Innovia Films’ compostable, cellulose-based material, NatureFlex, is helping a New Zealand coffee roaster meet its commitment to being socially and environmentally responsible.
Innovia’s Compostable NatureFlex Films Used for Coffee Packaging
May 15, 2012
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1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Caffe Prima, Cellulose, Coffee, film, Innovia | 
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
CSM focuses on its lactic-acid business
May 15, 2012
Denmark-based bakery and food ingredients manufacturer CSM has put its bakery supply businesses in North America and Europe for sale in a move to focus on its lactic-acid business.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Does Lignin Have Legs as a Future Plastics Feedstock?
May 7, 2012Four Canadian researchers make a case that lignin could become an important feedstock for bioplastics.
“Considering the current production of lignin from pulp and paper industries as well as potential future production from lingocellulosic ethanol industries, it is estimated that around 300 M ton/year of lignin will be produced in North America,” they said in an article presented at the Annual Technical Conference (Antec) of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) held concurrently last month with NPE2012 in Orlando, FL. “Lignin is now considered as an inexpensive co-product and it is mainly used as a boiler fuel. The value of lignin can be better realized as a good source for new outlets such as renewable resource based materials.”
Leave a Comment » | 3 Research | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Lignin | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Solvay & CTBE to Develop Routes for Obtaining Molecules from Sugarcane Biomass
May 7, 2012
Solvay has recently announced that Rhodia and the National Bioethanol Science and Technology Laboratory (CTBE) in Brazil have signed an agreement to develop chemical routes and processes to obtain molecules of a high added value from sugarcane biomass, in what is known as bio-based chemistry.
Under the agreement, research will be conducted at CTBE, backed by researchers from both parties, who will work together on the development of chemical blocks currently used in different applications and markets that the Solvay Group operates in, with a view to replacing non-renewable sources with biomass in these substances’ production processes.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Evonik Plans for Expansion of Production Capacity of its Bio-based VESTAMID® Terra Polymers
May 7, 2012
To meet the constantly growing demand for biopolyamides, Evonik Industries has begun to undertake extensive measures to increase production capacities for the bio-based VESTAMID® Terra polymers at the beginning of this year. As essential component of this plan, an additional compounding facility will become operative in the third quarter of 2012. The new facility will safeguard long-term supplies for specialty compounds, both to existing markets and for many new fields of application. Measures for capacity expansion in the area of polymerization are also in the works. The commissioning is scheduled for the second half of 2013.
Leave a Comment » | Uncategorized | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Evonik, Vestamid | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Natural Plastics to Utilize Biome Bioplastics’ Resin to Develop a Novel Tree Support System
May 7, 2012
It is widely recognized that reforestation is a crucial aspect of tackling climate change and addressing CO2 balance, but less is understood about the hidden carbon footprint and environmental impact of planting new trees. Tree planting conventionally requires the use of a wooden stake as a growth support. Not only are mature trees felled to produce these stakes, but they are often shipped long-distances for use in planting.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Firms report progress in PLA recycling
May 7, 2012
The recycling of polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics may still be in its early stages, but it appears to be heading in the right direction. The Washington-based Sustainable Biomaterials Collaborative hosted a webinar on the topic on March 19. The issue has been in the spotlight more as bioplastics use increases, bringing with it concerns about bioplastics mixing with more commonly recycled plastics.
NatureWorks LLC marketing director Steve Davies identified several obstacles facing PLA recycling, including identification, sortation, volumes, end markets and avoiding contamination of existing recycled streams.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
DaniMer Scientific and Myriant Announce Strategic Alliance to Develop Eco-Friendly, Cost-Effective Bio-Materials
May 7, 2012
DaniMer Scientific and Myriant announced today that the companies have formed a strategic alliance focused on delivering innovative, cost-effective bio-based materials to the marketplace. As part of the strategic alliance, DaniMer will utilize Myriant’s bio-succinic acid for the production of high-performance, bio-based polymers used to make a broad range of sustainable, eco-friendly products.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Reverdia-joint venture launched
May 7, 2012
Advances leadership position in bio-based succinic acid with completion of world’s first large scale commercial production facility
Reverdia, the joint venture between Royal DSM and Roquette Frères, has been formally approved by the relevant regulatory authorities. Reverdia aims to build on its emerging leadership position for bio-based succinic acid through its proprietary production technology and by ensuring reliable supply to meet the evolving market demands. Reverdia combines DSM’s expertise in Materials Sciences, and biotechnology together with Roquette’s know-how in plant-based raw material processing.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Metabolix grants a patent license to NatureWorks LLC for new bioplastic blends
April 5, 2012
Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), a bioscience company focused on bringing environmentally sustainable solutions to the plastics, chemicals and energy industries, today announced that it has granted a non-exclusive license to NatureWorks LLC for the U.S. patent No. 5,883,199, titled “Polylactic Acid-based Blends,” to make, use and sell blends of polylactic acid (PLA) with certain other polymers including polybutylene succinic polymers (PBS). The University of Massachusetts Lowell is the owner of the ‘199 patent, and Metabolix, Inc. is the exclusive licensee in the relevant field. NatureWorks and the biochemicals company BioAmber recently announced a joint venture which will support NatureWorks in bringing to market new performance Ingeo polymer compositions.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
BioMass Packaging Launches Compostable Cup Range
April 5, 2012
BioMass Packaging has added modular, single-serve cups and lids to its line of compostable food service products.
