2008-03

Special editorial focus: Rigid packaging Additives

bioplastics

magazine

Vol. 3

ISSN 1862-5258

03 | 2008

Comprehensive interpack preview | 10

, e th dorf t l F a sse 43 S BA n Dü d B t i n i Vis ack , Sta p er ll 10 t n I Ha

Don’t worry, the raw material for Ecovio® is renewable.

Ecovio ®, a biodegradable plastic from the PlasticsPlusTM product line, is keeping up with the times when it comes to plastic bags and food packaging. Ecovio ® is made of corn starch, a renewable raw material, and it has properties like HD-PE, which translates into a double plus point for you. Films made of Ecovio ® are water-resistant, very strong and degrade completely in composting facilities within just a few weeks. www.ecovio.com I N N O V AT I O N

RELIABILITY

PA R T N E R S H I P

DIVERSITY

A new world requires a new way of thinking In a world where depletion of natural resources is an ever growing concern, compostable packaging is rapidly gaining ground as the sensible alternative to its traditional counterparts. In this relatively new industry, Natura Packaging has been at the forefront from the beginning, providing the world with sustainable packaging solutions since 1995. A dedicated service provider, we translate packaging questions into practical answers - from preliminary counsellingto actual product delivery. So go for a new way of thinking. Enjoy the benefits of unrivalled experience. Choose Natura Packaging.

Innovation in packaging natura Verpackungs GmbH Industriestrasse 55-5

D - 48432 RHEINE Phone +44 (0)1923/815-600

Phone +49 5975 303 57 Fax +49 5975 303 42

Email info@naturapackaging.com Internet www.naturapackaging.com

Editorial

dear readers The British poet and essayist Leigh Hunt (1784 – 1859) once said that ‘Colours are the smiles of nature’. If you agree to this statement or not, it is definitely true that colours are an important part of our life. So we also might want to have our bioplastics products coloured. And the colorants needed for that, should be biobased where possible, and biodegradable – and of course not toxic.

So one of the editorial focuses in this issue is “additives and masterbatches”, not only for colours but also for impact modifiers, antiblock, chain extenders and many more.

Another topic in this issue is rigid packaging, such as thermoformed PLA and sugar cane trays. At a Thermoforming Conference organized by SPE, where I had the pleasure to give a presentation about bioplastics, the interest in this material class was huge. Many of the delegates weren’t aware of the potential bioplastics are already offering today.

The biggest part in this issue, however is a comprehensive preview on interpack. From April 24 to 30 the packaging world is meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany. And bioplastics are a significant part of it. About 40 exhibitors show their products in hall 7a where a 1000m² special group exhibition is organized by European Bioplastics in co-operation with Messe Düsseldorf. We from bioplastics MAGAZINE are looking forward to seeing some of you there.

Yours, Michael Thielen Publisher

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

bioplastics MAGAZINE tries to use British spelling. However, in articles based on information from the USA, American spelling may also be used.

The fact that product names may not be identified in our editorial as trade marks is not an indication that such names are not registered trade marks.

Not to be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher

bioplastics MAGAZINE is read in more than 80 countries.

bioplastics magazine is published 6 times in 2008.

This publication is sent to qualified subscribers (149 Euro for 6 issues).

bioplastics magazine ISSN 1862-5258

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Impressum Content

April 03|2008 Special

Rigid Packaging 24

interpack Preview

Comprehensive interpack prievew 10

03

Events Preview

05 Focus on Performance Biopolymers 08

42 Comparison of Different Bioplastic Materials 08

46 Biodegradable Plastics Packaging 09

Processing

Rigid PLA Packaging for Meat Products 28

Materials

Master Batches Enable the Biopolymer Industry 30

‘Green‘ Packaging for Electronic Components 32

Chain Extenders Improve Processing of PLA Biopolymers 43

Politics

Change the World with Love, Passion and Commitment 38

Opinion

Bioplastic Man

40

Brazil: New Standard for Biodegradable Plastic Packaging Since February 2008 Brazil has had a new standard for biodegradable plastic packaging. The new technical standard, covering ‘degradable and/or renewable plastic packaging’, is broken down into two parts: NBR 154481 (Terminology) and NBR 15448-2 (Biodegradability and Composting). It is the result of an initiative by the Brazilian Technical Standards Association (ABNT) and the National Institute for Plastics Processing (INP Instituto Nacional do Plastico, São Paulo, Brazil). The standard was developed and worded by a 70 member committee drawn from organisations, commercial companies, universities and laboratories. It can be ordered via the INP-website (see below).

The responsibility of the manufacturer The onus of proof that a product, such as a plastic bag, actually contains biodegradable plastic, lies with the manufacturer. The second part of the standard sets out the minimum requirements with regard to such proof. Now it is possible, for example, to print on the packaging official technical information concerning its biodegradability.

Mirel-BioPlastics-Interpack.pdf

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At this year’s interpack the Swiss injection moulding machine maker Netstal underlines its competence in the area of processing plastics from renewable sources. Based on numerous processing and application-technical tests Netstal has gained much valuable experience in this field.

At an Info Point set up for the purpose on the Netstal exhibition stand the visitors will learn more about the significance of processing the biocompatible material polylactide (PLA) on the basis of sample products.

An environment-conscious production is possible by all means also in the area of injection moulding, starting from the selection of the raw material right to the finished article.

At the world‘s biggest trade fair for packaging, the interpack, being held in Düsseldorf, Germany from April 24 to 31, Netstal presents itself with the translation of these developments that are so important now and in future. Visitors find Netstal in Hall 13, stand C73. bioplastics MAGAZINE features a special interpack show preview, focussing on the group exhibition “bioplastics in packaging” in hall 7a on pages 10 – 23.

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News

We look forward to meeting you at Interpack's "Bioplastics in Packaging" 2008. Mirel is a family of biobased, sustainable and biodegradable plastics that are environmentally responsible alternatives to a wide variety of petroleum-based plastics. Mirel bioplastics offers excellent performance characteristics for packaging applications: ÿ outstanding shelf stability

ÿ stiffness and toughness

ÿ heat and chemical resistance

ÿ ability to mold in a range of colors

ÿ good surface finish

Mirel biodegrades in a wide range of environments including soil, home compost, industrial compost, and in both fresh and salt water.

Mirel offers a responsible solution for the global environment and new materials for packaging. How’s that for an innovative idea?

Learn more about Mirel at Interpack’s “Bioplastics in Packaging” April 24 - 30, 2008, Hall 7a Booth #C16 kkk"a]fY`d`Ugh]Wg"Wcaȭȭ ȭȭkkk"V]cd`Ugh]Wg!]b!dUW_U[]b["Wca bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

News

Largest PHA Plant in China DSM Venturing, Heerlen, The Netherlands, the corporate venturing unit of Royal DSM N.V., recently announced that it has participated in a US$ 20 million financing round in Tianjin Green Bio-Science Co., Ltd (China). The proceeds will be used to build China’s largest manufacturing plant for Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA).

The investment is in line with DSM’s ambitions to develop bio-based performance materials to meet customers’ growing needs for improved performance and environmental benefits at competitive costs. In parallel with the venture investment, DSM and TGBS intend to work together to create new business in biobased performance materials.

The plant’s construction will commence in Q2 2008, and is expected to start production in early 2009. It will have an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons of PHA. www.dsm venturing.com.

Bioplastics and Biodegradability – Q&A Europe’s plastics converters’ body, EuPC, has published a ‘Questions and Answers’ document on Bioplastics and Degradability. This factual brochure (downloadable PDF) gives answers to the most frequently asked questions on this subject. It follows the preparation of a detailed internal industry position paper issued to EuPC members in 2006, the fruit of co-operation with Plastics Europe. EuPC is the leading EUlevel Trade Association, based in Brussels, representing European Plastics Converting Industry. Its powerful European Plastics Network exists to support the beneficial use of plastics worldwide, especially providing plastics converting companies with a voice in the European Institutions.

New Family of Thermoplastic Starch Blend Resins Cerestech, Inc., Montreal, Canada has announced the commercial introduction of several branded Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) Blends, called CereloyTM, that deliver cost-effective, high property retention film and injection molded products with a substantially reduced Carbon Footprint relative to resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, biodegradable polyester or polylactide (PLA).

The company is a technology development and licensing spinoff from the École Polytechnique of Montréal. Cerestech’s new line of Cereloy blends offer an optimal mix of cost, performance and sustainability, and are an ideal complement to current and future converter offerings. Large-scale orders and sample sizes are available to converters worldwide and end-use products featuring Cereloy blends offer converters significant advantages based on the technology’s innate ability to be tailored to meet specific performance requirements and resin grades. Products made in partnerships with leading film and injection molding companies have incorporated up to 30 % TPS while maintaining, and in some cases exceeding, mechanical properties of equivalent reference products made from polyethylene, polypropylene and compostable ASTM 6400 compliant resins.

The high performance of the TPS Blends in plastic products has been achieved after several years of fundamental and applied research and development activities in partnership with commercial processors. Several new Cereloy resin grades are currently being launched for applications in film and injection molded products.

The first commercial product is a blend from linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and TPS: a new sustainable can liner being introduced by Pitt Plastics, Inc. Dr. Graham Chapman, president of Cerestech, believes that the time has come to offer consumers a better environmental solution.

“Our Cereloy TPS blend can be used in a wide range of applications, from compostable, biodegradable bags, to any film, bags or products processed on conventional equipment. The ease of processing, the high property retention and attractive cost will make our TPS Blends a ‘musthave’ for leading edge plastics processors,” believes Dr. Chapman. www.cerestech.ca

www.plasticsconverters.eu

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

The First Linear Polyethylene from 100% Renewable Raw Materials Brazilian petrochemical company Braskem announced the first certified linear polyethylene in the world made from 100% renewable raw materials. This achievement was obtained through the development of a technology using biobutene, which will enable Braskem to expand its line of green polyethylene.

The linear polyethylene was certified by one of the most important international laboratories, Beta Analytic, attesting that the product is made from 100% renewable raw material, and its patent has already been deposited by the company.

Antonio Morschbacker, the Technology Manager for biopolymers at the company, explains that this development represents an important technological leap for Braskem, since the production of green linear polyethylene demands the use of a second monomer (molecules used as raw material to make the polymer) from a 100% renewable source.

In other words, besides sugarcane ethylene, a technology already dominated by Braskem, the researchers needed to elaborate a new technological route that would allow them to obtain high-yield butene from a renewable raw material.

The main market for this linear polyethylene is the flexible packaging segment (films), which mostly serves the food industry. Still being produced at a laboratory scale, production of the green linear polyethylene will permit the product to be tested by selected clients interested in its performance and environmental advantages. At present, Braskem is concluding a project to set up an industrial unit to produce green ethylene that will supply the already existing polyethylene units in their installations, with the capacity to product 200 thousand tons per year and projected to start operations in 2010. www.braskem.com.br

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

Events

Focus on Performance Biopolymers In a symposium on advanced biopolymers on June19, 2008 the Mikrocentrum in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, will put the emphasis on new applications for bio-based materials.

The aims of the lectures (partly in English, partly in Dutch) of this ‘Themadag Biopolymeren’ are : • To explain the benefits of sustainable products • To present the trends in the bioplastics market and offerings of suppliers • To present bioplastics solutions for technical applications • To share information about adequate design rules and processing of biopolymer materials.

In the symposium the modification of properties of PLA will be illustrated by Remy Jongboom of BioPearls.

Dr. Urs Hänggi of Biomer will elucidate the unique characteristics of thermoplastic PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate).

New developments on the field of biobased polyesters and processing will be treated by Gerald Schennink of the Wageningen University Research centre.

Together with improved versions of existing biopolymers companies are also bringing new bioplastics to the market.

An example of a new product range is Arkema’s Pebax® Rnew, a range of engineering thermoplastic elastomers with a 20 to 90% renewable carbon content. DuPont will present its new developments in Sorona® and Hytrel® materials, based on a biological polyol.

Ir. Rolf Koster of the Design of Plastics department of the Technical University of Delft will talk about careful tuning of biopolymers in design and processing Governments stimulate the business development of bioplastics. Herman Feil of TDI BV will explain the results of programmes in the Netherlands, that have been developed for introducing bioplastics in new markets. He will talk about the possibilities of subsidies to support the development of new technologies and products.

Prof. Jan van Hest of the Radboud University of Nijmegen will take the audience to a new world of materials, like spider silk which is a polymer based on proteins. Based on bio-organic principles in the future materials could be tailor-made with promising self-organizing or self-healing properties in the nano-range.

The symposium will be concluded with a discussion on items like pro’s and con’s of biopolymers and opportunities vs. bottlenecks. www.mikrocentrum.nl

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

Comparison of Different Bioplastic Materials Conference in Vienna The Institute for International Research (IIR Österreich GmbH) organizes the 2nd Bio-Plastics Conference in Austria.

The conference is held on the 4th and 5th of June 2008 at the Hotel De France in Vienna.

The validation of performance of PLA, PHB, PHA, Starch and Cellulose is one of the key topics at the conference. The conference will also focus on the latest developments of the bioplastic industry.

