Mark your calendar ! 2
Mark your calendar ! 2 nd PLA Bottle Conference September 2009 Munich | Germany At the same time as drinktec 2009 Stay updated at www.pla-bottle-conference.com value added polymers and fine chemicals in addition to fuels. The future success of a number of biopolymers will be secured if the technologies that produce fuels and polymers are combined. Plastic and sustainable development The development of waste prevention and recycling technologies is a critical part of the sustainable development of our society. Society will continue to demand convenient disposable plastic items and the waste arising from these will need to be either biodegradable or transformed to value added products such as biodegradable plastic. The development of new technologies takes time and has to gain the acceptance of business as well as society. The early promotion of new eco-friendly bio-polymers is an important part of promoting these eco-products which will also help society to move towards achieving sustainable development. The introduction of these new bio-based polymers into the market place will also instil confidence in the market and drive growth in the sustainable technologies sector. References [1] The compelling facts about plastics. An analysis of plastics production, demand and recovery for 2005 in Europe – Plastics Europe (Published Spring 2007). Avenue E. Van Nieuwenhuyse 4/3, BE 1160 Brussels, Belgium. www.plasticseurope.org [2] Kenny, S T. Nikodinovic Runic J. Kaminsky W., Woods T., Babu R. P., Keely C. M., Blau W., and O’Connor Kevin E. Up-Cycling of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) to the Biodegradable Plastic PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate). Environ. Sci. Technol., ASAP Article, 10.1021/es801010e. Web release September 12 2008 (American Chemical Society) 2008 42:7696-7701 [3] Nikodinovic J, Kenny S.T., Babu R.P., Woods T, Blau W.J., O‘Connor K.E. 2008 The conversion of BTEX compounds by single and defined mixed cultures to medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. Jul 16. [Epub ahead of print], 2008 80:665-673 [4] Ward P.G., M. Goff, M. Donner, W. Kaminsky, and K. E. O‘ Connor. 2006. A two step chemo-biotechnological conversion of polystyrene to a biodegradable thermoplastic. Environmental Science and Technology. 40:2433-2437. [5] Goff M., Patrick G. Ward and Kevin E. O’Connor. 2007. Improvement of the conversion of polystyrene to polyhydroxyalkanoate through the manipulation of the microbial aspect of the process: A nitrogen feeding strategy for bacterial cells in a stirred tank reactor. J. Biotechnology. 132:283-286. CA-3 on agar plate www.pla-bottle-conference.com Call for papers contact: mt@bioplasticsmagazine.com 30 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3
Processing Film Extrusion of Bioplastics In film extrusion, new line concepts and specially adapted technology are required when processing bioplastics. Reifenhäuser of Troisdorf, Germany, one of the first members of the European Bioplastics industry association, considers this market an important part of its future strategy. Article contributed by Armin Holighaus, Head of R&D Blown Film, Reifenhäuser Extrusion GmbH & Co. KG, Troisdorf Germany www.reifenhauser.com Reifenhäuser offers manufacturing lines which, in combination with specific technology, show best results in the processing of biopolymers. These are lines that are already being used in blown film and thermoforming sheet extrusion of conventional bioplastics. Blown film extrusion Besides other processing technologies blown film extrusion is another very interesting method for converting certain biopolymers. For instance, starch-based raw materials can be processed on a specially adapted 3-layer Filmtec 3-1700-RHS blown film line at output rates that are nearly identical to those of polyolefins. In addition, high performances and good mechanical properties of the extruded bio films are obtained with reduced energy input. It is also possible to process specially selected polylactic acid materials on slightly modified lines. Special features of these bio films: • biodegradability according to DIN 13432 and • improved barrier behaviour in terms of gas and oxygen The versatile 3-layer blown film lines are equipped with singlescrew REItorque extruders and the newly-developed low temperature screws. Good tolerances can be achieved using a REIcoflow gauge control system which is supplied as a standard component. The noncontacting REIcofly turner bar system ensures superior quality film which is wound into perfectly marketable reels on the SFA II tandem winder. The complete Reifenhäuser blown film technology system meets the requirements of processing biodegradable raw materials. Biopolymer compound Biopolymers are normally processed in the form of pellets. Reifenhäuser offers compounding lines for processing powdery or liquid bioplastics using co-rotating ReiItruder twin-screw extruders that are especially appropriate for the sensitive natural raw materials. Segmented screws and barrels designed to meet specific recipe requirements, and barrels providing for multiple degassing, enable shear-sensitive and heat-sensitive bio materials to be processed. If requested, biopolymers can be tested on blown film and cast film lines in the Reifenhäuser Technology Centre in Troisdorf Germany. bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/08] Vol. 3 31