Greenware cups (pictured) and lids are made entirely from NatureWorks Ingeo biopolymer, a polylactic acid-based material. The range consists of a basic cup, an insert with a secure lid, and either a flat or domed lid that snaps on tight. Cups and inserts are sold in cases of 1,000 units and are available for immediate delivery.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Ingeo, Natureworks, PLA, plant | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Are bioplastics really better for the environment than traditional plastics?
March 8, 2012The bioplastics market is expanding rapidly and by 2030 could account for 10 per cent of the total plastics market. But as the market grows so to does the public discussion whether these new plastics, that are based on biomass instead of mineral oil, really do have ecological advantages.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Clear Lam Packaging to Provide Plant-based Plastic Packaging to the Lactalis American Group
March 8, 2012
Achieving a first for the snack cheese market, Clear Lam Packaging, Inc. has developed new, renewable packaging for Lactalis American Group, Inc. The new packaging is being produced for all varieties of Lactalis’ Precious® Sticksters® brands and features a revolutionary new film material made partially from plant-based plastic. This development is part of Clear Lam’s Project EarthClear™ initiative.
The renewable Precious® Sticksters® package is made at Lactalis on horizontal form fill and seal machines. The package, which holds individually sealed cheese sticks, is made from a lamination of plant-based, renewable plastic and an outer layer made from traditional petroleum-based plastic. This new material, which is 50 percent plant-based, generates up to 35.2 percent fewer greenhouse gases and uses up to 36.8 percent less energy than the conventional petroleum-based materials it replaces. Lactalis made the packaging change as part of its corporate sustainability commitment.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, 2 Properties, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biosourced, Clearlam, FFS, Lactalis, packaging, PLA | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Biopac launches new compostable green cup
March 8, 2012
The manufacturer of biodegradable and compostable packaging said that its new cup was aimed at coffee outlets who want to demonstrate their commitment to the environment. The new cup is a sister product to Biopac’s ‘I’m not a plastic cup’, launched last year. Made from certified FSC board lined with a starch material, the cup is 100% compostable, so very kind to the environment.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, Biopac, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Cup, starch | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
BioAmber Closes $30 Million Financing with LANXESS and Existing Investors
March 8, 2012
BioAmber Inc. has completed its Series C round of financing with net proceeds of $30 million. The financing was closed in two tranches; a first tranche of $20 million on November 4th, 2011 with existing investors Naxos Capital, Sofinnova Partners, Mitsui & Co. Ltd. and the Cliffton Group, and a second tranche of $10 million on February 6th, 2012 with specialty chemicals company LANXESS. All of BioAmber’s Series B investors participated in the Series C financing.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Additives | Tagged: Additive, bioamber, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Invest, lanxess, PBS, plasticizer, succinic | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
New Biodegradable Hot Melt Adhesive for Freezer: Deep Frozen & Eco-Friendly
March 8, 2012
DaniMer 92427 is an Eco-friendly, biodegradable hot melt adhesive made from renewable materials: this new revolutionary Hot melt has been designed and formulated for use in carton and case seal applications requiring freezer conditions down to – 40°C. This revolutionary formulation adheres to carton stock or corrugated substrates while retaining stability at lower temperatures. It is designed for a wide range of packaging and remains stable in extreme environments -88°C to 90°C.
