bioplastics MAGAZINE Issue 03/2018

In May 2018, Daniel Ganz, Global R&D product leader for Bioplastics masterbatches at Sukano says:

Arla Foods Germany (Düsseldorf) is the first company to opt for the innovative SIGNATURE PACK from SIG Combibloc (Neuhausen, Switzerland) – the world’s first aseptic carton pack that is 100% linked to plant-based renewable material. Signature pack cartons are made from 77% paper board from wood and 23% plant-based polymers through mass balancing. This means that for the polymers used in the packaging, an equivalent amount of biobased feedstock went into the manufacturing of (other) polymers ofthe supplier. To ensure the integrity of this process, the mass balancing is certified through recognised and audited certification schemes (ISCC PLUS and TÜV SÜD CMS71). Arla now offers its 1 litre 1.5% and 3.8% organic milk (Arla® BIO Weidemilch) in the Signature pack.

Governments and private enterprises alike are gearing up for travel across our Solar System. Plans to colonize nearby planets are underway, with Elon Musk spearheading the initiative to put a human colony on Mars by 2030. In a parallel vein, NASA is planning a manned exploratory mission to Mars as early as the 2030s. Several other space agencies have similar plans and timelines for their own Mars explorations. This exciting time in our history nonetheless comes with the challenges of long-term space travel. Two ecological and economic challenges arise: the sustainable management of waste produced on a spaceship and the high cost of shipping materials to space [1].

Bio-masterbatches from Albrecht Dinkelaker, Polymer- und Produktentwicklung (Zell im Wiesental, Germany) are made with the compostable, waterproof carrier material Caprowax P™. They are suitable for use as universal colourants of bioplastics, blends and biocomposites, such as

BioAmber Inc. announced on May 4th, that it filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

that enhance polymer processing and improve end product quality

Introduction and motivation: In the market of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer composites (GFRPC), Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) has high market relevance, as 20 % of all the glass fibers produced in Europe are handled in SMC processes [1]. Normally, SMC consists of a highly filled thermoset resins system, mostly based on unsaturated polyester resin, glass fi-bers, application specific additives and filler materials, see Figure 1. SMC is, based on its me-chanical properties, predestinated for the use in semi-structural parts or hang-on parts – e.g. for automotive applications. By a variation of the specific additives and the directly linked change of the composition of the semi-finished product, the scope of application can be diversified. The properties of the material itself can be changed from e.g. electrical applications for cabi-nets to parts with an equal thermal expansion coefficient as steel. Further advantages of the material are the advantageous price for the semi-finished product and the possibility for cost-efficient large-scale processing of the material in a parallel regulated compression molding pro-cess.

Sukano AG (Schindellegi, Switzerland) is proud to have embarked on the bioplastics journey over a decade ago (cf. p. 51). By leveraging their expertise, focus and dedication in conventional polyester plastics to bioplastics, their biobased masterbatches portfolio has grown significantly with a product range for any kind of PLA, as well as PBS and bio PET.

Clariant adds high-performing solutions based on non-food competing biomass to its broad portfolio of waxes for bio- and conventional plastics applications.

In a Plastics Market Watch report released 10 May, entitled Watching: Bioplastics – the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) reports bioplastics are in a growth cycle stage and will outpace the economy as a whole.

PepsiCo continues to invest in research to help drive the development of bioplastics for use in food packaging. Last year we announced our partnership with Danimer Scientific. The companies’ agreement builds on a long-standing relationship including the development of biobased compostable packaging for PepsiCo’s snack brands and will facilitate the expansion of Danimer Scientifics’ Nodax™ PHA plant. Danimer Scientifics’ PHA received the first ever OK Marine Biodegradable certification from Vinçotte International, validating that the biopolymer safely biodegrades in salt water environments, leaving no toxins behind.

The French project PolyOil2Industry aimed at the development of a new biobased polymer based on renewable polyol intermediates. This 4 year research project has recently been completed. It was an inspiring collaboration between several French industrial partners which finally resulted in new renewable building blocks.

Within the scope of the Camphor-based polymers international research project, the Fraunhofer Institute IGB will, in the coming year, research sustainable production processes for biobased monomers.

Castor oil is the raw material of choice for the production of biobased sebacic acid. A number of biobased plastics, for example several partly or fully biobased polyamides are manufactured using sebacic acid as a monomer or as a chemical building block. Another monomer based on castor oil is 11-aminoundecanoic acid.

The rainy weather in Shanghai seemed not to have affected the number of visits to Chinaplas 2018 which was moved to the National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hongqiao, Shanghai for the first time.

Sustainable production is high on the agenda at FrieslandCampina (Amersfoort. The Nether-lands) as sustainable leader in the dairy sector. For the long-keeping variety of their brand Chocomel, the company is now the first food producer in the world to opt for a new, innovative cardboard liter pack. One that is for more than 80 % made of raw materials that come from plants, with wood and sugar cane as parent materials. The new packaging has been available in stores in the Netherlands since end of May 2018.

