The most recent news on the colorants side is the supplier's recent development of color concentrates for use with PHBV (polyhydroxyl butyrate/valerate) bioplastic, filling its portfolio with concentrates suitable for that material plus PHB (polyhydroxyl butyrate), PLA (polylactic acid) and PBAT, a petrochemical-based biodegradable copolyester.
Each of the concentrate series is now in commercial use, is classified as a bio-based material in accordance with ASTM D6866, and meets ASTM D6400 requirements for composting in an aerobic facility. "Today Teknor Color supplies manufacturers of biodegradable products ranging from can liners to food-service ware to writing instruments, and we are developing new formulations to broaden the range of bioplastic resins with which our concentrates can be used," said John Wood, technical manager. "Through synergy with our sister business, the bioplastics division of Teknor Apex, we are technologically well positioned to be a leading source of colorants for what promises to be a vast and diverse bioplastics sector in the plastics industry."
Teknor Apex launched its bioplastics division to serve as a custom compounder whose products include 100% bioplastic compounds as well as hybrids that combine bioplastic and standard petrochemical-based polymers. The company has the exclusive global license for an extrusion process for producing a thermoplastic starch-so it's a bioplastic that also is a true thermoplastic, able to be remelted and reused. This is especially important for recycling purposes in applications where, for instance, a standard petrochemical-based thermoplastic is mixed with the starch-based one. —[email protected]