1 Comment | 1 New products, Additives, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biosourced, Danimer, PHAs | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
DaniMer Scientific Announces Marketing Partnership with EnerPol
March 7, 2012
DaniMer Scientific, LLC and EnerPol, LLC, an upstream oil and gas technology firm, will launch a marketing effort utilizing DaniMer’s degradable polymers at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) event in The Woodlands, Texas on Feb. 7. DaniMer recently expanded its reach into the oil field services sector through the development of a series of new biodegradable polymers that can be used in the oil and gas extraction process.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, 2 Properties, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Danimer, enerpol, PHA | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Compostable Labels Now Available
March 7, 2012Compostable labels are now available from Convex Plastics to put on Econic® and other bio-degradable packaging. The new compostable labels are ideal for putting on plain packs and can be custom-printed to maximise branding and shelf appeal.
Leave a Comment » | Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, compostable, EcoSavi, GreenSACK, Label | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Purac starts Thai lactide plant
March 7, 2012
The Netherlands-based Purac reports successful start-up of its new 75,000 tonnes/year lactide plant in Thailand, which started construction in March 2010.
According to the company several batches of PURALACT lactides have already been produced and actual deliveries to customers are scheduled to start early 2012. For those who are new in the bioplastic business, lactides are precursor for polylactic acid (PLA) resins but it can also be used as a building block for intermediate chemicals.
1 Comment | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, lactic acid, Lactid, PLA, Purac, Puralact | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Showa Denko K.K. Selects Myriant as its Supplier of High-Purity BioSuccinic Acid for the Production of Renewable-based Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)
March 2, 2012
Showa Denko K.K (SDK) and Myriant Corporation announced today that SDK has selected Myriant as its global supplier of biosuccinic acid. Under the terms of the supply agreement, SDK will utilize Myriant’s biosuccinic acid for the production of high-performance biodegradable polybutylene succinate, or PBS, a key polymer used in the production of bioplastics.
Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Boosting economy with biobased products
March 2, 2012US producers of bio-based products will be happy to know that President Obama signed a presidential memo yesterday that requires the federal government via the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) BioPreferred Program to track and increase its purchases of products made from plants and other renewable agricultural materials.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
EcoSynthetix lands SDTC funding to commercialize EcoMer biomonomer platform
February 3, 2012
Burlington, Ontario-based EcoSynthetix Inc. has secured a $2.1 million funding award from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to support the development and commercialization of its novel biobased EcoMer monomer technology platform, which has the potential to address a $30 billion target market across multiple industrial applications such as toners, water-based inks, water-based paints and coatings, surfactants and pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA).
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Additives | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, biopolymer, biosourced, building block, building blocks, dextrose, Ecomer, EcoSynthetix, glucose, Monomer, saccharides | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Galactic to Invest in New Lactic Acid Innovation Plant
January 30, 2012
Galactic, a leading supplier of lactic acid and lactates has announced its intention to invest in a multi-million innovation centre for food and non-food applications in Escanaffles, Belgium.
The 2,000 m² building will house several laboratories and pilot facilities dedicated to the development of new applications for lactic acid and lactates in meat, bakery and dairy as well as in non-food sectors such as paints, coatings, inks and surface treatment. It will also provide a comprehensive platform fully equipped with fermentation halls and chemical reactors for research on new molecules (Lactochemistry).
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, biosourced, Galactic, lactic, Monomer, PLA | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Glycerin – Chemical building block
January 26, 2012Crude glycerine is usually used in the animal feed market or can be refined or purified for higher-value applications such as in pharmaceuticals, soaps, cosmetics, food and beverages. In fact there are probably over 1,500 different uses of glycerol, according to industry players. Glycerol is structurally analogous to sugars.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE) in a 2004 study, glycerol is one of the top 12 building block chemicals from biomass. Glycerol is made from natural fats and oils (as we sometimes called it lipids) via the chemical process esterification/transesterification. Crude glycerin has minimum 85% glycerol, with low salts and many organics such as free fatty acids and distillates), according to ICIS.
Within biodiesel production, the purity of biodiesel (and consequently glycerin) depends on the feedstock used. Higher cost virgin vegetable oil feedstocks contain few impurities and are comparatively easy to process while lower cost and unrefined virgin vegetable oil feedstocks generally contain impurities that must be pretreated as part of the production process.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, Biodiesel, bioplastics, biosourced, building block, building blocks, Glycerol, Glycos Biotechnologies, Renewable Energy Group | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Danisco Releases Life Cycle Assessment for Impact of SOFT-N-SAFE™ Bio-based Plasticizer on Environment
January 26, 2012
Danisco has recently released its cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment for SOFT-N-SAFE™, the bio-based plasticizer from Glycerine and Castor Oil, to add to the weight of evidence that the company has produced in support of the product’s benign Environmental profile.
