Films | Flexibles | Bags
Films | Flexibles | Bags certified by DIN CERTCO according DIN EN 13432. These examples show some of the opportunities BioWare films offer. In cases where the original properties of films, made of renewable biomaterials, may not be sufficient, Huhtamaki Films uses its long experience and know-how to develop films with improved properties, so that these films then meet the demands of the intended application. Figure 3: Metallized BioWare PLA film Next generation BioWare films from Huhtamaki Films reflect not only the on-going improvements to meet current demands, but also the development and introduction of new and innovative high quality films and converted products. Figure 2 shows for example an embossed BioWare PLA film. Such a film can be used for decorative applications or because of its property of having a high coefficent of friction. In Figure 3 a metallized BioWare PLA film is seen. Such a film is for example perfect for wrapping precious goods. Figure 4 shows a picture of a siliconized BioWare PLA film. While one side of the PLA film is siliconized, the other side has been coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. When this film is rolled up, the sticky adhesive side meets the siliconized side, that itself has excellent release properties. The sticky side can easily be separated from the siliconized side, and so the BioWare film can be used as a tape. Figure 4: Siliconized BioWare PLA film: Adhesive Tape Challenges and Outlook Some challenges on Bio films, especially on PLA based films, still remain. Most important is the improvement of the thermal stability of PLA films. These films are only stable up to temperatures of around 60°C. For use in food packaging, Bio films need to offer a barrier to oxygen, and of course be not too expensive. Huhtamaki Films is already engaged in ongoing research on these topics and the remaining challenges will not stop the ‘Bio Train’ on its irresistible way into the future. Additionally, the range of bio based and/or compostable raw materials is steadily growing. Up to the end of 2010, the state-of-the-art for Bio films has advanced enormously within a short period, and it continues to move forward strongly. The importance of films made of renewable or biodegradable/compostable raw materials is increasing. Several big companies have already committed to replace, in the near future, a significant percentage of their packaging materials with ‘green alternatives’. Developments on Bio films are now at such a state-of-the-art that possibly all Bio Food could be packed in Bio Packaging. This would indicate a tremendous market potential and an overdue breakthrough for Bio films. Huhtamaki Films in Forchheim is both convinced that this trend will come, and is prepared for it. http://www2.huhtamaki.com/web/films/biodegradable-films 22 bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/10] Vol. 5
Films | Flexibles | Bags Chinese Compounder Enters Biodegradable Co-Polyester Market With an annual compounding capacity of 1,200,000 tonnes the Chinese company KINGFA Science & Technology Co., Ltd. can be considered the world’s largest modified plastics manufacturer. Among other products Kingfa provides partially recycled resins and bioplastics. In the field of bioplastics Kingfa has established a range of fully biodegradable compounds and bio-based plastics under the product range Ecopond. In particular the blown film grade FLEX-262 sees big demand (not only) in the European market. FLEX-262 is a compound of a petroleum based yet fully bio-degradable and compostable (EN 123432, ASTM 6400) aliphatic and aromatic Co-Polyester (PBAT poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) and biobased and compostable PLA. This combination makes it very suitable for the manufacture of thin gauge biodegradable waste bags as well as for shopping bags of all kind. Other typical applications are bags on rolls as used in supermarkets, bags for organically grown potatoes and carrots or agricultural mulch films. Another interesting maket are disposable, single-use gloves preventing direct contact with fresh food. Ecopond biodegradable plastics have successfully reached the world’s leading plastic converters. Based on the strong technical background, perfect quality control and global sales, marketing and distribution network Kingfa has decided to further expand the Ecopond range and applications. The next products planned to be launched early 2011 comprise other blown film grades for applications such as collation shrink films, courier bags, air bubble wrap and air cushion films, deep freeze packaging and bags for baby diaper packaging. For strategic reasons Kingfa is presently building another new manufacturing plant at Zhuhai City (510,000 square meters) to substantially increase the annual production capacity for Ecopond. At this site Kingfa will also commence the production of the key ingredient of FLEX-262: the biodegradable Co-Polyester. Kingfa’s commitment to the European market can easily be recognized by the participation to the European Bioplastics Conference, the 2010 K’-Show recently held in Düsseldorf, the upcoming interpack and an agents network in place. MT www.ecopond.com.cn bioplastics MAGAZINE [06/10] Vol. 5 23
