Bioplastics | materials feature
Breakthroughs in bioplastics continue, as the sustainably derived materials fi nd their way into new applications. Lou Reade reports
Fresh crop of plastics hit the market
Research into bioplastics is continuing to help the industry’s fastest-growing material to fi nd new applications. Basic research, and pan-European research project
are uncovering potential new uses for materials, as well as suggesting new ways to make them. Closer to the market, a number of leading players are showcasing their latest developments. One of the longest established producers, Novamont
of Italy, has extended its range of Mater-Bi biodegrad- able fi lms, developing a grade for agricultural mulch fi lm for the fi rst time. The material was showcased at the recent K2013 exhibition. The transparent fi lm will biodegrade in the soil.
Novamont has previously decided against marketing such a product, because it did not have any natural, biodegradable UV stabilisers – until now. The UV stabilisers are needed to ensure that the
product has a long enough lifespan in the fi eld. “We did not consider it sustainable to use the same
additives as non-biodegradable mulching fi lm because this would have left deposits in the soil after the fi lm had biodegraded, presenting a risk of accumulation,” said the company. After intensive research, Novamont has developed a
UV stabiliser derived from natural substances, which biodegrades completely in the soil. At the same time, Biotec launched its Bioplast 500 fi lm grade. The material has a bio-based carbon share
www.fi lmandsheet.com
of more than 50%. “The challenges to tackle were signifi cant,” said
Harald Schmidt, CEO of Biotec. “Processability and mechanical properties were key factors.” Bioplast 500 can also be used to make fi lm as thin as
18 microns, he added. The material, which took three years to develop, is designed for blown fi lm extrusion for applications including short life packaging, multi-use bags (such as carrier bags and loop-handle bags), single-use bags (such as biowaste bags or bin liners) and agricultural fi lm.
According to Biotec, fi lms made from its material
consist mainly of renewable raw materials, are biodegradable and can be composted at home – as well as being recyclable.
Plastic from sugar FKuR of Germany has launched two new grades of material for packaging and household fi lm. For packaging, it offers its range of tailor-made
compounds under the brand name Terralene, which is based on Braskem’s Green PE (sugarcane-derived polyethylene).
Barrier packaging made from Terralene can be
manufactured on existing production equipment and is fully recyclable in existing PE recycling streams, says the company.
At the same time, it has developed two new com- January/February 2014 | FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION 23
Corbion and Innovia have
teamed up to develop a
transparent, high heat PLA
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