The plasticizer – used primarily by the PVC industry to substitute for any ‘plasticizers of concern’ – is based on Glycerine and Castor Oil and has made considerable inroads into both the Food Contact and the Technical markets across a wide spectrum of end-uses and other polymers such as PET and Acrylics. Commented Mikkel Thrane, Danisco‘s Life Cycle Assessment Manager: “Having previously released comprehensive information on the safety of SOFT-N-SAFE™ for human beings it was only logical that we completed the picture with a detailed life cycle assessment of the environmental impacts in accordance with the ISO 14044 standard as well as the ILCD Handbook from the Joint Research Centre of European Commission. We are naturally pleased at the result and the study – which is 3rd party verified – highlights the minimum impact that this product has on our environment. With a low impact on Water resources, Non-renewable resource depletion and Greenhouse Gas emissions it has all the hallmarks of a genuinely sustainable product”.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Additives, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, danisco, plasticizer, Soft-N-Safe | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
DaniMer Scientific Receives OK Compost Certification for Environmentally Friendly Bioplastic Based Packaging and Film Resins
January 26, 2012
DaniMer Scientific’s ReNew packaging and film resins have been officially certified as compostable by Vinçotte International, a renowned inspection facility headquartered in Vilvoorde, Belgium. Vinçotte grants OK Compost certification to a product after verifying that it meets EN 13432, a standard for compostability recognized in Europe, Asia and North America.
The OK Compost certification is enabled through Vinçotte’s rigorous examination and verification of testing conducted on samples from a company’s stocks. According to OK Compost, packaging or products featuring the OK compost label are guaranteed as biodegradable in an industrial composting plant and applies to all components, inks and additives. DaniMer’s OK Compost certified resins are both compostable and biodegradable, which enables its end-users to avoid the cost of removal and land filling.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Micromidas Funds MMI & CMPM’s Research Project on Biopolymers and Renewable Propylene Glycol Derivatives
January 4, 2012
MMI has announced that it has secured approximately $130,000 in funding from a collaboration with Micromidas, Inc. to research biopolymers and renewable polymer building blocks. In addition, thanks to a $25,000 grant, MMI is providing proof-of-concept expertise to the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan’s renewable propylene glycol derivatives research. Dr. Patrick B. Smith, a Research Scientist, is leading MMI’s charge in the area of biobased materials. He provided details for each project.
“Micromidas is a really interesting startup company based in West Sacramento”, Smith said. “They take low-value organic waste and convert it into higher value bioplastics and chemical building blocks. Currently, they’re focused on municipal waste, where they ferment that sludge and convert it into plastics that feed into significant commercial plastics streams”.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Polyden Selects Cardia’s Biohybrid™ Technology to Produce Flexible Films for Packaging Industry
December 23, 2011
Cardia Bioplastics and Polyden Folien have announced their cooperation on sustainable film products for the European packaging industry.
Polyden Folien has launched their new range of packaging films made with Cardia Biohybrid™ technology that meet highest packaging performance standards. Cardia Biohybrid™ proprietary technology combines renewable thermoplastics with polyethylene material to reduce dependence on finite oil resources and to reduce carbon footprint.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, Biohybrid, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Cardia, film, Polyden | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Novamont to announce strategic alliance with AIAB
December 22, 2011
After years working alongside AIAB the company will present its plan for joint activities at the Federal Congress in Milan
Novamont S.p.A., the leading European bioplastics company, has worked alongside AIAB (Italian Association for Organic Agriculture) for years to promote high quality agriculture and to ensure a sustainable agricultural production chain. Novamont’s involvement in the ‘Biodomeniche’ events and other events managed by AIAB shows its willingness to promote best environmental practices and to raise awareness of the need for more mindful and respectful consumption.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Uhde Inventa-Fischer Proves Potential of its PLA Technology
December 20, 2011
The engineering company Uhde Inventa-Fischer has proven the potential of its self developed, patented polylactic acid (PLA) technology, PLAneo®, at its proprietary pilot plant following an operating phase of several months. The process enables tailored PLA types for a full range of applications to be manufactured as well as enabling the production of different PLA specialities.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, PLA, PLAneo, Poly(lactic acid), Polylactide, ThyssenKrupp, Uhde Inventa-Fischer | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Cereplast Introduces Three New Technologically Advanced Compostable Resin Grades Offering Improved Properties to the Bioplastics Market
December 20, 2011
Cereplast, Inc. a leading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable plastics, today announced that their three new resin grades, Compostable 3002, Compostable 3010, and Compostable 3020, have received DIN CERTCO certifications of compostability. These new resin grades provide superior properties and are for use on blown film extruder lines for the manufacture of compostable bags.
