany<br />
Tel: +49 6031 6842 650<br />
Tel: +44 794 096 4681 (UK)<br />
Fax: +49 6031 6842 656<br />
info@plantic.eu<br />
www.plantic.eu<br />
1.5 PHA<br />
1.6 masterbatches<br />
PolyOne<br />
Avenue Melville Wilson, 2<br />
Zoning de la Fagne<br />
5330 Assesse<br />
Belgium<br />
Tel.: + 32 83 660 211<br />
info.color@polyone.com<br />
www.polyone.com<br />
Maag GmbH<br />
Leckingser Straße 12<br />
58640 Iserlohn<br />
Germany<br />
Tel.: + 49 2371 9779-30<br />
Fax: + 49 2371 9779-97<br />
shonke@maag.de<br />
www.maag.de<br />
Treofan Germany GmbH & Co. KG<br />
Am Prime Parc 17<br />
65479 Raunheim<br />
Tel +49 6142 200-0<br />
Fax +49 6142 200-3299<br />
www.biophanfilms.com<br />
www.earthfirstpla.com<br />
www.sidaplax.com<br />
www.plasticsuppliers.com<br />
Sidaplax UK : +44 (1) 604 76 66 99<br />
Sidaplax Belgium: +32 9 210 80 10<br />
Plastic Suppliers: +1 866 378 4178<br />
4.1 trays<br />
5. Traders<br />
5.1 wholesale<br />
6. Machinery & Molds<br />
Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey<br />
Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic<br />
Container Industry<br />
284 Pinebush Road<br />
Cambridge Ontario<br />
Canada N1T 1Z6<br />
Tel.: +1 519 624 9720<br />
Fax: +1 519 624 9721<br />
info@hallink.com<br />
www.hallink.com<br />
SIG Corpoplast GmbH & CO. KG<br />
Meiendorfer Str. 203<br />
22145 Hamburg, Germany<br />
Tel. +49-40-679-070<br />
Fax +49-40-679-07270<br />
sigcorpoplast@sig.biz<br />
www.sigcorpoplast.com<br />
7. Plant engineering<br />
FKuR Kunststoff GmbH<br />
Siemensring 79<br />
D - 47 877 Willich<br />
Tel.: +49 (0) 2154 9251-26<br />
Tel.: +49 (0) 2154 9251-51<br />
patrick.zimmermann@fkur.de<br />
www.fkur.de<br />
Transmare Compounding B.V.<br />
Ringweg 7, 6045 JL<br />
Roermond, The Netherlands<br />
Phone: +31 (0)475 345 900<br />
Fax: +31 (0)475 345 910<br />
info@transmare.nl<br />
www.compounding.nl<br />
Sukano Products Ltd.<br />
Chaltenbodenstrasse 23<br />
CH-8834 Schindellegi<br />
Phone +41 44 787 57 77<br />
Fax +41 44 787 57 78<br />
www.sukano.com<br />
1.7 reinforcing fibres/fillers<br />
made from RRM<br />
3.1.1 cellulose based films<br />
INNOVIA FILMS LTD<br />
Wigton<br />
Cumbria CA7 9BG<br />
England<br />
Contact: Andy Sweetman<br />
Tel.: +44 16973 41549<br />
Fax: +44 16973 41452<br />
andy.sweetman@innoviafilms.com<br />
www.innoviafilms.com<br />
Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH<br />
Holzhauser Str. 157 - 159<br />
13509 Berlin<br />
Germany<br />
Tel.: +49 (0)30 43567 5<br />
fax: +49 (0)30 43567 699<br />
sales.de@thyssenkrupp.com<br />
www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com<br />
8. Ancillary equipment<br />
9. Services<br />
10. Research institutes /<br />
Universities<br />
bioplastics MAGAZINE [07/03] Vol. 2 39
Companies in this issue<br />
Company Editorial Advert<br />
Afvall Norge 36<br />
Alcan Packaging 16<br />
Amcor Flexibles 16<br />
Arkema 8,17<br />
BASF 9 2<br />
Bayer Material Science 12<br />
Biobag International 21<br />
Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) 36<br />
BioLog 11<br />
Bioplastics24 31<br />
Biostarch 18<br />
Biotec 8 39<br />
Braskem 9,16<br />
Brückner 9, 25<br />
Ciba 32<br />
Clubbioplastique 14<br />
Cobro 36<br />
Coopbox Europe 16<br />
Cornell University, Ithaca, New York) 7<br />
Cortec 31<br />
Crystalsev 10<br />
Delhaize 17<br />
DIN Certco 36<br />
D-M-E 13<br />
Dow 10,13, 16<br />
Du Pont de Nemours 5, 12 39<br />
Elastogran 10,17<br />
ETH Zürich 33<br />
European Bioplastics 14<br />
European Plastics News 16<br />
Excellent Packaging & Supply 17<br />
FAS Converting Machinery 21<br />
Finnish Solid Waste Assiciation (FSWA) 36<br />
FkuR 39<br />
Forapack 19<br />
Gehr 10<br />
Greenblue 5<br />
Hallink 39<br />
Huhtamaki 7<br />
Innovia Films 39<br />
Japan BioPlastics Association (JBPA) 36<br />
Jemaco 21<br />
Kareline 11<br />
Keurmerk Instituut 36<br />
Leoplast 16<br />
Maag 39<br />
Meredian 6<br />
Merquinsa Mercados Quimicos 16<br />
Mitsubishi Plastics 8<br />
Company Editorial Advert<br />
Mitsui Chemicals 8<br />
natura 39,43<br />
Natureworks 35<br />
NEC Corporation 17<br />