Further topics:  Market development of bioplastics in EU, UK, USA, Japan and China  A comparison between PLA, PHA, PHB, Starch and Cellulose - Optical appearance, physical & chemical characteristics, thermal properties, barrier improvements  Improving appearance and performance of all biopolymers - How to improve function and optics of biopolymers?  Converting bioplastics and compounds  Printed and laminated Bio-films – status and trends  End of life options - Recycling and recovery of bioplastics During the two days experts from well-known companies such as Fraunhofer-Institut, Sukano Produkts LTD, maag GmbH, Novamont, Pro-Tech GmbH, Innovia Films, TECNARO GmbH and Natureworks LLC BV, etc will share their knowledge and give an overview of the bioplastic market and biobased products.

This event is an excellent opportunity to meet and listen to experts of the biotechnology landscape and find out more about new developments and innovations. www.iir.at/biokunststoffe.html

Biodegradable Plastics Packaging

Events

Conference in Prague in June Biodegradability is a hot topic right now and packaging is more under the media spotlight than ever. For consumers and industry alike sustainability is becoming a prerequisite not just a desirable attribute, but achieving this goal is no easy task.

The multitude of different options available to packagers, from composting to recycling as well as reusing and bioethically sourcing materials, is in danger of becoming boggling – so how to make the right decision for business?

In addition, an array of market leading names in biodegradable packaging will be presenting the most recent developments in materials and how to incorporate biodegradable materials into a wider strategy for pack minimisation.

Building on the success of the 2007 event, IntertechPira’s Biodegradable Plastic Packaging conference will this year present how and what ‘biodegradable’ means to real packaging sustainability. Global experts will assess the markets and opportunities for bioplastics; determine the end of life mechanisms available for packaging whilst leading brands communicate the future for packaging, as they see it.

Held in the historic city of Prague the conference will also provide a beautiful location to get to know potential colleagues.

With two drinks receptions, one before registration and one at the end of the first day, there will be ample opportunities to meet and greet with the industry’s finest.

The conference provides a unique platform for the plastics, packaging and bio industries to gather together in one place to find out how they can help each other. The speaking line up represents some of the most innovative leaders in the field:

17-18 June 2008 Dorint Praha Don Giovanni, Prague, Czech Republic www.intertechpira.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE invites to

2nd PLA Bottle Conference and 1st PLA World Congress

powered by

09 - 10 September 2008 PLA is a very promising raw material. The high interest in PLA for bottle applications was demonstrated by the huge participation in the 1st PLA Bottle Conference that bioplastics MAGAZINE organized last September in Hamburg, Germany.

But not only PLA bottles are a highly topical subject. PLA is a versatile bioplastics raw material from renewable resources. It is being used for films and rigid packaging, for fibres in woven and non-woven applications.

Automotive industry and consumer electronics are thoroughly investigating and even already applying PLA. Reinforcement with natural fibres such as kenaf broadens the range of applications even more.

That‘s why bioplastics MAGAZINE is now organising the 1st PLA World Congress in conjunction with the 2nd PLA Bottle Conference.

Experts from all involved fields will share their knowledge and contribute to a comprehensive overview of today‘s opportunities and challenges and discuss the possibilities, limitations and future prospects of PLA for all kind of applications.

The conferences are being held on the 09th and 10th of Semptenber 2008 in Munich, Germany and will cover subjects such as:

y Latest developments y Market overview y High temperature behaviour y Barrier issues y Additives / Colorants y Glues / printing inks y Labels, caps y Applications (packaging, bottles, automotive, electronics etc) y Fabrics y Reinforcements y End of life options (recycling, composting, incineration etc) Bioplastics MAGAZINE is looking forward to seeing you in Munich.

www.pla-world-congress.com | www.pla-bottle-conference.com | www.bioplasticsmagazine.com bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

Preview

show preview

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rom April 24 to 31 the World’s biggest packaging trade fair will open its doors in Düsseldorf, Germany. In Hall 7a on a floorspace of 1000 m² about 40 companies fom all over the world are going to present their expertise and products.

On the following pages bioplastics MAGAZINE gives a detailed preview on ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’ the special group exhibition in hall 7a co-organized by European Bioplastics and Messe Düsseldorf.

Harmony of ‚the Human and the Environment‘… … is the idea that Arkhe Will Co., Ltd. from Fukui, Japan values very much. Thus Arkhe supply their ‘goods’ to support this idea and promote a recycling-oriented society. “Consumption increase with population growth while people pursue material wealth at the expense of precious environment has to stop in order to preserve our environment”, says Keiko Maeda, Managing Director of Arkhe. “Our products promote a recycling-based society. To live up with you, your communities and expectation, we will continuously focus on the harmony of human and the environment and bring you products what will simplify your life.”

Compostable Coex-Film

Products that Arke Will present at interpack include give-awayand novelty-products made of PLA, such as stationery and CDRom. Bags, tapes, ribbons, jackets and T-shirts are examples of PLA fabric and PLA nonwoven-cloth.

Alesco, the manufacturer of plastics and paper presents one of the worldwide first compostable coexfilms based on renewable raw materials. Not only the main film product but also printed and unprinted bags and sacks belong to the certified offer. Therewith the company with its production plants in Langerwehe and Alsdorf, Germany ranges with the first providers of this new, innovative kind of film for food- and nonfood packagings in Europe.

Arkhe Will is based in an area where textile processing technology is well developed. The company has many year‘s experience in the necessary proficient skills of processing and dying PLA fibers as well as printing on PLA fabric.

FROM NATURE FOR NATURE – mutually with several well-known raw material suppliers alesco developed an innovative bioplastics film, the eco-friendliness of which has just been confirmed by DIN CERTCO by the composting certificate.

Responsibility for the environment “As a manufacturer of packagings we consider ourselves as being responsible for our environment and our descendants. Therefore we not only thought about prevention of waste but also about working sustainably eco-friendly throughout the steps of production of the packaging”, says Philipp Depiereux, managing director. The eco-friendly bioplastics from alesco provide a marketing advantage for the customers of alesco: The positive image of the packagings is combined with the packed goods and the manufacturer of them. www.alesco.net

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www.ecogooz.com

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Sustainable Customer Value Sustainability is an absolute necessity for the leading businesses of today. The Austrian company Mondi from Vienna has made a public commitment to integrating sustainable development into its business model. This includes the concept of product responsibility, which starts with the raw materials and ends with the downstream effects of the products.

Mondi is one of the pioneering companies that attach strategic relevance to bioplastics and are therefore taking a lead role in the development of sustainable packaging. At the ‘Bioplastics in Packaging‘ exhibition, the Mondi business units Coating & Release and Consumer Flexbiles will present its unique portfolio of innovative biodegradable packaging solutions under the brand name Sustainex. www.mondigroup.com

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Ecoflex and Ecovio Among BASF plastic highlights, interpack visitors will find the biodegradable materials Ecoflex® and Ecovio®, the latter containing almost 50 % of PLA. Ecovio can be blended with the waterproof, tear-resistant and thermo-stable Ecoflex in any ratio. Both plastics can be processed on conventional film blowing lines and are used in carrier bags, waste bags, mulch films for agricultural purposes, laminates for packaging, breathable films for the hygiene sector or cling films.

When Ecoflex, BASF’s biodegradable polyester based on petrochemicals, was refined to create Ecovio, the company incorporated PLA, thereby switching the biodegradable plastic over to renewable raw materials, so that the biodegradable Ecoflex became the biodegradable and biobased Ecovio.

Both properties, i.e. biodegradability and its production using renewable raw materials, are sought-after properties in the global competition of materials. With its two polymer materials Ecovio and Ecoflex, BASF is among the leading suppliers of biodegradable plastics today. Through new developments BASF intends to further expand its position in a market that is growing by more than 20 percent every year. www.basf.com

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NHH Biodegradable Plastics

Shopping bags, that dissolve in hot water Biostarch Technology Pte Ltd, headquartered Singapore offers a cost-effective, EN13432 certified, OK Compost mark approved, 100% compostable biopolymer shopping bag solution and film for packaging. Biostarch products also meet the American ASTM-640099 Standard for Compostable Plastics and Australian AS4736-2006 Biodegradable Standard.

The unique biodegradable and compostable nature of the Biostarch film, which is made principally from the renewable resource corn starch, is demonstrated by its ability to be dissolved in hot water. The strength of the bags can be compared to conventional plastic bags.

The bags are ideally suited for dry goods but tolerate short term exposure to moisture too.

For supermarkets, retail and department stores, Biostarch Bags provide perforated Bio-Fresh bags on a roll for fruit and vegetables. Bio-Light is a lightweight bag for dry goods whereas Bio-Mist is ideal for moist/ refrigerated goods. A heavy duty flexi loop bag for dry goods is offered under the brand name Bio-Multi and Bio-Max is a grip hold bag ideal for retail outlets and department stores Biostarch film also available for plastic converters to manufacture bags to their own specifications. Biostarch film can be processed on conventional plastic bag manufacturing equipment with some adjustments. www.biostarch.com

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NHH Biodegradable Plastics Co. Ltd is focusing on the production of biodegradable plastics pellets. The resins include PLA, PBS, PHBV, PPC and PCL. If PLA has a higher proportion in a certain formula, it is classified as modified PLA series.

The products have the ISO14855 certificate and it is guaranteed that the products comply with EN13432, ASTM6400 and FDA standards. NHH Biodegradable Plastics can offer modified PLA, PBS and PPC series of resins for injection moulding, extrusion, film-, bottle- grade and fiber-production. The company also offers OEM manufacturing arrangements in China for end products. The modified materials can reach 100°C heat deflection temperature. www.nhh.com.hk

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DuPont Demonstrates Sustainability The DuPont exhibit will reflect the company’s multi-faceted offering of sustainable materials for the packaging industry. These include the creation of high performance packaging polymers, with a renewable content of at least 20 % by weight, which either meet or exceed the performance of equivalent petroleum-derived products. Two new resins for renewable packaging are to be launched at Interpack 2008.

Translucent and Compostable PLA Blend for Substitution of PE The FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich, Germany offers two different product groups: Biograde® types, based on cellulose for injection moulding applications, and Bio-Flex® types, based on PLA, mainly for film applications.

In cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Oberhausen, Germany, FKuR has enlarged its existing product range by a translucent and compostable PLA blend for film applications called Bio-Flex 467F with universal application possibilities. The advantages of this new formulation lie in the good application opportunities as well as in the smooth processing on conventional polyethylene blown film lines without having to modify adjustments on screws, dies or take offs.

The new blend stands out due to its high mechanical resistance along with good elongation.

The obtained values are perfectly comparable to the values of HDPE. Moreover Bio-Flex 467F combines a silk-matt gloss with high transparency. By means of co-extrusion with other Bio-Flex compounds it is possible to attain impressive combinations of rigidity, elasticity and tear resistance, for example for deep-freeze packaging.

Bio-Flex 467F has a share of nearly 40 percent of renewable resources. The direct contact with food is confirmed by a declaration of no objection issued by an independent testing institute. Bio-Flex 467F is also registered as compostable plastic according to EN 13432. www.fkur.com

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Biomax® TPS, based on technology from DuPont’s alliance partner Plantic Technologies Limited, ranges in renewable content up to 90 %. Both thermoplastic starch-based sheet and injection-moulding grades are certified industrial compostable, while the sheet grades are also certified home, soil, and marine compostable. Potential applications include thermoformed packaging trays, rigid containers in the food, cosmetics & personal care industries, and formed articles intended for short-life and easy-disposal. Biomax PTT (PolyTrimethylTerephtalate) is a partially renewably-sourced, high-performance copolymer of 1,3 propanediol and terephtalic acid with polyester-like performance, suitable essentially for use in injection-moulded products targeted applications for the new resin include injection moldable containers and other parts where today polyesters are used.

Biomax PTT can be characterised through excellent scratch and chemical resistance similar to PET and PBT. A further technology launch scheduled for interpack 2008 is the result of a joint development agreement between DuPont and French company Coldpack. Providing an alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) for temperature-controlled shipping of perishable goods and thermal sensitive products, the Coldpack concept is based on an inflatable heat barrier technology. Using DuPont Bynel® adhesive resins and DuPont Surlyn® for its outer- and inner layers, as well as a specially-developed grade of metalized Surlyn for its honey-combed structure, the inflatable airliner provides equivalent insulation and protection to EPS foam packaging, at reduced shipping and handling costs and with a reduced impact on the environment.

An announcement of the winners of the 20th DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation, which since this year has a new focus on sustainability, maintains the theme of the DuPont. www.dupont.com

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Preview

New Biopolymer-Database The “Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V.” (FNR, Agency for Renewable Resources) was established in 1993 by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection. With the support of the FNR the University of Applied Sciences and Arts (FH) in Hanover, Germany, and the M-Base company of Aachen, Germany, have established a biopolymer database.

