bioplastics | Update Algix sees big potential in algae


Algix is the latest in a series of algae technology companies aiming to exploit aquatic biomass as a polymer feedstock in a partnership with the University of Georgia and Kimberly-Clark in the US. The company says raw


material sourced from waste-water treatment facilities and aquaculture farms can be used as a source of low-cost nutrients for high productivity aquatic biomass cultiva- tion. Its technology, which comprises mobile algae harvesting platforms and down-stream dewatering, drying and jet milling opera- tions, is used to produce dry algae biomass in free-flowing granular form suitable for compounding with thermo- plastics.


The company selects algae with high levels of protein. “We denature the proteins, which unravel into a linear structure, not dissimilar to casein,” says Ryan Hunt, Chief Technology


extender.” Biodegradability of PLA-based compounds containing the Algix products is higher than 100% PLA, according to Algix. The company is already


A selection of Solaplast


compounds from algae technology firm Algix


offering toll-compounded Solaplast grades based on biodegradable polyester resins such as NatureWorks’ PLA and and BASF’s Ecoflex PBAT, and also on fossil- based plastics (including polypro-


pylene, polyethylene, EVA and polystyrene), all containing at least 40% algae. Properties


Officer of Algix. “We compound it with different polymers, together with compatibilising agents and other bio-based additives. The algae is not so much a filler, it’s more of an


are said to be suitable for a variety of end-use applica- tions, including cosmetic containers, packaging, horticultural/agricultural products, as well as film, sheet and non-wovens. Algix also claims to have


overcome one of the major challenges in processing algae - the smell. “We incorporate additives to scavenge and eliminate odour,” Hunt says. “The finished product is odour-free.” Solaplast compounds can be used directly or as a masterbatch. In natural form, the compounds are green, brown or black in colour, but with added pigments some custom colours can be created. Hunt says the technology is


creating interest among companies looking for biodegradable products and also companies that want to use durable materials with reduced carbon footprint. Algix, which has been using


toll compounders until now, plans to install its own production line based on a 73mm extruder in Meridian, Mississippi. ❙ www.algix.com


Sweet future ahead for EU bioplastics firms


Availability of feedstock, a strong technology base, consumer awareness of sustainability, and government regula- tion, could see the use of sugar for bioplastics production in the EU grow to 1.2 million tonnes by 2020, according to Dutch banking and financial services company Rabobank


Rabobank, which has a strong presence in the agricultural sector, estimates that sugar companies with ethanol production capacity may benefit from the growth of drop-in bioplastics in the short term. However, it says that in the long run it expects higher revenues to be obtained from investing in functional bioplastics. “Whether sugar companies decide to


30 INJECTION WORLD | March 2014


get more involved in bioplastics tends to depend on the type of bioplastic being produced,” says Rabobank.” The Dutch group says that replacing


fossil-based plastics seems to be the option preferred by the major chemical companies, whereas developing bioplas- tics that have new characteristics is where sugar producers see most opportunity. “In the EU, bio-ethylene production


costs are currently too high to justify building a new plant. However, fossil- based ethylene capacity in north-western Europe is underutilised, and several plants have closed as a result. Converting some of this capacity to bio-ethylene may be a way to differentiate from the competition


and prevent further closures,” it says. “Many argue that the bioplastics


revolution will take place in the region with the cheapest available feedstock … but there are plenty of good reasons to believe that bioplastics production could also take place in the EU using local feedstocks,” Rabobank says. Rabobank says EU authorities are influencing competition on the cost side. “Although ethanol can be up to twice as expensive to produce in the EU compared to Brazil, import duties on extra-EU ethanol make European ethanol the preferred choice from a price point of view,” it says. ❙ www.rabobank.com


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