Biopolymers
MGP Bioplastics Launches High-Heat Biodegradable Resin
The Bioplastics Div.of MGP Ingredients, Inc., Atchinson, Kan., has expanded its portfolio of Terratek renewable-content plastics with a new line of biodegradable compounds.
Read MoreNovel Materials Stretch Process Capabilities
The potential for new or unusual materials to broaden the application potential of standard plastics processes was explored in a number of papers at April’s SPE ANTEC conference in Orlando, Fla.
Read MoreTwo Partnerships to Produce Biobased Butadiene
Last month saw the formation of two partnerships to produce biobased butadiene.
Read MoreMetabolix Finds New Production Partner for Mirel PHA Biopolymer
Metabolix, Inc., Cambridge, Mass., and has signed a letter of intent to make its Mirel biopolymer resin at Antibioticos, S.A.in Leon, Spain.
Read MoreAlgae/PP Hybrid Can Be Thermoformed
Algae and plastics do mix—that’s the message to be delivered at the upcoming Pack Expo, Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
Read MoreAnother Big Backer for Biobased PEF Bottles
WEB EXCLUSIVE: Avantium in the Netherlands has signed its second major partnership for using its new catalytic process to convert plant sugars into furanic precursors for a new polyester bottle resin.
Read MoreMATERIALS AT NPE: All Market Sectors Benefit from Large Crop of New Materials
Higher-performance and easier processing PE film resins for packaging, a one-pass crosslinked PE for photovoltaic (PV) wire and cable, several higher-performing nylons and TPEs, “greener” plastics, and enhanced styrenic and PC resins are among the new materials that made their debut at the big show in Orlando, Fla., last month.
Read MoreWood-Plastics Composites Done Right
Mixing and extruding wood fiber in a plastic matrix is technically demanding. It requires careful attention to formulation, drying, and extrusion temperatures
Read MoreBiopolymers: Time to Take A Deep Breath
Are we looking at all of the implications associated with developing this new 'crop' of polymers?
Read MoreFermentable Sugars from Biomass Are Closer to Commercial Reality
The brave new world of bioplastics relies in large part on fermentable sugars from plants (see Close Up on Biopolymers in this issue). Industry wants to get away from obtaining those sugars from food crops such as corn and to use instead waste plant matter and other inedible cellulosic materials, referred to collectively as “biomass.” Although there is currently no industrial-scale production of fermentable sugars from biomass, a number of firms are working toward that goal.
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