The database contains all of the specifications of relevance to plastics processors, and covers bioplastics that are currently commercially available. The preliminary version contains only the data supplied by the resin producers. The version planned for 2009 will also offer extensive information on independently tested characteristics of the materials. The database is laid out in such a way that it summarises the up-to-date key parameters alongside those of existing plastics databases and allows them to be called up from a central reference point. As far as is permitted the specification data and the internationally recognised test procedures will be accessed via the well-known CAMPUS® database, which will allow the information to be directly compared with the specifications and performance of commonly commercially available plastics.

The first part of the database, containing the information supplied by the resin manufacturers, will be presented for the first time at interpack exhibition on the FNR stand. www.fnr.de, www.bv.fh-hannover.de, www.m-base.de www.materialdatacenter.com E08

Ingeo Packaging Debuts at Interpack NatureWorks LLC is pleased to showcase Ingeo™ products at interpack to the global packaging market. Made uniquely from NatureWorks® biopolymer, Ingeo packaging innovations are rewriting the rules on how to promote, package, market and sell everything from fresh food to consumer durables. Ingeo natural plastic is made from plants, not oil and uses less fossil fuel resources and emits less greenhouse gases than traditional plastics. Ingeo provides a new and more responsible set of solutions for business that reflects current consumer desire for better choices and more environmentally sound products to use in their everyday lives.

At the NatureWorks booth attendees will be able to see and experience the full potential of the latest Ingeo innovations at the Ingeo Creative Galleries.

There are five key categories of packaging specialties particularly suitable for Ingeo including fresh foods, serviceware, beverage solutions, film applications and foam innovations. Visitors will also be able to see some remarkable examples of Ingeo fiber innovations ranging from apparel to hometextile and personal care nonwoven applications. In addition there will be the opportunity to see all NatureWorks’ partners’ products presenting at interpack and join a Round Table Discussion at 11 a.m. on April 28, an event organized by NatureWorks that will discuss the value and merits of responsible innovation today. www.natureworksllc.com

Grace Biotech Since 1998 the Grace Biotech Corporation from Hsinchu County, Taiwan, has been continuously researching and developing breakthrough biotechnology that will open the way to converting ordinary vegetable starch into a new type of bioplastic. In the urge to help solve the world’s energy crisis and pollution problems, Grace Biotech has introduced GraceBio - brand new starch-based plastics created from nature and which return to nature after disposal.

Grace Biotech is proud to participate in the ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’ exhibition. Among the leading companies representing the bioplastics industry Grace Biotech is confidently displaying its latest achievement - GB100 , a 100% compostable and biodegradable resin. GB100 resin is a film grade compostable material which has already been certified by AIB Vincotte, DIN Certco, BPI and JBPA. GB100’s outstanding physical properties and easy processing features are what make it a better choice when replacing conventional plastics.

“Here at Grace Biotech we believe in using renewable resources and agricultural waste to replace scarce fossil resources. We will make our life cleaner and more sustainable“, said a company spokesperson. www.grace-bio.com.tw

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Biopackaging Represents the Future I.L.P.A. srl was established in 1962 in Bazzano, Italy, where it started producing plastic packaging for fruits and vegetables.

In the last decade, ILPA showed great attention to all possible developments in bio-plastics and was among the first companies to start testing PLA. There are mainly three reasons of this ‘pioneering approach:  the strong belief that ‘biopackaging’ represents our future;  the good quality features of PLA products;  the positive effects on the environment of PLA: renewability, compostability.

For these reasons, I.L.P.A. srl - ILIP Division was among the first companies exploring this new path and investing with PLA. During interpack I.L.P.A. will show their PLA products range for: disposable tableware, fresh food and fruits & vegetable packaging.

www.ilip.it

Concerning their involvement and commitment for the future, a spokesperson said: “ILPA is determined to keep on investing in its production processes so as to influence the dynamics of costs; and to enlarge its PLA products range.”

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A Sustainable Packaging Concept

The World of Communication

Huhtamaki, Espoo, Finland aims to be a preferred provider of environmentally friendly and high-quality consumer goods and foodservice packaging products.

Greiner Packaging from Kremsmünster, Austria will present itself under the motto ‘the world of communication’. It is a recurrent theme that shows through in the products and services offered by Greiner Packaging This is reflected in the four worlds of ‘creativity’, ‘sustainability’, ‘consultancy’ and ‘technology’.

Huhtamaki’s BioWare™ range offers packaging that takes into account the needs of today’s consumers, but also respects the importance of preserving the environment. It is a sustainable packaging concept, where all products have a lower environmental impact than their traditional counterparts. The BioWare range covers single-use cold drink cups, plates, containers and cutlery and – since last year – also bio-coated cold and hot drink cups – all certified according to EN 13432.

In addition to the BioWare range, Huhtamaki’s also manufactures packaging made from other renewable resources, such as its wide range of virgin fiber based packaging or recycled fiber packaging, offering strong environmental benefits.

Huhtamaki’s stand at ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’ showcases a cross-section of these products, namely the cold drink cups and containers made from NatureWorks® PLA, containers for desserts, plates from the Chinet® range and bio-coated cups. In addition, there will samples of technical applications that use films manufactured by Huhtamaki, such as hygiene products and bags.

BioWare products work as ideally at festivals and events as in daily foodservice and consumer use. Thanks to BioWare’s composting capability, it is possible to create one compost waste stream for both the food and its packaging. www.huhtamaki.com

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Creativity and Sustainability In the area of ‘creativity’, visitors to the fair will be astonished by creative packaging solutions reflecting the imagination of resourceful people. In the area of ‘sustainability’, Greiner Packaging shows its view of long-term, sustainable growth. It addresses the issues of responsible behaviour towards the environment and the prudent use of raw materials and resources.

Consultancy and Technology ‘Consultancy’ is characterised by vivid communication which offers the platform for competent customer support and product implementation. Under this heading, Greiner Packaging expresses its philosophy of close customer support from concept to the completed packaging solution. To conclude, the area of ‘technology’ offers an overview of the huge variety of technological processes which form the basis for one of the largest assortments of packaging in Europe. www.greiner-gpi.com

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The ‘Seedling’ DIN CERTCO is a certification organisation, highly regarded for its independence, neutrality, competence and more than 30 years experience in the field. DIN CERTCO operates a certification scheme for compostable products made of biodegradable materials. They grant the right to use the ‘Compostable Mark’, the so called ‘seedling’ which is the international quality mark for biodegradable and compostable materials and products developed by European Bioplastics.

Certification is here an integral part of an industrial recycling system. It enables compostable products to be identified by a unique mark and channelled for recovery of their constituent materials in specially developed processes. The Compostability Mark thus conveys product information to waste-disposal plant operators and product image to consumers.

With the new version of DIN CERTCO’s certification scheme a certification can be conducted according to three well accpeted standards:  DIN V 54900 „Testing of the compostability of plastics“ (re-

placed by DIN EN 13432)  DIN EN 13432 „Packaging - Requirements for packaging

recoverable through composting and biodegradation - Test scheme and evaluation criteria for the final acceptance of packaging“  ASTM D 6400 „Standard Specification for Compostable

Plastics“ Visitors to interpack will be informed about all issues regarding the certification of biodegradable and compostable products and the use of the ‘seedling logo’. www.dincertco.de

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The Packaging Network NNZ, the packaging network, is a family business that has been active in the field of agricultural and industrial packaging for more than 85 years. One of the strengths of the business is its cooperation with partners in many areas, the ultimate aim being to offer optimum solutions to packaging problems for the benefit of existing and potential customers.

NNZ forms the binding link in a network of buyers, suppliers, distributors, universities, research institutes and governments. The business operates as a trade partner and as a knowledge and development centre in the field of packaging.

NNZ supplies a complete range of biodegradable and conventional packaging material.

Recently, NNZ have carried out research into the quality of salad packaging. In this research – the results will be presented during interpack – salad was packed in various conventional and biodegradable films. Once packed, the quality of the salad was tested over a 6 day period. During this time the salad was tested for, amongst other things, weight-loss, carbon dioxide and oxygen concentrations, and visual appearance. The research showed that one specific type of biodegradable and one specific type of conventional film were most suitable for packing salad. www.nnz.com

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Sustainably Sound We all have to step up and take responsibility for the protection and conservation of our environment! Words alone no longer suffice. Sound measures are needed for long-term planning but also for concrete action in the here and now.

A sustainable contribution to preserving the environment is offered by packaging made from sustainable, compostable raw materials. It is not a matter of theoretical concepts but real world measures with immediate, tangible impact. naturesse products are EN 13432 certified and are designed to satisfy these demands.

The common denominator of all naturesse products from Pacovis is their ‘natural origin’. Only renewable raw materials are utilized from the production of cane sugar, vegetable starch, cellulose, vegetable oil components, fallen palm leaves or wood. “With our versatile product range, we have you covered with a total solution for all your needs,”says Hanspeter Burri of Pacovis AG, Stetten, Switzerland. www.naturesse.ch

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Biodegradable Packaging Solutions Natura packaging from Rheine, Germany offer a wide range of biodegradable fruit and vegetable packaging solutions, waste bags and shopping bags.

Take a Fresh Look at NatureFlex Innovia Films will be showcasing its full range of NatureFlex™, one of the market leading biodegradable and compostable flexible packaging materials.

At interpack, Innovia Films will be launching a new grade of NatureFlex film, NVR. NatureFlex NVR has been specifically formulated to offer enhanced print and conversion receptivity and has an intermediate moisture barrier with heat-sealability on both sides. Target applications for NVR include bakery, confectionery, pasta, pulses and rice.

NatureFlex films are biodegradable, based on renewable wood pulp sourced from managed plantations and are certified as compostable (in industrial composting, soil, home composting and biodegradable in waste water environment).

NatureFlex films are stiffer and more oriented than many bio-polymers currently on the market which makes them ideal for use in standard flow-wrap and form-fill-seal equipment for food packaging. Glossy and transparent, they are also static-free for easy handling.

By adding specially formulated surface layers, Innovia Films is able to control the moisture permeability of these films to produce material suitable across a whole range of applications including confectionery, bakery goods, fresh produce, household products and personal care items. They offer natural and organic product manufacturers the ability to align their packaging message with the spirit of their product marketing. www.innoviafilms.com

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All of natura’s biodegradable fruit and vegetable packaging solutions are at least equal to their non-biodegradable equivalents. Importantly, the packed products’ shelf life is increased by the packaging’s high permeability. This permeability causes an ‘anti-fog’ effect. As a result, products remain clearly visible, even after several days in-store. In addition to film packaging natura offers different kind of nettings and sugar cane trays. All packaging materials for fruit/vegetables/potatoes are on stock, so that a conversion for interested companies is possible at any time.

In the area of waste management natura packaging has a solution to any problem. Biodegradable waste bags are available in any shape and size, from 8 to 240 litres. In larger amounts the bags can even be printed with the customer’s label. The bags can be used in any kitchen and garden waste bin. After being discarded they compost right along with the waste.

For owners and managers of supermarkets and other stores it’s good to know that natura packaging offers a wide choice in both grab and carrier bags in any shape and size. These bags, produced on a starch basis, can be printed any desired way. Having served their primary purpose they can be used by consumers as waste collecting bags and eventually become compost. Biodegradable shopping bags are identified as such by special label. By linking a company’s brand to this label will send a clear and very positive message to the customers. Thanks to this offer they are not adding unnecessarily to the world’s waste problems. www.naturapackaging.com

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Color and Additive Masterbatches PolyOne offers a broad range of color and additive masterbatches especially developed for biopolymers. These masterbatches comply with the relevant composting and/or bio based standards. This interpack two new products will be introduced within the OnCap™ BIO range  OnCap BIO Impact T - A transparent Impact Modifier for PLA  OnCap BIO Anti-Fog T - A transparent Anti-Fog for PLA

PolyOne Corporation (NSYE:POL) with 2006 annual revenues of approximately $ 2.7 bilion, is a leading global provider of specialised polymer materials, services and solutions. Headquartered in northeast Ohio, USA, PolyOne has operations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia and joint ventures in North America, South America.

PolyOne offers more than 35.000 polymer solutions. www.polyone.com

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Disposables for Catering

New Mater-Bi Applications Among the most innovative solutions which Novamont will be putting on display during interpack, will be the new Mater-Bi® products used in the area of packaging.

Co-extruded films which combine various grades of Mater-Bi. The use of co-extrusion technology allows the incorporation into a single composite structure of the various functional features of the individual grades of Mater-Bi. It is thus possible to broaden the range of available technical solutions and to produce film with better mechanical properties, barrier forming capability and processability on packaging lines, together with improved aesthetic qualities. Co-extruded films in Mater-Bi have been recently adopted by one of the main UK supermarket chains in FFS-type packaging for its own-brand organic fruit & veg.

Laminated films, which involve the synergetic combination of the different properties of a variety of biodegradable materials, as can be seen from the new cereal packaging recently launched

by Jordans Cereals. The traditional plastic bags were replaced with bags made up of one layer of “NatureFlex” (Innovia Films, booth E15) and another in Mater-Bi. The combination ensures excellent mechanical and barrier-forming properties in a compostable packaging. This is the first such application for long-life dried foods ever manufactured.

