2008-06

ISSN 1862-5258

06 | 2008

Highlights: Films | Flexibles Paper Coating | Laminating

s bioplastic

M A G A Z IN

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bioplastics

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Event Review: 3rd European Bioplastics Conference | 8

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

Ecovio ®, a biodegradable plastic from the PlasticsPlus TM 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

Editorial

dear readers When you have this, the sixth issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE for 2008, in your hand, you know we are approaching the end of the year - a year that has been filled with exciting developments and events. Be it the announcement of significant new production capacities to be built, or of the many new bioplastics applications that were introduced onto the market. The list of events in 2008 was headed, at least for me, by the huge ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’ special show within the framework of the world‘s leading packaging exhibition, ‘interpack 2008’ in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The ‘3rd European Bioplastics Conference’ in November in Berlin again attracted about 300 experts from all over the world, and among many other events there was our own ‘1st PLA World Congress’ in Munich. But there were, of course, also events in places other than Germany. There was ‘Innovation takes Root’ in Las Vegas, and we also shipped boxes and boxes of the bioplastics MAGAZINE to other conferences in the USA, China, Thailand, The Netherlands, Spain, and many other places.

But it wasn’t exclusively positive support and encouragement that was experienced by plastics made from renewable resources. One of the controversial issues that we are faced with is the constantly recurring debate on bioplastics versus food, although I think that the main focus today is on the discussion around biofuels.

I believe (and I am not the only one, I assume) that biofuels are not exactly the smartest approach. I don’t think it is too clever to burn agricultural products directly. It’s much better to produce useful (for example bioplastics) products and use and recycle these as often as possible. After a long and useful life and, wherever possible, ‘cascade’ recycling, the material can still be incinerated to recover the energy stored in it. And by the way: the amount of agricultural crops used for bioplastics is much lower than that used for biofuels.

One of the editorial focuses in this issue of bioplastics MAGAZINE is films and flexibles, and a second highlight is on paper coating. I hope you enjoy reading this issue and would very much appreciate receiving your comments, or indeed any contributions about the ‘food versus …’ topic for our coming issues.

Nathalie Gorce-Joire (Lim agrain) at the 3rd European Bioplastic s Conference

Yours, Michael Thielen

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

The new MaterBi Grade for Garden Waste Collections

Braskem Announces the First Bio-Polypropylene

Using Bugs to Recycle Plastic

Bioplastics Awards 2008 10 Film Extrusion of Bioplastics

Natureflex Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Profile

Basics Situation in France

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Editorial contributions are always welcome. Please contact the editorial office via mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com.

05

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

From Science and Research

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.

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

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3rd European Bioplastics Conference

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Events

bioplastics magazine ISSN 1862-5258

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Elke Schulte, Katrin Stein phone: +49(0)2359-2996-0 fax: +49(0)2359-2996-10 es@bioplasticsmagazine.com

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Editorial News Application News Suppliers Guide Event Calendar

Head Office

H. Nilgen (Courtesy European Bioplastics)

Cover Photo:

Mark Speckenbach, Jörg Neufert

Layout/Production

Samuel Brangenberg

Dr. Michael Thielen

Publisher / Editorial

Impressum Content Films | Flexibles | Bags 12

Performance of Mirel in Agricultural Mulch Film Applications 13

Latest Innovations in Flexible Packaging Films 14

New Bioplastics For Multilayer Systems 16

Paper Coating | Lamination

PLA Films Laminated to Paper – a Unique Sustainable Packaging Concept 18

A Better Option for Specialized Performance Coatings with Ingeo 20

Extrusion Coating and Laminating With Biopolymers 22

Mater-Bi - Innovative materials for extrusion coating and lamination 24

Materials 26

Nov / Dec 06|2008 28

Processing

31

LCA

32

Politics

36

Basics

OK Compost HOME: Another Approach to Composting

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Home Composting ≠ Home Composting

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News

Soybean Urinals Introduced Vista, California (USA) based Waterless Co LLC urinals recently introduced a new line of environmentally preferable NoFlush™ urinals made of approximately 30 percent soybean resin. The company adds that the percentages will likely increase as the manufacturing technology evolves.

The High Performance Composite (HPC) urinal models look and function just as its other waterless urinals do, says Niki Bradley, Marketing Director for Waterless Co. LLC. Users will notice no appearance or functionality difference. However, each urinal will come with a label stating that it is made partially with soybean resin.

“The idea of using soybean resin to help manufacture urinals evolved a few years ago as company engineers were looking for new ways to improve the current product line and help protect the environment.“ says Niki Bradley. “Waterless No-Flush urinals are already environmentally responsible and efficient; they can save as much as 40,000 gallons of water annually per urinal and reduce maintenance“ According to Bradley, the U.S.-made HPC urinals are being delivered to U.S. distributors now. The company also plans to market the urinals in other parts of the world. www.waterless.com

Formula One Trophy made of Bio-Polyethylene The first Formula One bioplastics trophy in the world was given to the Interlagos Formula One GP winner Felipe Massa on November 2, 2008.

The trophies for Felipe Massa (1.), Fernando Alonso (2.) and Kimi Raikkonen (3.) were designed by world renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer.

They are made of an original material in the history of the competition, Braskem‘s green plastic.

To transform the bio-polyethylene, which is made of 100% renewable materials (sugar cane based bio-ethanol) into a work of art, Braskem brought together its own innovation and Niemeyer‘s creativity.

“We are proud to be a Brazilian company presenting the results of constant investments in technology in an international event. While everyone is just discoursing, our team-work of innovation and technology makes it real and is ready to serve partners that are committed with sustainability“, says Bernardo Gradin, Braskem‘s chairman, highlighting that the trophies structure is made of the first ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in the world with an 100% vegetal source. This engineering plastic called UTEC® is widely used in industrial sectors such as the automobile and naval, among others.

The trophy designed by Niemeyer was inspired by the columns of the Alvorada Palace. “Architecture follows the path of a work of art and what characterizes art is emotion and surprise. The Alvorada column is one of the symbols of Brasilia‘s architecture. We could have done it any shape: rectangular, straight, with no complexity. However, we chose to use a column shape that had never been made before“, says Oscar Niemeyer. www.braskem.com.br

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

News

PLA Bottles in US Capitol Hill Cafeteria

BioSolar to Begin PreProduction Runs of Its Solar Module Component

Last year bioplastics MAGAZINE reported about Naturally Iowa from Clarinda, Iowa, USA to be the first dairy company that introduced PLA as a milk bottle material.

Now, just recently a press conference on Capitol Hill (Washington DC, USA) heralded the arrival of Naturally Iowa’s newest product, ‘Green Bottle Spring Water.’ This new product will be the only bottled water available in the House Cafeteria, the Longworth Café.

BioSolar, Inc., from Santa Clarita, California, USA is the developer of a technology to produce bio-based materials from renewable plant sources that reduce the cost of photovoltaic solar cells. The company recently announced that they expect to begin commercial production of its BioBacksheet™ over the next few months, and is gearing up for pre-production runs.

The Cafeteria has access to a well-developed industrial compost system developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The composting material is sent daily to the facility in nearby Maryland to go from trash to topsoil in less than ninety days. This fits perfectly with Naturally Iowa’s criteria for placing their bottled water in ‘Closed Loop’ environments, where there is a plan to collect all empty bottles and return them to nature. In addition to composting, the bottles can be incinerated, or ground up and used again.

The announcement follows recent news reports that BioSolar has filed a comprehensive patent application ensuring BioSolar full protection on its BioBacksheet technology.

“The ability to evaluate and remedy real-time issues encountered during multiple pre-production manufacturing runs will prove invaluable as we gear up for full-scale production,” said Dr. David Lee, BioSolar’s CEO.

The water for the Green Bottles is an underground source of natural spring water near Alton, Virginia, six hundred feet below a certified organic farm. After a nation-wide search, Naturally Iowa selected Grand Springs, and Mr. Robert Smith to be the strategic partner in this exciting project.

Lee explained, “Pre-production pilot runs of BioBacksheets are very narrow, approximately one foot wide, while normal manufacturing runs will be five or six feet wide. Once pilot runs are successful, the next step is to transition to commercial production manufacturing runs. Physical properties of the backsheet from each pre-production run are measured, sample PV modules are produced, and tested before repeating the preproduction run.”

While the House of Representatives is the first location for ‘Green Bottle Spring Water’, a large number of other government and non-government locations in the Washington DC area are working on their ‘closedloop’ strategies so that they can be added to the list of customers. Naturally Iowa’s recently announced ‘Yogurt in a Bottle 7.0’ is also packaged in NatureWorks, LLC’s Ingeo bottle, and will be available as an added beverage in the Green Bottle Spring Water locations.

“These tests will provide the feedback necessary to move forward into full production of the BioBacksheet,” said Dr. Stanley Levy, BioSolar’s CTO,”We are extremely pleased with the progress so far, and we look forward to the successful transition into full scale production in the near future.”

In a September report, and the October 10 edition of California Energy Circuit, Beacon Equity Research analyst Victor Sula noted that previous attempts to make solar backsheet with bioplastics failed due to the material’s “low melting temperature and fragile molecular structure.” He noted that BioSolar’s material has “overcome these constraints” with “durability characteristics similar to conventional petroleumbased plastics.”

The recent activity reinforces BioSolar’s position at the forefront of providing advanced bio-based alternatives to the expensive petroleum-based backsheets currently in use, which have been actively sought by manufacturers as a component of solar panels.

www.biosolar.com.

www.naturallyiowa.com

Mark your calendar bioplastics MAGAZINE is planning the 2nd PLA Bottle Conference to be held during drinktec 2009 (mid September 2009) in Munich, Germany. A ‘Call for Papers’ is now open. Send your proposals to the editorial office.

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com www.pla-bottle-conference.com www.drinktec.com

News

Marc Verbruggen New CEO of Natureworks Marc Verbruggen is the new President and Chief Executive Officer of NatureWorks LLC, producers of Ingeo™ polylactide. He came to NatureWorks from Teijin subsidiary Toho Tenax America, where he served as president since 2004. Based in Rockwood, Tenn., the subsidiary makes carbon fiber for the industrial, automotive, aerospace and sporting goods markets. Prior to Toho Tenax America, he served as business manager, rubber goods, in Teijin Aramid in the Netherlands. Verbruggen, 48, holds masters and doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering from Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and brings 20 years of marketing, sales and business leadership experience. In a short interview aside the 3rd European Bioplastics Conference bioplastics MAGAZINE spoke with Marc Verbruggen. bM: Mr. Verbruggen, what is your impression after your first 100 days at NatureWorks?

MV: I’m really impressed with the amount of innovations we see with Ingeo. During my first 100 days I travelled a lot, especially in Asia, USA and Europe and all around the World you see a lot of small and large companies

developing a wide variety of products based on Ingeo. And without having a plastics background, I did not expect such a wide spectrum from packaging through durables such as mobile phones to diapers and bottles. bM: And what are your plans for the next 365 days and the next five years?

MV: 365 days is not a long time. One of the first that we got to do is get our capacity expansion up and running — get 140,000 tonnes Ingeo capacity on stream. This will be achieved by April/May next year. And then the next job is to sell it. We have been growing by 30-50% per year and if we keep doing that selling that capacity is not a big issue.

But it takes a lot of effort to do it.

And if you look at the growth rates of bioplastics in general, and Ingeo in particular, even five years is not really a long period of time. I think in five years from now we will have our second and maybe even a third plant up and running. We are starting to look for a location for a second plant. Europe is clearly a possibility as well as Asia or South America. And maybe even more important than that is to develop the whole infrastructure around bioplastics. That means the recycling has to be organized, industrial composting must become more available — there is already a growing awareness of this in Europe, but less so in other parts of the world. bM: Thank you very much Mr. Verbruggen. www.natureworksllc.com

Guayaki Goes for Green Packaging Guayaki, (Gwy-uh-KEE), Sebastopol, California, USA was founded by Alex Pryor and David Karr in 1997. They saw a business opportunity in providing Yerba Mate as a tea-like alternative drink to coffee, as well as a way for consumers to support rainforest preservation. And they want to achieve the ‘greenest’ packaging possible for its Yerba Mate organic tea products. “We chose to transition our packaging to foil bags in order to use the most effective moisture and flavour barrier for maximising freshness,” says Steven Karr, Guayaki’s Creative Director. “We were delighted to find that NatureFlex™ from Innovia satisfies those specific technical needs as well as our green mission and ideals without significantly raising our packaging costs.”