nova Institut 7<br />
Novamont 6, 17, 20 44<br />
Novomer 6<br />
Pira International 33<br />
Plantic Technologies 39<br />
Plasticker 31<br />
Plasticsuppliers 39<br />
PolyOne 39<br />
Procter & Gamble 6<br />
Purac 22<br />
R.O.J. Jongboom Holding B.V., Biopearls 39<br />
Reifenhäuser 11<br />
Reimelt Henschel MischSysteme 11<br />
Rondol 13<br />
Rural Industries Research and Development 5<br />
Corporation (RIRDC)<br />
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets 17<br />
SAM-A C&I 11<br />
Scion 28<br />
Sidaplax 39<br />
SIG Corpoplast 13 39<br />
SIG Plasmax 13<br />
Sistec 13<br />
Sphere 8<br />
Stanelco 8<br />
Sukano Products 39<br />
Tejin 16<br />
The Composting Association 36<br />
Timberland 13<br />
Toray Industries 9<br />
Transmare Compounding 39<br />
Treofan 16<br />
Treofan Germany 39<br />
Uhde Inventa-Fischer 39<br />
Vanetti Materbatches 13<br />
Veriplast 39<br />
Vinçotte 36<br />
Vitasheet 12<br />
VTT Technical Research Center 10<br />
Wal-Mart 17<br />
Wiedmer 16<br />
WIP 17<br />
Next Issue<br />
For the next issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE<br />
(among others) the following subjects are scheduled:<br />
Topics:<br />
Foamed bioplastics<br />
End of life options<br />
Basics:<br />
Sustainability<br />
Logos (7)<br />
Next issues:<br />
01/08 January 2008<br />
02/08 March 2008<br />
03/08 April 2008<br />
04/08 June 2008<br />
05/08 September 2008<br />
40 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/07] Vol. 2
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bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/07] Vol. 2 41
Events<br />
Event-Calendar<br />
February, 18-20, 2008<br />
Agricultural Film 2008<br />
Fira Palace Hotel, Barcelona, Spain<br />
www.amiplastics.com<br />
March 3-4, 2008<br />
3rd International Seminar on Biodegradable Polymers<br />
Valencia, Spain<br />
http://www.azom.com/details.asp?newsID=7345<br />
April 1-3, 2008<br />
JEC Composites Paris<br />
including biobasesd polymers and natural fibers<br />
Paris, France<br />
www.jeccomposites.com<br />
April 22-23, 2008<br />
„Connecting comPETence“: PETnology Europe 2008<br />
Düsseldorf/Neuss , Germany, prior to Interpack<br />
http://www.petnology.com<br />
April 24-30, 2008<br />
Interpack - 2008<br />
and here:<br />
Bioplastics in Packaging<br />
The interpack 2008 Group Exhibition<br />
Düsseldorf, Germany<br />
www.european-bioplastics.org<br />
www.interpack.com<br />
meet bioplastics MAGAZINE here<br />
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7th Global WPC and Natural Fibre Composites<br />
Congress and Exhibition<br />
Kongress Palais, Stadthalle, Kassel, Germany<br />
www.wpc-nfk.de<br />
42 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/07] Vol. 2
natura means<br />
business<br />
natura packaging develops and markets<br />
innovative, 100% biodegradable<br />
packaging solutions. Our Europewide<br />
activities can be divided into three main<br />
categories;<br />
• Fruit and vegetable packaging<br />
• Waste management<br />
(including the MaxAir system)<br />
• Shopping bags (including our<br />
popular ‘happy bag’)<br />
Let natura help you get the most<br />
out of your business.<br />
Call +49 (0)5975 30357<br />
or send an e-mail to<br />
info@naturapackaging.com.<br />
Industriestraße 55 - 57 48432 Rheine Tel. : +49 (0)5975/303-57 Fax. : +49 (0)5975/303-42 Email : info@naturapackaging.com<br />
w w w . n a t u r a p a c k a g i n g . c o m
A real sign<br />
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Since 1989, Novamont researchers have been working<br />
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The innovative result of Novamont’s research is the new<br />
bioplastic Mater-Bi ® .The Mater-Bi ® polymer comes from maize starch and<br />
other vegetable starches; it is completely biodegradable and compostable.<br />
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the greenhouse effect, and at the end of its life cycle, it closes the loop by<br />
changing into fertile humus. Everyone’s dream has become a reality.<br />
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