BIOPLASTICS | MATERIALS
same or superior grade of three types of recycled bioplastics – PLA, PHA and composites – in higher- value applications. European Bioplastics and its members – includ-
ing TotalEnergies Corbion, Aimplas, Novamont, Sulapac and Kaneka – are among the 20 project partners. “Current recycling technologies for recycling
biodegradable plastics are limited,” said Jan Pels, managing director of Torwash, which leads the Dutch hub. “With this project we are going to make them widely available – then nobody can claim that biodegradable plastics cannot be recycled.” ReBioCycle will separate the three types of bioplastics by adapting and upscaling existing sorting technologies. It will also propose a range of bioplastics recycling technologies at a relevant scale and demonstrate their effectiveness. This will result in a position paper on the status
of bioplastics recycling, to provide a contribution to various European action plans and strategies. ReBioCycle has received €7.5 million in funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research programme. Project coordinator Kevin O’ Connor, professor in the school of biomolecular and biomedical science at University College Dublin, added: “ReBioCycle will scale up and demonstrate bio-based biode- gradable plastics recycling technologies.”
Bio-based polyesters Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF) in Germany aims to improve the properties of bio-based polyesters in long-term technical applications. In a planned project, bio-based materials will be optimised using tailored additives to make them competitive with conventional plastics. Fraunhofer LBF researchers have previously carried out polymer additives research and improved the long-term properties of polymers made from both fossil and renewable raw materials. Existing data on long-term stability and the stabilisers used are compiled in a comprehensive literature review. Together with
project partners – which have yet to be assembled – material specifications will be drawn up that define the properties to be achieved. The proper- ties of commercial biopolymers and additives are identified and tested, then the biopolymers will be modified by developing new formulations on a pilot plant scale. “The aim is to enable material substitution with minimal changes to existing manufacturing processes,” said Fraunhofer LBF.
www.injectionworld.com
Teknor takeover Teknor Apex has acquired bioplastics manufac- turer Danimer Scientific – which filed for bank- ruptcy earlier this year – after bidding US$19 million for its assets. Danimer operates two production plants – which
make PLA and PHA – with more than 200,000 sq ft of laboratories, manufacturing facilities and testing space. Applications for its materials include films, single-use injection-moulded articles and packaging. After the takeover, it will continue to operate as
a separate entity under its own name. “Danimer’s patented fermentation-based biopolymer manufacturing process enhances our product portfolio,” said Don Wiseman, CEO at Teknor Apex. “Its expertise in biopolymers like PHAs and PLA – as well as its custom formulation know-how – makes it a valuable partner in our mission to develop alternatives to conventional polymers.”
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.european-bioplastics.org �
www.idtechex.com �
https://emiratesbiotech.com �
www.toray.com �
www.pttgcgroup.com/en/home �
www.braskem.com �
www.paquesbiomaterials.nl �
https://peference.eu �
www.aimplas.es �
www.totalenergies-corbion.com �
www.useon.com �
www.benvic.com �
www.forvia.com �
www.lignin.se �
www.tisan.com.tr �
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de �
www.teknorapex.com �
www.danimerscientific.com
July/August 2025 | INJECTION WORLD 21
Above:
Danimer has a commercial PHA produc- tion facility in Winchester, Kentucky
IMAGE: DANIMER SCIENTIFIC
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