British-Israeli researchers to improve biodegradable plastic

Scientists from Bath and Tel Aviv Universities are collaborating on a project to improve the physical properties of plant-derived plastics.
Poly(lactic acid) or PLA is a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable plant sources such as maize, wheat or sugar. It is currently used in bottles, bags and films. PLA fibres can be woven into textiles, substituting for polyester.

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 23.11.2010. 19:13

Wacker develops biodegradable plastics

The Wacker Chemie AG has, in collaboration with customers, developed biodegradable plastic products made from powder binders and either starch or flour – as announced on the 8th of November 2010. In combination with renewable raw materials, Vinnex® polymeric binding agents make it possible to create polymer blends that – like commercially available thermoplastics – can be processed by injection molding, extrusion, vacuum forming or thermoforming. As a result, Wacker is now able to combine starch or flour with Vinnex® to create polymer blends that will biodegrade entirely under industrial composting conditions and that still can be processed in the same way as petroleum-based plastics. Suitable uses for these new polymer blends include materials for packaging, catering products, gardening and landscaping.

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 11.11.2010. 19:13

Solid success for bioplastics at K

Over 70 companies from the bioplastics sector showcased their latest products and solutions at the K-2010 from October 27 to November 3 in Düsseldorf, Germany.

"The number one plastics and rubber trade show proved to be the ideal platform for our industry to feature its tangible benefits of innovation and sustainability in this rapidly emerging branch of the plastics industry," said Hasso von Pogrell, managing director of European Bioplastics.

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 05.11.2010. 19:22

Agence France-Presse Hails Cereplast as “Greener Alternative to Plastic”

Agence France-Presse (AFP) praised Cereplast as a “greener alternative to plastic” in a recently published print article and video segment produced by the leading international news agency. Cereplast is a leading manufacturer of sustainable plastics that is manufactured under a proprietary bio-based process.

According to the article, Scheer is of the view that petroleum-based plastics will become outdated in the future giving way for other alternatives. When the price of sustainable plastics touches $95 dollars a barrel, the demand for it will increase significantly since it will be cheaper than the traditional plastic. Scheer states that algae can be used as a renewable resource as algae-based resins will enable company’s dealing with the supply of plastic to become environmentally sustainable and the industry’s dependence on oil will also be reduced.

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 28.12.2009. 03:56

Bioplastech Startup Making Plastic Biodegradable

A University College Dublin research team recently patented a process to produce biodegradable plastic from plastic bottles, and that patent has led to the formation of a company, Bioplastech Ltd., to develop, process and market the technology.

Dr. Kevin O’Connor, founder and CEO of Bioplastech, led the team and the biodegradable plastic they produce is called polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

The Ireland-based Bioplastech converts waste, agricultural byproducts and petrochemical products into PHA, a linear polyester produced by bacterial fermentation of sugar or lipids that can store carbon and energy.

• Continue reading • Comments (0) 23.12.2009. 20:51