BIO-BASED POLYMERS | MATERIALS
Bio-based polymers have blossomed into a variety of useful materials for injection
moulders.Peter Mapleston takes a look at the functionality of new products from materials developers
Bio-plastics stay on an upward curve
Plastics derived from bio-based, renewable resources are continuing to expand in terms of both production and their applications. Last year, according to the German Nova-Institute, global production volumes reached 7.5 million tonnes, around 2% of the production volume of petro- chemical polymers. The potential is much higher, says the institute, but is currently hampered by low oil prices and a lack of political support. Neverthe- less, start-ups and established manufacturers are putting a lot of effort into developing new biopoly- mers and improving existing ones, and there is a sense that in markets of all types around the world, there is increasing enthusiasm for these materials. Many consumer brand owners now want to offer their customers environmentally friendly solutions. But we are now also seeing bio-based materials selling simply because they make the most sense in terms of bang for your buck: they perform as well as, or better than, traditional materials, at the same, or occasionally lower, price. “The production of bio-based polymers has be- come much more professional and differentiated in recent years,” says the Nova-Institute. “By now,
www.injectionworld.com
there is a bio-based alternative for practically every application.”
Bio-based polyesters PTT MCC Biochem Company in Thailand, which is partly owned by Mitsubishi Chemical, says it is the only manufacturer of bio-based polybutylene succinate – which it calls, unsurprisingly, BioPBS. The company says a key differentiation is its good biodegradability. It sees applications in single-use products, stationery, toys, and other products. Bi- oPBS can also be used in compounding with other bioplastics to improve biodegradability, as well as flow, flexibility and impact strength, heat stability and cycle time. The supplier envisages the use of BioPBS for such applications as housewares, automotive, electronics and healthcare. It is already used in unreinforced form in coffee capsules and disposable tableware. PTT MCC Biochem has also been working with Arctic Biomaterials on development of long-
Main image: Global
bioplastics production is growing, says Nova-Institute
Below: Sample bottle openers made in various bio-compounds from Arctic Biomaterials
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