The final packaging structure for the product is made from metallised NatureFlex NM laminated to high gloss transparent NatureFlex NVS film. Modified coatings ensure excellent metal lay-down and adhesion providing a very high moisture barrier that keeps Guayaki’s Loose Yerba Mate products in premium condition.

“We are proud to be raising the bar and trendsetting a new wave of green sustainable packaging with these products,” says Karr. “These products offer the energising health benefits of Guayaki Yerba Mate while also helping reduce the consumer’s personal carbon footprint, all in a biodegradable package,” adds Karr.

www.guayaki.com www.innoviafilms.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Event Review

3 European Bioplastics Conference: Positive Climate for Bioplastics rd

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he 3rd European Bioplastics Conference was held in Berlin, on the 5th / 6th November. The 22 exhibitors and approximately 300 delegates from 26 countries ensured that the conference replicated the success of previous years, a success that has confirmed the event‘s status as the leading congress of bioplastics professionals in Europe.

The industry is preparing for a sustained period of growth with worldwide investment in new production facilities.

The market for bioplastics has expanded vastly in recent years. From an international capacity of 150,000 tons in 2006 production is expected to rise to two million tons in 2011.

Kai Wagner from the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology underlined this positive development in his welcome address: „Bioplastics promote development in rural areas and provide high-tech industries with excellent opportunities for development. The increasing use of bioplastics creates jobs for skilled staff and bolsters economic growth.“

Filippo Velli, Ferrero

The keynote speakers were Dr. Michael Stumpp, Group Vice President of BASF and Armand Klein, Europe Business Director Applied Bio-Sciences at DuPont. “The bioplastics market has already become a considerable market, both on a retail and on a resin level. I am convinced that the market will grow quickly and sustainably within the next few years”, stated Michael Stumpp. Armand Klein pointed out: “We have to reduce our environmental footprint drastically.

Renewably-sourced materials, which are already available today, can provide for a step in the right direction.”

Soaring bioplastics production is attracting the attention of brand owners. In a series of speeches Fonti di Vinadio, leading Italian mineral water producer (Sant’Anna) and Telecom Italia presented their new products and set out their visions for the bioplastics sector. Ferrero is following the industry’s progress with a great deal of interest: „Ferrero is committed to environmentally safe practices throughout the world and bioplastics can be part of a global plan in terms of reducing environmental impacts”, said Filippo Velli, Packaging Deputy Director.

The participants in a panel discussion on the question ‘Is there enough land for Bioplastics Production?’ provided

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Event Review

facts and figures. The experts believe that there is indeed enough land for all biomass applications. Bioplastics, therefore, do not compete with the production of food products. Andreas Pilzecker of the European Commission, Directorate General Agriculture, made it clear that biopolymers cannot be held responsible for the higher prices of agricultural raw materials: “Already in 2006, the European Commission assessed the anticipated impact of a ‘10% biofuel target’ on needed land and the grain prices and ascertained that the production of biofuels would only have a moderate impact. Bioplastics require a significantly smaller share of the agricultural production and are therefore even less responsible for a price increase.“ Michael Carus, Director of the ‘nova institute’, underscored Andreas Pilzecker’s statement by showing that currently only 0.05% of the European agricultural land is used to produce bioplastics.

Furthermore, the panel demanded that the European Common Agricultural Policy as well as the strategies for biofuels and bioenergy be more aligned with the industrial utilization of renewable raw materials. “It is high time that industrial and energy utilization of biomass are finally equated in Brussels”, Michael Carus made clear. Udo Hemmerling, the Director of the Department for Legal and Social Affairs and Economic Policies of the German Farmers’ Association added: “We don’t have to distinguish between the use of crops for food or industrial raw materials. The farmers are flexible and can respond to every demand - for more food or more bio-based products.”

As well as reflecting on the important themes of certification and labelling, over 25 companies presented their latest materials and applications in the bioplastics sector. Speakers covered a wide range of subjects that included new packaging solutions featuring plastic film combinations for improved barrier properties and longer shelf life, improvements in compounds and additives, and technical products. Biodegradable films were described as extremely promising in the area of agricultural applications: A recent study by the Forschungsgemeinschaft Biologisch Abbaubare Werkstoffe e.V. (FBAW), a group conducting research into biodegradable materials, stressed the suitability of mulch films for practical applications and demonstrated the ecological and economic advantages of using them.

Harald Kaeb, Chairman of the Association’s Board, was very pleased with the event and summarized it positively by stating: “We are very satisfied with the results of the conference. It once more attracted industry players from all over the world and provided an important platform for the exchange of current industry topics. This affirms our concept for European Bioplastics Conferences, and we are already looking forward to the next event in 2009.“ www.european-bioplastics.org

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Event Preview

Bioplastics O Awards 2008

rganised by European Plastics News, the tenth Bioplastics conference, to be held in Munich on December 3 and 4 this year is presenting the third Bioplastics Awards. Launched in 2006, the Bioplastics Awards are intended to raise the profile of bioplastics and underline the recognition of some of the best bioplastics developments and applications.

As a media partner of the event bioplastics MAGAZINE is happy to present the shortlisted companies. www.bioplasticsconference.com

Nominees

Entry Details

Best Innovation in Bioplastics Biomer Germany

PHB resin | Biomer has developed a PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) formulation that (among other improved features) uses nucleants to control spherulite size and biodegradable plasticisers to overcome brittleness.

IDES USA

Bioplastics Resin Selector | The well established Prospector polymer search engine for technical plastics materials datasheets has been extended to include almost 200 new resins from 120 global suppliers that contain either biodegradable, renewable or recycled material content.

PHB Industrial Brazil

PHB resin | PHB Industrial has developed a viable process for production of PHB (polyhdroxybutyrate) and its copolymer PHB-HV (polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate) from commercialy grown sugar cane. The 100% biodegradable Biocycle polymer is claimed to be suitable for a wide range of short lifetime disposable applications

Biopolymer Network New Zealand

Low density PLA foam | A process for producing a polylactic acid (PLA) based alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) was developed. Its process involves impregnation and pre-expansion of PLA beads with an environmentallyfriendly blowing agent, resulting in a product that can produce foams on the same equipment used to process EPS.

Best Bioplastics Processor Gehr Plastics Germany

Semi-finished bioplastics profiles | GEHR Kunststoffwerk is breaking new ground with the introduction of its range of bioplastics and natural fibre reinforced semi-finished sheets, rods, pipes and profiles. GEHR is aiming to supply their products based on PLA and renewable PA into durable applications rather than into packaging.

Amcor Flexible Packaging UK

NaturePlus film products | Amcor has developed a leading position in the bioplastics packaging films sector with its Natureplus range of packaging, with its special focus on home compostable products suitable for the UK‘s waste management systems.

PLA Foam (Biopolymer Network)

Gift Cards made from Starch Blend Sheet (Pace Industries) 10

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Event Preview

TPU Shoe Components (Formax Quimiplan)

Nominees

PLA Cheese Pack (Coopbox)

Entry Details

Best Bioplastics Application - Packaging Amcor Flexible Packaging UK

Sainsbury So Organic wild rocket pack | Amcor Flexibles developed a special Natureplus compostable film together with Flextrus for packaging organic wild rocket for UK retailer Sainsbury‘s. The company wanted a water resistant, home compostable film suitable for use in a wet environment that was also free of any GM-material in its production.

Innovia Films UK

Nestle Quality Street confectionery wrap | Innovia Films is supplying a range of 10 different colured films manufactured from its compostable NatureFlex bioplastic range to wrap Nestle‘s Quality Street range of chocolate confectionery. The company wanted a home compostable film that matched the performance and opening characteristics of its existing cellulose twist-wrap.

Coopbox Italy

PLA cheese pack for Mauri | Gorgonzola cheese needs a specific amount of oxygen to preserve the quality of the product in the pack. The Coopbox solution for Italian dairy producer Mauri consists of a PLA tray top-sealed with a peelable PLA closing film and covered with a formed PLA lid has been shown to maintain essential microbial metabolism.

Best Bioplastics Application - Non Packaging Formax Quimiplan Brazil

Thermogreen TPE shoe components | TheThermogreen range of footwear inner shoe components is claimed to be the first commercial application of bio-derived thermoplastics polyurethane resin (TPU) in the footwear industry. Developed together with TPE manufacturer Merquinsa, the new resins enable Formax to reduce the environmental footprint of the products.

Gehr Plastics Germany

Semi-finished bioplastics profiles | GEHR Kunststoffwerk‘s bioplastics and natural fibre reinforced semi-finished sheets, rods, pipes and profiles includes PLA and renewable PA polymers which it is targetting at sports applications, machined components, writing instruments and cosmetics applications.

Pace Industries USA

Biograph cards for Apple iTunes | PACE Industries‘ Biograph.ics printable starch-blend sheet is used by Apple Computer for its iTunes gift cards, which allow users to buy and download songs over the internet. The bioplastic sheet can be printed and formed and is certifed to comply with the ASTM 6400 compostability standard.

Bioplastics Marketing Initiative Gehr Plastics Germany

Semi-finished bioplastics profiles | GEHR Kunststofftechnik launched its EcoGehr profile range at a workshop in Germany where it brought toghether experts in bioplastics to explain the basics ot the materials to more than 150 of its existing customers. These presentations were recorded, editied and subsequently recorded to DVD and sent to prospective customers.

Invicta Plastics UK

Biodegradability Testing Kit | As a leading supplier of education aids to schools and colleges, Invicta Plastics was quick to realise that its composting experiment kit also had a role in promoting the concept of biodegradable packaging. It has now developed a more compact kit for corporate use to demonstrate how products behave in the environment.

Nestlé UK

Quality Street confectionery | Confectionery is a highly packaged product. Nestlé‘s decision to improve the environmental footprint of its Quality Street brand extended to the development of a „Recycling Cycle“ story board, which is printed on the base of every pack. This provides the consumer with a simple explanation of the materials used and their disposal.

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Films | Flexibles | Bags

A New Mater-Bi Grade for Garden Waste Collections: A Specifically Taylor-made Application

Article contributed by Christian Garaffa Project Manager for Source Separation Novamont S.p.A., Novara, Italy

Garden Waste Bag made from Mater-Bi

B

esides other Mater-Bi® grades for smaller biobags made for kitchen waste collections, Italian supplier Novamont has also developed a different material specifically designed for the production of sacks for the collection of garden waste.

Of the total amount of waste produced in Europe, approximately 20% is garden waste. A remarkable figure.

Garden waste collections using wheeled bins are wide-spread in quite a number of countries yet there are still wide margins of improvement (e.g. Germany is collecting nine million tons of food and garden waste but there are still five million tons to be captured i.e. diverted from landfill).

Many of the collection schemes are only available in certain areas. Restricted access to such collections has an impact in terms of the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill but also to residents who do not receive the service. There are many factors which limit where such collection schemes can be implemented including: access to gardens e.g. steps, lack of storage space, collection vehicle access down narrow or dead-end streets and cost. The perfect complementary solution for such circumstances is to provide residents with compostable garden waste sacks. They are easy to distribute, store, meet the European standard for compostability and are ideally suited for free and charged schemes.

Garden waste sacks made with Mater-Bi are available in a range of sizes to fit different needs and to meet health and safety requirements. To ensure collection crews can easily identify which bags are acceptable, Mater-Bi bags can be manufactured with specific and easy to identify printing. An example for this is the ‘beehive pattern’ accepted by several local authorities in different German federal states.

The reason for Novamont developing a taylor-made grade for this application is that by its nature, garden waste (especially grass clippings) is biologically active and aggressive, so it is vital that collection bags can withstand high levels of biological activity whilst maintaining their strength for at least two weeks (i.e. the usual collection frequency for this waste fraction). This material also has a high resistance to piercing, ripping and tearing.