1 Comment | 1 New products, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Blend, cereplast, compostable, Ingeo, PLA, Polylactide | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Biorenewable chemicals market to grow at a CAGR of 22.8% between 2010 and 2015
December 19, 2011Increasing environmental awareness on the part of product manufacturers and the desire to reduce dependency on oil are the leading drivers behind the $2.4 billion global market for biorenewable chemicals (BRC) in 2010. Read the rest of this entry »
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Purac opens office in India
December 19, 2011
Purac has opened an office in India. The new Purac office is located in Mumbai.
Purac was already active in India since many years, though the sales activities in India were executed from the regional sales office in Singapore.
The execution of the sales activities will continue to be managed from Singapore, but the new Liaison Office in India will act as a communication channel between Purac Singapore and its Indian customers for supporting co-ordination for all Purac’s business in India, for example food ingredients, monomers for bioplastics and the biobased chemicals for the chemical, pharma and home and personal care industry.
1 Comment | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, India, PLA, Polylactide, Purac | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Researchers Make Biodegradable Plastic Bottles from Olive Skins
December 19, 2011Soon you may be able to buy olive oil in bioplastic bottles made from a compound found in olive skins, thanks to the work of a Spanish researcher.
Jesús Zorrilla has found a way to extract PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) from the residues of olive skins, which in turn can be used to make plastic containers that are non-toxic and 100 percent biodegradable.
According to a press release from Jaen’s Sierra de Segura, an olive oil denomination of origin, Zorrilla used byproducts from one of the D.O.’s olive oil mills to develop the compound.
Leave a Comment » | Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Bottle, Oil, Olive, PHA, polyhydroxyalkanoate | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Global demand for bioplastics to more than triple to over 1 million tons in 2015
December 19, 2011Global demand for biodegradable and bio-based plastics will more than triple to over one million metric tons in 2015, valued at US$2.9 bln as per ResearchandResearch. Bioplastics have moved past the initial phase of market introduction and are now experiencing robust increases in demand in virtually all parts of the world. Gains are being fueled by a number of factors, including consumer preferences for environmentally sustainable materials, improved performance of bioplastic resins with respect to traditional plastics, and the introduction of commodity plastics produced from bio-based sources. Ultimately, however, price considerations will be the main driver of bioplastic market success, and rising petroleum costs may allow some bioplastic resins to achieve price parity with conventional plastics by the end of the decade.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Synterra® IM high heat resistant and non-GMO PLA bioplastic wins Blue Tulip award
December 7, 2011
By mixing 100% pure PLLA with 100% PDLA, a fast cycle and heat-resistant injection mouldable PLA with very good temperature and impact properties is made that far exceeds the properties of the individual polymers. With a Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) of 123°C Synterra® IM material performs much better than conventional PLA and the impact strength is comparable to that of ABS. After injection molding the IM material is able to withstand boiling water. With this development Synbra Technology sets a step in developing a new generation of high performance biopolymers.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, 2 Properties, 4 Suppliers, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: Award, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, PDLA, PLA, PLLA, Polylactide, Reactive extrusion, Synbra, Synterra | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Verdezyne starts pilot adipic acid plant
December 6, 2011
The company announced today that it has started its pilot plant operation in Carlsbad, California — Verdezyne’s first biobased adipic acid at scale.
The company said “the plant will be used to demonstrate scalability of their process, validate their cost projections and generate sufficient quantities for commercial market development.”
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased | Tagged: Adipic acid, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, pilot, plant, verdezyne | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Dutch bioplastic firms combine
November 24, 2011
Rodenburg Biopolymers BV, the maker of Solanyl bioplastic compounds made from potato starch, has purchased Optimum BV, maker of FlourPlast biodegradable biopolymers.
Terms were not disclosed. Both products were developed with Munich, Germany-based Wacker Chemie AG. Privately owned Rodenburg Biopolymers is based in Oosterhout and has subsidiaries in Canada and Brazil. Optimum is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Danone Grabs Award for “Eco-friendly” Idea of Using Bioplastic for its Products’ Packaging
November 24, 2011
The prestigious Bioplastics Award went to Danone in recognition of their exceptional commitment to the use of bioplastics in the packaging of their leading brand products.
