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The article discusses the potential of bioplastic alternatives in replacing the industrial and commercial needs for fossil fuel-derived plastics. In spite of the recorded environmental damages being caused by non-biodegradable plastics, it is emphasized that such plastics have several uses and advantages to consumers particularly as food packaging. A comparison between bio-derived and biodegradable bioplastics is presented. An outlook on the commercial adoption of bioplastics is also provided.

The article reports that Polyone Corp. is making improvements in its eco-friendly products for use in durable goods. The company is releasing a line of bioplastics created by mixing different polymers and is planning to capitalise in the market of environment friendly plastics. According to Steve Schlegel, the industry marketing manager of the company, these bioplastics are more stronger and heat resistant than plastics made from biopolymers alone.

The article explores the role of bioplastics in the evolution of the plastics industry. Topics discussed include biobased plastics which reduce the usage and dependence on limited fossil resources and Dryflex Green biobased thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) compounds which are used for soft-touch grips and handle sealing and closures for packaging, sports equipment and toys. Also mentioned is quantifying renewable content in plastics using ASTM D 6866-12.

The article reports that the organization European Bioplastics has claimed that packaging continues to lead end uses for bioplastics, taking in 70 percent of 2014 production but food packaging is likely to concentrate on biodegradable options rather than the durable alternatives that are expanding in other industries. Topics discussed include the growth in "drop-in" biopolymers and the development of bio-based polyethylene terephthalate. Efforts to reduce carbon footprint is mentioned.

The article reports on the controversy associated with the production of bioplastics in the U.S. Often considered as an alternative for packagers who support the green movement, bioplastics production was caught up in a controversy for using plant-based materials to replace petroleum. Due to the use of plant-based materials, prices of corn and other crops increased, and there have been concerns of long-term global food shortages.

The article reflects on the new starch-based bioplastic products developed by Cereplast Hybrid, as of November 2007. According to the report, the hybrid products are made with up to 50 percent conventional thermoplastics, overcoming what has been a limitation of most biobased resins to date, The first of the Cereplast Hybrid product on the market is Biopropylene CP Bio-PP-50, a patented mixture of polypropylene homopolymer with 50 percent starch and a blend of plasticizers or processing aids. The section also provides information on another starch-based material, due to be released in the market in the first half of 2008, developed by DuPont in collaboration with Plantic Technologies of Australia.

The article features the Biomax additives developed by DuPont Packaging that it claims improves the performance of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) packaging. The additives will be offered in two grades, one for packaging applications that do not require regulatory food compliance and the other, designed with food-contact regulations in mind.

The article focuses on the need for economic materials that are degradable as well as materials that are synthesized from renewable resources. DuPont Engineering Polymers will focus on bio-based building blocks for engineering polymers such as corn sugars fermented by genetically engineered microorganisms. There are also corn-based biopolymers called polylactic acid marketed under the NatureWorks brand.

The article reports on the expected growth of the biopolymer market. Advancement of technologies in plant breeding and processing are narrowing the bioplastics-synthetic plastics cost differential as well as improving material properties. Increasing environmental concerns and legislative incentives in European Union and Japan have stimulated interest in biodegradable plastics. INSETS: THE FUTURE IS HERE;COSTS ARE FALLING.

The article reports on the modern surge in development of commercial biobased plastics like polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyvalerate, starch-based polymers, and soy based polymers. It states that the Federal Biobased Product Purchasing Program created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture aims to stop the usage of petroleum and to start using agricultural products as natural materials for plastic manufacturing. It also reveals that Interface Inc., a leading manufacturer of carpet and textile is incorporating the biobased polymer into its products to reduce its environmental mark to be more environmentally sustainable.

The article presents information on the developments in the field of industrial engineering. BASF Corp. is starting up a new plant producing its biodegradable plastic Ecoflex at its Schwarzheide, Germany, site in 2006. The facility will have a 6,000 metric tpy total capacity, and complements the 8,000 metric ton plant in Ludwigshafen. Ecoflex is a specialty plastic, which belongs to BASF's styrene plastics operating division. ABB Group has a project to provide the automation and instrumentation for RNS-NIS refinery in Novi Sad, Serbia. This is claimed to be the first automation system in Serbia to use Profibus and the first ABB Industrial IT extended automation system 800×A implemented in the country. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The article reports that the company Universal Biopharma Research Inc. is planning a pilot project to convert grape residues into biodegradable plastics. During the past several years, there have been other enterprises in the state that have converted other crops, such as corn into ethanol, a clean burning fuel additive. The way the process works is that sugar gets extracted from the grapes, fermented and converted into ethanol. The residues left over are used to make PLA, lignin and animal additives. Kuldip Thusu, CEO of Universal Biopharma Research Inc. is in the process of planning two stages of the project including a research and development company and a bioprocessing site in Dinuba, California.

