Spotlight

Sparxell cellulose-based biodegradable pigments

Sparxell produce non-toxic and biodegradable pigments from cellulose. Their technology exploits the highly reflective nature of plant-based cellulose. The colour comes from reflected light, so called structural colour, does not fade and can be used in the same contexts as conventional pigments, glitters, and sequins. The company does not use mica, titania or dye, ensuring their pigments have the least impact possible on the environment. Image Sparxell.

Spotlight

Recycled and bio-based Surlyn ionomer plastic for cosmetics packaging

Two new Surlyn ionomer resins developed by Dow offer carbon savings compared to virgin material. Surlyn REN ionomers are produced using bio-waste such as cooking oil. This process utilises waste residues or by-products from alternative product processes from other industries meaning the raw feedstock materials will not consume extra land resources or compete with the food chain. Surlyn CIR ionomers are created through chemical recycling technologies, breaking down mixed waste plastics into their basic chemical elements, giving plastic waste a second life. This produces a raw material that is equivalent to those made from virgin fossil feedstock. Image Dow.

Spotlight

Syklo biocomposite made with recycled waste

Syklo produce an innovative biocomposite consisting of post consumer recycled (PCR) polypropylene (rPP) combined with recycled paper. The paper is shredded and micro fibrillated (MFC) to create a highly functional additive that provides significant mechanical benefits. It can be injection moulded and provides a bio-based recycled alternative to conventional PP materials in packaging and product applications. Image Syklo.

Spotlight

Kaneka biodegradable PHA polyester

Kaneka produce bio-based and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as Green Planet. It is suitable for a range of applications include foam packaging, disposable cutlery, single use packaging and reusable food packaging (such as these in-flight meal container served on JAL’s international flights). The colour of the container comes from natural minerals, which means that both materials and colour additive are fossil-free. Image Kaneka.

Spotlight

MuCell lightweight energy absorbing foams

Trexel MuCell microcellular foaming technology is used in combination with injection moulding to produce lightweight and durable shoe midsoles. It involves the injection of a supercritical fluid (SCF), typically nitrogen or carbon dioxide, into the molten plastic during the moulding process. This creates a microcellular foam structure within the plastic part, resulting in various benefits such as weight reduction, polymer reduction, reduced warpage and faster cycle times. The sole is moulded directly onto the fabric, finishing the shoe in a single step.

Spotlight

Sun Circle home compostable packaging plastics

Sun Circle produce polybutylene succinate (PBS) for packaging, kitchen items and agricultural products. These are biodegradable co-polyesters with properties similar to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Typically produced from fossil fuel, it is also possible to make these plastics from bio-based materials, such as through the bacterial fermentation of sugarcane, cassava, and corn. Grades exist that are derived from biomass and are suitable for home composting, without any specialised composting facilities. Image Sun Circle.

Spotlight

MarinaTex home compostable packaging film

MarinaTex is a versatile material that is being developed as an alternative to plastic for a variety of applications. It is not yet in commercial production. Made from a combination of agar from red algae and fish processing waste, among other ingredients, it does not contain any harmful chemistry that could damage the environment. From bags to single-use packaging, the transparent film is well suited for packaging and will biodegrade in soil. Image MarinaTex.

Spotlight

Oceanium seaweed materials

Oceanium develops functional seaweed ingredients for applications in health and wellbeing, skincare, packaging materials, food and beverages. As an example, they developed Ocean Ink, which is a fully biodegradable water-based ink derived from sustainably sourced seaweed. It has a naturally golden colour, which lends itself to high end and luxury packaging, offering an alternative to foil embossing (hot foiling, foil blocking). Image Oceanium.

Spotlight

Searo seaweed packaging materials

Searo Labs has developed a unique formulation of seaweed-based materials that are food contact safe, home compostable, moisture and texture controllable, optically clear, and heat sealable. Potential applications range from film packaging for fresh food to dissolvable shampoo and detergent pods, and feminine care products. Image Searo Labs.