The 6th Bioplastics Award, this year for the first time awarded exclusively by the unique industry organ bioplastics MAGAZINE, went to Danone GmbH. Marianne Schweiger, Senior Packaging Development Engineer of Danone accepted the sought-after award during the 6th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Puma Plans to Produce Compostable Clothing
November 23, 2011
Puma has been making some serious changes to its sustainability initiatives and has come out the front-runner in many areas. The company recently told Greenpeace that it would phase out all hazardous chemicals from its supply chain by 2020. Earlier this year, it was the first company to put a financial value on environmental impact.
Last year the company launched its Clever Little Bag, a reusable bag to replace shoeboxes made from 65 percent less paper and energy. Now it wants to lead the way in materials technology and tackle what happens to their goods once people no longer want to use them.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Clothes, Fiber, fibers, Fibre, Fibres, Puma | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Iggesund presents Invercote Bio at Luxe Pack
November 23, 2011
Versatile drinking cups with a green profile
At this year’s Luxe Pack in Green Iggesund is presenting single-use drinking cups made of paperboard coated with biodegradable bioplastic. Invercote Bio is the name chosen by Iggesund for the combination of its own paperboard and the Italian company Novamont’s Mater-Bi. Both materials are certified as biodegradable.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Cup, Iggesund, Mater-bi, Novamont, Paperboard | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Compostable, tear-resistant and waterproof: Ecovio bio-waste bags
November 23, 2011
Leftover lettuce, old bunches of flowers, potato peelings, coffee grounds: the average kitchen generates lots of organic waste. This can be turned into nutrient-rich compost in an industrial composting plant, but only if it is collected separately in advance – and that can be a bothersome and unhygienic task. Throw the leftovers straight into the bin and you will be confronted with a foul-smelling residue after emptying it. Lining the bin with a paper bag means liquid soaks through, the paper tears. This dilemma results in large quantities of compostable material ending up in the normal rubbish and subsequently being incinerated, using lots of energy in the process. Alternatively, biodegradable waste is disposed of in regular plastic bags, which must be painstakingly removed at the composting plant.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: Bag, BASF, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Compost, Ecovio, Ecovio FS, waste | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Huhtamaki extend its range of PLA products
November 16, 2011
Disposables manufacturer Huhtamaki has extended its environmentally-friendly BioWare® range with the introduction of new PLA Polarity tumblers and lids, ideal for a wide range of cold beverages on-the-go.
Made from Ingeo™ PLA*, a resin derived from plant starch developed from annually renewable resources, new PLA Polarity tumblers and lids are certified in accordance with EN13432, the European norm for compostability of packaging.
Available in a variety of sizes (7oz, 12oz, 16oz and 21oz), all the new tumblers have the same diameter of 95mm and can be fitted with a choice of PLA Polarity lids – domed with a hole, domed without a hole or flat straw slotted lids.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, 4 Suppliers, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, compostability, EN 13 432, Huhtamaki, Ingeo products, Natureworks, PLA, Polylactide | Permalink
Posted by Violette Bourg
Innovia links up with Sappi to promote compostable food packs
November 15, 2011
Innovia Films and Sappi Fine Paper Europe have joined forces to produce laminate compostable food packaging.
The companies have joined forces to demonstrate the potential use of laminate structures in food packaging production with their first development – a compostable soup sachet.
Through the development, which is being produced purely for showcase purposes, the companies hope to demonstrate the pack with its technical functionality, equivalent to industry standard, along with its compostability attributes. Innovia and Sappi said the laminate packs are suitable for end users in the food, confectionery and pharmaceutical industries.
1 Comment | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Cellulose, film, Innovia, Laminate, packaging, Sappi Fine Paper | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
The global biodegradable plastic packaging market estimated to reach US$1.85 bln in 2011
November 15, 2011
The biodegradable plastic packaging market is gradually gaining significance in the vast global packaging industry. Whilst the recession impacted demand for all types of packaging; upcoming environmental issues and diminishing fossil reserves have raised concerns, resulting in steady growth for biodegradable plastic packaging.
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Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
ADM Completes Last Step in Bio Propylene Glycol Process
November 15, 2011
Archer Daniels Midland Company announces the production of a renewable, biobased propylene glycol that meets United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and USDA Certified Biobased Product Label standards. ADM is the first company worldwide to make a biobased propylene glycol that complies with USP requirements.