Permapack AG from Rorschach, Switzerland offers a range of catering products. The Permafix Bioplastic products include 100% transparent PLA cups highly suitable for all kinds of cold drinks. These cups are very much welcomed by breweries, “because the beer foam does not collapse back upon itself immediately” as a company spokesman stated. PLA bowls and lids, for cold food, such as salads, desserts, fruits, etc.. Lids for protection of food as well as PLA straws are also available. All PLA products are DIN EN 13432 certified.

Permafix plates, bowls, cups are made from vegetable fibres. They are heat resistant and do not absorb any liquid. Stiff, stable and are thus well suited for fast, standing refreshments. There is no risk of spilling on carrying with one hand. The fibres are from bamboo, sugar cane or reed.

The program is rounded off by cutlery made from Biograde 300 A (a cellulose blend with natural fillers by FKuR, see booth C21). Biograde cutlery is heat resistant up to 95°C, hygienic and odourless. It also features stability and excellent haptic properties. The surface is pleasantly smooth.

In the field of renewable raw materials Permapack has a well-founded technology know-how, based on a direct co-operation with the compound manufacturers.

Thanks to co-operations world-wide, the company can also draw on 10 years of experience. Worldwide access to these resources allows comprehensive, tailor-made solutions.

Permapack’s service includes the customer support in questions of disposal. www.permapack.ch

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Extrusion coating: a special grade of Mater-Bi has been developed for extrusion coating and extrusion lamination. This material is suitable for conversion using standard industrial machinery and offers performance very similar to traditional polyolefins in terms of process stability, production line speed and thicknesses obtained. Research is already at an advanced stage for a number of applications in flexible packaging (food and non-food) and rigid containers, given the material‘s excellent sealing and very good adhesive properties in multi-layer applications.

Thermoformed expanded trays used mainly for food packaging (usually fruit & veg). Thanks to their high shock absorption they are especially suitable for more delicate products such as pears. www.novamont.com

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PLA Films for Innovative Products Sidaplax Europe will show its extensive range of EarthFirst® PLA Films, based on NatureWorks LLC’ IngeoTM polymer.

PHBV Products on the Move Tianan Biologic, the world’s largest producer of PHBV, is located in Ningbo, a major city in China’s economically dynamic Zhejiang Province. PHBV (Poly-bHydroxy Butyrate-co-Valerate) is a crystalline biopolymer with high temperature resistance. It is a fully biobased 100% biodegradable polymer derived through a completely natural fermentation process.

In 2007, Tianan’s ENMAT™ PHBV capacity doubled from 1,000 to 2,000 tonnes.

2008 promises to be even more exciting as interest in PHBV-based products continues to grow rapidly. The company ultimately plans to increase capacity to 50,000 tonnes by end of 2011. Several customers are in the final stages of developing and commercializing a range of products.

In February, Design Ideas introduced a range of durable, attractive bathroom accessories to enthusiastic buyers at Trade Fairs in New York, Frankfurt, Birmingham, and Tokyo. This line will launch under the EcoGen Brand in April 2008. The bath items, initially available at The Container Store, feature a bath cup, pump bottle, soap dish, toothbrush holder and waste can, range in price from approximately $7.00 to $30.00.

EcoGen products, along with others in the development stage, will be on display at Tianan’s booth at interpack 2008.

www.tianan-enmat.com www.EcoGenLife.com C20

EarthFirst PLA Films are certified as compostable (EN 13432/ASTM D6400) and offer a more sustainable alternative for today‘s packaging applications. Currently, a variety of grades and thicknesses of EarthFirst are finding their way into many innovative products: window envelopes, bread bags, folding carton windows, transparent bags, postal pouches, fresh food & bakery product packaging, full-body shrink sleeves, tamper-evident bands and label films.

EarthFirst PLA Films combine the environmental advantages of being compostable and offering significant CO2-emission reduction, with the inherent benefits of their performance: high moisture transmission rate, excellent printability, a consistent shrink curve, outstanding optical properties, good deadfold retention, and sealability at low temperatures producing stronger seals.

EarthFirst PLA: a bright idea in bio-films indeed !

www.earthfirstpla.com www.sidaplax.com www.plasticsuppliers.com

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Kristallisator K200

Crystallisation and Drying of PET and PLA MANN+HUMMEL ProTec GmbH produces equipment and systems especially designed for the plastic industries’ material processing.

The product range includes not only equipment for conveying, drying, dosing and mixing, but also the procedural know-how for the production of readyto-use installations for the material processing of free flowing plastics. Thus ranging from the layout to the assembly of the installation and from the delivery of the goods up to the point of their final processing.

When using PET and PLA for the production of preforms, bottles, foils, PETstraps and applications in the field of textiles and non-woven materials, the processing of the material is crucial for the finished product’s quality.

Considering the steadily rising prices of raw materials it becomes very essential to include PET and PLA regrind into the processing. This again requires very special techniques for the material handling.

MANN+HUMMEL ProTec introduces a SOMOS crystallizer for crystallization of amorphous PET and PLA and, in addition, shows possibilities for the best material preparation of both, virgin material, as well as regrind. www.mh-protec.com

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Flexible Biodegradable Polyester Mitsubishi Chemical‘s GS Pla® resin is a flexible type polyester offering most versatile properties along with good processing properties regarding all standard plastics converting technologies, such as extrusion, injection molding, blown film, lamination (extrusion-coating), etc. Other features are a high crystallization rate, superior heat-seal properties, excellent printability, and biodegradability according to EN13432. In combination with inorganic fillers, heat-resistance properties are improved up to about 100°C. Furthermore, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation is planning to utilize plant-origin raw materials.

D.Albrecht@mc-e.de

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Sugar Cane Trays from Roots Biopack Hong Kong based Roots Biopack is an innovative manufacturer of packaging in compostable materials (in accordance with EN-13424).

The products are made from sugar cane fibres.

Sugar cane renews itself several times a year.

It is therefore no longer necessary to use fossil fuels in the production of suitable packaging.

Roots’ products are compostable in accordance with DIN Certco 54-900 and EN 13424.

This report confirms the biodegradability of the material in waste, soil and water. In addition, the products are FDA approved for the food industry. The (natural) appearance of Roots products provides an added value to the product to be packaged.

The key properties of the material are: oiland water-repellent, acid-proof, temperatureresistant (oil 150°C, water 100°C, oven 220°C, freezer -25°C), suitable for use in microwave, oven and steamer, suitable for top seal, flow pack, MAP packaging and wrap. Roots is used in various food and non-food industries: for packaging meat products, fruit and vegetables, eggs, cheese, ready meals, snacks and lunch packages, as well as mobile phones and fragile equipment. Additionally, customer-specific forms of packaging can be chosen outside the standard range, printing is possible and the products can be combined with biocompostable film or foil. www.rootsbiopack.com

Innovative Films Based on Renewable Resources Since 1992 Wentus is successful in developing & marketing of films made from Bioplastics. Nowadays Wentus is the most experienced supplier for compostable films in the European marketplace. Sustainability is of great importance for Wentus when it comes to product development.

By using renewable raw materials for the compostable WENTERRA®films the company emphasises just how important this is. All WENTERRA-products are made of certified compostable materials; this offers a sensible alternative to the conventional films. The compostability is certified by the standard DIN EN 13432. It is the combination of Wentus‘ own formulations, printing and converting techniques that lead for tailor made packaging solutions to satisfy the requirements of the customers in non-food and food applications. Wentus can boast outstanding knowledge in castfilm and blown-film extrusion processes: during the last four decades the company was able to gain a wealth of experience in this converting technique. Innovative Products based on renewable resources - a future oriented strategy, which Wentus has already translated into successful products. www.wentus.de

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Three-Layer Bioplastic Film

maag is an innovative, plastics converting company based in Germany.

The maag experts have gathered their in depth knowledge over the years converting bioplastics to modern packaging. Using bioplastics in packaging mean a challenge for packaging development by covering with the specific product needs and to carry out tailor made solutions with barrier-, peeling-, or resealable properties that matches the conventional plastic film structures and its behaviour.

With their partner BAM consulting, maag have developed a new biogenetic packaging medium that fits to complex product needs and differentiated FFS applications. Inbedded in two different biogenetic substrates, the core of the three layer film is based on a Ceramis® (SiOx) coated PLA film. The outer, temperature stable contact surface is made from NatureFlex NVR, the inner sealing medium is made from starch. This new multi-layered film will be converted to doypacks and used for different food and non-food applications. Added with a sprout, the doypack will be completed for liquid and pasty products. www.maag.de

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Metabolix – Telles - Mirel TellesTM, a 50/50 JV of Metabolix Inc. and Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), manufactures and sells MirelTM bioplastics.

Mirel is a family of high performance biobased plastics (Polyhydroxyalkanoates PHA) that are sustainable and completely biodegradable in a wide variety of conditions including soil, home cold compost, industrial compost, waste treatment facilities, septic systems, wetlands and marine environments.

The Mirel bioplastic resin is produced from renewable resources (such as corn sugar) using a fully biological fermentation process, producing a versatile range of biobased plastics with excellent durability in use but that also biodegrade benignly in a wide range of environments.

The target product applications for Mirel are packaging, including compostable bags; consumer goods, including cosmetics and gift cards; consumer electronics; agriculture and horticulture; and, marine and water applications. Mirel boasts excellent toughness, durability and heat and moisture resistance, maintaining full function and shape in hot (>120°C) or humid environments.

Recently the company announced that it has initiated a program to develop an advanced industrial oilseed crop to produce bioplastics. Oilseeds are the primary feedstock for the more than 250 million gallons of biodiesel produced annually in the United States and the co-production of bioplastics promises to improve the economics of this crop industry. www.MirelPlastics.com

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Simplicity, Science and the Future Plantic’s interactive stand should not be missed by anyone attending interpack 2008, as the company announced. The stand’s unlikely juxtaposition of simplicity, science and the future reinforces Plantic’s core values and demonstrates their leadership and innovation in the bioplastics market.

Novel injection molded products will be provided for visitors to physically test Plantic’s excellent end-of-life properties, including its biodegradability, water dispersibility and home compostability. Showcasing their injection molded objects in addition to their thermoformed and film products supports Plantic’s recent starch-based biomaterials alliance with DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers. The global distributorship alliance with DuPont will see the two companies collaborate in the development and sale of renewably sourced polymers made from Plantic® technology.

Plantic is made from non-genetically modified renewable resources – corn starch. It is produced as extruded sheet or as resin granules and sold to a wide range of materials and packaging companies throughout the world.

Using industry standard equipment, Plantic materials can be thermoformed, injection molded and used for film extrusion and blow molding, thereby effectively replacing petrochemically derived plastics in terms of function and performance. Plantic can also be formulated to work in conjunction with conventional plastics which is indicative that the potential for the technology is limitless. www.plantic.com.au

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Bio-materials for Thermoforming ANL Plastics shows a range of biomaterials for thermoforming. With the growing demand for bio-degradable materials from retailers ANL Plastics now offers a range of options to its customers.

ECOFOAM – Expanded Biodegradable Trays Sirap – Gema Group started its activities in Verolanuova (Brescia, Italy) in the 1950s in the branches of thermal insulation, food and industrial packaging, transforming expanded polystyrene. Nowadays the Sirap-Gema Group has grown to a European dimension with six production plants scattered all over Europe. The Polymers transformed are PS, PET, PP, PLA and Mater-Bi®.

The new expanded biodegradable trays Ekofoam® produced

by Sirap-Gema are aimed to the packaging of fresh food such as fruit and vegetables and are made out of biopolymers obtained from renewable resources of the Mater-Bi of the company Novamont (booth E05). Ekofoam stand up for their lightness and extraordinary resilience, i.e. the ability, given by the expanded structure, to absorb shocks, for their insolubility in water, for their biodegrability and compostability.

In the biodegradable field Sirap-Gema also produces PLA containers (photo) which exploits a renewable resource based material (corn). They respect the environment, they have high clarity, excellent barrier properties and a very good stiffness. www.sirapgema.com

Specifically, ANL Plastics brings packaging solutions made of PLA, Biotec and Plantic materials. Based on the customer’s product requirements, the engineering team will help select the right raw material for each application. These three biomaterials conform to the bio degradability norm EN130432 and all materials are suitable for food. In addition to the obligatory tests for these materials ANL Plastics is conducting enhanced testing, particularly in relation to product taint to ensure these materials are suitable for use.

PLA, already well established in the packaging market, is extremely suitable for applications demanding a high transparency. Biotec, on the other hand, has other outstanding thermoforming properties. Still being developed further, Plantic is soluble in water and free of genetically manipulated substances.

“The biomaterials will mostly be applied to blister packing and trays for the chocolate and biscuit industry because of the restricted temperature range” says Roger Janssens, marketing manager of the company. The R&D department of ANL Plastics is constantly looking for new materials in the area of renewable resources. Next to the novel biodegradable materials, ANL has developed and offers sustainable solutions as well.