The article presents information on various developments related to the bio-industries. Since 1998, BASF has been supplying Ecoflex, a fully biodegradable plastic that meets requirements of European Standard EN 13432 for compostability of a polymeric material. As described by the manufacturer, Ecoflex improves packaging quality based on its content of maize starch, potato starch and polylactide acid. In another development, an advanced pretreatment remediation called GreensandPlus is available from the Inversand Co. to assist in water purification by removing contaminants from process water.

Reports on the growth of the market of biodegradable polymers as materials evolve in performance and processability. Factors affecting growth of the biodegradable polymer market; Key areas of development of biodegradable polymers; Significant of blending technology and molecular tailoring for the improvement of processability.

The article discusses the demand of biopolymers which is used in packaging is forecast to grow, driven by technology. Topics include demand of sustainably sourced materials by retailers, improvements in the processing and performance properties of bioplastics, and additional policies on biodegradability, compostability and recyclability.

The article offers information on the increasing use of biodegradable plastics. It is reported that use of bioplastics has expanded following the start-up of commercial-scale production of polylactic acid (PLA) by Cargill Dow Polymers LLC in 2002. Japan is focusing on expanding scope of potential applications through the use of nano, alloy and stereocomplex technology. Besides this, usage of bioplastics has increased in automotive parts including hybrid cars like Toyota Prius.

The article focuses on the biodegradable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) developed by Enso Bottles. The PET is biodegradable in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions within five years. It notes that it is the world's only fully-biodegradable plastic. Using organic compounds and microbial nutrients, researchers have altered the PET polymer chain thus weakening its polymer structure and makes it more attractive to microbes.

The article reports on the plan of Polylactide (PLA) manufacturer NatureWorks LLC to utilize Galactic's Loopla feedstock recycling system in Great Britain. The company stresses the system helps reduce carbon dioxide emission as well as saves energy during the manufacturing of its Ingeo brand PLA. In addition, NatureWorks anticipate that the technology will contribute to enhanced operations and promote business success.

The article reports on the exclusive licensing agreement signed by Teknor Apex Co. with Cerestech Inc. which covers technology for blending low-cost thermoplastic starch (TPS) granules into a master-batch that can be mixed with bioplastics or with petrochemical-based polymers. Based on results of field trials with film extruders and injection molders, blends with TPS maintain or exceed the mechanical properties of products made from 100% polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) or compostable resins.

The article reports that Plantic Technologies and Pyramid Bioplastics are planning to increase the capacity of its bioplastics in the packaging sector in Europe. Plantic Technologies will open a thermoforming operation in Germany and plans to include rigid sheet production once sufficient volume is established. The firm remains confident about its long-term growth prospects and expects the facility to eliminate sea freight, streamline the supply chain and lower production cots.

The article reports on the launch of co-extruded films from bioplastics company Novamont which combine various grades of Mater-Bi, the completely biodegradable and naturally compostable bioplastic, at the 2008 Interpack show. According to the article, co-extrusion allows the properties of Mater-Bi's individual grades to incorporate into a multi layer structure. Advantages and benefits are given such as expansion of the range of technical solutions available.

The article reports on the plan of Badische Anilin und Soda-Fabrik (BASF) to expand its biodegradable plastics production. Capacity for Ecoflex, BASF's biodegradable polyester, will be increased at Ludwigshafen from 14,000 metric tons (m.t.)/year, to 60,000 m.t./year by the third quarter of 2010. The company will also increase compounding capacity for Ecovio, a derivative of Ecoflex containing 45% polylactic acid.

The article presents the results of a study conducted by BCC Research which showed that compostable bags will have the largest share of the biodegradable packaging market by 2012. Based on the study, the market for biodegradable polymers will increase from 541 million pounds in 2007 to 1.2 billion pounds by 2012. It notes the problems being faced by the biodegradable polymer market, including high prices and lack of a municipal/industrial composting infrastructure.

The article discusses the "Biodegradable Polymers" report from BCC Research, which reveals that global market for biodegradable polymers reached 541 million pounds in 2007 and predicts it will reach 1,203 million pounds by 2012. The report divides the market into four application areas, namely, compost bags, loose-fill packaging, other packaging such as medical/hygiene products and agricultural and paper coatings, and miscellaneous.

The article reports on the launching of the construction of the 20,000 t/a biodegradable plastic project on November 2007 of Jiangsu Jiuding Group Inc. in China. According to the author, the company based in Rugao of Jiangsu province, is the first in the country to attain the commercial production of biodegradable plastics. Furthermore, the project is expected to be complete after three years.

The article profiles Grant Dow, chief executive officer of biodegradable plastics manufacturer Plantic Technologies Ltd. in Melbourne, Victoria. It highlights Dow's and the company's success in the listing of the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The company promotes the use of biopolymer materials and has successfully boosts its biopolymer research when it acquired a deal to develop and distribute its biopolymer inventions with E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. or DuPont.

The article reports on a research conducted at Iowa State University to reinforce biorenewable, biodegradable plastics with nanoclays. The plastics are produced when glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel production and water, are added to a soy or corn protein. The researchers used surface-treated clays to enhance mixing and have already seen evidence that vapor barrier properties can be improved.

