"The work of our Terraloy technical team, headed by technical manager Greg Anderson, along with our research partner Cerestech Inc., has enabled us to enhance polylactic acid in areas such as heat resistance, impact resistance and processability while retaining key bioplastics values such as FDA compliance, high bio-based content, and compostability," said Edwin Tam, manager of new strategic initiatives for Teknor Apex. 

The new Terraloy HDT PLA compounds are available in extrusion grades for thermoformed products like lids, cups, bowls, and trays and injection molding grades for cutlery, cups, and bowls. Besides being FDA compliant, the compounds have been designated by our customers as compostable in accordance with the ASTM D-6400 standard, and Teknor Apex has received USDA BioPreferred certification. Bio-based content of the molding and extrusion grades is 84 and 96%, respectively.

In a life-cycle analysis, Terraloy HDT PLA compound exhibited slightly more potential for greenhouse gas generation than uncompounded PLA resin and less than half that of high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), which is commonly used in many target applications.

"Innovations such as this are what keeps the plastics industry on the cutting edge of technology," said SPI president and CEO Bill Carteaux.

The award was presented during the Smithers Rapra Biopolymers Symposium, held May 12-13 in Philadelphia,  

The "Innovation in Bioplastics" awards program, launched by SPI's Bioplastic Council in 2013, recognizes outstanding innovation in unique and creative application of bioplastics materials, products, or processes by a company. Entries are judged on innovation, sustainability benefits, and impact on the marketplace.