It is made using renewable raw materials like vegetal oils and biodegradable and compostable polymers. It is fully biodegradable when introduced into biologically active environments like industrial composting plants. The biodegradation process is affected by temperature, humidity, pH and substrate activity. The conformity with EN 13432:200012 is certified by third parties like DIN Certco or Vincotte in Europe. The maximum certified thickness is 100 µm.

The manufacturers do usually produce sacks of thickness between 25 and 30 micron. This guarantees a resistance of over two weeks from the moment the bag is filled with garden waste and a maximum weight load of 18 kg. www.novamont.com

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bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Films | Flexibles | Bags

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n evaluation of agricultural mulch film made from biobased PHA polymers (Mirel™ from Telles™, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA) was conducted by Professor Michael D. Orzolek, Department of Horticulture at Pennsylvania State University. The study provided preliminary observations regarding vegetable crop growth response in both open-field and high-tunnel environments using both Mirel mulch films and polyethylene mulch films. The open field experiments were conducted with Zucchini Squash and Bell Peppers, and high tunnel experiments were conducted with Patty Pan Squash. The observed results in vegetable crop yield, both in number of fruit harvested and in the mass of each harvested fruit, with PHA mulch films were similar to crop growth with polyethylene mulch films.

Mulch Film made from Mirel

Performance of Mirel in Agricultural Mulch Film Applications

High Tunnel: Squash

Mulch films are left on the ground for extended periods of time, including multiple growth cycles. The disposal of mulch films after crop harvest has been and will continue to be a considerable concern. Removal of conventional mulch films is difficult because films can tear during retrieval and are labor intensive to remove. The film itself is heavy because it has up to 40% by weight of soil and water. Residual pesticides are also present on the film. Interim storage of used mulch film and final transportation also adds more complexity. One option is to dispose of mulch films and agricultural plastics in landfill sites. However, landfill disposal is under increased pressure due to limited landfill space, escalating costs and increasing scrutiny on environmental impact of agriculture. Recycling is also an issue because these films have entrapped dirt, soil, plant debris and moisture; it is more challenging and requires an extra wash step to remove dirt and debris. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that their hierarchy of solid waste management considers landfill disposal options to be less desirable than source reduction, recycling and composting. When comparing biodegradable mulch films to conventional films, the costs of purchasing the films as well as cost savings for removal and disposal should be considered.

PHA Biodegradability Benefits Mirel mulch films were ploughed into the soil after the crop harvest, eliminating the environmental and cost concerns regarding mulch film retrieval and disposal.

A key feature of PHA is its biodegradability by naturally occurring microbes in soil at ambient temperatures making these films well suited for agricultural mulch applications. In addition to the biodegradation, the material considerably reduces environmental impact as it is biobased, made from corn sugar. Because landfill disposal and recycling are the most commonly employed means of disposal for polyethylene mulch films, natural biodegradation of ploughed-in biobased films are not only an eco-friendly alternate but also a more efficient and easier farming practice.

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40

20 Bare Ground

P E Mulch

Mirel Mulch

Bare Ground

P E Mulch

Mirel Mulch

3.4 3.3

Weight (oz/fruit)

Issues with Non-Degradable Films

Total # Fruit Harvested

80

3.2 3.1 3.0 2,9 2,8

Patty pan squash crop yield data for the high-tunnel experiments.

Pattypan Squash (Petit Pan Squash)

www.mirelplastics.com

Source: Wikipedia bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

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Films | Flexibles | Bags

Latest Innovations in Flexible Packaging Films Article contributed by Andy Sweetman, Global Marketing Manager, Sustainable Technologies, Innovia Films

I

ncreasing the range of applications that can be served by biopackaging requires constant innovation e.g. the development of moisture barrier properties. It also requires expansion beyond the organic fresh produce sector into more conventional product markets. Packaging constructions are becoming increasingly technical and are moving into the areas of greater print coverage. Laminations, bio-inks and bioadhesives are hitting the market now. These are all steps that help to take Bio from the ‘plain and simple’ to a technical level that starts to offer alternatives for conventional plastics more effectively.

Innovia Films’ next generation of its flexible, compostable film, NatureFlex™ was officially launched at the recent European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin, Germany (Nov. 05-06).

www.innoviafilms.com

The new film, NatureFlex NK, offers not only biodegradability and compostability, but also a moisture barrier approaching that of co-extruded OPP (oriented Polypropylene). This means it has the best moisture barrier of any biopolymer film currently available, which has been achieved through Innovia Films’ unique coating technology.

Figures 1 and 2 compare the moisture and oxygen barrier of NatureFlex NK against other NatureFlex and OPP films.

Fig. 3: Single Biscuit Packaging

NatureFlex NK is a transparent, general purpose packaging grade suitable for various applications such as dried foods (biscuits, cereals, crisps, snack bars etc). Figure 3 shows an example for a single biscuit packaging. The new product is also ideal for lamination to other biofilms. NatureFlex NK is available in 20, 23, 30, 45 micron thicknesses and can be used for a variety of pack formats – VFFS, flow wrap, twistwrap and overwrap.

Fig. 1: Moisture Barrier

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Films | Flexibles | Bags

Key Features of NatureFlex NK:  Meets EN13432 and ASTM D6400 composting norms  Based on renewable raw materials  Excellent moisture and oxygen barrier  Heat sealable on both sides  Superb transparency and gloss  Print receptive surface Until now compostable packaging materials have only been used in applications where their inherent permeability was an advantage. This excluded them technically from significant areas of the industry. Now however, with NatureFlex NK, we can open up mainstream markets such as dried foods and snacks. In addition, converters can use NatureFlex NK as a basis for delivering further flexible ‘biosolutions’, by associating it with compatible biofilms such as Thermoplastic starches and Copolyesters.

Innovia Films has also been working closely with a leading confectionery manufacturer to meet their demands for compostable packaging.

Due to increased consumer and media focus on packaging waste and recovery, the customer wanted to review their products in order to maximise the ‘revalorisation’ and recovery potential of their packaging. They approached Innovia Films to develop a range of certified compostable films to match, as closely as possible, the existing range of coloured Cellophane™ films. This has led to the development of coloured NatureFlex films.

Fig. 2: Oxygen Barrier

NatureFlex was an obvious solution for the packaging as the film begins life as a natural product – wood - and breaks down in a home compost bin (or industrial compost environment) within a matter of weeks – yet also offers advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static properties, high gloss and transparency, resistance to grease and oil, good barrier to gases and aromas and a wide heat-seal range.

Developing a range of coloured films which so closely match the requirements of such a recognised brand and that meet the strict requirements of the composting legislation was a real challenge, which we are delighted to have been able to deliver.

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Films | Flexibles | Bags Article contributed by Dr. Christian Bonten and Patrick Zimmermann, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Willich, Germany

New Bioplastics For Multilayer Systems Advantages of multilayer systems Approximately one third of worldwide plastics production is used for the production of film, making film extrusion one of the most important processing procedures for plastics. The requirements placed on plastic films, especially those used predominantly in food packaging, have been constantly rising over recent years and have now reached a level that can only be achieved by means of a variety of procedures.

Fig. 1.: Three layer film tool Source: Burmann, G.; Wortberg, J. „Grundlagen und Strategie für die Auslegung von Extrusionswerkzeugen“ - an IKV seminar on the basics and techniques of tool design

Fig. 2: Bioplastic Bio-Flex F 2110 used, for example, in deep freeze packaging

Whilst in the beginning three-layer systems, and later on fivelayer systems, were sufficient (fig. 1) to meet the specific criteria of the packaging task, nowadays films with seven or even nine layers are needed. Only with this multiple layer matrix is it possible to guarantee all of the desired features, such as protection against sunlight and oxygen, preservation of flavour and aroma, effective barrier properties, and also sealability and printability.

The demand for bioplastics is continuously rising! Growth over the last few years has clearly been due to the demand for bioplastics to be used for packaging goods with a short shelf-life (e. g. food packaging, waste bags, diaper backing sheets, and also mulch film etc.). Here the biodegradability and the associated alternative disposal route are especially beneficial for the consumer. The content of material from renewable resources is increasingly coming to the fore as a selling point.

Bioplastics – the challenge is processing on conventional machinery Hitherto existing biofilms have been produced mainly as monolayer films, since until recently it was assumed that bioplastics could not be used for multilayer systems because of their limited processibility. In cooperation with the Fraunhofer UMSICHT Institute, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH has developed a wide range of biodegradable plastics primarily made from renewable raw materials and which enable straightforward processing on conventional extrusion lines without any kind of additional additives.

Many of the bio raw materials used nowadays (PLA, cellulose actetate, starch, PHA, etc.) only partially meet the processability requirements: they are not ready made for the conversion process.

By manufacturing bio-compounds it is possible to optimise the processability, the mechanical characteristics and the barrier properties of these bio raw materials.

This processing of biodegradable raw materials requires special knowledge of both the selection of additives and a smooth compounding process. Multilayer films made from bioplastics can significantly expand the range of applications for the bio-compounds; e. g. by developing a combination in order to optimise the barrier properties as well as the mechanical characteristics.

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Films | Flexibles | Bags Based on the pressure to optimise the use of bio raw materials FKuR has developed different bio-compounds with the brand name Bio-Flex®, which can be converted to blown film.  Bio-Flex F 1130 is particularly elastic and ductile. This product is predominantly used for the production of mulch film, T-shirt bags and waste bags. The product is comparable to LDPE.  Bio-Flex F 2110 is a more rigid, but very low temperature impact resistant, and with a translucent quality. It is used, for example, in deep freeze packaging (fig. 2), bags, air pillows, and is especially useful in co-extrusion. With regard to the mechanical characteristics it is very much comparable to HDPE. Fig. 3: Bioplastic Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL with high transparency

 Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL represents a speciality amongst bioplastics. It is the first transparent PLA blend which can be converted to an excellent blown film. In addition its content of material from renewable resources is outstandingly high and the film is especially transparent. (fig. 3). Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL is a rather rigid film and the mechanical characteristics are comparable to those of PP. This material is often used in packaging of fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as in co-extrusion.

Multilayer systems now also possible with bioplastics The following three practical examples will clarify the expansion of the range of applications for bioplastics by means of skilled utilisation in multilayer systems:

350

Bioplastics are technically mature and do not represent an obstacle in the conversion process! The processing of multilayer films using bioplastics from FKuR offers new application possibilities!

200

Bio-Flex® VA 4100 CL

150 100

0,0

250

500

550

600

2500

3000

3500

Oxygen [cm³/(m² • d • bar)]

Fig. 4: Barrier data of a five-layer system with Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL in comparison with pure PLA and pure Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL.

700

Elongation at break [%]

 It is likewise possible to produce films with a good oxygen barrier. Merely as example we state here a five layer system, made from Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL / tie layer / X / tie layer/ Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL.

EVAP Multilayer Film including Bio-Flex® VA 4100 CL

250

50

 The three layer combination made from Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL / Bio-Flex F 2110 / Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL in a layer ratio of 30/40/30 allows for the production of a very tough film with high tear resistance and good barrier properties for a bioplastic.  A three layer system made from Bio-Flex F 1130 / Bio-Flex F 2110 / Bio-Flex F 1130 allows for a very flexible and tough film with very good bubble stability. It is also possible to process the film at high throughputs of about 350 kg/h and attain film thicknesses of 8 µm, the film is perfectly suitable for the production of T-shirt bags and waste bags.

Testing conditions: H2O: 23°C/ 85% r.F. O2: 23°C / 50% r.F.

PLA

300

Vapour [g/(m² • d)]

An obvious advantage of the Bio-Flex range is the excellent compatibility of the different types. This is at the same time a precondition for an outstandingly adherent multilayer system that combines the different advantages required in a semifinished film product. The entire multilayer system made from Bio-Flex is, of course, biodegradable.

www.fkur.de

600 500 400 300

EVAP Multilayer including Bio-Flex® VA 4100 CL

200

Bio-Flex® VA 4100 CL

100 0,0

500

1000

1500

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2500

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Tensile Modulus [MPa]

Fig. 5: Mechanical characteristics of a five-layer system with Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL in comparison with pure PLA and pure Bio-Flex VA 4100 CL.

