BIOPLASTICS | MATERIALS


the lignin with heavy-sensitive mixing elements, operate at a low temperature of 160°C maximum, and use both a 6 D-long filling zone and side degassing,” said Lars Darnedde, process engineer- ing development and project manager at Krauss- Maffei Extrusion. Compared to pure PLA, the lignin reinforcement


adds around 30% flexural and tensile modulus – which could be useful in packaging applications where the material needs to be stiff enough to hold its shape under load. Lignin also adds antioxidant capacity, which can help prevent oxidation of food and maintain its quality. In addition, said KM, pure PLA has limited


biodegradability due to its dependence on specific enzymes and industrial conditions. However, PLA biocompounds that contain lignin exhibit en- hanced biodegradation properties – with biodegra- dation rate more than 90% in 99 days, according to the company.


Ingeo plans Attempts to increase production of bioplastics are also ongoing. NatureWorks says construction on its new Ingeo PLA manufacturing facility in Thailand


is on track – with production and start-up activities projected to begin in 2025. The plant will include three manufacturing facilities: lactic acid fermentation, lactide monomer production, and polymerisation. It will have an annual capacity of 75,000 tonnes and produce the full portfolio of Ingeo grades. “We have seen a rise in demand for Ingeo biopolymers in the Asia-Pacific region, and this new complex will allow us to sustainably and efficiently


Above: NatureWorks’s new Ingeo PLA facility in Thailand is projected to start production in 2025


IMAGE: NATUREWORKS


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