The article offers information on a new gift card for Target Corp. as part of a pilot program. The card, which is available at 129 Target stores nationwide, is made of Mirel, a plastic made from corn. Unlike conventional plastic cards, the Mirel card is biodegradable. A spokeperson from Metabolix Inc. declined to disclose how many cards are involved in the pilot.

The article reports on a study conducted by The Freedonia Group which revealed that food and beverage, packaging and pharmaceutical applications are expected to help drive demand for natural polymers, which are used as emulsifiers, stabilizers and thickeners. The study found that U.S. natural polymer demand is projected to increase 5.9 percent/year to $3.6 billion in 2010. The natural polymer sector includes cellulose ethers and starch and fermentation products.

The article reports on the program launched by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, to promote the use of environmentally friendly plastics made from biomass, to reduce the effect of global warming. Bioplastics are commonly used in making plastic bags, food wrapping films, and cooking and eating utensils. The ministry wants more local companies to follow Fujitsu and Toyota in developing personal computers and automobile interiors that use carbon emission-neutral materials.

The article presents a review of several web sites including The Biodegradable Products Institute and the Environment and Plastic Industry Council.

The article offers information on the technical market research report "RP-175R Biodegradable Polymers," to be released by Business Communications Co. Inc. The report offers a look at the growth and development of the global market for biodegradable polymers. The market is estimated to be about 114 million pounds.

The article reports on the benefits that the European Bioplastics industry are getting inspite of the price increase of oil and oil-derived polymers. The prices of oil and oil-derived polymers does not vary between the two types of materials. The cost of oil and oil-derived polymers continues to block the manufacturers of biodegradable films. According to Richard Smith, the polylactide films is costly than the low density polyethylene.

The article presents information on the significant events, related to the global chemical industry, that occurred on June 24, 1991 and June 24, 1996. In June 1991, biodegradable polymers produced from lactic acid are close to commercialization by Ecochem, a joint venture between DuPont and food company ConAgra. In June 1996, PCS considers building a fifth cracker in Singapore.

The article reports that NEC Corp. and Unitika Ltd. have jointly developed a bioplastic reinforced with kenaf fiber. The bioplastic is being used for Foma N701iECO mobile phone from NTT DoCoMo Inc. Moisture resistance was improved through the use of Unitika's commercial polylactic acid called Terramac; while, impact durability was increased through the addition of a biomass-based flexibilizer and a reinforcing filler developed by NEC for this resin.

The article reports on the collaboration between NEC Corp. and Unitika Ltd. to develop a bioplastic reinforced with kenaf fiber for environmentally-friendly mobile phones. The new bioplastic achieves the highest biomass ingredient ratio out of all bioplastics used in electronic devices. The development of the new material will replace conventional petroleum based-plastics used in mobile phone casing.

This article reports on the process developed by researchers from National University of Ireland and University of Hamburg to turn waste polystyrene (PS) into biodegradable plastic as of March 2006. The two-step approach involves pyrolysis of polystyrene into styrene oil, followed by the bacterial conversion of the oil to polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biodegradable polymer with potential applications for plastic coatings and pressure sensitive adhesives, as well as medical applications. The key is using the right bacterium, Pseudomonas putida CA-3.

The article reports that BASF Corp. has launched Escovio, the company's first entrant into the market for biodegradable plastics based on renewable raw materials, in the U.S. Escovio consist of 45 percent polylactic acid, derived from corn. Initial applications of this product will be flexible films that can be used to make shopping bags.

Reports on the joint venture signed by Metabolix and BP to establish a programme to develop renewable and biodegradable plastics. Terms of the agreement; Details of the programme; Statement issued by Metabolix president and CEO Jim Barber on the partnership.

Focuses on the advantages of using biodegradable mulches as an alternative to polyethylene mulches in vegetable production. Negative impact of polyethylene mulches on the environment; Types of biodegradable polymer films that are being researched for agricultural uses; Comparison between biodegradable and polyethylene mulches.

Presents information on the corn-based polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable polymer developed by Cargill Dow. Designation of Kathleen Bader in the company; Increase in the sales of the firm; Use of PLA in food packaging and textiles.

Highlights the joint research and development agreement reached between Procter & Gamble Co. and Kaneka Corp. on the commercialisation of bio-based biodegradable plastics. Contributions of both companies to the Nodax plastics research; Terms of the agreement; Potential applications of the plastics.

Examples of the tremendous progress taking place with compostable plastics abound. Toyota Motor Corp. announced plans to construct a pilot plant to produce bioplastics made from vegetable matter in the United States. The new facility, to be built within an existing manufacturing plant in Japan, is planned to generate 1,000 tonnes of the polylactic acid plastics annually. Aside from this development, biodegradables are also catching wider attention in the media. The most visible symbol of this change in manufacturing technology is reflected in an article published in the July 31, 2003 issue of Fortune magazine. The article notes that chemical conglomerates like E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. as well as research-oriented firms like Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Matabolix Inc. are maximizing the development and production of bioplastics. Recent reports in BioCycle provide this background on commercial developments in the bioplastics industry.