Additives |
Additives | Masterbatches New masterbatches from Clariant, Muttenz, Switzerland have been formulated for use in biopolymer applications requiring compliance with European and US standards governing compostability and ecotoxicity, including the harmonised EN 13432:2000 standard. Because they incorporate conventional (non-natural) additives and pigments, the new masterbatches are more economical and more process- and light-stable than ‘natural‘ products, and they bring a broader choice of colors and additive functionality to bioplastic products and packaging. More Colorful Bioplastics Over 80 pigments are expected to be available, which will allow a large number color masterbatches to be offered under the Clariant RENOL ® -compostable brand name. CESA ® -compostable additive masterbatches will include UV-stabilizer and antioxidant packages, with more additives currently pending review. Testing of the ingredients in the Clariant masterbatches was completed in the independent laboratories of OWS nv (Gent, Belgium). There, it was determined the materials comply with the EN 13432:2000 standard for heavy-metal content and plant-toxicity. Clariant also is in the final stages of product evaluation for the highly desirable ‘OK compost‘ certification issued by AIB Vinçotte International (Vilvoorde, Belgium). The compostable products made at the Clariant facility in Sant Andreu de la Barca, Spain (near Barcelona) are expected to be certified in July. A plant in Pogliano Milanese, Italy, which already holds an ‘OK compost‘ certificate for a black masterbatch used mainly in agricultural film, will soon obtain the Vinçotte approval stamp for the whole range of new eco-friendly masterbatches it manufactures. In 2007, Clariant introduced the first commercial line of all-natural color and additive masterbatches, featuring active ingredients made entirely from renewable resources. Colors included red, orange yellow and green, derived mainly from plants, but choices continue to be limited and light and process stability can be an issue in certain applications. The new RENOL-compostable and CESA-compostable masterbatches, on the other hand, give users an attractive middle ground: the performance and cost benefits conventional colorants and additives in a formulation that does not change the compostability of products made of the bio-based resins. Clariant Masterbatches has been producing masterbatches for Novamont’s Mater-Bi since 1995, with significant volumes used not only in black agricultural films, but also in shopping and garbage bags made from the material. Other application targets include packaging and single- or limited-use products like plastic utensils, drink cups and pens, where bio-based resins, such as PLA, currently are being specified. MT www.clariant.com 10 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/10] Vol. 5
Additives | Masterbatches Impact Modifier for PLA End of last year the Dow Chemical Company launched a new generation PARALOID BPM-515 Acrylic Impact Modifier formulated to impart toughness and maintain clarity to PLA. The new additive enables lower cost toughened PLA compounds that will will enable greater innovation and growth in the automotive, medical and electronics industries. Following the introduction of Paraloid BPM-500 about two years ago, Paraloid BPM-515 now offers the same benefits as Paraloid BPM-500 but with higher efficiency. Paraloid BPM-515 provides excellent impact performance at use levels as low as 1%, thus making Paraloid BPM-515 the industry standard for PLA impact modification. The new impact modifier can be widely used in PLA applications but is particularly useful in applications where a balance between toughness and transparency is required such as in industrial and consumer packaged goods. In addition to better impact properties, PLA modified with Paraloid BPM-515 show a marked increase in ductile behavior when cutting and hole punching operations are employed. The additive complies with EU Directive 2002/72/EC governing food packaging in the European Union. It also complies with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements, and may be used up to 5 % in food contact resins (maximum thickness of 0.5 mm) with all types of food at room temperature and below. Although Paraloid BPM-515 can be used at very low dosages, using the modifier at levels up to 5 % loading has not been found to adversely influence the biodegradability of PLA as measured by ASTM D6400-04 per ASTM D5388. “Bioplastics have the potential to reduce petroleum consumption in plastics by 15-20 % by 2025. The launch of Paraloid BPM- 515 serves to reinforce Dow‘s commitment to providing environmentally enhanced technology solutions for sustainable growth. The development of Paraloid BPM-515 for PLA modification supports the development of the bioplastics industry towards greater sustainability in consumer and industrial applications. The combination of improved performance with lower use cost will further open new markets and applications for our customers in automotive, medical and electronic industries.“ said Tina Wei, Asia Marketing Manager for Dow Plastics Additives. MT www.dow.com The industry’s market leading event where new technologies, trends, developmentsin applications, new guidelines and waste strategies are unveiled October 11-13, 2010 The Westin Tabor Center, Denver, Colorado, US With biopolymers strengthening their foothold in the mainstream plastics industry, Biopolymers Symposium 2010 brings together the industry’s movers and shakers from leading manufacturers, brand owners, end users, innovators and policy makers to address key elements in the market development. Register Now at www.biopolymersummit.com Early Bird pricing, July 31 through September 3, 2010 – 39 bioplastics MAGAZINE [04/10] Vol. 5 11
