interpack Review
interpack Review Distinct Increase in Demand for Bioplastics at interpack Bioplastics were among the main attractions at this year‘s interpack trade fair, which took place from 12 to 18 May in Düsseldorf, Germany. The biggest packaging show in the world with 2700 exhibitors from 60 countries attracted about 166,000 visitors to the metropolis at the river Rhine. The bioplastics enterprises represented at the exhibition successfully demonstrated that for a wide spectrum of packaging bioplastics offer solutions that can decisively reduce environmental impact. This was particularly well illustrated at the European Bioplastics stand, the focal point of interest of the bioplastics industry in Hall 9. Andy Sweetman, chairman of the board of European Bioplastics, was enthusiastic: “If one compares the range of packaging solutions that can be offered today using bioplastics with the exhibits presented three years ago at the last interpack trade fair in 2008, one can really speak of a quantum leap forward.“ He continued that, in the meantime, the industry was in a position to supply customized, bioplastic solutions for an increasingly wide range of fresh and dry food products. Hasso von Pogrell, Managing Director of European Bioplastics, also drew a positive balance, “With the change-over to bioplastic packaging by a number of renowned companies, the threshold to the consumers has been crossed. This is an important step for the bioplastics sector and, in the medium term, will enable the industry to make a complete break-through.“ The announcements made by further highly reputed brandowners that they intend to supply the European market with products in bioplastic packaging reinforce his confidence that this point will soon be reached. Whereas at the first ‘Innovationparc Bioplastics in Packaging’ during interpack 2005 the visitors were amazed “Wow, this is made from plants?” or “What is bioplastic?” the questions at interpack 2008 had already been different: “Does it really work?” or “Will these materials ever be competitive?” Well, at this interpack questions sounded rather like “Which bioplastics material is best for this application?” or “Where can I buy PHB?” … Among the highlights at the booth of European Bioplastics during this interpack were definitely the presentation of the leading fermented yoghurt brand Danone Activia in an Ingeo PLA cup (see also p.14 and p.32) and the comprehensive programme of presentations at the stage of European Bioplastics. And – of course - celebration the 5th anniversary of bioplastics MAGAZINE. In the last issue bioplastics MAGAZINE reported about most of the exhibitors of bioplastics related products and services. Here are some more small reports from interpack. 18 bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/11] Vol. 6
interpack Review Kaneka BioBag Kaneka Corporation of Osaka, Japan announced the brandname AONILEX of their bio-based and biodegradable PHBH (Polyhydroxybutyrate-hexanoate). The polyester is made from microorganisms fed with vegetable oils, the extraction process being solvent-free. The mechanical properties are comparable to polyolefins. According to Riichi Nishimura, the flexibility of the material can be ‘designed’ by the amount of hexanoate, so that more rigid or semi-rigid types will be available. This year a 1000 tonnes/year ‘market-development-plant’ will start production, Riichi Nishimura told bioplastics MAGAZINE. www.kaneka.co.jp Sezersan The Turkish company Sezersan of Konya presented BioTwist, a monofilm made of about 85% PLA and 15% starch. The film offers perfect deadfold quality, ideal to wrap candy and lollipops. In addition to its minimal (or missing) memory effect, it also features a good tear and puncture resistance, as General Director Refik Ulukan explained to bioplastics MAGAZINE. In addition to the mentioned properties BioTwist also features good heat sealability at 55-80°C making it also ideal for flow packs. www.sezersan.com.tr Synprodo A company from Synbra Group bv, Synprodo of Wijchen, The Netherlands introduced Synterra ® Poly Lactic Acid. By combining L and D lactides in polymerisation, Synterra PLA is available in PLLA and PDLA grades with different thermal, mechanical and processing properties. Synterra is made fom Puralact ® Lactide made from non- GMO feedstock. Therfore Synterra is a true GMO free product. Another well known product of the group is BioFoam, a PLA-particle foam. www.synterrapla.nl BioBag International headquartered in Askim, Norway, is a world-leading company within development, production and marketing of biodegradable and compostable packaging and films. BioBag goes back to Polargruppen AS and was established in 1959. At interpack they presented their complete portfolio of MaterBi based products, highlighted by a new cling film and a recently introduced piping bag to decorate food. www.biobag.no Plantic and Kesko Plantic from Australia offer water soluble and compostable materials from amylose-rich cornstarch. The German company Kesko from Aachen was successful in creating a biological coating for Plantic films, offering an enhanced water vapour barrier. www.plantic.com.au www.kesko.de Biostarch Biostarch, headquartered in Singapore, with offices in Australia and Switzerland offer cost effective, fully biodegradable, 100% compostable films based on starch meeting EN 13432 etc. The different grades are even water soluble at different temperatures. According to a spokesperson at interpack, the products are even home compostable and 100% GMO free, the corn for the starch coming from China. www.biostarch.com Bioger Bioger Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Of Zhuhai, China is not only a leading company specialized in producing 100% biodegradable materials and facilities, but also the a ’Technology Transfer / Facility Service Provider‘. This means the company provides biobased and 100% biodegradable (EN 13432/ASTM 6400) and water soluble plastics and barrier films as well as the granulating- , film blowing and bagmaking machinery and technology assistance to process the materials. www.en13432.cn bioplastics MAGAZINE [03/11] Vol. 6 19
