bioplastics MAGAZINE Issue July/August 04/2008

bioplastics MAGAZINE invites to the 1st PLA World Congress. This unique event will be hosted in Munich, Germany on the 9th and 10th of September, 2008.

European Bioplastics, the representation of the European bioplastics industry, announced the 3rd European Bioplastics Conference. Taking place November 5-6, 2008, in Berlin, it is the leading event for recent technical, economic and political developments of the bioplastics industry. A table top exhibition featuring materials, products and innovations takes place simultaneously.

Of course packaging is the biggest application for bio-based and biodegradable plastics today. But other industry sectors are also looking into the new materials. While biodegradability is a useful additional end-of-life option for packaging and agricultural/horticultural applications, for the automotive industry and consumer electronics renewable resources are the more important aspect.

The Japanese company Arkhe Will Co., Ltd. develops and markets products made from bioplastics. One part of Arkhe‘s product range consists of so-called novelty goods. These promotional items are, for example, mouse pads, bottle openers, magnifying glasses, diary covers and much more.

Now in its third century, DuPont has evolved into a leader in industrial biotechnology. The company is leading the way in industrial biotechnology with more patents in this field than any other company.

Textile production had to turn to science to satisfy global fiber demand. Crude oil was the magic ingredient of choice during the 20th century, and many profited from the vast array of synthetic fiber production. Over consumption of oil for fuels and chemicals led to the situation today, with demand outstripping supply.

The nonwovens industry is at the forefront in creating products that surround every aspect of the way we live, often touching our skin with products like cosmetic wipes, baby wipes, diapers and medical textiles, so it is a specific, often single use application that needs to take care of the materials being used, where hypoallergenic properties, softness and also moving liquids are key attributes considered in the selection of raw material used.

This is the title of first-of-its-kind technical conference on polylactide polymer innovation for real market solutions, sponsored by NatureWorks LLC. The conference is designed to offer attendees a combination of educational, networking and collaborative opportunities. It takes place on September 16 – 18, 2008 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Biocomposites obtained exclusively from renewable resources meet the requirements of sustainable processes and eco-innovation, and will expand future material research for engineering applications in industry.

As with any new invention, there will be challenges when the variety of textile processes is considered that have been developed and refined over the years to produce final finished fabrics. When polyester was first produced, it was impossible to have it in anything but raw white! New chemistry and systems had to be invented to bring it to life.

Mirel Bioplastics is Chosen by Labcon North America for New Laboratory Liquid Handling System, a Case Study

A CD-ROM consisting of 30% PLA and 70% of a petroleum-based polymer has been introduced by Arkhe Will Co.,Ltd. of Fukui, Japan. The use of 30% PLA reduces the use of fossil resources by 25%, as Mrs. Noriko Maeda, president of Arkhe explains.

From 24th to 30th April 2008, the bioplastics group exhibition ‘Bioplastics in Packaging’ attracted scores of visitors and got top marks from exhibitors and visitors. 96 percent of the participating companies were very satisfied and have already indicated their intention to exhibit at the next interpack in three years’ time.