NEWS
Compostable bioplastic made from milk proteins
Australian and Colombian researchers have found a way to convert milk into a bioplastic. They have made a thin
film from calcium caseinate – a derivative of casein, a milk protein – plus modified starch and bentonite nanoclay. Adding glycerol and polyvinyl alcohol improved the film’s strength and plasticity. Biodegrada- bility testing showed full disintegration within 13 weeks in normal soil conditions. A microbial analysis confirmed that the quantity of bacterial colonies remained within permissible levels for non-antimicrobial biodegradable films. “We recommend further antibacterial evaluations in further testing and develop-
Converters urge EU to take action
EuPC, the trade body that represents European plastics converters, says the sector is at “breaking point”. The organisation has
written to EU president Ursula von der Leyen with six recommendations that it says are needed to “save the industry”. It says that Europe will
Tang and Gomez have converted milk proteins into a bioplastic
ment,” said Youhong Tang, a researcher at Flinders University in Australia. The research was carried out with colleagues at the Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano in Colombia. “We were experimenting with caseinates to make milk-based nanofibres and found we could cast
polymers similar to common packaging materials,” said researcher Nikolay Estiven Gomez Mesa. “The formula- tion was designed to use inexpensive ingredients that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly.” The research was published in the journal Polymers.
Novolex shuts California plant
US-based Novolex is to close a Pactiv Evergreen thermoforming plant in California, affecting more than 125 employees. A Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification (WARN) note, posted by the state, said the move would affect 127 employees when the plant in Bakersfield closes in October.
Novolex – owned by
private equity firm Apollo Funds – acquired Pactiv Evergreen in April for US$6.7 billion. �
https://novolex.com
lose around 1 million tonnes of plastics recy- cling capacity by the end of the year, as well as a drop in plastics produc- tion and a dip in global market share. The recommendations
are: • restoring fair competi- tion by promoting EU-made circular plastics;
• cutting energy costs; • ending loopholes in verification and enforce- ment;
• tackling fragmentation; • promoting innovation and private investment; and,
• enhancing EPR for a fair circular market. �
www.eupc.org
Recycling business aims for full commercialisation
Nexam Chemical says it has reached a “full commercial breakthrough” of its Reactive Recycling business. It recently signed up two customers
that intend to scale up their use of recycled plastics. Both are fully operational, with deliveries reaching a steady run-rate, says Nexam. In Reactive Recycling, Nexam
4
mechanically recycles HDPE, PP or PET – using additives to maintain physical properties such as melt strength and toughness. The process can be applied to areas such as flexible packaging and film, rigid packaging and industrial parts, it said. “This shows that Reactive Recycling
FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | September 2025
is a proven solution for customers who need stronger, more reliable recycled plastics at scale,” said Ronnie Törnqvist, CEO of Nexam. Nexam says the two contracts are
worth around SEK15 million (US$2m) – around 10% of the company’s total sales – with potential for further growth. �
www.nexamchemical.com
www.filmandsheet.com
IMAGE: FLINDERS UNIVERSITY
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50