As an integrated company ANL Plastics extrudes PLA and Biotec itself and using the knowledge and expertise within the company, the range of thermoforming machines can easily be adjusted to produce trays from these biomaterials. www.anl-plastics.be

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Thermoplastic Materials with Various Functional Properties BIOTEC GmbH & Co. KG, located in Emmerich, Germany, was founded in 1991. BIOTEC is a subsidiary of the SPhere Group and Stanelco plc and distributes a new generation of granules with the brand name BIOPLAST offering various functional properties. Its range of five major products covers a wide number of rigid and flexible product applications. The BIOPLAST granules can be processed on extrusion lines for blown film, sheet films, shaped articles, profiles and injection molding to manufacture completely biodegradable products. BIOTEC‘s expertise lies in the know-how regarding blending and modifying such resins to special compounds and blends. BIOTEC is certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2000 and DIN EN ISO 14001:2004. This certification is audited by an independent certification agency annually. www.biotec.de

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Innovative Byproduct of Potato-Processing

Time to Discover …

Rodenburg Biopolymers, a family owned company located in Oosterhout, The Netherlands, has developed a highly innovative biodegradable material for injection moulding: Solanyl® BP.

… biolice®. biolice is a Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients brand. This is a revolutionary material, 100% biodegradable, 100% compostable. biolice is made using a process unique on the bioplastics market, from whole cereal grains. It is an intelligent solution to help us reduce our consumption of petroleum products and protect and care for our environment.

Thanks to its unique characteristics and competitive pricing the product can be used in a wide variety of market segments such as packaging, promotion, horticulture, infrastructure, sport and leisure, construction, automotive, controlled release technology etc.

Depending on the desired functionality of the final product in terms of mechanical properties several blends of Solanyl BP are available.

These can be processed on conventional injection moulding equipment with cycle times similar to most plastics.

Always responsive to the needs of processors, the researchers and technicians at Limagrain’s Ulice research centre have achieved the optimum alliance between Limagrain plant genetics and the processes used by manufacturers.

In addition, colouring can be done by traditional masterbatch technologies.

Solanyl BP is a patented biodegradable product made from potato starch, a by product of the potato processing industry.

Its environmentally friendly production process contributes to a reduction of green house gasses. Production of Solanyl BP requires 65 % less energy than polyethylene production.

biolice benefits from the ‘OK Compost’ label, which, in accordance with standard EN 13432, guarantees the product’s complete decomposition with no toxic risk to the environment, in under twelve weeks . biolice is also a food contact material.

At Interpack 2008 several applications of Solanyl BP blends will be demonstrated. At the same time Rodenburg Biopolymers also offers visitors its know how and experience to develop new applications.

biolice allows the making of films and sheaths, green waste bags, compost bags, packing and stretch films, as well as mulch films or films for seaweed and mud therapy. It can also be used to manufacture heat formed products. All biolice products convey high standards of strength, stability and flexibility. They are resistant to fats, water and most solvents.

They can replace traditional plastics or be used in conjunction with traditional materials such as paper, linen, or hemp. www.biolice.com

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Biodegradable Zipper Bags Forapack is a flexible packaging films converter from Poggiofiorito, Italy. Recently they have expanded its product range of ready-made bags and pouches with a new series for food producers and retailers. The three product lines follow the approved design and function but are made completely of biodegradable and compostable material.

The Bagflex-F-Bio line consists of bags and pouches made from a single web of bioplastic film, such as PLA, Materbi, Naturflex and the like. These bags are hot-wire sealed, and can be custom-printed and micro-perforated. The Bagflex-HS-Bio series of bags and pouches is made from a laminate composed of Kraft paper and a bioplastic film. The bioplastic film can be PLA, Materbi or Natureflex, depending on the application. Or-

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ganic adhesives are used between the two layers to allow for 100% biodegradability.

The Paperflex-Bio series of bags and pouches consists of a laminate of paper plus a bioplastic film, with or without a central „window“. In comparison with the abovementioned products Paperflex-Bio is produced in reels for automatic packaging machine applications.

Among the latest developments are the so called Zipper-Bio bags with the world‘s first re-closable zippers made of biodegradable plastic, making the bags watertight and airtight and a PLA film with enhanced oxygen barrier properties to protect the contents from oxidawww.forapack.it D11 tion.

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Barrier Version of Foamed Trays Coopbox Europe began its history more than 30 years ago, reaching a strong leadership in fresh food packaging market. Nowadays around 3.000 Coopbox trays are used every minute all over Europe by food industry and retail leaders.

Coopbox Europe began in 2002 to develop new packaging solutions based on bioplastics: it was the logical conclusion of its path toward environment respect and protection together with lightweight, energy saving and closed-loop production cycles.

Coopbox Europe was the first company in the world able to manufacture a foamed PLA trays. NATURALbox® comes from 100% renewable resources, it is 100% oil-free, completely biodegradable and compostable and it works on standard wrapping and lidding MAP equipments.

The new barrier version of NATURALbox offers a full biodegradable solutions for MAP applications, widely and successfully used fro fresh meat, fish and produces MAP packaging.

NATURALbox, the greenest side of Coopbox Europe, your packaging partner. www.coopbox.it

E09

Bioplastics in Packaging The Interpack 2008 group Exhibition Programme During „Bioplastics in Packaging“ at interpack 2008 there will be a number of activities on the stage in hall 7a.

24. April, Thursday, 12:30 - 13:15 Panel:

Bioplastics – Future Monomers and Polymers Welcome and Introduction by EuBP; BASF, Roquette 24. April, Thursday, 15:30 - 16:15 Panel:

Biodegradable, biobased plastics, how to determine and how to label them European Bioplastics, natura, Innovia 26. April, Saturday, 11:00 - 11:45 Panel Presentations:

The Market Potential of Bioplastics European Bioplastics, University Utrecht 26. April, Saturday, 11:45 - 12:30 Panel Presentations:

Environmental Performance of Bioplastics University Utrecht, NatureWorks 28. April, Monday, 11:00 - 11:45 Podium Discussion:

How Responsible Innovation Contributes to Everyday Life Guests: Food Industry 29. April, Tuesday, 16:15 - 17:00 Panel Presentations:

Materials for Packaging Mirel, DuPont, Novamont 30. April, Wednesday, 14:00 - 14:45 Podium Discussion:

Creating a Positive (Legal) Framework for the Market Introduction of Bioplastics in Germany Our Covergirl Julia is Student Officer at European Bioplastics in Berlin. Julia says: “I was already at the ‘Innovationparc Packaging‘ at interpack 2005. I‘m excited about the development of bioplastics. and I‘m looking forward to being in Düsseldorf this year again.“

Federal Ministries for Economy and Agriculture, Rheinland-Pfalz Ministry of Environment

For last minute changes see www.bioplastics-in-packaging.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Special

Rigid Packaging Made From PLA

(Photo: ILIP)

A

n important field of applications for bioplastics is rigid packaging. This includes trays and punnets for fruit and vegetables, or for mince, fresh and cured meat.

Clamshell or hinged containers are being used for deli-food products. Another interesting field of application is disposable tableware. “In addition there are more and more customers asking for bioplastic trays for other applications”, says Jhon Bollen from Nedupack. “Although most of the products we sell are for food applications.” Nedupack Thermoforming B.V. is a packaging producer in The Netherlands.

The trays, cups, plates, lids, clamshells etc. offered by companies such as Nedupack, I.L.P.A. Srl from Italy, Huhtamaki from Finland and many more, are almost exclusively made from PLA film. “The PLA in our products substitutes traditional plastics such as PET, OPS, PS or PP,” says Michele Bertoli of ILPA. With their first sales in PLA packaging back in 2002 ILPA is one of the pioneers in this field.

Good reasons Even if rigid packaging made from PLA is still more expensive, and thus prohibitive for certain applications, there are a number of good reasons to offer and to use such kinds of packaging material. In a conversation with bioplastics MAGAZINE, Michele Bertoli enumerated his four main reasons as follows:  first of all there is a strong belief that ‘biopackaging’

represents the future and that it is going to be widely adopted by retailers and industry within a short time due to the growing focus of public opinion on our habitat.  secondly, the belief that a specific know-how in this field

could, if acquired soon, provide a competitive advantage and open up important new business opportunities.

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Special

 thirdly, the very good quality features of PLA products, which

are certainly comparable in many cases to those of PET: namely excellent clarity and gloss, very good mechanical properties (high material rigidity and stiffness, good crack resistance), resistance to oil and fat, good flavour and oxygen barrier, good printability. And in addition there are properties which are even superior to those of traditional plastics. For instance the water vapour permeability (breathability) which leads to a longer shelf life for fruit and vegetables, and even for fresh pasta.  last but not least, the positive effects of bioplastics on

(Photo: Nedupack)

the environment: complete renewability, biodegradability, reduction of fossil energy and of carbon dioxide emissions.

And concerning the cost, Michele adds that for many clients it is important to differentiate themselves from the ‘others’.

These kinds of clients that are investing in communicating their ‘green’ credentials are willing to pay a little bit more, because this ‘investment’ enables them to stand out.

Nevertheless ILPA is determined to optimize its processes in order to influence the dynamics of costs as much as they can. Michele Bertoli: “Our target, in fact, is to do our best to reduce the price gap between PLA and traditional plastic products“.

Processing on standard equipment “PLA can be produced on standard thermoforming equipment,” as Hans Lochner, R&D Manager at Kiefel GmbH Freilassing, Germany points out. “As PLA is a hydrophilic resin like other polyesters, it must be dried to less than 200250 ppm residual moisture. Typical drying conditions for crystallized granules are 4 hours at 70ºC. After drying the material should not be exposed to atmospheric conditions”, he adds.

The relatively high modulus of elasticity of PLA compared to other thermoformable materials allows automatic stacking of PLA containers. “However, to allow easier de-stacking, it is necessary to add an antiblocking agent during the production of PLA sheet,” says Martin Barth, plastic engineer in R&D at Illig Maschinenbau, Heilbronn, Germany. Martin Barth explains further that PLA sheet can be thermoformed with vacuum, compressed air/vacuum or only compressed air assistance. The radiant heaters must be set to very low temperatures when thermoforming PLA. Preheating is not necessary, however preheating has the general advantage that the sheet is heated quite homogeneously. PLA does not suffer significant sheet sagging during heating in the thermoforming process as it can be seen with PP. The low processing temperature must be noted. Thermoformed articled produced from PLA sheet can have outstanding forming definition. PLA requires a relatively short cooling phase in the mould, nearly the cooling time from PET. Rim rolling of thermoformed drinking cups is possible.

(Photo: natura packaging)

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Special

Thermoformed PLA articles can be punched out either in a separate step or inline (punch and drop). “However, the PLA skeleton was rather brittle in past, so we had to use a special winder for winding the skeleton,” Martin Barth says, “with the actual PLA-Qualities we can use standard winders. If processed properly PLA can easily be reground and fed back into the process.”

(Photo: Nedupack)

But even if standard equipment can be used, most converters have invested in modifying their production lines and in optimizing their processes. The ‘what’ and ‘how’, remain, however, confidential.

Market development The market for rigid PLA packaging is developing quite well.

However, when comparing PLA packaging with packaging products made from traditional plastics, most companies still see bioplastics as a niche market. Others, like Nedupack, report that PLA products already generate about 10% of their total sales, and are receiving an increasing number of enquiries. “This includes all kind of clamshells, tray and lid combinations and trays with inserts“, as Jhon Bollen pointed out. In addition Nedupack manufactures blisters for a broad range of non-food applications.

(Photo: ILIP)

Patrick Gerritsen, Business Unit Manager of natura packaging is enthusiastic about the development. natura packaging is a German trading company for biodegradable packaging and sells products of companies like ILIP, Nedupack and others to all major retailers and discounters.

Patrick: “In the last two years we saw a really dramatic growth in the field of rigid PLA packaging”. Did they sell about 20 million units of rigid PLA packagings in 2007, Patrick expects more than 50 million for this year, based on orders booked and serious requests, as he added.

In the beginning, PLA trays, punnets and clamshells replaced rather the standard products such as PET-packs for tomatoes etc. Today Patrick Gerritsen is more and more faced with cumstom made packagings for a much wider variety of filling goods. “Our clients ask for packaging for grapes, wild tomatoes, mushrooms or even fresh herbs,” he says. The packagings range from open trays with loose lids to hinged containers. And even in the field of meat and meat products Patrick is expecting a very positive development. “At least for Germany and Holland, the areas we supply most of our products to,” he adds. These PLA trays are closed with a so called sealed lid made from PLA film. This film is barrier-coated with an SiOx-layer. www.ilip.it www.nedupack.nl www.naturapackaging.com

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Processing

Rigid PLA Packaging for Meat Products

S

ince the sizes of meat counters in self-service supermarkets have been reduced to an absolute minimum the distribution of meat and poultry, fish and several types of convenient-food are sold in plastic trays under modified atmosphere to give the products a longer shelflife. New systems of distribution made packaging of fresh food, and in particular the packaging of poultry, meat and meat products, fish, and dairy products an absolute necessity. The demand for transparent food trays took off when consumers accepted packaging as necessary part of the product to keep it fresh before distribution.