Spotlight

VTT pilot plant to process captured CO2 into raw materials for plastics

VTT, LUT University, and companies (including Borealis) have opened a pilot plant in Finland to process captured CO2 into compounds that can replace fossil raw materials in the production of polypropylene (bio-PP) and polyethylene (bio-PE). At this stage, they are produced at VTT Bioruukki from flue gas carbon dioxide. In the future, the technology can be brought into production wherever bio-based carbon dioxide is produced, such as in forest industry or waste incineration plants.

Spotlight

Morssinkhof – Rymoplast MOPET post consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) packaging for food contact

Morssinkhof – Rymoplast recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging and convert it into MOPET rPET suitable for converting back into food contact packaging. MOPET-A, MOPET-Clear and MOPET-Green can be used at 100% for the production of clear, transparent food contact packaging: preforms, bottles and sheet. MOPET rPET is suitable for converting into other polyester products like fibre and injection mouldings. Image Morssinkhof – Rymoplast.

Spotlight

Ravapura post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic compounds

Ravago Ravapura compounds include 50-70% recycled content low density polyethylene (rLDPE), 50-75% recycled content high density polyethylene (rHDPE), 33-50% recycled content polypropylene (rPP), 50-70% recycled content high impact polystyrene (rHIPS), 50-70% recycled content acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (rABS). They are suitable for packaging (non-food contact), electrical, products, furniture and appliances.

Spotlight

Made of Air carbon-negative additive for plastics

Made of Air convert biomass waste streams (such as forestry offcuts and secondary agricultural materials), which have photosynthesised CO2, into a form of biochar through controlled pyrolysis. Burning materials without oxygen means the carbon cannot form CO2 and instead forms biochar. Using their technology the biochar is converted into a functional carbon-rich filler for plastic biocomposites. Biochar has been produced for centuries and is increasingly being used as a fertiliser as well as a way of sequestering carbon in the soil, because the carbon is locked in and it remains stable for hundreds of years. Image Made of Air.

Spotlight

MuCell polymer reduction technology

Trexel MuCell microcellular foam injection technology is an innovative manufacturing process used to produce lightweight and cost-effective plastic parts. It involves the injection of a supercritical fluid (SCF), typically nitrogen or carbon dioxide, into the molten plastic during the moulding process. This creates a microcellular foam structure within the plastic part, resulting in various benefits such as weight reduction, polymer reduction, reduced warpage and faster cycle times. Image Trexel.

Spotlight

UBQ thermoplastic additive made from household waste

The feedstock for UBQ is household waste, which is largely comprised of organic materials – everything from food residues and mixed plastics to cardboard, paper, and even dirty diapers, that would have otherwise been sent to landfill or incineration. Metals and minerals, which have high recyclability, are removed and sent over to traditional recycling streams. UBQ’s waste conversion technology breaks down the organic matter into its basic particulate constructs—lignin, cellulose, fibres, and sugars—and then reassembles them into a matrix. Residual plastics present in the waste stream melt and get mixed into the matrix to create a homogeneous and consistent composite thermoplastic material. Image UBQ.

Spotlight

Bio-based and renewable plastic blends

Bio-Fed M•Vera bio-based plastics by Akro Plastics are suitable for injection moulding and are used for coffee capsules, cutlery, cosmetic packaging, toys, plant clips and so on. Renewable grades are based on starch, cellulose, polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Fossil-based types include polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The amount of renewable content is tailored to the application. Image Bio-Fed (a branch of Akro Plastics).

 

Spotlight

Renol lignin additive for plastics

Renol from Lignin Industries is a bio-based additive for thermoplastics such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The lignin used to make the additive is a by-product of the paper pulping industry and is typically burnt for energy generation. As an additive it can bring the carbon footprint down by replacing a proportion of the plastic in moulding and extrusion applications.

Spotlight

Ecor bio-based and recycled panels

Ecor convert agricultural and post-consumer waste (paper and card) into building materials, providing an alternative to engineered wood panels. Raw materials are processed into usable feedstock via a mechanical pulping process to achieve the desired properties for the pulp. The pulp is then dispersed in water and through controlled processing the lignin acts as a natural glue, like hardboard, binding the fibres together. Image Ecor.

