Green Practices

Two new members of BASF's biodegradable plastics family have been introduced: a thermoformable version for food trays and the first injection-molding grade for complex and high quality packaging, including thin-wall applications.

Last week at PlasticsToday we wrote that Addivant (Middlebury, CT), the former antioxidant and UV stabilizer business of Chemtura, is "looking to shake up the polymer additives sector." This week, with the announcement of the commercialization of two new biobased polymer modifiers, it became clear that they weren't planning to waste any time before doing so.

Newlight Technologies LLC was unknown to almost everyone in the audience at the nova-Institute's recent biotechnology event until it became the first American company to win top honors in what is fast becoming a highly coveted distinction in the world of bioplastics.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Lowell say they have identified and tested a potential chemical substitute for bisphenol A (BPA) in epoxy.

Use of epoxy in food contact applications, such as can linings, have been under pressure because of concerns about potential health effects of the BPA used to make it. With financial support from the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute, the researchers studied a possible alternate--the bis(epoxide) of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.

Eastman Chemical is introducing a sensitive-grade nonphthalate plasticizer for medical and other PVC applications to meet growing demands for materials that are extremely pure.

The Anti-Bottle is a foldable, rollable, reusable plastic water bottle intended to address the concerns raised by traditional plastic bottles.

An inner layer of polyethylene is bonded to two nylon layers to create a container that stands when full, can be tucked away when empty, and run through the dishwasher when needed. Besides being reusable, the Anti-Bottle is BPA- and phthalate-free, and said to be environmentally conscious by using less energy to manufacture and transport due to its reduced bulk.

Technology to significantly enhance the heat and impact resistance of a high-performance bio-polycarbonate resin has been developed by its Japanese supplier. Teijin Limited (Tokyo) has modified the molecular design of its Planext polymer to achieve greatly improved heat resistance with a glass-transition temperature of 120°C, as well as superior resistance to impact.

Europe continues to be largest consuming region for biodegradable polymers, accounting for more than half of global total, says a newly published IHS Chemical global market research report.

Cologne, Germany—What happens when a group of around 175 experts in bioplastics and industrial biotechnology from around the world gather together in a hotel for a three-day conference focused on the biobased economy in Germany and the U.S.?

Lanxess (Leverkusen, Germany) has opened an Asia-Pacific Application Development Center for its high-tech plastics in the Hong Kong Science & Technology Park. Run by the High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit, it will provide comprehensive and high-value services ranging from concept development support, computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering and mold-design assistance to part test applications for the automotive industry and other segments.