Available starting in November 2011, ADM’s propylene glycol USP excipient grade has also earned the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label, ensuring the product contains 100% biobased content. The product will be sold under the trade name EVO-100™ and sales will commence over the next few weeks.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased | Tagged: ADM, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, P&G, Pharmacopeia, propylene glycol | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
BioAmber Mitsui JV to build succinic, BDO plants
November 9, 2011
The race for bio-BDO commercialization is on as BioAmber and Mitsui announced their collaboration to build both bio-succinic acid and bio-1,4 butanediol (BDO) plants – one in Sarnia, Canada, and the other in Rayong, Thailand. A third one is being planned either in North America or Brazil.
BioAmber and Mitsui have long been partners as Mitsui currently distributes BioAmber’s biosuccinic acid-derived products. The companies expanded their partnership today when Mitsui decided to go all the way in the bio-succinic acid/BDO business by jointly investing with BioAmber in the new manufacturing facilities.
Leave a Comment » | 4 Suppliers, Biobased | Tagged: BDO, bioamber, biobased, Biodegradability, Biomonomer, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Butanediol, Mitsui, packaging, PBS, succinic acid | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
New meat packaging made from bulrush
November 2, 2011That’s because the Richmond, Calif., company’s latest product line includes food display and containers that are made out of bulrushes. Yes, those tall, sturdy reeds that usually grow in wetlands or marshy areas and that figure prominently in the Moses story. The new trays and containers were designed to replace the polystyrene containers that are usually used to wrap up meat, poultry and seafood. They are manufactured by Be Green Packaging. (Excellent Packaging & Supply is the distributor.)
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, biosourced, packaging, ulrushes | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Telles Appoints Entec Polymers & Channel Prime Alliance as Distributors of its Mirel™ Bioplastics
November 2, 2011
Telles, a joint venture of Metabolix, Inc. and Archer Daniels Midland Company, has recently announced the appointment of Entec Polymers LLC and Channel Prime Alliance as distributors of Mirel™ for the North American market.
Channel Prime Alliance focuses on providing consistent products and services to meet its customers’ requirements for plastic products across North America. With more than 25 years of industry expertise, Entec is a licensed compounder, recycler and distributor of thermoplastic resins, with a heavy focus on specialty products and applications through all major conversion technologies.
Leave a Comment » | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Channel Prime Alliance, Distribution, Entec Polymers, metabolix, Mirel, PHA, polyhydroxyalkanoate, Telles | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Papico appointed UK agent of leading U.S bioplastic company
November 2, 2011
Yorkshire-based paper agency Papico has been appointed UK agent to a leading U.S bio plastic technology company DaniMer to help it to market its revolutionary plant-based renewable hot melt adhesive to the UK carton industry.
Papico will be particularly beneficial in helping to gain prominence for DaniMer’s hot melt adhesive, which is being marketed as a real economic alternative to petro chemical-based products. Director of Papico Tony Knight says: “Bio technology has often had the reputation for being more costly than less environmentally-friendly alternatives, but this bio adhesive will mean carton producers and converters now have a renewable bio-adhesive that is not only competitively priced but also enables companies to offer a truly sustainable piece of packaging.”
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Additives | Tagged: Additive, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Danimer, Papico, PHA, polyhydroxyalkanoate | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Cereplast Completes Purchase of Manufacturing Plant in Italy to Help Serve Growing Demand for Bioplastic Materials in Europe
November 2, 2011
Cereplast a leading manufacturer of proprietary biobased, compostable and sustainable plastics, has completed its purchase of a manufacturing plant in Assisi (Cannara), Italy that will serve as the hub for the company’s European bioplastics production. This initiative enables Cereplast to further expand its capabilities to produce and deliver bioplastic products to the European marketplace.