Spotlight

Green Cast recycled acrylic sheet

Green Cast by Madreperla is 100% recycled and recyclable cast polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), acrylic, sheet. The company’s environmental product declaration (EPD) gives a carbon footprint of 2.13 kgCO2/kg for this material. It is produced with 100% R-MMA, recycled methylmethacrylate monomer produced by Madreperla in Italy. It is available in transparent, as well as a wide range of colours and finishes. Image Madreperla.

Spotlight

Oryzite rice husk bio-filler for thermoplastics

Oryzite is a bio-filler produced from rice husk, a byproduct of food production. It is used to reduce the weight, cost and carbon footprint of plastics. Mixed with thermoplastics, such as polypropylene (PP), at up to 85%, it can have many benefits. Applications already include packaging, automotive parts, outdoor equipment, fashion accessories and product enclosures. However, it means the material is unlikely to be recycled end of life. Image Oryzite.

Spotlight

Mirel polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), biodegradable polyester

Mirel is a polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), bio-based and biodegradable polyester, produced by by Telles (dissolved 2012). A semi-crystalline PHA approved for food contact – from frozen foods to boiling water – it is suitable for injection moulding, film extrusion and thermoforming. In addition to packaging materials and food service items, it could be used to replace polystyrene (PS) in electronics packaging applications. Image Telles.

Spotlight

Brewed Protein textiles and materials from Spiber

Brewed Protein by Spiber includes fibres, films, and other types of protein-based materials that are manufactured through fermentation (brewing) of plant-based ingredients. Sugars obtained from agricultural products such as sugarcane and corn provide the main feedstock. The finished materials are bio-based, non-toxic and biodegradable in soil and marine environments. Applications include textiles, fashion, garments, faux fur, films and packaging. Image Spiber.

Spotlight

Galy lab-grown cotton

Even though still in the lab, Galy promise their lab-grown Literally Cotton will be less susceptible to weather and environmental influences, in stable quantities and at stable prices. Instead of harvesting plants, the cells are grown in bioreactor in a process similar to beer brewing. Galy claim their cotton grows ten times faster than conventional cotton, in a process that uses 77% less water, 80% less land and emits 84% less CO2 than traditional cotton manufacturing. Image Galy.

Spotlight

Zume moulded paper packaging

Zume and Solenis teamed up to create a line of PFAS-free packaging that is compostable, made from repurposed natural materials like agricultural waste, and includes a range of hot cup lids, bowls, plates, egg cartons, coffee cup lids, protein trays and yogurt cups. Oil repellency is achieved with a mix of PFAS-free chemistry, including Solenis TopScreen water repellent bio-based wax barrier coatings which is both plastic-free and paraffin-free. Image Zume.

Spotlight

Xampla Morro plant based polymers

Xampla Morro plant based polymers are natural proteins converted into compostable packaging materials, such as coatings and films. The proteins are derived from agricultural waste, from what is leftover once starch has been extracted from peas. They have developed water-soluble films, which can be used for in edible packaging like stock cubes. They also offer dispersion coatings for paper, totally plastic free and home compostable, that can be tailored to offer grease resistance, water resistance, or both. Image Xampla.

Spotlight

UPM Formi EcoAce bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP)

UPM Formi EcoAce is a bio-based polypropylene (bio-PP) produced from bio-based naphtha, which is made from crude tall oil, a byproduct of the paper pulp process. The bio-composite version contains certified wood fibre (40-60%) or cellulose fibres (30-50%). Based almost entirely on renewable materials, it provides a drop-in replacement for fossil-based PP. It is recyclable and suitable for food contact applications.

Spotlight

Terralene by FKuR

Terralene by FKuR includes a range of partially bio-based polyolefins — polyethylene (bio-PE) and polypropylene (bio-PP) — for extrusion blow moulding, extruded profiles and injection moulding. It is suitable for the production of packaging containers that require odour neutrality, good water barrier properties and chemical resistance. Image FKuR.