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Paper Coating | Laminating

PLA Films Laminated to Paper – a Unique Sustainable Packaging Concept

Article contributed by

Martin Debaets, Sales & Marketing Manager, Sidaplax v.o.f., Gentbrugge, Belgium.

Sidaplax and its parent company Plastic Suppliers Inc. are leading manufacturers of OPS & PLA specialty films and distributors of a large variety of other plastic films.

Wanting to offer an answer to today’s growing need for compostable packaging films, an extensive range of innovative EarthFirst® PLA Films, based on the NatureWorks LLC PLA polymer Ingeo™ was developed. EarthFirst PLA films are compostable to the ASTM D6400 and DIN EN13432 standards and have proven to be competitive in both characteristics and cost with most petroleum-based films.

They are a sustainable nature-based alternative to these traditional plastics, offering brand owners and retailers a high quality product with a strong environmental appeal and marketing advantage.

Currently, a variety of grades and thicknesses of EarthFirst PLA films are finding their way into a wide range of applications such as full-body shrink sleeves, tamperevident bands and label films, window envelopes, bread bags, folding carton windows, transparent bags, postal pouches, fresh food and bakery product packaging and paper and cardboard lamination for food packaging.

EarthFirst PLA Films combine the environmental advantages of being compostable with the inherent benefits of their performance: high moisture transmission rate, good aroma barrier, superior surface for ink adhesion allowing use of water-based inks instead of solvent-based inks, a consistent shrink curve, outstanding optical properties, excellent scratch resistance, good deadfold retention and sealability at low temperatures producing stronger seals.

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Using EarthFirst PLA also offers significant CO2emissions reduction. Being made from the carbon neutral polymer Ingeo, EarthFirst PLA films can add environmental value to a product and offer energy savings. Most machines readily run the film and shrink tunnels can be turned down. Using 100 kilograms of EarthFirst PLA instead of a traditional petrochemical-based plastic film offers equivalent energy savings to run a 100 watt light bulb for 18 months or saves 115 liters of gasoline. In addition, 44 % fewer greenhouse gases are produced when using PLA. EarthFirst PLA Films are used in many applications, amongst which lamination to paper and cardboard. This laminating film is a compostable, clear film that can be used as an inside liner as a protective layer or as an outer layer as a scratch resistant surface.

The high moisture transmission rate of EarthFirst PLA makes the film ideally suited for lamination to paper and cardboard using a wide range of environmentally-friendly, water-soluble glues. The inherent rigidity of the film and the quick drying after lamination guarantee a flat and wrinkle-free surface. The EarthFirst PLA film laminated to the inside of the cardboard will protect the packaging from contamination with humidity or fats coming from the packed foodstuffs inside.

Outside lamination of paper and board with EarthFirst PLA films provides protection from stains, dirt or other influences and will add superior gloss and a catching eye-appeal to the packaging.

Using metalized EarthFirst PLA film adds a flavour of luxury, which will be welcomed by packaging designers for e.g. cosmetics and perfumes or for gift wrapping boxes.

The combination of a compostable, bio-based PLA film and environmentally sustainable paper and cardboard grades (FSC-certified grades and others) brings together two nature-based packaging products in a unique sustainable packaging concept, without compromising on the performance characteristics. Laminating applications include windowed bread bags, standing pouches, windowed cardboard boxes and cardboard boxes laminated with metalized EarthFirst PLA. With the EarthFirst PLA film range, Sidaplax is committed to further develop sustainable packaging alternatives, thus responding to the needs of both customers and future generations.

www.sidaplax.com www.earthfirstpla.com

Paper Coating | Laminating

A Better Option for Specialized Performance Coatings with Ingeo Article contributed by Mark Vergauwen, Commercial Manager, NatureWorks BV, Naarden, The Netherlands

Performance coatings are now a new and significant application for Ingeo™ biopolymer – an application that today allows for the expansion of extrusion coated paper products in the food packaging and foodservice ware markets. It represents just another step in the right and responsible direction for NatureWorks LLC who manufacture Ingeo, and whose plan and vision is to sustainably manufacture eco-sensible materials.

The performance characteristics of this new innovative category means that it is an easy choice for more responsible thinkers working in the supply of hot and cold beverage cups, coated paper food packaging solutions, as well as carton packed dairy and juice products – all simple paper-based products that can now use a coating that’s made from plants instead of oil.

Because of its nature-based origin, Ingeo-based extrusion coatings allow for products that have many more disposal options, including industrial composting.

Cups, bowls and coated food packaging provide an excellent solution for food waste diversion because where appropriate conditions allow, Ingeo coated products can be composted.

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www.natureworksllc.com www.klm.com/csr

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Through ingenuity and perseverance of NatureWorks manufacturing partners such as Danimer and the paper-coating partners of organizations like International Paper and Hanchang Paper, recent marketplace innovations grant more and varied

Paper Coating | Laminating

applications to be developed with grease resistance, superior optics and printability - confirming Ingeo as the natural choice for manufacturers today, as evidenced by the growing list of commercial products now available.

In the USA, ecotainer™ is a line of foodservice ware developed by International Paper to provide alternatives to traditional foodservice packaging. The product line is made from renewable resources, has a smaller environmental footprint and is compostable in industrial composting facilities. The hot cups, cold cups, and food containers are formed from cup stock that was extrusion coated with modified Ingeo polymer to create a water-resistant barrier. These products perform in a manner consistent with those made from polyethylene coated cup stock.

International Paper has worked with brand leaders in all segments of the foodservice industry to bring these products to market in the USA and Europe. Packaging plays a critical role for foodservice operators when developing their sustainability platform and this product offers many attributes consistent with their strategy. Since launch, more than half a billion ecotainer cups and containers have been used in the market displacing half a million pounds of petroleum-based plastics.

And in Europe KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines), a major airline headquartered in Amsterdam, has announced the launch of a new sustainable coffee and tea biocup for use on European and intercontinental routes as well as the short haul Cityhopper flights. These cups were introduced on November 1st and because they are made using the unique coating made from Ingeo, they are from 100% renewable resources and are compostable making them a better cup choice today. KLM uses over 19 million cups each year which represents more than 100,000 kg of material now being made from renewable resources instead of from polystyrene. The body of the cup is made from FSI-certified carton paper and the ink used is water based. Being lighter, the new biocup is easier and more compact to store and stack. It represents a further measure of the airlines commitment to help reduce the impact of waste material on the environment. Furthermore, these new cups fit within the Corporate Social Responsibility strategy of KLM, combining environmental advantages with the saving of costs.

Supplier of these cups is the Dutch company Moonen Packaging. Moonen Packaging has a development, marketing and distribution program able to supply their Ingeo innovation coated paper cups to a wide range of customers including airlines, media companies, coffee retailers and local authorities.

Also in Asia there are several converters currently producing Ingeo coated cups.

Kuan Chun, a company in Taiwan, is selling currently Ingeo coated cups to a wide customer base. The company was established in 1991 in Changhua, Taiwan, as an extrusion coating paper company and was ISO 9002 certified in 1995 and ISO 14001 certified in 2008. Their products are also selling throughout Europe and USA with current sales of Ingeo coated hot cups, soup cups, and other food containers topping 100 million worldwide.

Hanchang Paper in Korea developed Hanchang Eco (Eco-Peace) paper cups and they have been adopted at the 5th Green Film Festival in Seoul. This is an eco-friendly film festival aims for reduction of carbon dioxide in its events, where global warming issues, solutions and schemes for saving the earth will be addressed. Ingeo based paper cups will be used by celebrities and fans at the festival through Cafe des Verts, a coffee chain which uses eco-friendly organic coffee.

BP Consulting, Inc, in Japan, also manufactures out of Taiwan through their group company, MT Trading Co. BP is already commercialized in the USA with Planet+ branded cups for cafeterias at hospitals, schools, business offices, as well as coffee shop chains. These products will soon be available in Europe. The range of cup is from, 6 to 20 ounces and food containers from 8 to 32 ounces, both using a unique 99.4% Ingeo content in their 18 micron coating.

NatureWorks LLC is the first company to offer a family of commercially available low carbon footprint Ingeo biopolymers (PLA) for coating paper cups and food containers. Production uses less fossil fuel and emits fewer green-house gases than conventional polymers. The company applies its proprietary technology to process natural plant sugars to make Ingeo biopolymer, which is then used uniquely to make and market finished products under the Ingeo brand name. NatureWorks LLC is a joint venture between Cargill and Teijin Limited of Japan.

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Paper Coating | Laminating

Extrusion coating and laminating with biopolymers

U

nder the brand name Sustainex Mondi offers versatile biodegradable and sustainable packaging materials suitable for applications in the food and non-food industry.

Biodegradable packaging has been on the market for several years already but with the shortage of landfills and rising oil costs, it is becoming increasingly popular. The growing demand for biodegradable packaging material and the increasing number of fields of application were discussed by numerous economic experts and packaging producers during the London ‘Sustainable Plastics Packaging Conference 2008’ sponsored by Mondi in October. This trend is also reflected by the success encountered by Mondi’s biodegradable portfolio Sustainex at the Interpack 2008 trade show in April.

Sustainex is a versatile biodegradable and sustainable packaging material thanks to its excellent sealability, gas and grease barrier and thermal resistance.

Mondi uses biopolymers for the extrusion-coating and

laminating process on a carrier substrate such as paper.

Both technologies require the polymer to have high thermal stability and melt resistance, which biopolymers do not inherently possess. But Mondi engineers have found a unique technique that allows using biopolymers in those two processes.

After the successful launch of its innovative packaging solution Sustainex, Mondi started to cooperate with various customers to test the applicability of the material. First industrial productions have been delivered to selected customers and even more projects are in the pipeline. “We deliver specifications for a wide range of applications”, says Michael Strobl managing director of Mondi Coating Zeltweg, the lead plant for biopolymer coatings within the Mondi Group.

“Currently we focus on coated paper and cardboards. Here the products range from lidding materials and wrapper for meat and cheese to cups for liquids and yoghurt. Additionally we can offer Sustainex coatings on other biodegradable substrates thus combining the mechanical properties and barriers of special ’bio’ films with the performance of our coatings”, continues Strobl.

Mondi sees enormous potential and numerous applications for biodegradable packaging materials especially in dry food and fast food, milk and dairy, single-use paper cups and bowls, as well as in hygiene products. “We are sure that not even all application areas for biodegradable packaging are discovered yet. We know there are still limitations for the use of biopolymers in flexible packaging, but Mondi believes in the opportunities given by our Sustainex portfolio. The wide range of different specifications is only one advantage we can offer here. Especially the fact that Sustainex combines sustainable sources with the option of composting will be a key factor for the successful implementation by our customers”, says Strobl. www.mondigroup.com

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Inside and outside: 100 % nature !

Bio-Flex速 for transparent blown film applications

FKuR Kunststoff GmbH | Siemensring 79 | D - 47877 Willich Tel.: +49 (0) 21 54 / 92 51-0 | Fax: +49 (0) 21 54 / 92 51-51 | sales@fkur.com

www.fkur.com

Paper Coating | Laminating

Mater-Bi Innovative Materials For Extrusion Coating and Lamination Aricle contributed by Stefano Facco, New Business Development Manager and Roberto Marangon, New Business Development Application Developer, Novamont SpA, Novara, Italy

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C

ompostable bioplastics like Mater-BiÂŽ, derived from or containing renewable resources, are a new generation of materials able to significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and green-house effect in specific closed-loop applications (like food packaging, catering items, mulch etc), to perform as traditional plastics when in use, and to completely biodegrade within a composting cycle through the action of living organisms when engineered to be biodegradable.

Novamont’s main mission is to offer original solutions both from technical and environmental point of view, starting from renewable raw materials. MaterBi is a generation of established compostable polymers, continuously evolving,

Paper Coating | Laminating Second substrate

First substrate

Laminate containing starch and other renewable resources, able to significantly reduce the environmental impact in terms of energy consumption and green-house effect in specific applications, to perform same as or even better than traditional plastics when in use and completely biodegrade within a composting cycle. New sectors are growing in different industrial applications, driven by technical performances as in the case of extrusion coating/lamination.