Menstruation, the most natural bio-physiological phenomenon in a woman’s life cycle, is considered dirty and impure throughout India. This is reflected in the way the entire concept of Menstrual Hygiene gets handled. The shame, the secrecy, lack of access to clean pads or toilet facilities further adds to the challenges. The implications are deeper and more pervasive than any statistic can attempt to portray.

Towards the end of May, most of us were absolutely swamped with e-mails asking us to re-subscribe or to confirm some subscription or the other - but mostly newsletters. And we apologize for being part of this annoying hassle. The reason is the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that came into force on May 25. So we’d like to take the opportunity here again to ask all who haven’t done so already to (re-) register for our free bi-weekly e-mail-newsletter and info-mailings about our events or other related products or services. We will use nothing but your e-mail address. And only for the aforementioned purposes. No third party will ever have access to your data. Here is the link tinyurl.com/bio-newsletter

During processing plastics, there are different fundamental factors that influence the quality of a component. A key factor for the injection moulding process is the dimensional stability. This describes how much the dimensions of the processed part deviate from the specified dimension after processing. In particular, problems often quickly arise here due to different shrinkage and warpage properties, once a new material, such as a bioplastic, should be used for an existing injection moulded component. At the Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites – IfBB, University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hanover, various bioplastics were therefore investigated in more detail. The following marketable and commercially available materials were examined:

End of April 2018, DuPont Industrial Biosciences (DuPont) and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) announced the opening of the world’s first biobased furan dicarboxylic methyl ester (FDME) pilot production facility in Decatur, Illinois. The plant is the centerpiece of a long-standing collaboration that will help bring a greater variety of sustainably sourced biomaterials into the lives of consumers.

Total Corbion PLA, Gorinchem,The Netherlands, recently announces the launch of a novel technology that can create full stereocomplex PLA in a broad range of industrial applications. The proprietary technology will enable PLA applications able to withstand temperatures close to 200°C (HDT-A).

Innovation Award Bio-based Material of the Year 2018 for Arctic Biomaterials

Simulation vs. Experiment

Flo, a major European food packaging producer from Parma, Italy, recently introduced Gea, the first coffee capsule in the world that combines compostability, oxygen barrier, and an improved taste and aroma experience for the consumer. The capsule was created in partnership with NatureWorks and is the result of a two-year joint development process that created a compostable capsule aimed to deliver on the high-performance requirements of the most demanding roasters.

Stora Enso (Stockholm & Helsinki) is launching its wood-based biocomposites, DuraSense™. This is another major step on the group’s journey to replacing fossil-based materials with renewable solutions.

The Plastics Show, May 7-11, Orlando, Florida, USA, was again the largest plastics show in North America that attracted plastics producers converters, scientists and otherwise involved visitors from around the world. This show was the largest in history, with more than 2,180 exhibiting companies showcasing innovations in plastics in more than 111,000 m² of exhibit space on the tradeshow floor. PLASTICS, the US Plastics Industry Association estimated a total of about 65,000 attendees. And bioplastics were again well represented. Of course, a handful of the good 50 exhibitors that we announced in the last issue didn’t have anything about bioplastics in their portfolio, although listed in the official catalogue… . But those that did show bioplastics related products and services were well known protagonists as well as newcomers in this industry. In the following paragraphs we will introduce just a few highlights.

Phario: an opportunity for the polymer market

Most frequently clicked news

Multiplast Systems, Inc. (Solon, Ohio) recently introduced a range of masterbatches made with RenewCal™, a renewable biogenic, highly purified oolitic aragonite (calcium carbonate). This unique mineral has physical and environmental characteristics unlike all other mined alternatives.

NatureWorks’ board of directors has named Richard Altice as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Marc Verbruggen, who led the company from 2008 to his retirement in 2017.

New customized compostable materials for the manufacture of tableware, packages and single-use bags

Bio-on (Bologna, Italy), recently presented a brand-new line of cosmetic ingredients for sun protection made from its 100% natural and biodegradable PHB bioplastic. The new products are part of the minerv bio cosmetics family of bioplastic micro powders presented in spring 2017 and designed for cosmetics that respect the environment and human health. This latest innovation is a series of high-performing SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Boosters designed to improve sun protection products.

Symphony Environmental Technologies has signed a collaboration agreement and commitment to a strategic investment with French biotechnology start up, Eranova.

Bioplastics or biopolymers was a word never heard of on the Indian subcontinent, till a serial entrepreneur and environmentalist, Perses Bilimoria, founded Earthsoul India, in the year 2002. bioplastics MAGAZINE spoke to Perses, when he visited the editorial office in Mönchengladbach in April 2018.

After France and Spain implemented actions in 2017 to limit the production, distribution, sale, provision and utilization of packaging or bags made from oxo-degradable plastics – conventional plastics that falsely claim to biodegrade – the Netherlands now, too, has announced plans for a complete ban of oxo-degradable plastics.

The need for green ingredients in bioplastics is becoming an important topic. Efficient resource management that addresses renewable materials and waste recovery is a crucial future step towards a circular economy. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) produced by AGRANA can help to fulfill these requirements.

Green Dot Bioplastics (Emporia, Kansas, USA) developed a wood-plastic composite for Kencove’s PasturePro Posts for electric fences that is stronger, lasts longer and is easier to use compared to conventional solutions.