Spotlight

Technipol Bio by Sipol

Technipol Bio by Sipol is a range of biodegradable co-polyesters with up to 90% renewable ingredients, based on polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), for example. Properties range from low melt-temperature resins suitable as hot melt adhesive (shoe making) to relatively high hardness and high melting temperature bioplastic with performances close to polypropylene (PP). Image Sipol.

Spotlight

Sylvicta paper

Sylvicta is a translucent paper for packaging applications made by Arjowiggins using micro fibrillated cellulose (MFC). Providing a barrier to oxygen, mineral oils and fatty grease, the pioneering paper is fully recyclable, compostable and marine degradable. It provides a plastic free alternative to packaging films such as made from polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester.

Spotlight

Sway seaweed packaging

Sway seaweed packaging. Cast as transparent films, they offer a renewable and compostable alternative to packaging plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyester. Their products include TPSea melt-processable pellets for film extrusion, TPSea Flex which mixes seaweed with bioplastic for bags and wrappers, and prefabricated bags using TPSea Flex. Image Sway.

Spotlight

Sulapac bioplastic packaging

Sulapac includes an innovative range of bio-based plastics and composites suitable for injection moulding, thermoforming and 3D printing. Various biodegradable polyesters are blended to ensure optimum properties depending on the requirements. Including wood or other water absorbing additives draws moisture into the plastic and so initiates biodegradation from within, accelerating the composting process. This opens up a wider range of applications, especially within packaging. Ranging from 70-100% renewable ingredients, the materials are industrially compostable and recyclable. Image Sulapac.

Spotlight

Piñayarn by Ananas Anam

Piñayarn by Ananas Anam is a textile fibre made from waste pineapple leaves. Production is closed-loop and the dry spinning process used requires no water or harmful chemicals. The fibre is blended with other natural fibres to create breathable and biodegradable textiles for fashion, interiors and packaging. Image Ananas Anam.

Spotlight

Phact biodegradable polyester by CJ Biomaterials

Phact is an amorphous polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polyester produced by CJ Biomaterials, that is suitable for food contact applications including rigid and flexible packaging, food serviceware and other products. Amorphous PHA is relatively soft and rubbery, offering fundamentally different performance characteristics than crystalline or semi-crystalline forms of the biopolymer. It is a bio-based material that is certified for industrial and home compost, soil biodegradable and marine biodegradable. When combined with other bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA), it enhances the biodegradability and compostability of products. Image CJ Biomaterials.

Spotlight

Paptic wood based packaging material

Paptic wood based packaging material is made with a mix of up to 85% wood fibre and bio-based biodegradable fibre. The paper-like material is made with longer fibres than conventional paper to produce a unique set of physical and visual properties. It can be folded, printed and sealed on regular plastic conversion lines, but is disposed along with paper waste at the end of its useful life. Image Paptic.

Spotlight

Masonite hardboard

Masonite hardboard does not require additional adhesive – the lignin already present in the wood acts as a binder. The wet wood fibre mix is laid onto a mesh (similar to paper making) and some of the water pressed out before final high-pressure forming into a panel with heat.

Spotlight

Lactips milk protein film

Lactips is a promising technology development based on 100% bio-sourced casein-based plastic-like material that is biodegradable in water and home compostable. Derived from milk protein, it is not classed as a plastic, and is being developed as a plastic-free packaging film and coating solution for paper or cardboard packaging with a view to strengthening the protection and conservation of food products without impacting their recycling or compostability. Image BASF.

Spotlight

Gmund Bio Cycle

Gmund Bio Cycle paper is made with a mix of wood fibre and up to 50% recycled plant fibre, such as wheat straw, grass, cotton and hemp. It is compostable and recyclable end of life. Distributed by G.F Smith. Image Gmund.

Spotlight

Extract paper by G.F Smith

Extract paper by G.F Smith is produced with paper from recycled coffee cups in partnership with CupCycling. 95% of the coffee cup is paper and so can be recycled. The remaining 5% is a plastic liner, typically polyethylene (PE), which is incinerated for energy recovery in the process. Image G.F Smith.