Leave a Comment » | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, cereplast, Italy | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Porcher Industries Introduces Greenlite™ – Next Generation Cellulose Fibers
November 2, 2011
Greenlite from Porcher Industries is a new generation of high performance renewable reinforcements for the composites industry. These innovative materials are based on pure cellulose fibers, which is the most abundant and renewable biomass on earth. Greenlite™ materials are biodegradable and highly compatible with biobased resins, making them suitable for the production of 100% bio-based composites on a large scale.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, biosourced, Cellulose, composite, Fiber, Greenlite, Porcher | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Andolfi Selects Telles’ Mirel Bioplastic Film Product for New Line of Compostable Bags
November 2, 2011
Telles, a joint venture between Metabolix, Inc. and Archer Daniels Midland Company, today announced that Andolfi & C., an innovative blown-film converter headquartered in Sant’Elpidio a Mare, Marche region, Italy, will be launching a compostable bag product line based on Mvera™ B5002, a compostable film product made from a proprietary blend with Mirel™ bioplastics.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: ADM, Andolfi, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, blown, film, Mvera, packaging, polyhydroxyalkanoate, Telles | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Lanxess and Bioamber have partnered for bio-succinic based plasticizer production
October 24, 2011
European specialty chemicals producer LANXESS and sustainable chemicals firm BioAmber have partnered to develop succinic acid-based plasticizers that are both renewable and phthalate-free, the companies announced on Thursday.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Biobased, Biodegradability | Tagged: bioamber, biobased, Biodegradability, biopolymer, biosourced, lanxess, Palsticizer, Phthalate-free, succinic | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Teijin develops Biofront films and sheets
October 24, 2011
Teijin Limited has developed film and sheet versions of its Biofront heat-resistant bioplastic, which already is available as fibre and resin.
In film and sheet form, Biofront exhibits high transmission properties due to its stereocomplex crystalline structure achieved with high-purity L-lactate and D-lactate polymer made from renewable plant resources.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, Applications, Biobased | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, film, Heat resistant, packaging, Teijin | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Bioplastics market sees rapid global growth – Forecast to rise at 41.4% CAGR for 2010/2015
October 24, 2011
Bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are often interchanged incorrectly, as some, but not all bioplastics will biodegrade fully. As per Companiesandmarkets.com, the bioplastics market is growing rapidly, with a 41% CAGR forecast for the period 2010-2015. This raises the 2010 demand of 571,712 metric tons to over 3 mln tons in 2015. Early adoption of bioplastics and subsequent interest in the technology was driven by rising concern over environmental issues, particularly with regard to product disposal and global warming.
Leave a Comment » | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Market, Report | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Berkeley researcher significantly increases starch in switchgrass
October 21, 2011
A researcher at the University of California, Berkeley is working to genetically modify biomass feedstocks in a way that could dramatically increase starch production. The project, led by Research Geneticist George Chuck, involves the introduction of the gene corngrass into the genetic makeup of switchgrass.
Leave a Comment » | 3 Research | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, biopolymer, biosourced, GMO, Satrch, switchgrass | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Cardia Bioplastics boosts its position in Malaysia with granting of BIONEXUS status
October 20, 2011
Cardia Bioplastics’ Malaysian subsidiary has been granted BIONEXUS status in Malaysia, providing the company with incentives such as a 10 year tax-free status and exemptions to all import duties.
Leave a Comment » | 5 Others | Tagged: Bag, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, Cardia, Grant, Malaysia, starch | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
World demand for green packaging: + 5,7% per year
October 20, 2011World demand for green packaging (which encompasses recycled content, reusable and degradable packaging) is projected to rise 5.7 percent per year to $212 billion in 2015. While recycled content packaging will remain by far the largest product type through the forecast period and beyond, this segment will see the slowest increases due to the maturity of products such as metal cans and glass containers.
Read the rest of this entry »
Leave a Comment » | 5 Others | Tagged: biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Market, Market study, packaging, Recyclable, recycled content | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
Minerv SB and Minerv SC
October 18, 2011
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a linear polyester naturally occurring as a result of bacterial fermentation of sugar. This family can bring together more than 100 differing monomers to produce materials whose properties vary very greatly.
Thermoplastic or elastomeric materials can be created with melting points ranging from 40 to more than 180°C. MINERV-PHA is a high-performance PHA biopolymer. MINERV-PHA is endowed with optimal thermal properties. Production needs which range from -10°C to a +180°C can be met through characterization. This product is particularly suitable for injection and extrusion methods for the production of objects. It takes the place of highly pollutant materials such as PET, PP, PE, HDPE and LDPE.
Leave a Comment » | 1 New products, 2 Properties, Biobased | Tagged: Beet, Bio'on, Bio-on, biobased, Biodegradability, bioplastic, bioplastics, biopolymer, biosourced, Minerv, packaging, PHA, PHB, PHBV, polyhydroxyalkanoate, Sugar, Sugarcane | Permalink
Posted by Frédéric Chivrac
