At the upcoming Fakuma trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Corbion Purac (hall B4, stand 4207) will be exhibiting the processing versatility of its range of biobased PLA solutions for thermosetting, extrusion and injection molding applications. A number of partner applications demonstrating the characteristics and properties that can be achieved with PLA bioplastics will be on show, made from both standard PLA and high heat PLA.

PLA, with its high biocontent and low carbon footprint, is becoming increasingly in demand as a replacement for PS, PP and ABS. It can be processed on conventional equipment, with commercially acceptable cycle times. With no special modifications required, PLA offers converters and brand owners a relatively easy opportunity to be a sustainability frontrunner in their field, for both their products and their packaging.

At the Fakuma, Corbion Purac will be showing an air filter box and interior trim parts for the automotive industry - courtesy of Röchling Automotive. The injection molded parts boast heat resistance up to 140°C, impact resistance, UV resistance, high gloss, excellent colorability and dimensional stability, and they withstand the demanding conditions in today's engine compartment. This makes PLA an excellent alternative to most polyesters (PC, PET, PBT) as well as polystyrenes (ABS), polyolefines (such as PP) and polyamides (PA6).

The company will also be exhibiting the first bioplastic touchscreen computer, courtesy of SUPLA and Kuender. The housings are high gloss white and have an improved impact resistance, high heat resistance and good scratch resistance. Furthermore, high dimensional stability allows for tight tolerances during processing.

A range of packaging and serviceware applications, including single-use thermoformed hot drink cups (courtesy of Huhtamaki) and lids (made by WinGram) and full stereo-complex transparent film from Innovia, will also be showcased, in addition to injection molded coffee capsules from ATI and Biofoam ice cream packaging from Synbra.

Corbion Purac has also entered into material partnerships with companies. These PLA resin and compound partnerships, which include Hisun and SUPLA for neat PLA resin, and Biotec and FKuR for high heat food serviceware compounds, will also be exhibited at the company's stand.