Application News
Application News Eco-Friendly Parties Thanks to collaboration between Italian companies Fermani Cannucce Snc and Api Spa, leader in the production of thermoplastic elastomer compounds, the 100% biodegradable straw has now been born. This BIO STRAW is the result of Fermani Cannucce’s experience in drinking straw extrusion and API Spa’s advanced technical and production know-how, which developed the innovative bioplastic called APINAT. APINAT is a patented biodegradable bioplastic (thermoplastic elastomer, TPE) which is distinguished from other bioplastics in the market by virtue of its flexibility and softness. This BIO STRAW developed with APINAT is similar to a normal PP straw in terms of use and mechanical and hygienic characteristics, but it has an unique advantage: it can decompose in controlled composting conditions. In fact, APINAT bioplastics have been certified biodegradable in aerobic environment in accordance with EN 13432, EN 14995 and ASTM D6400 standards. In addition, APINAT makes the BIO STRAW more flexible and more easily processed by extrusion, in comparison with biodegradable straws produced with PLA (polylactic acid). It’s important to stress that 76% of the BIO STRAW is made of renewable raw materials. The use of these renewable materials, instead of synthetic ones, reduces CO 2 emissions and the greenhouse effect to help meet Kyoto Protocol standards. BIO STRAWS are available in different sizes and colours in order to meet clients’ needs. They can be sold loose or individually wrapped. The product package is in recyclable cardboard or biodegradable envelopes, again in keeping with sustainability. MT www.apinatbio.com www.fermanicannucce.it Plant Based, Insulated, Compostable Cup Repurpose ® Compostables, a manufacturer of premium, high quality food service products, based in Los Angeles, produce One Cup, an insulated hot cup that is 100% compostable. No more double cupping. No more sleeves. The insulated technology keeps hot beverages warmer for longer, and prevents heat from escaping the cup, protecting the user and creating a more comfortable feel with only one product. The revolutionary new One Cup requires no sleeve, uses 65% less CO 2 than a traditional cup to produce, and can be composted in 90 days. The One Cup uses FSC-Certified paper, the highest standard for sustainable forestry, and is certified compostable. Traditional insulated cups are made by adding additional layers of paper; however, the Repurpose One Cup does the same with our patented insulation material on a single wall cup. This high quality food service product finally offers the greenest possible alternative to Styrofoam and non-compostable insulated cups. Just recently OneCup won first prizes at The Specialty Coffee Association of America annual show in Houston as well as the Coffee Fest show in Chicago. “At Repurpose we are always working to produce the highest performing, highest quality food service products that also help consumers lower their impact on the environment,” said Lauren Gropper, Chief Executive Officer of Repurpose Compostables. “Our new insulated cup with Ingeo based lining eliminates the need for double cupping which we have found in speaking to vendors is a hidden cost that people don’t realize. The One Cup also eliminates the need for a sleeve, another wasteful product associated with hot beverages. In many cases vendors are using four individual pieces. Finally a one product solution exists that is also compostable, comes from renewable resources and is affordable.” MT www.repurposecompostables.com 26 bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/11] Vol. 6
Application News Cap Made of Bio-PE Nestlé Brazil, in a partnership with Tetra Pak and Braskem, is launching two of its popular milks brands in a package with a cap using bio-polyethylene (bio-PE), developed by Braskem, Brazil’s largest petrochemical company made out of sugar cane derivatives. Starting in August, UHT milk for Ninho, Ninho Levinho, Ninho Low Lactose and Molico brands will be packed in Tetra Brik ® Aseptic packages using caps produced with Green PE. The process contributes to the global reduction of greenhouse gases since sugar cane, a renewable resource, absorbs CO 2 from the atmosphere. The launch represents a landmark in the use of polyethylene made out of 100% renewable raw materials in the food and beverage packaging industry. By using the new cap Nestlé will be encouraging environmental awareness, providing consumers with a product that makes use of renewable sources for manufacturing its packages. “This is an innovating initiative that adds further value to our products. Our participation in this project is fully aligned with Nestlé’s global social responsibility platform, called ‘Creating Shared Value’”, said Ivan Zurita, President of Nestlé Brazil. The concept is based on the assumption that for the long-term businesses success, generating value to the shareholders is as important as generating value to the community in which the company is present. In this model, the company has partnerships with institutes, business foundations, governments, NGOs and private companies, such as Tetra Pak and Braskem, either to carry out their own projects or to support their partners’ initiatives. Tetra Pak has a long history of responsible environmental practices and recently announced an ambitious environmental programme designed to deliver on the company’s ultimate aim of providing sustainable packaging using only renewable materials, achieving a minimal environmental footprint and creating zero waste. Currently, all the paper used for the production of cartons in Brazil comes from forests managed in accordance with the responsible forestry management principles, certified by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Said Tetra Pak Brazil President Paulo Nigro: “The use of polyethylene made out of a renewable raw material is another important step towards our goal of achieving 100% renewable packaging. This demonstrates our innovation leadership and our commitment to support our customers and society in our shared goals of creating a healthier, sustainable planet. “We are very proud to take part on that initiative alongside with Companies that are global leaders in their segments. Braskem, the largest worldwide producer of biopolymers is fully involved in the commitment to promoting sustainability”, said Carlos Fadigas, Braskem President. MT www.nestle.com.br www.tetrapak.com www.braskem.com Colourful Tablecloth Ecoplast Technologies Inc. is a high-tech Chinese enterprise that has been engaged in the R&D and production of bio-plastics for more than 10 years. The company recently launched the Eco-Keep brand of biodegradable tablecloths in seven colours, and made from Ecoplast’s biodegradable PSM material HL-301A. The tablecloth can be used to collect waste food on the table and after use can be composted together with the kitchen waste. This tablecloth is currently available in major Chinese supermarkets, where each set has seven tablecloths of different colours for each day of the week. The tablecloth set has been very well received by consumers since its launch. “Governments around the world are introducing preferential policies to promote bio-plastics, and consumers are increasingly demanding environmentally friendly bio-plastics products. Ecoplast has been committed to providing environmentally friendly bio-plastics products to consumers. The biodegradable tablecloth is only one of our products, but our biodegradable shopping bags, tableware and other products are also coming onto the market”, said the Chairman of Ecoplast. PSM HL-301A manufactured by Ecoplast is compliant with EN13432, and ASTM D6400 standards, and has also obtained the OK Compost certification. It can be processed into a variety of film bags and other products. www.psm.com.cn bioplastics MAGAZINE [05/11] Vol. 6 27