The process of extrusion coating, typically based on standard polyolefines, consists in extruding a thin web through a vertical flat die onto a substrate. The substrate can be paper, board, plastic film, aluminium foil, nonwoven etc.

Extrusion lamination is very similar to extrusion coating and requires the same equipment: in this case the molten polymer is used as an adhesive, in order to couple (‘glue’) two substrates.

Depending on the application, these converting techniques provide a very efficient and versatile way to build specific, tailor made, multi-layer structures.

The development of an ‘industrial’ material for extrusion coating is based on a very challenging, demanding and time consuming research activity.

First of all, the converting technique itself is very demanding in terms of technical properties: the main evidence is that nowadays just very few polymers are successfully used. More than 90% of extrusion coating/ lamination is carried out with some very specific ones.

Second, (compared to blown film lines or injection moulding machines) extrusion coating/lamination equipments are usually very big and ‘rigid’ lines, designed in order to run 365 days a year with high outputs and efficiency, with unchanged parameters; not an ideal system to carry out trials, both from the technical and economical point of view. On the other side the availability of small and flexible pilot lines is rather limited.

The interest of the market for a ‘tailored’, compostable material is very high, and some solutions are popping up and being tested on industrial scale. The interest is even higher considering that lamination with adhesives is right now missing a biodegradable and compostable high performance product. Extrusion coating of Mater-Bi onto paper and cardboard is very attractive because it represents a way to build a fully biodegradable and compostable structure. Theoretically such a product can offer the maximum number of recovery options, by further adding composting though maintaining the repulping option.

The main areas of interest are foodservice (cups, plates, bowls…), wrapping paper or folded cardboard for frozen food.

Extrusion coating/lamination with biodegradable and compostable films allows to combine specific properties of the single constituents and build multi-layer structures with excellent technical performances and environmental profiles.

The availability of compostable moisture barrier rigid substrates (like for instance metallised cellophane and PLA) and extrusion coating resins characterised by excellent adhesion, sealability, toughness and puncture resistance (like Mater-Bi) allows to approach highly technical applications like flexible food packaging.

Several applications based on the various existing technologies and substrates are close to be introduced on the market. Mater-Bi has shown to satisfy most of the needs in terms of process, performance and end of life options (compostability, repulpability and others).

The possibility to use Mater-Bi in such high performing technology, represents a further tool to better tailor specific products and propose original solutions both from technical and environmental point of view, fulfilling specific in use performances of different application sectors. www.novamont.com

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

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Materials

T

he Development of green PP of renewable origin is an unprecedented feat by Brazilian company Braskem, which was also the pioneer in launching the first green polyethylene Braskem took another important step towards consolidating its leadership in the development of green plastics by producing the first samples of polypropylene from 100% renewable raw material with international certification. The samples were first obtained on laboratory scale and then in a pilot plant, where homopolymers and copolymers were produced. This innovation creates very promising perspectives for developing applications with this green resin, which has the same properties and characteristics as traditional polypropylene. Currently PP is the polymer with the fastest growth in consumption.

Braskem Announces the First BioPolypropylene

Braskem’s green polypropylene was analyzed by the World’s largest radiocarbon dating service Beta Analytic Inc. (Miami, Florida, USA). Beta Analytic attested Braskem’s bio-polypropylene its 100% renewable origin using a methodology to detect fossil carbon in the sample. Identical certificates were previously issued for the green high density and linear low density polyethylene, which are being produced at a pilot plant in the Braskem Technology and Innovation Center in Triunfo (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil).

“This new technological achievement confirms Braskem’s capacity for innovation and creates the opportunity to identify yet another market for this new renewable source resin. Dimensioning the market will define the next steps and deadlines for detailing and installing the new technology until reaching commercial scale,” explains Antonio Morschbacker, responsible for green polymer technology at Braskem. Although there is still no projected date for the green polymer to reach the market, Braskem has partners to accelerate the project’s development in sectors such as food packaging, personal and domestic hygiene articles, the automobile industry and many more.

“Braskem’s pioneering spirit in developing green plastics is the result of the priority we give innovation and technology. In addition this increases our competitiveness for the entire petrochemical and plastic production chain,” says Bernardo Gradin, president of Braskem. With more than 200 patents, four in green polymers, the company offers its customers a team with more than 170 specialists and R$ 330 million (approx € 118 mio or US-$ 151 mio) in assets dedicated to research and development.

www.braskem.com.br

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In Triunfo Braskem is implementing a project to produce green polyethylene on an industrial scale with a capacity for 200,000 tonnes/year, with operations projected to begin in 2011. An important part of this volume is already destined for the Asian market and will be distributed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation, a Toyota Group trade company with which Braskem recently announced a distribution agreement for the region.

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From Science and Research

Using Bugs to Recycle Plastic Researchers team up to convert polystyrene and PET into a biodegradable plastic

Article contributed by Dr. Kevin O’Connor, School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology University College Dublin, Ireland

PET Waste (iStockphoto)

W

orldwide, more than 14 million tonnes of polystyrene are produced annually and it is so durable that it takes thousands of years to decompose. Also millions of tonnes of PET are produced annually predominantly for use in food packaging.

With 70% of polystyrene ending up in landfill within a year of manufacture and 99% of all polystyrene ultimately ending up in dumps, the long term problem created by this versatile plastic is causing major anxiety among local and national governments throughout the world. While PET is recycled at a much higher rate than polystyrene only 25% of the PET reaching the market place is collected and recycled.

End of Life options The burying of plastic in landfill is viewed by many as a waste of a valuable resource. One alternative is the mechanical recycling with Germany boasting the highest rate in Europe (33%, [1]) even if a certain ‘downcyling’ has to be accepted. Other countries have a lower level of mechanical recycling and a higher rate of energy recovery from plastics (solid fuel). While the direct burning of plastic for energy may satisfy the energy needs of incinerators burning municipal waste the conversion of this plastic to a more versatile liquid fuel and other value added products is in the long term more valuable to society.

Upcycling petrochemical plastic to Biodegradable plastic At University College Dublin we have combined chemistry and biology to develop a two step chemo-biotechnological process for the conversion of PS and PET respectively to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The process combines the thermal treatment of the plastic (pyrolysis, as described below) followed by microbial transformation of the thermally treated product to the biological polymer (PHA). The PHA produced contains repeating monomer units which are predominantly 10 carbons in length (R)-3-hydroxydecanoic acid. PHA composed of monomers which are 6 carbons or longer is referred to as medium chain length PHA (mclPHA). This polymer is a partially crystalline elastomer with a thermal degradation temperature close to 300°C and differs from the copolymer PHBcoPHV (polyhydroxybutyrate co polyhydroxyvalerate) which is a harder less flexible PHA with thermal degradation temperatures close to 200°C.

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From Science and Research Pyrolysis The thermal treatment of plastic in the absence of air will not result in the burning of plastic but in the breaking of the bonds that hold the monomers together. This results in the conversion of petrochemical plastics and indeed other polymers into gases, liquids and solids. The pyrolysis of petrochemical plastics to generate fuels has been promoted since the 1970’s when the first major oil crisis occurred. Professor Walter Kaminsky from the University of Hamburg, Germany developed one of the modern pyrolysis processes for petrochemical polymers using quartz sand. The latter is heated so that it becomes molten and transfers heat to the plastic. The temperature of the pyrolysis reaction varies according to the polymer to be transformed e.g. polystyrene is pyrolysed at 520°C while PET is heated to 450°C. Polystyrene pyrolysis oil is composed of styrene (90 % by weight) and low levels of other aromatic compounds. Terephthalic acid is the predominant product of PET pyrolysis with gases and liquids as minor products. The reflux of 6% of the styrene oil product towards the burners that drive the pyrolysis reaction results in an energy output (3000 KJ/Kg) exceeding the initial energy input (2700 KJ/Kg) resulting in an energy positive process.

PHA in a petri-dish (Photo: Terence Union, University College)

Microbial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates from pyrolysis products While the products of pyrolysis are predominantly destined for the fuel market they are also excellent carbon substrates that microorganism and in particular bacteria can convert into polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) [2, 3, 4]. This styrene oil, when supplied as the sole source of carbon and energy allows for the growth of bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas, which are common soil bacteria. We have isolated a number of Pseudomonas species from soil that are capable of growth and PHA accumulation from pyrolysis products arising PS, PET and mixed plastic. The percentage of the bacterial cell that is PHA is generally between 20 and 30% when the bacteria are grown in shaken flasks. However we have shown the transfer to a fermentor (bioreactor) increases the PHA level 1.5 fold.

Furthermore the manipulation of the fermentation conditions (substrate feeding and nutrient concentration) can significantly raise biomass and PHA levels [5]. However the biomass needs to be increased further to make the technology commercially viable. Experiments in the laboratory are focused on this task.

Polystyrene (iStockphoto)

Biorefinery: a single site for the conversion of renewable feedstock and waste to value added products In an oil refinery the primary products arising from crude oil are fuels. However, the minor fractions are an excellent resource for the synthesis of polymers and fine chemicals. Modern and future pyrolysis plants should operate a similar model to the oil refinery. In an extension to that idea the modern biorefinery, which is currently predominantly focused on renewable raw material conversion, should encompass the conversion of waste materials (arising from outside and within the biorefinery) to www.ucd.ie/biocatal

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value added polymers and fine chemicals in addition to fuels. The future success of a number of biopolymers will be secured if the technologies that produce fuels and polymers are combined.

Plastic and sustainable development

Mark your calendar !

2nd PLA Bottle

Conference September 2009 Munich | Germany

At the same time as drinktec 2009

Stay updated at www.pla-bottle-conference.com www.pla-bottle-conference.com

Call for papers contact: mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com

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The development of waste prevention and recycling technologies is a critical part of the sustainable development of our society. Society will continue to demand convenient disposable plastic items and the waste arising from these will need to be either biodegradable or transformed to value added products such as biodegradable plastic. The development of new technologies takes time and has to gain the acceptance of business as well as society. The early promotion of new eco-friendly bio-polymers is an important part of promoting these eco-products which will also help society to move towards achieving sustainable development.

The introduction of these new bio-based polymers into the market place will also instil confidence in the market and drive growth in the sustainable technologies sector.

References [1] The compelling facts about plastics. An analysis of plastics production, demand and recovery for 2005 in Europe – Plastics Europe (Published Spring 2007). Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4/3, BE 1160 Brussels, Belgium. www.plasticseurope.org [2] Kenny, S T. Nikodinovic Runic J. Kaminsky W., Woods T., Babu R. P., Keely C. M., Blau W., and O’Connor Kevin E. Up-Cycling of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) to the Biodegradable Plastic PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate). Environ. Sci. Technol., ASAP Article, 10.1021/es801010e. Web release September 12 2008 (American Chemical Society) 2008 42:7696-7701 [3] Nikodinovic J, Kenny S.T., Babu R.P., Woods T, Blau W.J., O‘Connor K.E. 2008 The conversion of BTEX compounds by single and defined mixed cultures to medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. Jul 16. [Epub ahead of print], 2008 80:665-673 [4] Ward P.G., M. Goff, M. Donner, W. Kaminsky, and K. E. O‘ Connor. 2006. A two step chemo-biotechnological conversion of polystyrene to a biodegradable thermoplastic. Environmental Science and Technology. 40:2433-2437.

[5] Goff M., Patrick G. Ward and Kevin E. O’Connor. 2007.

Improvement of the conversion of polystyrene to polyhydroxyalkanoate through the manipulation of the microbial aspect of the process: A nitrogen feeding strategy for bacterial cells in a stirred tank reactor. J. Biotechnology.

132:283-286.

CA-3 on agar plate

Processing

Film Extrusion of Bioplastics

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n film extrusion, new line concepts and specially adapted technology are required when processing bioplastics. Reifenhäuser of Troisdorf, Germany, one of the first members of the European Bioplastics industry association, considers this market an important part of its future strategy.

