MATERIALS | BIOPLASTICS
Organisation questions bioplastics study
European Bioplastics has taken issue with a recent scientific paper – which claims that “compostable plastics and recycled plastics are more toxic than conventional plastic”. A study by three research organisa- tions in Spain – which was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials – analysed the effect of compostable plastic bags, conventional plastic bags, and other recycled plastic bags on fish liver cells. In the experiment, the researchers used methanol to extract substances from the samples, which were later
analysed. They concluded that “incomplete photodegradation and composting increases the toxicity of plastics”. European Bioplastics said that using methanol as a solvent was “questionable”, because it was “completely arbitrary”. “What is lacking in the report is the
proof that methanol extraction does not modify the chemical structure of the analysed sample,” it said. “The use of methanol introduces a bias into the study. It is not comparable to a real-life chemical leakage in the
supply our markets,” said Steve Bray, VP of opera- tions at NatureWorks. Critical equipment, such as a melt crystalliser, is
already onsite, said the company. This will allow production of all Ingeo grades, including those for high heat applications. The site will produce PLA from sugarcane, which is locally abundant and sourced from farms within a 50km radius of the site.
Bio-PE in Thailand At the same time, Brazil’s Braskem and Thailand’s SCG Chemicals are to set up a new joint venture – Braskem Siam Company – to produce bio-ethylene by bio-ethanol dehydration to commercialise ‘I’m Green’ bio-based PE. ‘I’m Green’ PE is currently produced in Brazil
using renewable ethanol sourced from sugar cane. The company says the bio-ethylene plant in Thailand, which will be located in Rayong, will be the first of its kind outside Brazil and will almost double existing capacity. Roberto Bischoff, CEO of Braskem said: “We are always looking for opportunities to expand our bio-based PE offer.” Closer to home, Braskem has completed an investment of US$87 million in its bio-based ethylene plant at its Triunfo complex in Brazil – which will lift operating capacity by 30%, to 260,000 tonnes/year. The ethylene will be used to produce the company’s ‘I’m Green’ line of bio-based PE. “This reinforces our commitment to sustainable development and innovation,” said Walmir Soller, O/P VP for Europe and Asia.
18 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | January/February 2024
environment or migration in food.” In addition, it said the additives
identified are not classified as toxic.
European Bioplastics added that methanol itself is classified as a toxic liquid – while compostable plastics and recycled or virgin plastics are not classified as dangerous substances under EU Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. “Overall, the claims that recycled and compostable plastics are more toxic than virgin plastics are not supported by any scientific evidence,” it said.
PHA agreement Lummus and RWDC have signed an agreement that will expand manufacturing and licensing of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers. “This agreement highlights our strong commit- ment to addressing plastic waste and the carbon footprint associated with conventional plastics production,” said Leon de Bruyn, president and CEO of Lummus.
RWDC uses plant-based oils, including post- consumer or waste cooking oils, to produce its proprietary Solon PHA, which can be recycled or composted in home and industrial composting facilities. PHA products that find their way into the
environment will biodegrade in soil, fresh water, and marine settings, say the companies.
UK cellulose line Cellulose film producer Futamura has opened a film production line at its manufacturing plant in Wigton, UK. The new line is expected to raise the facility’s
production capacity by around 25%, helping to minimise lead times and raise availability of the company’s compostable NatureFlex films, said the company. “The new production line will enable us to
increase capacity for our compostable films and allow us to further develop our latest innovation project,” said Adrian Cave, managing director at Futamura Cellulose Films Europe. NatureFlex films are derived from wood pulp and meet global industrial composting standards, said the company.
www.filmandsheet.com
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