Natur-Tec and NatureWorks Launch New Technology Platform for Performance Compostable Serviceware

Natur-Tec, a business unit of Northern Technologies International Corporation and NatureWorks have introduced a jointly developed technology platform that lowers the cost of compostable serviceware while increasing its performance. The new technology platform – formulations based on low carbon footprint Ingeo^™ biopolymer – produces heat resistant serviceware with rigidity approaching that of injection molded polystyrene and higher toughness than either polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS) cutlery.
Compostable cutlery made using the new formulation was benchmarked against standard PS and PP cutlery sold in the market using practical tests designed to mimic the actual conditions of cutlery in use. These tests compared three parameters: rigidity, toughness (the amount of energy required to make the implements break), and heat resistance. Test results indicated:

• PS cutlery is typically stiff but too brittle, while PP cutlery is typically strong yet too flexible. In contrast, the new Natur-Tec formulation is both stiff and strong. 
• The new formulation has higher toughness (requiring more energy to break) than both PS and PP.  
• In heat resistance testing the force required to deform the new Ingeo-based formulation cutlery at 190° F (90°C) is more than PP but less than PS. At a maximum compression load of 200 grams, however, the new formulation exceeds the toughness requirements for most, if not all, serviceware applications.  
• When a PS spoon and a new formulation spoon were compressed in hot water, the PS spoon showed substantial deformation on handle and bowl while the Ingeo-based spoon held its shape perfectly.

 
For injection molders, the new technology platform also addresses a processing issue common to prior compostable cutlery products – warpage of the cutlery during cooling and crystallization, which can reduce overall yield and so increase the per-piece cost.

“Following field trials, injection molders relayed to us that scrap from finished part warpage and inconsistency in material flow, which could be up to 20 percent, is now minimal, and less than 5 percent, when our new technology platform is used,” said Vineet Dalal, Vice President and Director of Global Market Development for Natur-Tec.

Natur-Tec and NatureWorks collaborated on development for more than a year and will jointly market the technology as a two-part resin platform that combines in one package (named BF3002HT) a nucleated impact modified Ingeo-based masterbatch with one of NatureWorks latest Ingeo performance grades. The two-part Ingeo-based platform helps retain polymer properties and so provides better mechanical performance as compared to filled-PLA compounds. Natur-Tec will lead BF3002HT sales and marketing efforts. The new technology platform is fully approved for food contact and is now in final testing for compostability certification. 

Natur-Tec will also manufacture serviceware for companies interested in test marketing cutlery before beginning in-house injection molding. Natur-Tec personnel are available to work with customers on applications other than serviceware, as this new technology platform can be tailored to many different types of compostable injection molded products, including disposable coffee filter cups and agricultural trellis clips, and non-food contact applications. 
http://www.natureworksllc.com.