Reifenhäuser offers manufacturing lines which, in combination with specific technology, show best results in the processing of biopolymers. These are lines that are already being used in blown film and thermoforming sheet extrusion of conventional bioplastics.

Blown film extrusion

Article contributed by Armin Holighaus, Head of R&D Blown Film, Reifenhäuser Extrusion GmbH & Co. KG, Troisdorf Germany

Besides other processing technologies blown film extrusion is another very interesting method for converting certain biopolymers.

For instance, starch-based raw materials can be processed on a specially adapted 3-layer Filmtec 3-1700-RHS blown film line at output rates that are nearly identical to those of polyolefins. In addition, high performances and good mechanical properties of the extruded bio films are obtained with reduced energy input.

It is also possible to process specially selected polylactic acid materials on slightly modified lines.

Special features of these bio films:  biodegradability according to DIN 13432 and  improved barrier behaviour in terms of gas and oxygen The versatile 3-layer blown film lines are equipped with singlescrew REItorque extruders and the newly-developed low temperature screws. Good tolerances can be achieved using a REIcoflow gauge control system which is supplied as a standard component. The noncontacting REIcofly turner bar system ensures superior quality film which is wound into perfectly marketable reels on the SFA II tandem winder.

The complete Reifenhäuser blown film technology system meets the requirements of processing biodegradable raw materials.

Biopolymer compound Biopolymers are normally processed in the form of pellets.

Reifenhäuser offers compounding lines for processing powdery or liquid bioplastics using co-rotating ReiItruder twin-screw extruders that are especially appropriate for the sensitive natural raw materials.

www.reifenhauser.com

Segmented screws and barrels designed to meet specific recipe requirements, and barrels providing for multiple degassing, enable shear-sensitive and heat-sensitive bio materials to be processed.

If requested, biopolymers can be tested on blown film and cast film lines in the Reifenhäuser Technology Centre in Troisdorf Germany.

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LCA

Natureflex Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Profile Article contributed by Andy Sweetman, Global Marketing Manager, Sustainable Technologies, Innovia Films, Cumbria, UK

Background A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted during the life cycle of a product or service. The carbon footprint of any product can accurately be determined by a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

However it must be remembered that a carbon footprint is only part of an LCA and other aspects are also generally considered.

The areas of highest impact and associated CO2 emissions will be identified during the LCA so that the production processes can be optimised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and any other negative impacts. Once it comes to the point that remaining CO2 emissions cannot be eliminated by optimisation of energy efficiency, they can be compensated for by carbon offsetting.

This involves investment in carbon reduction schemes such as reforestation, biofuels or energy efficient projects, which prevent an equivalent amount of GHG emissions elsewhere.

Firstly let us look at what an LCA is NOT:  Just an energy balance  An effective tool for comparison between different products, with different properties  Simple Sand Martin Wood March The certififed compostable Gingerbread Folk pack uses NatureFlex from Innovia Films and carries the ’seedling‘ logo

 Capable of measuring product functionality  A long term truth

An example of the problem when using an LCA is highlighted below:  Polymer A has a carbon footprint of 0.8kgCO2eq.

Polymer B has a carbon footprint of 1.9kgCO2eq.

Which is better? One would tend to say ‘Polymer A’  When turned into a 25µm film: Polymer A has a moisture transmission rate of 150 g/m² / 24hr @ 38°C, density of 1.2 g/cm³ Polymer B has a moisture transmission rate of 7 g/m² / 24hr @ 38°C, density of 0.9 g/cm³

So which is better now?

Polymer A would be ideal for wrapping fruit and vegetables, but if it wrapped a biscuit you would need 28 times more material to provide the same shelf life! In short it depends on the application the product is used for.

So what is an LCA?  A fantastic tool to measure the environmental impacts of a given process

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LCA

 A way to break a process down into ‘measurable’ units  A ‘truth’ for a given moment in time  A potential driver for future positive change

Innovia Films’ LCA on NatureFlex™ – 2007 This was initially an eight month project conducted with an expert consultant. It has been so useful, that we have now brought the software and processes in-house.

It was conducted from Cradle to Gate (i.e. the scope was from the tree to the pallet of slit film reels) and it focussed on six key environmental impact indicators at each stage. These were broken down into key raw material and key individual process steps to identify major impacts and prioritise work and investments wisely. They measure the past and present and examine the potential future.

The six chosen indicators (in no particular order of preference) were:  Non-Renewable Energy Usage  Acidification (e.g. Acid Rain potential)  Eutrophication (e.g. Nitrification of waters and soils)  Human Toxicity Potential (Negative impact of a process on humans)  Global Warming Potential (Carbon balance)  Photochemical Ozone Creation (Summer smog) NB: Experts differ on how they rank the importance of different environmental indicators.

Global Warming Potential (GWP): 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0,0

Pre 1985

1994

2006

2009

2012

Looking at the GWP indicator in detail, we can see that:  A significant reduction in GWP occurred when the CHP unit at Innovia Films manufacturing site was converted from coal to natural gas (1985).

Key Improvement Summary Table: Reduction (2006 compared to pre-1985) Non-Renewable Energy Usage Acidification Eutrophication Human Toxicity Potential Global Warming Potential Photochemical Ozone Creation

(%) 30 78 61 73 58 26

Future Plans & CarbonZero Status: These include ‘tackling carbon from both ends’ – via reduction at source and offset of emissions.

Innovia Films has achieved CarbonZero status on its full range of NatureFlex coated biodegradable and compostable packaging films through the implementation of carbonreduction schemes.

NatureFlex is one of the few packaging materials that has been tested to and complies with the specification required for soil, home composting and waste water applications at ambient temperatures, as well as for industrial composting.

Reducing a company’s carbon-footprint should principally be achieved through improvements in energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption, enhanced process technology and waste reduction. We have already made significant cuts in this way and are committed to continuing this in the future. Any manufacturing process will inevitably have an environmental impact and our involvement in these initiatives allows us to offset the overall effect of NatureFlex production and reassure our customers it is actually CarbonZero at the point of despatch from Innovia’s premises.

Working with a leading carbon services company, co2balance, who provide carbon reduction schemes, Innovia Films decided to plant 3,000 trees at Sand Martin Wood, Faugh, Cumbria, UK. The planting of this new forest with a mix of British broad leafed trees within 30 km of their Wigton site was selected because NatureFlex is manufactured in Cumbria. The forest is directly owned and managed by co2balance, which will ensure that it is properly maintained into the future.

In addition, Innovia Films is contributing to a scheme that distributes ‘solar ovens’ to poor communities in East Africa.

This helps to reduce deforestation, cut CO2 emissions from open stove burning, reduces energy costs and provides health and safety benefits to the users.

Other plans include:  Installation of a new higher efficiency line starting 2009

 Since 1994 raw material changes also contributed to the total of 58% reduction in GWP (1985-2006).

 Further review of raw material impacts, leading to possible changes

 By 2009, full gas recovery will be implemented on all lines and a new more efficient production line will have replaced older equipment, creating further reductions.

 Completion of Gas recovery systems across all lines by 2010  Assessment of alternative technologies at each key process step www.innoviafilms.com

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Application News

New: Application News Each and every day new products made from bioplastics materials are launched to the market. That’s why bioplastics MAGAZINE is now starting with an new section or rubric: Application News. Here we want to introduce new applications in small ‘News-like’ articles.

We can’t and we don’t want to make a claim to be complete. As we can of course not present all new applications that come to the market between two issues, we try to present an interesting choice. We clearly ask all who launch new products to send us a short description and a high resolution photograph.

And even if it looks like it on these two pages, this new section is of course not limited to packaging applications.

Haigh’s Chocolates Launch White Ballotins Chocolate Box with New Packaging Haigh’s Chocolates, Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate manufacturing retailer, has introduced new biodegradable packaging for their White Ballotins Chocolate Box, made possible through the advanced biopolymer technology of Plantic Technologies Limited.

The new 200g White Ballotins chocolate box contains a varied assortment of hand-packaged chocolates specialties. Haigh’s chose the Plantic® tray inside the box for its unique functional and environmental benefits. The fully biodegradable, water dispersible, and compostable Plantic trays offer anti-static and odour barrier solutions, essential for chocolate packaging. Additionally, Plantic materials – which are made from non-GM corn starch – have a renewable bio-content of approximately 85%.

In commenting, Alister Haigh, Joint Manager Director from Haigh’s Chocolates said, “Our decision to incorporate Plantic packaging in the White Ballotins chocolate box has grown from our overarching commitment to sustainability and the environment. As an original signatory to the National Packaging Covenant, we are always looking for ways to improve our environmental footprint.” www.haighschocolates.com.au, www.plantic.com.au

Hot Coffee- and Soup Cups Made of PLA coated paper Wei Mon Industry Co. Ltd. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, lately developed their Pland Paper® hot coffee cups and soup cups based on a paper substrate coated with Ingeo™ PLA. ‘Pland Paper‘ stands for ‘PLA and Paper’, i.e. paper is coated with 100% Ingeo. The product has been created and mass produced by WeiMon Industry since this August, first products will be introduced to the market shortly. According to the company, this is the first time 100% PLA adheres to paper without any additive. This is definitely a huge advancement and good news for all package manufacturers, as stated by WeiMon. ’Pland Paper’ is not only made from all bio-based and renewable materials, it also offers the same characteristics as PE coated paper. Furthermore the ’Pland Paper’ cups can be used for hot coffee and hot soup without releasing any toxic substances.

Since 2002, Wei Mon Industry popularizes PLA in the Taiwanese market. The company also organizes the Taiwan Joint Alliance Group (JA Group) to promote this environmentally friendly material worldwide. Wei Mon Industry not only is a supplier of PLA resin supplier, they also act as a technology supervisor in PLA processing, research and development. Wei Mon Industry offer various properties of PLA modified resins and sheets based on different requirements for injection and thermoforming. The JA Group comprises a number of manufacturers in Taiwan providing cups, containers, plates, bowls and trays. www.plandpaper.com

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Application News

New Shopping Bag has Luxury Looks and Biodegradability Credentials Procos, the Munich-based maker of packaging and ribbons for luxury goods, has launched a new line of high quality promotional carry-home shopping bags with biodegradability credentials for the world‘s fashion conscious and environmentally aware shoppers.

World Famous Sweets’ Wrappers go Compostable Innovia Films’ renewable and compostable packaging film, NatureFlex™ has been chosen by Nestlé UK to wrap one of its signature confectionery brands, QUALITY STREET®.

“Reduced or more sustainable packaging is a key priority for Nestlé and we are delighted that the NatureFlex colourfilm range will help QUALITY STREET customers and consumers reduce waste and at the same time ensure consumers are still able to recognise this well-loved brand,” said David Rennie, Marketing Director, Nestlé Confectionery UK. NatureFlex was an obvious solution for the packaging as the film begins life as a natural product – wood - and breaks down in home- and industrial composting within a matter of weeks. It also offers advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static properties, high gloss and transparency, resistance to grease and oil, good barrier to gases and aromas and a wide heat-seal range.

Available in a range of designs and sizes suitable for uses including fashion retail, fragrances and luxury foods and drinks, the Procos bags feature paper which is a 50/50 blend of recycled and FSC approved virgin material, laminated with Clarifoil biodegradable cellulose film to enhance print appearance and surface quality. The bags distinctive carrying handle ribbons, made by Procos, are also biodegradable.

Procos chose Clarifoil‘s full matt film to bestow a luxurious deep matt anti-reflective finish. Distinctive satin and high gloss finishes are also available.

Clarifoil is certified as biodegradable and compostable.

Used for print lamination, carton windows and special labels, Clarifoil is a woodpulp based film whose principal raw material is sourced exclusively from renewable, managed forestry.