For the last twenty years the distribution of most fresh products sold in self-service corners in supermarkets has been common in plastic trays with sealed lidding on the top and attached labels to give the buyer necessary information. Consumers never thought about differences in plastic, necessary barriers or other particularities because they bought convenience, freshness and products safely packed under best conditions. Up to now transparent PLA trays have been no more than a niche sector in the fresh food packaging business.

Now totally safe for use in meat packaging Trays sealed with a PLA film have long been seen as unsuitable to protect perishable food in modified atmosphere (MAP) during the required shelf-life (e.g. one week for minced meat, or 14 days for poultry). Adequate barriers to protect packed products from evading humidity and to keep the protecting gas-mixtures such as carbon-dioxides and oxygen in the package, barrierfilms became the common packaging material. Most of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multilayerbarrier-films use EVOH as a sufficient barrier. With any layer of these special-type polymers (such as EVOH) however, the advantages of biodegradability and ecological balance are lost.

Although PLA trays have superior transparency to the wellknown monolayer PP trays, and although PLA forms a strong seal, they were always regarded as unsuitable for packaging under modified atmosphere - either because the packs broke under vacuum conditions, or because they could not be sealed with a thin PLA film by the normal process technique.

Article contributed by Arne Reinhart Meyer, Project Leader Bioplastics, VC999 Inauen Maschinen AG, Herisau, Switzerland

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Because of the consumerâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s perception of product image the distribution chain nevertheless remains very interested in such packaging. However all of the trials carried out so far with these trays proved unsuccessful due to their inadequate CO2 and oxygen barrier.

Processing

Inauen Maschinen AG from Herisau in Switzerland, well-known for the VC999 packaging machines, has been investigating this problem for some years, seeking a breakthrough that would make PLA trays and film suitable for meat packaging.

Working together with manufacturers of trays and film they sought a suitable solution - principally a way to provide the thin PLA film cover with an ecologically-friendly barrier.

In an extensive series of tests gas permeation levels were measured under the widest variety of conditions, and compared with PP packaging. Sealing and shelf-life tests were carried out together with the partners in the project.

The VC999 tray sealing machines were appropriately modified and adapted.

The company Maag-Folienveredelung became partner in the project to produce a suitable laminated barrierfilm using a SiOx barrier material supplied by Alcan-Packaging, another partner of the project. This barrier, better known as CERAMIS is implicated in-between the two layers of PLAfilms, and then laminated by an ecologically acceptable adhesive. At VC999 the performance of the trays and the film was tested under normal operating conditions and even with contaminated edges - the process was finally brought to the standard demanded by the food industry.

This fully-developed packaging concept for fresh meat under modified atmosphere (MAP) is a combination of a transparent PLA-tray, the multilayer barrier-liddingfilm, biodegradable absorbing-pads, and biodegradable labels and printing, and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not to forget - the particular VC999 tray sealing machine.

Fitted with the vacuum and protective gas distributingmodule, the PLA-packaging concept obtains the same shelf-life of packed products as in PP trays with traditionally used PE/EVOH/PP barrier film.

Even the absorber pads to collect liquids, when fresh meat is packed, meet the requirements of biodegradability and renewable materials; they are made from pure cellulose. Minced meat and all kinds of other fresh products can now be packed and distributed by same logistic systems to be sold in same refrigerated shelves

as these products were sold before in supermarkets. This all in a protective atmosphere with a shelf life of 6+2 days for minced meat. For many other meat products the shelf life in this PLA-package is even longer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up to 12+2 days.

This meets the standards required by food-packers and supermarkets for convenience foods and meat products.

The known advantages of PLA, coming from renewable sources and its biodegradability are topped by a very important advantage regarding food-packaging: The possibility of inter-reaction between the product and the packaging material (known as global migration from the packaging material and its effect on the contents) is totally excluded when PLA is used.

Ecological aspects Packaged organic foodstuffs should, in the interests of meeting consumer expectations with regard to natural organic products, always exclude any possible interreaction between the foodstuff and the packaging. The SiOx barrier, eco-friendly adhesives and mineral printing inks all combine to prevent such migration to the inside of the package. All components meet the regulations in force and the requirements covering ecologicallyfriendly manufacturing as well as compostable packaging (according to EN 13432).

Nevertheless biodegradability is not the prime consideration. The decisive factor in eco-friendly packaging is the fact that, unlike classic plastic materials, the raw materials are obtained from renewable resources, and that with their favourable eco-balance help to minimise CO2 emission into the atmosphere.

Only by close collaboration, continuous technical exchange, and extensive testing, was it possible to offer a complete solution to users of bio-packaging, enabling them to present high quality products in particularly high quality packaging. PLA trays combine minimum harmful impact on the product with maximum product protection and shelf life.

VC999 at Interpack, Hall 13, Booth A15/B16 www.vc999.ch

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Materials

Article contributed by Marcel Dartee, Market Development Leader Bio Materials, PolyOne, Assesse, Belgium

T

he bioplastics industry is highly dynamic. The more established biopolymers such as polylactic acid, thermoplastic starch blends and the polyhydroxyalkonoate family (which is still in its early days), have received significant interest. Although they are bio-based, much attention is focused on the compostability and biodegradation of these biopolymers.

More recently, significant progress has been reported in the development of biopolymers which are identical or very similar to existing petro-chemical based polymers but derived from renewable resources, e.g. polyethylene from bio-ethanol and polyamides and thermoplastics polyurethanes from castor oil.

Much has been said about the new and innovative nature of biopolymers and about their unique properties and characteristics, both positive and negative. Much less has been reported about what has been and can be done to improve the usability of biopolymers; the hidden secrets of colour and additive concentrates.

One might think it is only the active ingredients and colorants that count and not the form in which they are provided. However, many of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;neatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; additives and colorants come in the form of a powder or liquid with a wide range of viscosities, making them difficult to handle for most converters.

One colour and additive concentrate can combine the functionality of different active ingredients and/or colorants, from different suppliers if necessary, into a single pelletized form. The expertise and added value is not only in making active ingredients available in an easy-to-use form for converters, but also in achieving target property and process improvements by selecting the right ingredients with regard to their mutual and combined interactions, and then, effectively incorporating and dispersing the ingredients in to an additive solution. In addition, sourcing additives in a concentrate form enables a range of solutions to be sourced from one company.

In the case of biopolymers there is an additional challenge. The colorants, additives and carrier resins used, may need to be in compliance

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Materials

Master Batches Enable the Biopolymer Industry with the European composting norm EN 13432 or the American composting norm ASTM D6400. This prompts the use of the existing biopolymers as carrier resins with the associated challenges of processing into colour and additive concentrates. It also requires additional screening regarding topics such as chemical composition, disintegration and toxicity for the additives and colorants.

Often tests are needed to establish the details required to fulfil these norms.

Colour and additive concentrates can help improve the usability of biopolymers in three ways  Processing of biopolymers  Application performance of biopolymers  Aesthetics of biopolymers

Processing of biopolymers can be greatly advanced by the use of colour and additive concentrates. In fact, colour and additive concentrates can even be a key enabler for certain biopolymers in certain conversion processes. Depending on the type of biopolymers and polymer processing, the following processing challenges can be resolved by the use of the right colour and additive concentrates: film sticking on polishing roll, static electricity build-up, poor de-moulding, cohesion of film or sheet on the winder, yellowing due to processing, small processing window, shattering of sheet due to cutting, limited line speed during extrusion coating, and blown film conversion.

Additive concentrates provide the solutions.

Improvement of application performance of biopolymers touches a broad range of colour and additive concentrates, each with a very specific target. Within this range, the following solutions can be found: de-nesting of finished

articles, prevention of static built-up and dust attraction on finished articles, transparent impact modification for polylactide, opaque impact modification, reduction in density, UV blockers and anti-fog for food packaging.

Additive concentrates provide the solutions.

The aesthetics of biopolymers can be altered primarily by colours, but also by special effects. It is important to realise that not all colorants can be used freely in respect of the composting norm. Careful evaluation of colorants is required. Additionally, carrier resins need to be compatible with the biopolymers used and the EN 13432 standard.

Colour concentrates provide the solutions.

PolyOne’s OnColor™ BIO colour concentrates and OnCapTM BIO additive concentrates for biodegradable materials are developed to improve the performance and appearance of biopolymers, while preserving the ‘green’ character of the end product. SmartBatchTM BIO offers a combination of colour and additives in one product.

On request, the company can provide certification of its products to the European standard EN14342 to facilitate the certification of the customer’s end-product.

By adding a range of new liquid concentrates, PolyOne has enhanced its offering for the coloration of plastics, which is dedicated to helping customers make the best technical and economical choice in regard to their specific requirements.

Colour and additive concentrates can be made available in liquid and pelletised form. PolyOne also offers complex compounds based on biopolymers. www.polyone.com

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Materials

‘Green‘ Packaging for Electronic Components

Transparent Antistatic Masterbatch for PLA

Article contributed by Thomas Weigl, Managing Director, Sukano Products Ltd., Schindellegi, Switzerland

E

ven electronic components can be attractively packaged in compostable plastic - at least they can if Sukano‘s transparent antistatic PLA (polylactic acid) masterbatch is used.

The highly transparent materials compare well, both technically and economically, with conventional alternatives, and have the added advantage of being biodegradable. And to be sure that the product in the pack is not only presented in an environmentally friendly and attractive way, but also securely protected, Sukano calls once again on its experienced research team: SUKANO® PLA as S546 transparent antstatic masterbatch significantly reduces the surface electrical resistance and so prevents the build-up of a static charge on film, sheet and injection-moulded parts. The packaging attracts less dust and the risk of damage to any sensitive components by electrical discharge is extremely small.

On PLA film extruded in the Sukano test laboratory using 4 to 6% (monofilm) and also 5 to 7% (outer layer of laminated film) of SUKANO PLA as S546 and 2% SUKANO PLA dc S511 slip/antiblock masterbatch, a surface resistance of 1011 ohms was measured and any electrostatic charge was dissipated after a few seconds.

www.sukano.com

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In order that plastics processors can achieve optimum performance for each application Sukano offers, in addition to the antistatic masterbatch, a wide range of functional and visually enhancing masterbatches and compounds. These include the recently launched and highly successful SUKANO PLA im S550 impact modifier, plus slip/antiblock, UV and color masterbatches, to mention just a few.

All SUKANO PLA masterbatches are biodegradable and the majority of them are approved for food contact. They can also be supplied by the manufacturer in combination, i.e. as special tailor-made masterbatches to provide processors with an ideal performance profile.

Corrugated

Bags & Specialities

Uncoated Fine Paper

Kraft Paper

interpack 2008

Bag Converting Coating & Release Consumer Flexibles

Bioplastics in Packaging 24. - 30. April 2008 in Düsseldorf Wir freuen uns Sie an unserem Stand

Halle 07a Stand 7aD08 begrüßen zu können.

www.interpack.com

Lösungen.

Für nachhaltige Verpackungen.

Mondi, ein weltweit agierender Hersteller von Papier und Verpackungslösungen nimmt eine führende Position in der Entwicklung von Verpackungen aus nachhaltigen Rohstoffen ein. Unter dem Namen Sustainex bieten die Mondi Business Units Coating & Release und Consumer Flexibles ein umfassendes Produktsortiment an innovativen und biologisch

abbaubaren Verpackungslösungen für den Food- und Non-Food-Bereich an. Das Portfolio von Sustainex beinhaltet neben den mit Biopolymeren beschichteten und laminierten Materialien auch unterschiedliche Biopolymer-Folien. Für weitere Informationen kontaktieren Sie uns unter info.sustainex@mondigroup.com.

mondigroup.com

Europe & International

Materials

Chain Extenders Improve Processing of PLA Biopolymers Article contributed by Kirk Jacobs, Head of Additive Masterbatches , Dennis Haff, Product Manager, Chain Extenders, Clariant Masterbatches

A

s the number of environmentally conscious consumers continue to grow into a transformative global force, the market demand for biopolymers also continues to increase. This, in turn, puts pressure on materials suppliers and processors to find ways to increase productivity and quality of biopolymer products, while simultaneously reducing scrap and cutting costs. Biopolymers can be easy to extrude and mold, but they are naturally low in melt strength, and are prone to degradation during processing. Recently, certain additives called chain extenders have been used successfully to improve rheological properties, and it looks like this technology can be used to help these remarkable polymers reach their full potential.

One of the biopolymers that is already widely being used for packaging applications as well as for durable products is PLA. PLA can be formulated to be rigid or flexible and can be made with different mechanical properties suitable for specific manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, sheet extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, blown film, and fiber spinning, all these processes may be carried out by conventional techniques and processing equipment.

However, one of the limitations of PLA is its processing instability. It is highly vulnerable to thermal, oxidative and hydrolytic degradation, all of which may occur during processing. The result of these degenerative effects is polymer chain cleavage that, in turn, results in loss of molecular weight and deterioration of rheological properties. Robust rheological properties are essential to successful forming, particularly in processes where high extensional and viscoelastic properties are required, such as for blown film and extrusion foaming.

