Biopolymers
Biopolymers are materials that are generated from renewable natural sources, are often biodegradable and sometimes compostable. PLA; renewable resins; green resins; degradable resins; sustainability.
ESSENTIAL READING
VIEW ALLHow to Extrusion Blow Mold PHA/PLA Blends
You need to pay attention to the inherent characteristics of biopolymers PHA/PLA materials when setting process parameters to realize better and more consistent outcomes.
Read MoreHow to Optimize Injection Molding of PHA and PHA/PLA Blends
Here are processing guidelines aimed at both getting the PHA resin into the process without degrading it, and reducing residence time at melt temperatures.
Read MoreWhy (and What) You Need to Dry
Other than polyolefins, almost every other polymer exhibits some level of polarity and therefore can absorb a certain amount of moisture from the atmosphere. Here’s a look at some of these materials, and what needs to be done to dry them.
Read MoreMelt Flow Rate Testing–Part 1
Though often criticized, MFR is a very good gauge of the relative average molecular weight of the polymer. Since molecular weight (MW) is the driving force behind performance in polymers, it turns out to be a very useful number.
Read MoreTracing the History of Polymeric Materials: Polyesters
Beyond PET, PBT and their analogues, development of polyester chemistry led to unsaturated thermosetting resins, copolyester thermoplastic elastomers, liquid-crystal polymers and, most recently, biopolymers.
Read MoreBiopolymer Compounding on a Twin-Screw Extruder: Four Things You Need to Know
Global bioplastic production capacity is expected to increase to 4.8 billion lb by 2024, driven by OEMs and brand owners steadily converting applications to these “green” materials. If you’re looking to supply compounds to meet this demand, here are some key processing considerations you need to know.
Read MoreLatest Biopolymers News And Updates
TotalEnergies Corbion Publishes LCA for Recycled PLA Based on Advanced Recycling
This Life Cycle Assessment is based on recycled Luminy PLA using waste streams as feedstock for a biobased polyester.
Read MoreBiopolymer Producer NatureWorks Names New CEO
Eric Ripple becomes Natureworks CEO and president.
Read MoreGrocery Chain Will Transition to PEF for Store Brand Packaging
Polyethylene furanoate fruit juice bottles will be the first application.
Read MoreBioplastic Manufacturing Company PlantSwitch Completes Early Growth Funding Round
Nextpoint announced a $2 million investment, part of a $7.7 million raise for PlantSwitch, which uses agricultural waste to manufacture plastic.
Read MoreNatureWorks Reaches Distribution Agreements
The maker of Ingeo PLA bioresins has reached distribution agreements with Bamberger Polymers and Channel Prime Alliance.
Read MoreLandfill Degradable Shopping Bag Incorporates Plant Sourced Content
The Philadelphia Eagles switch to new Polyearthylene bag from Verde for retail sales.
Read MoreFeatured Posts
At NPE2024, Follow These Megatrends in Materials and Additives
Offerings range from recycled, biobased, biodegradable and monomaterial structures that enhance recyclability to additives that are more efficient, sustainable and safer to use.
Read MoreHow to Optimize Your Molds and Hot Runners for Processing Bioresins
Demand for bioresins is growing in molded goods, particularly as a sustainability play to replace fossil-fuel based materials, but these materials are not a drop-in replacement for traditional materials. Molds and hot runners need to be optimized for these materials.
Read MoreHow to Extrusion Blow Mold PHA/PLA Blends
You need to pay attention to the inherent characteristics of biopolymers PHA/PLA materials when setting process parameters to realize better and more consistent outcomes.
Read MoreHow to Optimize Injection Molding of PHA and PHA/PLA Blends
Here are processing guidelines aimed at both getting the PHA resin into the process without degrading it, and reducing residence time at melt temperatures.
Read MoreBlend Amorphous PHA with PLA to Improve injection Molded Part Properties
Adding aPHA to PLA can boost a range of mechanical properties and expedite composting. Here are the details as well as processing guidelines for injection molding the blends.
Read MoreWhy Are They Blending Biopolymers?
A sit-down with bioplastic producer Danimer Scientific showed me there are more possible answers to that question than I had previously thought.
Read MoreFAQ: Biopolymers
Global bioplastic production capacity is expected to increase to 4.8 billion lb by 2024, driven by OEMs and brand owners steadily converting applications to these “green” materials. If you’re looking to supply compounds to meet this demand, here are some key processing considerations you need to know:
1. Buy flexible extruders
2. Remember that biopolymers are typically hygroscopic
3. Consider that biopolymers are shear- and pressure-sensitive
4. Biopolymers degrade rapidly, making purging important