Leander Kritikos of Procos said: „We see an exciting market for our new biodegradable offering among retailers whose customers want luxury appearance combined with clear environmental credentials which can be stated on the bag“.

www.procos.info www.clarifoil.com

“Developing a range of coloured films which so closely match the requirements of such a recognised brand and that meet the strict requirements of the composting legislation was a real challenge, which we are delighted to have been able to deliver,” said Andy Sweetman, Innovia Films’ Global Marketing Manager, Sustainable Technologies. Innovia has supplied Nestlé UK for many years with its coloured Cellophane™ products.

www.innoviafilms.com www.nestle.co.uk

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Politics

Situation in France Club Born From the Parliamentary Debate on Plastic Bags Article contributed by Florence Nys, Club Bio-plastiques, Paris, France

I

n France, the companies involved in bioplastics are united in a national organization named ‘Club Bio-plastiques’. It is the Association Française Pour Le développement des Bio-plastiques.

The Club Bio-plastics was born in 2004 in order to participate in the French parliament debate regarding a project proposed by members of parliament to forbid the use of non biodegradable plastic bags. Its objective was to mobilize the main producers of bioplastics, the producers of vegetable raw materials (cereals and potatoes) and starch producers, to form a coherent and intelligent voice for bioplastics and biomaterials.

The Club subsequently intervened actively in the debate on article 47 of the Law of Agricultural Orientation and its decrees of application, which created the basis of a political development of bio-plastics in France.

The Club was officially created, as an association, in 2007. Its objective was to represent companies, associations and bodies which want to ensure the promotion and defence of plastics and the biodegradable polymers made from vegetable raw materials (bioplastics and bio-polymers). In 2008 the Club was enlarged and welcomed Three new members from the plastic manufacturing industry and environmental management services. The membership of the club now encompasses the entire chain of the industry, from resin production all the way to the end of its life as a valuable source of compost.

The key focus of the Club is to act on the following political and statutory control levers:

1. Implementation of a statutory framework intended to encourage materials with a more desirable environmental impact.

The Club proposes the promotion of a credible compostable alternative to plastic bags, which are not recyclable. The deputies (legislators) who first proposed a statutory measure put down an amendment, which was then adopted by the Commission of Finances of the Assembly (Parliament).

2. Development of a composting network in France.

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3. Promotion and support of compostable and biodegradable labels in accordance with the established European standard EN 13 432, and the French standard NF U 52-001 for biodegradable mulch film, to facilitate the legibility of the commercial supply towards the consumer.

On these last two points, France is committed to immediate and middle term legislative measures by adopting the conclusions of the ‘Grenelle de l’environnement’ (national environmental recommendations). The first text of the Grenelle was to be adopted by the Parliament and the Senate in September 2008. It contained the following objectives in respect of waste management:  To reduce the production of household refuses by 5 kilos per capita per year during the next five years.  To increase the composting of organic material from 24% in 2004, to 35% in 2012 and 45% in 2015 from the households of France.  To limit the use of landfill and incineration and to strongly discourage waste products by establishing a dissuasive tax system.

Regarding the labeling of products the text of the Grenelle mentions that consumers must be in receipt of objective environmental information. A platform of discussion concerning the environmental labeling of consumer goods was introduced in May 2008 to anticipate the Environmental Labeling Rule, which should come into effect in 2011.

In light of those subjects, the Club Bio-plastiques participates in different workshops in collaboration with the main representative associations of the plastics industry, such as Elipso and Plastics Europe at the French level. At a European level, it is actively involved in the discussions initiated

by The European Bioplastics Association, in the capacity as an official member of its new commission named, ‘Convent European Bioplastics Organization Network’.

clubbioplastiques@free.fr www.bioplastiques.org

Our cover photo shows Nathalie Gorce-Joire (chef de marché biolice) of the French company Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients (LCI). Limagrain is a member of the Club Bio-plastiques and was one of the exihibitors at the 3rd European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin. Nathalie explained to bioplastics MAGAZINE: Our biolice products are NATURAL because made from flour and not starch, AUTHENTIC because of our roots in agriculture - LCI is 100% owned by 600 French farmers, FUNCTIONAL because our expertise in plant selection allows us to produce high performance plastic films.

Club Bio-plastiques members: AGBP/AGPM: Association of crop producers for wheat and maize.

BAGHERRA: Plastic manufacturer.

GROUPE BARBIER: Plastic manufacturer.

LIMAGRAIN Céréales Ingrédients: Producer of bioplastic resins.

NOVAMONT: Producer of bioplastic resins.

SPHERE: Producer of bioplastic resins.

USIPA: Association of starch producers.

UNPT: Association of potato producers.

VEOLIA Environnement: Environmental management services.

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Basics The major differences between an industrial composting centre and home composting are:  Temperature: increases in temperature occur naturally and depend on the quantity and frequency with which fresh material is supplied. In a home composter, high temperatures over an extended period of time cannot be guaranteed because supplies of fresh material are limited and the equipment is generally not insulated, unlike industrial composting centres which enjoy the benefits of large quantities of material and suitable insulation levels;  Completion Period: Because industrial composting is an |industrial| activity, production completion period is an important parameter, whereas private composters aim to meet their own needs on a seasonal basis.

OK Compost HOME: Another Approach to Composting

H

ome composting is becoming a very popular activity in certain parts of Europe.

These two factors have been adapted in the course of developing the specifications for OK Compost HOME:

Whether composting garden or kitchen waste, the ultimate goal could be to use the resulting compost to improve one’s land or simply to reduce the amount of waste that is removed by waste collection companies to be incinerated.

 The biodegradation and disintegration test temperatures have been lowered to 25°C ± 5. This temperature range is the result of different measures in situ.

The EN 13432 standard defines the requirements related to compostability in industrial composting centres. As a reminder, these requirements can be summed up as follows:  biodegradation  disintegration  the quality of the resulting compost (non-ecotoxicity and limited heavy metal content) However, no international standards defining requirements for home compostability have been established (as of yet). It is for this reason that in 2003, Vinçotte developed appropriate technical specifications and the OK Compost HOME conformity mark.

 Production period to obtain levels of 90% disintegration and biodegradation is twice as long in relation to requirements for the EN 13432 standard The other requirements (heavy metals and ecotoxicity) are identical to those in effect for industrial composting.

The OK Compost HOME concept is innovative, consistent and socially responsible. It also solves the problems associated with requirements for selective collection. In 5 years, approximately 20 companies have obtained certification for their products, mainly in the fields of bag manufacturing and the packaging of fresh products.

The most representative applicable example is that of prepackaged fruits and vegetables. In the kitchen, OK Compost HOME packaging can be used to collect peelings and afterwards both waste and packaging can be placed in the garden compost.

Everyone agrees that the ideal form of packaging (from a disposal point of view) is no packaging at all. OK Compost HOME certified packaging approaches this ideal, because it neither needs to be collected, nor treated, at the expense of the community. okcompost@vincotte.be

Article contributed by Philippe Dewolfs Manager, Product Certification Department, Vincotte, Vilvoorde, Belgium 38

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Basics

Home Composting ≠

iStockphoto

By Michael Thielen

Compost Heap

I

n numerous publications, presentations, company brochures etc. one can read, or hear statements, about ‘home composting’. However, when taking a closer look into different areas of the world, it becomes obvious that different people have different definitions of the term ‘home composting’. Thus when describing a bioplastic material or packaging item as ‘home compostable’ this aspect should be taken into consideration.

The ‘normal’ compost heap In many parts of the world, for example in my backyard, a simple, open compost heap is being used. Many people (like me - until now), who do not read books about the correct procedure for home composting, simply throw their yard- and kitchen waste onto this heap and once in a while they dig into it to get some humus to be spread on the garden. A little more sophisticated is a system of three heaps next to each other. Here the first compost heap is used to collect this year’s organic waste. The second section is last year’s collection that was turned upside down at the end of the season (this section is ‘resting or maturing’). And the third section (last year’s maturation section, which was again turned upside down at the end of the year) is used to spread on the garden. These home composting systems have one thing in common, i.e. there is no real control of humidity (except the rain) or temperature. In most cases the temperature is the ambient temperature. It may rise in the first few days after adding a large amount of grass clippings for example. If such compost heaps are well prepared, e.g. with loose soil underneath and a layer of straw, most probably a significant population of microorganisms as well as earth worms etc. will eventually appear and do their natural job.

Quick Composter

Quick Composter

Do-it-yourself and gardening stores offer so called ‘quick composters’. In most cases these are plastic bins in which the sunshine is supposed to help achieve higher temperatures inside.

However there are many experts who doubt the proper function of such quick composters, even if you can buy ‘accelerating additives’ such as organic nitrogen or ‘special worms’. Temperature and humidity control are even more complex in these systems. However, once again, if used properly, they might do a good job. But, as I learned, this is not so easy.

Electric home composters

iStockphoto

Now, the main reason for this article was some kind of confusion that arose during the 1st PLA World Congress, hosted by bioplastics MAGAZINE in Munich this September. In a presentation (as well as in an article in our last issue pp. 24-25 ) an electrical home composting system was mentioned as it is being used, for example, in many Japanese households.

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As far as we have been able to discover so far, there are three main companies in Japan manufacturing these so-called ‘Home

Basics

Home Composting Composting Devices’ - also referred to as ‘Home Garbage Processors (HGP)’. These companies are Hitachi, Sharp and Panasonic.

In these garbage treatment systems two fundamentally different methods are applied. One is simply a drying system using warm or hot dry air to reduce the garbage volume, and the other one is a biodegrading system with microbial activity, which means some kind of composting system. The system mentioned in the presentation and the article in bM 05/2008 refers to the second group, i.e. the composting system with microbial reaction. And again, taking a closer look at these devices, there are two different types here. One treats the garbage at ambient temperature and the other uses higher temperatures. We were informed that the higher temperature treatment is better than the ambient temperature treatment because harmful bacteria cannot generally occur in high temperature conditions. In addition, hydrolysis of a biopolymer like PLA is promoted at high temperature and in conditions of high humidity.

The sales price of such systems is between 40,000 – 80,000 Yen (about 300-600 Euros). In some Japanese municipalities such electric ‘Home Composting Devices’ are subsidized by the local authority.

Bokashi Electric Home Composter

Another interesting alternative, especially for smaller households or dwellings, is Bokashi. For this anaerobic fermentation process a specifically designed Bokashi bucket is used in combination with a special EM-additive (EM= effective microorganisms)

(Source: Sharp)

‘Bokashi’ is a Japanese word meaning ‘fermented organic matter’.

When applied properly, it is a system of odorless composting. Socalled ‘effective microbes’ or ‘EM’ are used to decompose organic kitchen waste. Similar to the wine-making process, this system relies on fermentation rather than putrefaction.

There are two steps to the Bokashi compost. First the organic waste is collected in a special bucket, the EM additive (Bokashimix, made using a combination of sawdust and bran that has been inoculated with the microorganisms) is sprinkled on daily. Due to the presence of the micro-organisms in the Bokashi mix and because the bucket is air tight the waste ferments. In this bucket the waste actually does not break down, it is just reduced in volume as the liquid content drains from the waste. However the bucket will eventually fill up. Then, in a second step the waste is buried in the garden under the soil. Here the organic waste will break down because the microbes have oxygen. For example in Sydney’s summer the breakdown of the waste takes about 3 to 4 weeks. The liquid extracted earlier is an additional bonus which when diluted is an excellent fertiliser.

As biodegradable plastic material does not contain moisture as most organic kitchen or garden waste, the Bokashi system seems not suitable to treat bioplastics waste.

References: www.treehugger.com www.bokashi.com.au www.cityfarmer.org Seitz P., Das Kompostbuch für Jedermann, Kosmos Hobbytip der WDR Hobbythek Nr. 202

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Basics Glossary Carbon neutral

Glossary In bioplastics MAGAZINE again and again the same expressions appear that some of our readers might (not yet) be familiar with.

This glossary shall help with these terms and shall help avoid repeated explanations such as ‘PLA (Polylactide)‘ in various articles.

Readers who know better explanations or who would like to suggest other explanations to be added to the list, please contact the editor. [*: bM ... refers to more comprehensive article previously published in bioplastics MAGAZINE)

Cellophane Clear film on the basis of à cellulose.

Cellulose Polymeric molecule with very high molecular weight (biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose), industrial production from wood or cotton, to manufacture paper, plastics and fibres.

Compost A soil conditioning material of decomposing organic matter which provides nutrients and enhances soil structure.

Compostable Plastics

Polymeric branched starch molecule with very high molecular weight (biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose).