The other associated shortcoming of PLA is its low melt viscosity, which particularly affects successful foaming.

Chain Extension Solutions for Blown Film The above mentioned processing limitations of PLA may be improved by the use of a chain extender, like CESA速-extend offered by Clariant Masterbatches.

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Materials CESA-extend chain extender is a molecule with functional properties that may be added to de-graded condensation polymers, to re-link polymer chains that have broken due to any of the mechanisms mentioned above (thermal, oxidative, hydrolytic degradation). Its functional groups are reactive with hydroxyl, carboxyl and isocyanate groups, so it can be used to repair conventional polymers such as, polyester (PET), nylon (PA), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and, more recently has been showing great promise in PLA processing. Because similar functionalities are present in other condensation biopolymers like PHA and PHB, further testing is being conducted to determine if there may be possible benefits to be derived from using CESAextend in these polymers also.

Ideally the polymer chains are re-linked in linear extensions with minimal cross-linking, thus the name chain extender. CESAextend is provided by Clariant Masterbatches in a masterbatch pellet form, in a variety of carrier systems designed to suit the requirements of specific applications.

The effects of using CESA-extend were recently demonstrated in blown-film lab tests. The results of those experiments, and the effects CESA-extend may have in chemical foaming of PLA resin, are discussed below:

Blown Film Testing

PLA before adding CESA-extend masterbatch

PLA 4042D (product of NatureWorks LLC) was used to blow a clear film on a 30-mm Battenfeld single-screw extruder. Because of the low melt strength of PLA, it was very difficult to maintain the shape and integrity of the bubble during the blowing process.

Observations before the addition of chain-extender were:  Irregular shape  Difficult to maintain bubble  Noisy film  Brittle and low melt strength  Difficult to increase bubble size.  Film width varied between ~17.5 and 19.5 After observing bubble integrity problems that are typical of those encountered when blowing PLA, a CESA-extend masterbatch was added at several different rates to optimize the desirable effects. It was found that at 2% addition rate of a 30% active CESA-extend masterbatch, the average molecular weight was raised from 124 x 103 g mol-1 for the neat PLA, to 185 x 103 g mol-1 for PLA plus masterbatch, indicating branching extension of the polymer chains. The elastic modulus decreased by about 20% while the elongation was increased by 50%.

The addition of CESA-extend appears to cause a change in rheological properties of PLA from a typical Newtonian behavior of neat PLA, to some shear thinning and non-Newtonian behavior after the addition of the chain extender. The higher viscosities indicate higher molecular weights and entanglement typical for PLA with broad molecular weight distribution.

Looking at bubble integrity and the resulting film after the addition of CESA-extend, the following results were observed:

Melt Viscosity of PLA and PLA + CESA-extend at Different Addition bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Materials  Continuous regular shape  Maintained bubble size  Less noisy film  Better melt strength  Ability to doubled bubble size.  Higher line speed  Film size uniform at 22 cm The only side effect of using the extender is a slight haziness in the film made with the modified PLA. This result is typical of what happens when a chain extender is added to a clear film and may be controlled by optimizing addition rates required

CESA-Extend in Foamed Packaging The low melt strength of neat PLA is as much a problem in foaming applications as it is in film blowing. The material simply does not have the melt strength to be able to sustain a cellular structure and the cells either collapse after forming or the gas escapes from the melt without forming cells.

PLA after addition of 2% CESA-extend masterbatch

Adding CESA-extend, and the consequent chain extension and branching, result in a PLA with higher viscosity and melt strength.

This now makes it possible to produce a direct-gas, nucleated foam structure with small cells and a smooth surface with significant weight reduction (10-15%).

Chain extension increases polymer surface tension and higher activation energies required for cell nucleation. The higher viscosities increase the resistance to growing larger cells, while reducing the level of energy required to create new cells. The very positive result, then, is higher cell densities and smaller cells.

Current applications for foamed PLA are limited, although at least one company, Sealed Air’s Cryovac Division, is offering ‘NatureTRAY’, foamed PLA food packaging trays, as an alternative to traditional foamed-polystyrene trays.

Conclusions: PLA is a commercially available compostable polymer derived from renewable resources. It has many characteristics that make it suitable for use in place of petroleum-based polymers such as polystyrene and PET, particularly in packaging applications. The processing weaknesses of natural PLA may be overcome by using CESA-extend masterbatches that have a profound effect on enhancing molecular weight and melt strength characteristics that result in easily controllable processes. www.Clariantmasterbatches.com References: Plastics Technology, Jan H. Schut, Extruding Biopolymers, February, 2007 Plastics Technology, Vahe Karayan, PhD, As Good as New, February, 2007

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Web pages, www.NatureWorksllc.com Web pages, www.BASF.com Web pages, www.bccresearch.com Web pages, www.materbi.com Web Page, www.cryovac.com

Cereplast resins are bio-based.

The result is a truly sustainable solution: environmentally sound, economically viable and socially acceptable.

made from renewable resources

Cereplast is proud to announce the grand opening of

CEREPLAST EUROPE securing a stable cost

41/41 bis avenue de l’Europe BP 264 78147 VELIZY CEDEX France Telephone : +33 (0)1 34 63 06 66 Fax : +33 (0)1 34 63 06 99 www.cereplast.com

Cereplast Hybrid Resins™ Cereplast Hybrid Resins™ products are bio-based, replacing 50% or more of the petroleum content in traditional plastic products with materials from renewable sources. Cereplast Hybrid Resins™ products are cost-competitive with traditional petroleum-based plastic resin. With significantly more of the resin content derived from starches, the pricing of Cereplast Hybrid Resins™ products is not as influenced by the volatile price of oil.

Cereplast Compostables™ Cereplast Compostables™ resins are renewable, ecologically sound substitutes for petroleum-based plastic products, replacing nearly 100% of the petroleum-based additives used in traditional plastics with renewable resources. All Cereplast Compostables™ resins are certified as biodegradable and compostable in the United States and Europe, meeting BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) standards for compostability (ASTM 6400 D99 and ASTM 6868), and European Bioplastics standards (EN 13432).

moving towards a sustainable future

Politics

Change the World with Love, The business model of Earth Buddy Inc.

C

ompostable trays made from the residues of sugarcane, the so called bagasse (see bM 03/2007) are not exactly bioplastics applications. However, these sugarcane trays are often used in combination with bioplastics products. And the business model of Earth Buddy Ltd. from Hong Kong, a company offering these products, really shows an interesting holistic approach, so that we’d like to introduce this company here. bioplastics MAGAZINE spoke to Albert Oung, Founder and CEO of Earth Buddy. bM: Mr. Oung, what is the background of Earth Buddy?

Albert Oung: Earth Buddy is owned by a group of international environmentalists and green entrepreneurs based in Hong Kong. It was seeded in 1992 under the business name of ‘Roots’ with its name changed into ‘Earth Buddy’ after reengineering the group in 2007 for its distinctive business model aiming to work out our new initiatives towards Community Empowerment Program and Earth Buddy Foundation. In fact, Earth Buddy has a long tradition in the ‘green’ business with expertise in the use of agricultural wastes and crop residues in developing biodegradable products replacing non-degradable products made from plastic such as Styrofoam and paper which is made of trees. We are an eco-solution provider, developer, manufacturer and marketer in the global market for biodegradable products. bM : People are very concerned with the quality, food safety and hygiene standards. How do you address these issues ?

Albert Oung: In the past years, we have taken up a leading position to set up new industry standard. We implement green manufacturing practices and the highest food safety and hygiene programs in our factory. We have attained and exceeded recognition by the accredited agents on programs such as Cradle to Cradle, BRC/IOP, ISO9001, ISO14001, HACCP, GMP, EN13432, ASTM D6400, Ok Home Compost, FDA and etc. bM: What else are you doing, in addition to the production of sugarcane trays in terms of the mentioned holistic approach?

Albert Oung: Earth Buddy is not only a green sustainable enterprise but also an open and friendly platform for change. We introduce the ‘Community Empowerment Program (CEP)’ for poverty uplifting and community development, and a market driven ‘Carbon Credit Trading (CCT)’ scheme as an open platform to facilitate individuals, groups, businesses and organizations worldwide, through global alliances and partnerships, to participate in the

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Politics

Passion and Commitment global efforts for combating global climate change, protecting and improving our global environment, poverty uplifting and for sustainable human growth. bM: Strong words. What exactly is – for example – behind the ‘Community Empowerment Program’ for poverty uplifting?

Albert Oung: CEP is a social enterprise approach to poverty uplifting and community development. Through targeted investment and fair trade practice, it empowers farmers and growers in underdeveloped areas to move from mere raw materials suppliers to producers of high-valued products. These areas include Africa, India, Thailand, China, the Philippines and others. The program helps build schools, clinics, nurseries and other social services, focusing on supporting and preserving families, protecting children and women from violence and abuse, and promoting indigenous leadership through education and training. Our ultimate aim is to eradicate rural poverty from the root causes while help to protect and improve our global environment. We also employ handicapped or previously convicted people for the same salary as others. bM: And what is the Earth Buddy Foundation?

Albert Oung: We believe global warming and rural poverty are inter-related issues, and they can only be dealt with in global concerted efforts. We also believe in the power of people to change the world for a better place.

The Earth Buddy Foundation (EBF) is established whose missions are to:  Combat global climate change  Fight rural poverty, and  Promote fair trade.

Earth Buddy Foundation is an open and investment vehicle organization funded in parts from sales of Earth Buddy biodegradable products and services, sponsorship programs and donations from businesses and individuals worldwide.

bM: What are your future plans in short and mid-term?

Albert Oung: We target to build 25 Earth Buddy facilities worldwide using a special turnkey approach in the next eight years (2008 - 2015) through direct investment, partnerships and CEP. The plan will produce 5 billion units of biodegradable food containers and packaging products annually. In this perspective we are proud to announce that we have established an exclusive distributorship for Europe with our partners, namely Natura Verpackungs GmbH in Germany and ASP Packaging Limited in England.

As market leaders in the fresh produce packaging they will enhance market penetration for Earth Buddy across Europe. bM: Anything else you’d like to add?

Albert Oung: Yes indeed: Of course for all our facilities we insist on organic farming through use of crop residues, agricultural wastes, non-GMO fertilizers and seeds. We intend to create a sustainable agricultural platform for various crops growing and cross cultivation including tomatoes, potatoes, corns and other crops as part of the organic farm eco-system, while object large-scale and uncontrolled commercial farming practices that destroy biodiversity and consequently our food supply system.

Crop by-products, agricultural wastes and residues which cannot be used for our main products are converted into biomass energy (cellulose ethanol, for example) or used directly to generate heat and electricity for transportation, farming, production and other daily uses. We insist on a balanced approach to protecting land rights, food security and biodiversity, while preventing more greenhouse gases being emitted as a result of human act. bM: Thank you very much. Mr. Oung. www.earthbuddy.hk

The foundation helps implementing the ‘Earth Buddy Community Empowerment Program’ in needed areas.

It supports an education program: The so called ‘Eco University’ focuses on environment, fair trade, rural poverty, and global warming. Scholarships and education sponsorship programs are also parts of the latter. And last but not least a Disaster Relief and Sponsorship Program which includes product sponsors for schools or NGOs such as ‘World Vision, Crossroads, Oxfam, WWF’ and etc.

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Opinion

Bioplastic Man The story of a road less taken and a war against habit

I

am an ardent student of the Gaia hypothesis. Named after the Greek earth goddess, the Gaia hypothesis was first proposed in the 1960s by an independent research scientist, Dr. James Lovelock. His work for NASA led him to the conclusion that the living and non-living parts of the earth are a constantly interacting, intricately interconnected system that can be thought of as a single super organism where everything — oceans, forests, coral reefs — has a regulatory effect on everything else.

My company, Earthsoul India, was born out of two emotions: guilt and compassion. Guilt for being part of a species that has consistently contributed to Gaia’s decay and destruction; and compassion, because some years ago while in Goa I noticed the Arabian Sea spouting plastic like a TB patient spouting blood at every heave. I was overwhelmed by a need to alleviate some of Gaia’s anguish.

Thus was seeded Earthsoul India and its quest — harmony with planet earth.

Plastics, per se, are indispensable as a raw material. The problems are its applications in our consumption driven economies where waste management is not or cannot be implemented effectively. Months of arduous research for a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastics took me to Novamont in Italy, the world’s first and largest biopolymer manufacturer. Mater-Bi, the raw material, is made primarily from non-GM corn starch. The meeting did not last long — the feeling was India was not ready for an expensive substitute to synthetic plastic.

But eventually my conviction paid off. In 2001, I found myself with exclusive manufacturer and distribution licence on the subcontinent for all of Novamont’s bioplastic raw materials and, indecently, no ready market for the product! Several meetings with potential clients yielded no results and six months down the road I found myself without a single customer. Finally, a breakthrough came with an order from the Taj Group of Hotels for disposal bags. The order was worth just Rs 10,000 (about 250 US-$ or 160 EUR), but I was exhilarated.