Spotlight

EcoFlexy by Cellugy

EcoFlexy by Cellugy is a cellulose product made through bacterial fermentation of sugar from vegetable waste from agriculture. It has potential as a coating on paper and textiles to enhance properties for packaging applications, for example, such as providing a fossil-free, compostable and recyclable waterproof barrier. Image Cellugy.

Spotlight

Ecoflex by BASF

Ecoflex by BASF is a certified compostable fossil-based polybutylene adipate co-terephthalate (PBAT), a type of co-polyester. Suitable for processing on the same machines as polyethylene (PE) film, it is approved for food contact and can be printed and welded like PE. As well as being used alone in blown film applications, it provides a crucial blend component for the production of plastics from renewable raw materials like polylactic acid (PLA). Image BASF.

Spotlight

Earthfilm by Sirane

Earthfilm by Sirane is a paper based packaging film that can be formed into pouches (Earthpouch). Paper is combined with bioplastic to create a recyclable and compostable alternative to regular plastic film packaging. The bioplastic coating provides a barrier to grease, oxygen and moisture, without compromising recyclability. It is also heat-sealable. Image Sirane.

Spotlight

Dry molded fiber by Pulpac

The dry molded fiber process, developed by Pulpac, removes most of the water from paper pulp moulding, which helps to increase efficiency, reduce cycle time, and minimise carbon footprint. An independently-validated LCA concluded that dry molded fibre single use cutlery had a carbon footprint of 0.66 kgCO2e/kg – at the low end of moulded pulp. The process uses regular mechanically ground wood fibre pulp, which is air laid to form a nonwoven web, barriers are applied to meet application requirements (coated for water repellency, for example), and it is hot-pressed into three-dimensional products. Applications include packaging and single use cutlery. Image Pulpac.

Spotlight

Crush paper by Favini

Crush paper by Favini is made with a mix of paper with 40% recycled fibre and 15% citrus fruit, coconut, cocoa, grapes, cherries, lavender, corn, olive, coffee, kiwi, hazelnuts and almonds – byproducts and waste from agriculture.

Spotlight

Compostella wax paper

Compostella wax paper is a greaseproof packaging paper produced with a thin coating of carnauba wax. It is suitable for use with moist foods such as smoked fish, cooked ham and goat’s cheese, as well as sausage, cheese and vegetables. It is unbleached, home compostable and provides a sustainable alternative to paraffin wax-coated or plastic-laminated paper. Image Compostella.

Spotlight

Cocoform by Enkev

Cocoform by Enkev is made up of 60% coconut fibres mixed with 40% natural rubber latex and pressed into 3D shapes. It is suitable for use in things like filters, shoes, upholstery and automotive interior parts. Image Enkev.

Spotlight

Boliden recycled copper

Copper mining and smelting have a significant carbon footprint. The global average, according to the International Copper Association (ICA), is 2.3 kgCOe/kg. Boliden low-carbon copper, produced with renewable energy and recycled contents (up to 100%), has a reduced carbon footprint of 1.5 kgCO2e/kg. The primary raw material for Boliden’s recycled copper is used electronics. Image Boliden.

Spotlight

BioPBS biodegradable co-polyester by Mitsubishi

BioPBS polybutylene succinate (PBS) produced in a joint venture between Mitsubishi Chemical Company and PTT Global Chemical Public Company. This grade of biodegradable co-polyester is derived from biomass, such as sugarcane and cassava, and decomposes into water and CO2 with the microorganism under the soil in ambient conditions (30 degC) – it is suitable for home composting and doesn’t require any specialised facilities. PBS has relatively good heat resistance compared to other biodegradable plastics and can be converted into a fibre. It is applied as a coating to paper, such as for disposable coffee cups, as an injection moulding resin and flexible packaging. Image Mitsubishi.

Spotlight

Tecnaro Arboform liquid wood lignin bioplastic

Arboform by Tecnaro, also called liquid wood, is made up of around 30% lignosulfonate (LS) – a byproduct of papermaking – 60% fibre and around 10% polylactic acid (PLA) additives. While preparation is not quite the same as for conventional plastics, it can be injection moulded on regular thermoplastic forming machines. The recipe depends on the requirements of the application.