MATERIALS | BIOPLASTICS


Under the agreement, both companies will


promote EPLA technology globally, share applica- tion developments and collaborate on new product innovation. Hao Ding, global marketing director of TotalEn-


ergies Corbion, added: “Useon’s technical leader- ship in foam extrusion, combined with Luminy PLA, offers a new product range that reduces carbon footprint without compromising functionality or quality.” The collaboration was showcased at Chinaplas 2025 EPLA foam, where visitors to Useon’s stand saw real-world demonstrations of EPLA moulded foam using direct bead foaming.


Above: Sulapac’s thermoforms at lower temperature, which can save up to 20% in energy


or toxic chemicals behind, says the company. “Our key design principle is to create materials


that are safe for people and the planet,” said Joona Kontinen, growth and innovations manager at Sulapac. “To ensure this, we conduct rigorous testing – with internal standards often ahead of regulation.” Unlike many bio-based materials that require strict temperature control during manufacturing, Prime Sulapac has “a more forgiving processing window” for greater manufacturing flexibility and fewer production challenges, it says. Its lower thermoforming temperature requirements can save up to 20% in energy savings due to shorter heating times. This can cut production time and increase operational efficiency. It has been used to replace traditional plastics such as PS, PP, and PET, for packaging inserts and other thermoformed products including point-of- sale displays, logistic trays, single-use food packag- ing, and blister cards.


Expanded PLA TotalEnergies Corbion and Useon have teamed up to develop and commercialise PLA foam technology.


Expanded PLA (EPLA) is an industrially com- postable material that is designed for packaging, thermal protection and other moulded applications. It combines Useon’s direct bead foaming technol- ogy with TotalEnergies Corbion’s Luminy PLA. EPLA foam products are lightweight, protective,


and durable — making them suitable for packaging, food service, and cold-chain applications. It breaks down into water, carbon dioxide and biomass when industrially composted. “With EPLA, businesses now have access to a


foam material that performs well and aligns with growing regulatory and consumer demand for circular alternatives” said Chen Zhiqiang, CEO of Useon.


14 FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | July/August 2025


Faster degradation NatureWorks has expanded its Ingeo line of biopolymers with its Extend platform –which enables faster biodegradation and achieve higher levels of productivity. The new materials in the Ingeo Extend platform


are designed to undergo composting eight times faster than existing grades. They can also be blended with other Ingeo PLA grades to enhance their comparative biodegradation and disintegra- tion rates, it says.


Ingeo Extend 4950D – the first grade in the


platform – is a new PLA that increases the produc- tion efficiency of BOPLA films and lowers their production costs. It also allows for a stretch ratio of up to 7x in the transverse direction (TD) and can be used as an adjunct with other Ingeo PLA grades for more economical production of films on produc- tion equipment normally used to make BOPP. Oriented film producers and brand owners can use it to reduce BOPLA production costs. In addition, biaxial films made from it break down at a faster rate relative to unmodified Ingeo PLA, depending on the amount in the blend. Sealing performance is also improved, especially in coextruded film structures – where it is added in the sealing layers up to 15%. New BOPLA films made with it have heat resistance up to 130-140°C, high clarity and good mechanical properties – in- cluding low shrinkage. “These films are ideal to replace small-format food packaging made from polymers such as polypropylene,” said Roger Tambay, chief growth officer for NatureWorks. NatureWorks has also helped Flo Group to develop a compostable single-serve coffee pod, made from its Ingeo PLA. The pod, called Keygea, combines sustainability and high performance, ensuring “flawless coffee extraction without compromise on quality”.


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IMAGE: PRIMEX


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