From this followed enquiries from government institutions and private sector enterprises. But once again the feeling was that ours was not a viable business model as our bioplastics were four times more expensive than synthetic polymer. Government duties — import tariffs, sales tax and excise — accounted for more than half these excessive costs. If the government wanted to be proactive, as they had been with biofuels, our product could have been only 5% more expensive than the alternative. But vested

By PERSES BILIMORIA, Founder and CEO Earthsoul

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Opinion

interests and powerful synthetic plastic trade lobbies were at play and my meetings with various government agencies to exempt biopolymers from duties and taxes met with no response. We were seen as a threat, rather than a sustainable, environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic plastic.

It seemed that ‘the path less taken’ had led me to a dead end. However, my efforts continued with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in New Delhi, the Bureau of Indian Standards and various other agencies. I continued my insistence that there be certifying agencies in India to control the fictitious biodegradable bag manufactures, some of which used harmful additives such as cobalt. Finally, in late 2007, these government agencies embarked on a course to ensure that biopolymers find their rightful place as a sustainable alternative to synthetic plastic, especially in the area of solid waste management.

The applications for bioplastics are plenty — from carry bags and bin liners, to agricultural mulching films.

Though costs are still a limiting factor in a market which is largely niche, today Earthsoul has been approved by ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research) and IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) and has Indian companies such as the Taj, Marriot and ITC Groups of Hotels, FabIndia and Sula Wines among its customers. As our country is headed into an era of high consumption, Earthsoul’s next project is based on converting agro residues (which are normally burnt or discarded) into biodegradable cups, trays, plates and similar products which can be composted after use.

While my marketing efforts continue with zeal, recently I found myself in a strange dilemma. The Gaia hypothesis emphasises the preservation of our natural forests and does not encourage mass scale farming. Fortunately Novamont has embarked on a massive R & D campaign where they have substantially reduced the dependence on corn starch and substituted it with non-edible vegetable oil. This oil comes from the seeds of naturally occurring trees such as neem and mahua which are not farmed and are harvested off the plant every season, much like apples are plucked.

Gaia is past the tipping point, but humans have shown that with intelligence and foresight we can achieve many dreams. It is Earthsoul’s dream to help humankind engage with planet earth and to preserve, strengthen and nurture its regulators. www.earthsoulindia.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Suppliers Guide 6. Machinery & Molds

1. Raw Materials 1.1 bio based monomers

Plantic Technologies GmbH Du Pont de Nemours International S.A. Heinrich-Busold-Straße 50 D-61169 Friedberg 2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50 Germany CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex, Tel: +49 6031 6842 650 Geneva, Switzerland Tel: +44 794 096 4681 (UK) Phone: + 41(0) 22 717 5428 Fax: +49 6031 6842 656 Fax: + 41(0) 22 717 5500 info@plantic.eu jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com www.plantic.eu www.packaging.dupont.com 1.2 compounds

1.5 PHA 1.6 masterbatches

BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG Werner-Heisenberg-Straße 32 46446 Emmerich Germany Phone: +49 2822 92510 Fax: +49 2822 51840 info@biotec.de www.biotec.de

PolyOne Avenue Melville Wilson, 2 Zoning de la Fagne 5330 Assesse Belgium Tel.: + 32 83 660 211 info.color@polyone.com www.polyone.com

www.earthfirstpla.com www.sidaplax.com www.plasticsuppliers.com Sidaplax UK : +44 (1) 604 76 66 99 Sidaplax Belgium: +32 9 210 80 10 Plastic Suppliers: +1 866 378 4178 3.1.1 cellulose based films

INNOVIA FILMS LTD Wigton Cumbria CA7 9BG England Contact: Andy Sweetman Tel.: +44 16973 41549 Fax: +44 16973 41452 andy.sweetman@innoviafilms.com www.innoviafilms.com

Molds, Change Parts and Turnkey Solutions for the PET/Bioplastic Container Industry 284 Pinebush Road Cambridge Ontario Canada N1T 1Z6 Tel.: +1 519 624 9720 Fax: +1 519 624 9721 info@hallink.com www.hallink.com

4. Bioplastics products SIG Corpoplast GmbH & CO. KG Meiendorfer Str. 203 22145 Hamburg, Germany Tel. +49-40-679-070 Fax +49-40-679-07270 sigcorpoplast@sig.biz www.sigcorpoplast.com

1.3 PLA

alesco GmbH & Co. KG Schönthaler Str. 55-59 D-52379 Langerwehe 7. Plant engineering Sales Germany: +49 2423 402 110 Sukano Products Ltd. Sales Belgium: +32 9 2260 165 Chaltenbodenstrasse 23 Sales Netherlands: +31 20 5037 710 CH-8834 Schindellegi info@alesco.net // www.alesco.net Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH Phone +41 44 787 57 77 Holzhauser Str. 157 - 159 Fax +41 44 787 57 78 13509 Berlin www.sukano.com Germany Tel.: +49 (0)30 43567 5 1.7 reinforcing fibres/fillers fax: +49 (0)30 43567 699 made from RRM natura Verpackungs GmbH sales.de@thyssenkrupp.com Industriestr. 55 - 57 www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com 2. Additives / 48432 Rheine Secondary raw materials Tel.: +49 5975 303-57 8. Ancillary equipment Fax: +49 5975 303-42 info@naturapackaging.com 9. Services www.naturapackagign.com 10. Research institutes / Universities Du Pont de Nemours International S.A. 2, Chemin du Pavillon, PO Box 50 CH 1218 Le Grand Saconnex, Geneva, Switzerland Phone: + 41(0) 22 717 5428 Fax: + 41(0) 22 717 5500 Wiedmer AG - PLASTIC SOLUTIONS jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com 8752 Näfels - Am Linthli 2 www.packaging.dupont.com SWITZERLAND

1.4 starch-based bioplastics

3. Semi finished products

FKuR Kunststoff GmbH Siemensring 79 D - 47 877 Willich Tel.: +49 (0) 2154 9251-26 Tel.: +49 (0) 2154 9251-51 patrick.zimmermann@fkur.de www.fkur.de

Transmare Compounding B.V. Ringweg 7, 6045 JL Roermond, The Netherlands Phone: +31 (0)475 345 900 Fax: +31 (0)475 345 910 info@transmare.nl www.compounding.nl

3.1 films

Phone: +41(0) 55 618 44 99 Fax: +41(0) 55 618 44 98 www.wiedmer-plastic.com

Simply contact:

4.1 trays

Tel.: +49-2359-2996-0

5. Traders Maag GmbH Leckingser Straße 12 58640 Iserlohn BIOTEC Biologische Naturverpackungen GmbH & Co. KG Germany Tel.: + 49 2371 9779-30 Werner-Heisenberg-Straße 32 Fax: + 49 2371 9779-97 46446 Emmerich shonke@maag.de Germany www.maag.de Phone: +49 2822 92510 Fax: +49 2822 51840 info@biotec.de www.biotec.de

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FAS Converting Machinery AB O Zinkgatan 1/ Box 1503 27100 Ystad, Sweden Tel.: +46 411 69260 www.fasconverting.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

or suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com

5.1 wholesale

Stay permanently listed in the Suppliers Guide with your company logo and contact information.

For only 6,– EUR per mm, per issue you can be present among top suppliers in the field of bioplastics.

•

Market development of bioplastics in EU, UK, USA, Japan and China

•

A comparison between PLA, PHA, PHB, Starch and Cellulose optical appearance, physical & chemical characteristics, thermal properties, barrier improvements

•

Improving appearance and performance of all biopolymers

•

Converting bioplastics and compounds

•

Overview of bioplastic-applications

•

End of life options

IIR

More information:

www.iir.at/biokunststoffe.html

Media partner:

Organizer: IIR Österreich GmbH, Linke Wienzeile 234, 1150 Vienna, Austria Contact: Mag. Doris Kropacz, Tel.: +43 (0)1 89159-323, E-mail: doris.kropacz@iir.at

Companies in this issue Company

Editorial

Alcan Alesco ANL Plastic APS Packaging Arkema Arkhe Will BASF Biomer BioPearls bioplastics 24 Biostarch Biotech BMELV Braskem Brazilian Technical Standard Association Cereplast Cerestach Clariant Masterbatches Coldpack Coopbox Design Ideas DIN CERTCO DSM DuPont Earth Buddy Earthsoul India EuPC European Bioplastics FAS Converting Machinery FH Hannover Fairnomenal FkuR FNR Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe Forapack Fraunhofer UMSICHT Grace Biotech Greiner Packaging Hallink Huhtamaki I.L.P.A. IIR Institute for International Research Illig Inauen Maschinen Innovia Instituto Nacional do Plastico, Brazil Intertech Pira Kiefel

29 10 21 39 8 10 11 8 8

Advert 42

2

7 11 21 13 7 5

42

37 6 34 12 23 18 15 6 8,12 38 40 6 10

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46 42

13 12,17 13 22 12 13 14

45 42

42 14, 24 14, 24 8 25 28 8,16, 17 5 9 25

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Company

Editorial

Limagrain M-Base Maag Mann + Hummel Protech Metabolix Mikrocentrum Eindhoven Mitsubishi Chemicals Mondi natura packaging

22 13 8, 20, 29 8,18 20 8 19 10 16, 26, 39 2,13, 35 24 5 11 15 8,17, 21, 40 15 17 6 12, 20

NatureWorks Nedupack Netstal NHH Biodegradable Plastics NNZ Novamont Pacovis Permapack Pitt Plastic Plantic plasticker Plastics Europe PolyOne Radboud University Nijmegen Rodenburg Roots Biopack Sealed Air Sidaplax SIG Corpoplast Sirap Gema Sphere Stanelco Sukano TDI BV Tecnaro Telles Tianan Biologic Tianjin Green Bio Science Transmara TU Delft Uhde Inventa Fischer Wageningen University Research Centre Wentus Wiedmer

Next Issue For the next issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE (among others) the following subjects are scheduled:

Topics:

Basics:

Next issues:

Bioplastics in electronic applications

About LCA

04/08 05/08 06/08

Fibres, Textiles

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July 2008 September 2008 November 2008

6 16, 30 8 22 19 36 18 21 21 21 8, 32 8 8 20 18 6

Advert

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33 47, 42

48

42 7 42

42 42

42

42 8 27, 42 8 19 42

www.fairnomenal.de

Freshen Up Your Business!

stand construction event service

g n i g a k pac ! o i b s e go

Events

April 24-30, 2008 interpack - 2008 and here: Bioplastics in Packaging The Bioplastics Group Exhibition Düsseldorf, Germany www.bioplastics-in-packaging.com

meet bioplastics MAGAZINE in hall 7a May 20-22, 2008 3rd annual Biofuels Markets Americas Congress Miami, Florida, USA

n i s c i t s a l Biop ing ) g a 7 a l l k Pac erpack (Ha t at in

www.greenpowerconferences.com

May, 27.-28, 2008 3rd Plastiale Vienna TGM Vienna, Wien, Austria www.plastialevienna.at

June 4-5, 2008 Bio-Kunststoffe Der große Vergleich: PLA, PHA, PHV, PHB, Stärke & Zellulose Hotel de France, Vienna, Austria

, 8 0 0 0, 2

3 4 ny a 2 l m i r r Ap f, Ge r

do l e s s Dü

www.iir.at

June 17-18, 2008 Biodegradable Plastics Packaging Dorint Praha Don Giovanni, Prague, Czech Republic www.intertechpira.com

June 18-19, 2008 7th Global WPC and Natural Fibre Composites Congress and Exhibition Kongress Palais, Stadthalle, Kassel, Germany www.wpc-nfk.de

June 19, 2008 Themadag Biopolymeren Advanced Biopolymers for High-Quality Packaging, Housings and Technical Applications Mikrocentrum, Eindhoven, Netherlands www.mikrocentrum.nl

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bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/08] Vol. 3

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Bio pean

.com

Oct. 7-10, 2008 International Symposium on Polymers and the Environment: Emerging Technology And Science Co-Hosted by BEPS and BPI Radisson Hotel Nashua; Nashua, New Hampshire, USA

You can meet us!

Please contact us in advance by e-mail.

A real sign of sustainable development.

There is such a thing as genuinely sustainable development.

Since 1989, Novamont researchers have been working on an ambitious project that combines the chemical industry, agriculture and the environment: "Living Chemistry for Quality of Life". Its objective has been to create products with a low environmental impact. The result of Novamont's innovative research is the new bioplastic Mater-Bi 速.

Mater-Bi 速 is a family of materials, completely biodegradable and compostable which contain renewable raw materials such as starch and vegetable oil derivates. Mater-Bi 速 performs like traditional plastics but it saves energy, contributes to reducing the greenhouse effect and at the end of its life cycle, it closes the loop by changing into fertile humus. Everyone's dream has become a reality.

Living Chemistry for Quality of Life. www.novamont.com

Inventor of the year 2007

Mater-Bi速: certified biodegradable and compostable.

Meet us at Interpack 2008 - Hall 7a Stand E05