Plastics that are biodegradable under ‘composting’ conditions: specified humidity, temperature, à microorganisms and timefame. Several national and international standards exist for clearer definitions, for example EN 14995 Plastics - Evaluation of compostability - Test scheme and specifications [bM 02/2006 p. 34f, bM 01/2007 p38].

Amyloseacetat

Composting

Linear polymeric glucose-chains are called à amylose.

If this compound is treated with ethan acid one product is amylacetat. The hydroxyl group is connected with the organic acid fragment.

A solid waste management technique that uses natural process to convert organic materials to CO2, water and humus through the action of à microorganisms [bM 03/2007, bM 06/2008].

Amylose

Copolymer

Amylopectin

Polymeric non-branched starch molecule with high molecular weight (biopolymer, monomer is à Glucose).

Biodegradable Plastics Biodegradable Plastics are plastics that are completely assimilated by the à microorganisms present a defined environment as food for their energy. The carbon of the plastic must completely be converted into CO2.during the microbial process. For an official definition, please refer to the standards e.g. ISO or in Europe: EN 14995 Plastics- Evaluation of compostability - Test scheme and specifications. [bM 02/2006 p. 34f, bM 01/2007 p38].

Blend Mixture of plastics, polymer alloy of at least two microscopically dispersed and molecularly distributed base polymers.

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Carbon neutral describes a process that has a negligible impact on total atmospheric CO2 levels. For example, carbon neutrality means that any CO2 released when a plant decomposes or is burnt is offset by an equal amount of CO2 absorbed by the plant through photosynthesis when it is growing.

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Plastic composed of different monomers.

Fermentation Biochemical reactions controlled by à microorganisms or enyzmes (e.g. the transformation of sugar into lactic acid).

Gelatine Translucent brittle solid substance, colorless or slightly yellow, nearly tasteless and odorless, extracted from the collagen inside animals‘ connective tissue.

Glucose Monosaccharide (or simple sugar). G. is the most important carbohydrate (sugar) in biology. G. is formed by photosynthesis or hydrolyse of many carbohydrates e. g. starch.

Basics Glossary Humus

Sorbitol

In agriculture, ‘humus’ is often used simply to mean mature à compost, or natural compost extracted from a forest or other spontaneous source for use to amend soil.

Sugar alcohol, obtained by reduction of glucose changing the aldehyde group to an additional hydroxyl group. S. is used as a plasticiser for bioplastics based on starch .

Hydrophilic Property: ‘water-friendly’, soluble in water or other polar solvents (e.g. used in conjunction with a plastic which is not waterresistant and weatherproof or that absorbs water such as Polyamide (PA).

Hydrophobic Property: ‘water-resistant’, not soluble in water (e.g. a plastic which is waterresistant and weatherproof, or that does not absorb any water such as Polethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP).

Microorganism Living organisms of microscopic size, such as bacteria, funghi or yeast.

PCL Polycaprolactone, a synthetic (fossil based), biodegradable bioplastic, e.g. used as a blend component.

PHA Polyhydroxyalkanoates are linear polyesters produced in nature by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids.

The most common type of PHA is à PHB.

PHB Polyhydroxyl buteric acid (better poly-3-hydroxybutyrate), is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a polymer belonging to the polyesters class. PHB is produced by micro-organisms apparently in response to conditions of physiological stress. The polymer is primarily a product of carbon assimilation (from glucose or starch) and is employed by micro-organisms as a form of energy storage molecule to be metabolized when other common energy sources are not available. PHB has properties similar to those of PP, however it is stiffer and more brittle.

PLA Polylactide, a bioplastic made of polymerised lactic acid.

Saccharins or carbohydrates Saccharins or carbohydrates are name for the sugar-family. Saccharins are monomer or polymer sugar units. For example, there are known mono-, di- and polysaccharose. à glucose is a monosaccarin. They are important for the diet and produced biology in plants.

Starch Natural polymer (carbohydrate) consisting of à amylose and à amylopectin, gained from maize, potatoes, wheat, tapioca etc. When glucose is connected to polymer-chains in definite way the result (product) is called starch. Each molecule is based on 300 -12000-glucose units. Depending on the connection, there are two types à amylose and à amylopectin known.

Starch (-derivate) Starch (-derivates) are based on the chemical structure of à starch. The chemical structure can be changed by introducing new functional groups without changing the à starch polymer. The product has different chemical qualities. Mostly the hydrophilic character is not the same.

Starch-ester One characteristic of every starch-chain is a free hydroxyl group. When every hydroxyl group is connect with ethan acid one product is starch-ester with different chemical properties.

Starch propionate and starch butyrate Starch propionate and starch butyrate can be synthesised by treating the à starch with propane or butanic acid. The product structure is still based on à starch. Every based à glucose fragment is connected with a propionate or butyrate ester group. The product is more hydrophobic than à starch.

Sustainable An attempt to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. One of the most often cited definitions of sustainability is the one created by the Brundtland Commission, led by the former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as development that ‘meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’ Sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment).

Thermoplastics Plastics which soften or melt when heated and solidify when cooled (solid at room temperature).

Yard Waste Grass clippings, leaves, trimmings, garden residue.

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

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Simply contact: Tel.: +49-2359-2996-0 or suppguide@bioplasticsmagazine.com

Suppliers Guide 1. Raw Materials

BASF SE Global Business Management Biodegradable Polymers Carl-Bosch-Str. 38 67056 Ludwigshafen, Germany Tel. +49-621 60 43 878 Fax +49-621 60 21 694 info@basf.com www.ecovio.com 1.1 bio based monomers

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 jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com www.packaging.dupont.com 1.2 compounds

1.4 starch-based bioplastics Sukano Products Ltd. Chaltenbodenstrasse 23 CH-8834 Schindellegi Phone +41 44 787 57 77 Fax +41 44 787 57 78 www.sukano.com 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

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

2. Additives / Secondary raw materials

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 jonathan.v.cohen@che.dupont.com www.packaging.dupont.com

Plantic Technologies GmbH Heinrich-Busold-Straße 50 D-61169 Friedberg Germany Tel: +49 6031 6842 650 Tel: +44 794 096 4681 (UK) Fax: +49 6031 6842 656 info@plantic.eu www.plantic.eu

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bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

Arkhe Will Co., Ltd. 19-1-5 Imaichi-cho, Fukui 918-8152 Fukui, Japan Tel. +81-776 38 46 11 Fax +81-776 38 46 17 contactus@ecogooz.com www.ecogooz.com

3.1 films

Huhtamaki Forchheim Herr Manfred Huberth Zweibrückenstraße 15-25 91301 Forchheim Tel. +49-9191 81305 Fax +49-9191 81244 Mobil +49-171 2439574

Telles, Metabolix – ADM joint venture 650 Suffolk Street, Suite 100 Lowell, MA 01854 USA Maag GmbH Tel. +1-97 85 13 18 00 Leckingser Straße 12 Fax +1-97 85 13 18 86 58640 Iserlohn www.mirelplastics.com Germany Tel.: + 49 2371 9779-30 Fax: + 49 2371 9779-97 shonke@maag.de www.maag.de Tianan Biologic No. 68 Dagang 6th Rd, Beilun, Ningbo, China, 315800 Tel. +86-57 48 68 62 50 2 Fax +86-57 48 68 77 98 0 enquiry@tianan-enmat.com www.tianan-enmat.com 1.6 masterbatches

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

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

alesco GmbH & Co. KG Schönthaler Str. 55-59 D-52379 Langerwehe Sales Germany: +49 2423 402 110 Sales Belgium: +32 9 2260 165 Sales Netherlands: +31 20 5037 710 info@alesco.net // www.alesco.net

3. Semi finished products

1.5 PHA

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

4. Bioplastics products

1.3 PLA

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

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

Forapack S.r.l Via Sodero, 43 66030 Poggiofi orito (Ch), Italy Tel. +39-08 71 93 03 25 Fax +39-08 71 93 03 26 info@forapack.it www.forapack.it

Minima Technology Co., Ltd. Esmy Huang, Marketing Manager No.33. Yichang E. Rd., Taipin City, Taichung County 411, Taiwan (R.O.C.) Tel. +886(4)2277 6888 Fax +883(4)2277 6989 Mobil +886(0)982-829988 esmy325@ms51.hinet.net Skype esmy325 www.minima-tech.com

natura Verpackungs GmbH Industriestr. 55 - 57 48432 Rheine Tel.: +49 5975 303-57 Fax: +49 5975 303-42 info@naturapackaging.com www.naturapackagign.com

Pland Paper® WEI MON INDUSTRY CO., LTD. 2F, No.57, Singjhong Rd., Neihu District, Taipei City 114, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel. + 886 - 2 - 27953131 Fax + 886 - 2 - 27919966 sales@weimon.com.tw www.plandpaper.com

Events Wiedmer AG - PLASTIC SOLUTIONS 8752 Näfels - Am Linthli 2 SWITZERLAND Phone: +41(0) 55 618 44 99 Fax: +41(0) 55 618 44 98 www.wiedmer-plastic.com 4.1 trays 5. Traders 5.1 wholesale 6. Machinery & Molds

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

MANN+HUMMEL ProTec GmbH Stubenwald-Allee 9 64625 Bensheim, Deutschland Tel. +49 6251 77061 0 Fax +49 6251 77061 510 info@mh-protec.com www.mh-protec.com 7. Plant engineering

Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH Holzhauser Str. 157 - 159 13509 Berlin Germany Tel. +49 (0)30 43567 5 Fax +49 (0)30 43567 699 sales.de@thyssenkrupp.com www.uhde-inventa-fischer.com 8. Ancillary equipment 9. Services

December 3-4, 2008 Bioplastics 2008 with Bioplastics Awards Sofitel Munich Munich, Germany www.bioplasticsconference.com/

December 3-4, 2008 Raw Material Shift & Biomaterials Maritim Hotel Köln Cologne, Germany http://rohstoffwende.info

January 21-22, 2009 The Permanent Oil Crisis - Challenges and Opportunities Amsterdam RAI Congress Centre Amsterdam, the Netherlands www.permanentoilcrisis.com

March 11-13, 2009 9th International Automobile Recycling Congress The Westin Grand Munich, Arabellapark Munich Germany www.icm.ch

September 2009 2nd PLA Bottle Conference Mark your calendar !

Munich Germany At the same time as drinktec 2009 Stay updated at: www.pla-bottle-conference.com

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

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

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10. Research institutes / Universities

Please contact us in advance by e-mail.

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

bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3

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Companies in this issue Company AGBP/AGPM Alesco Amcor Flexible Packaging Arkhe Will Bagherra BASF Beta Analytic Biomer bioplastics 24 Biopolymer Network BioSolar Biotec BP Consulting Braskem Clarifoil Club bio-plastiques co2balance Coopbox Danimer DuPont European Bioplastics European Plastics News FAS Converting FBAW Ferrero FKuR Fonti di Vinadio Forapack Formax Quimiplan Fraunhofer UMSICHT Gehr Plastics German Farmer Association Groupe Barbier Guayaki Haigh‘s Chocolates Hallink Hanchung Paper Hitachi Huhtamaki IDES Innovia

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Company KLM Kuan Chun Limagrain Céréales Ingrédients Maag Mann + Hummel Minima Technologies Mondi Moonen Packaging Natura Packaging Naturally Iowa NatureWorks Nestlé Nova Insitut Novamont Pace Industries Panasonic Pennsylvania State University PHB International Plantic plasticker Plastics Suppliers PolyOne Procos Reifenhäuser Saida Sharp Sidaplax Sphere Sukano Telecom Italia Telles Tianan Biologic Materials Toyota Tsusho Corporation Transmare Uhde Inventa-Fischer Universität Hamburg University College Dublin UNPT USIPA VEOLIA Environnement Vincotte Waterless Co. Wei Mon Industries Wiedmer

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Material Combinations

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Land Use for Bioplastics

Sep/Oct

05.10.2009

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Basics of Starch Based Biopolymers

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Consumer Electronics

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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.

Mater-Bi速: certified biodegradable and compostable.

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

Inventor of the year 2007

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