ADDITIVES | MINERAL FILLERS
The LCA data is being used in a new emissions calculator developed for Herit- age Plastics, which Riggs says will give their customers a way to communicate the sustainability associated with the use of calcium carbonate. INCOA’s new InCal surface-treated calcium carbonate mineral modifiers are produced from what the company says is an exceptionally pure limestone source. The company’s production process creates a narrow particle-size distribution with a low top-cut and minimal specific surface area. The modifiers are used to enhance
processing and improve mechanical performance in a wide range of polymers, including PVC and polyole- fins. The modifiers do not contain iron,
Above: Potato chips packaged in mono- material multi-layer barrier film Made From Stone with scannable QR code technology for consumer transparency in sustainability
which is a benefit particularly in PVC for preventing yellowing and ensuring stability. Recently INCOA has introduced an InCal version tailored for breathable films and another grade designed for biopolymers. INCOA says that its modifiers help reduce the carbon footprint of plastic products in several ways, including lowering energy consumption during processing and replacing a portion of petrochemical-based polymer with the mineral. The company plans to expand production capacity this year or next in response to growing demand.
Calcium carbonate Omya’s latest product is a version of its Omya Smartfill functionalised calcium carbonate with a surface modification designed for compatibility
with engineering polymers, including polyamides (PA) and polycarbonates (PC). When used in PA it increases ductility, and in glass-filled PA com- pounds, the functional filler increases the modulus and does not have a detrimental effect on impact, explains Karsten Schulz, Business Development Director for Polymers at Omya. Omya found that approximately 5% of glass
fibre could be replaced with 10-20% Omya Smartfill to reduce carbon footprint and cost without harming properties. In Europe, the product is produced in Italy using a 100% certified recycled mineral source, which is of interest to users who are seeking materials to increase recycled content. Omya Smartfill can also be used to replace a portion of the titanium dioxide used as a white pigment in PC, to reduce carbon footprint while maintaining colour and properties. At NPE 2024, ingredient technology company
Okeanos highlighted its Made From Stone (MFS) materials, which are compounds based on calcium carbonate with a proprietary coating. The company currently has eight compounds designed for different applications, with the goal of making the materials affordable and accessible for converters to immediately reduce carbon emissions of packaging and single-use products using 30-70% calcium carbonate in place of the polymer in the end products. Part of Okeanos’ technology includes supply-
chain tracking to provide a product carbon footprint, which can be accessed via a QR code that brands can use on their products to communi- cate carbon footprint savings to consumers. The company has partnerships with compounders on
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IMAGE: OKEANOS
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