Swell idea: Bioplastic surf boards gain traction
In France, a company is using 3D printing and bio-based materials to bring the surf community a more sustainable experience. Wyve, based in the Basque beach area, is replacing the polystyrene and EPS foam “blanks” that make traditional surfboards buoyant with inner hexagons that trap air. The structure is 3D printed using polylactic acid bioplastic (PLA) made from corn starch. The PLA is sourced from Total Corbion PLA, which has manufacturing sites in Netherlands and Spain. Wyve also uses a biobased epoxy resin produced in France.
Life Cycle Assessment study demonstrates the potential of Avantium’s FDCA and PEF technology to curb global warming
Avantium N.V., a leading technology company in renewable chemistry, has published Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data for its bottles made from PEF (polyethylene furanoate): a plant-based, fully recyclable plastic material with superior performance. The nova-Institut GmbH recently completed the ISO-certified LCA to assess the potential environmental impact of monolayer PEF and multilayer PET/PEF bottles. Compared to the incumbent fossil-based PET bottle designs, significant improvements in carbon footprint of around 35% in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can be achieved depending on the chosen application. This is also combined with the biogenic nature of the emissions (from renewable carbon) that a PEF bottle would release at end-of-life, which do not contribute additionally to global warming.
Neste’s Market and Innovation Outlook for creating a renewable and circular future is now published
Global bioplastics manufacturer NatureWorks and Italy-based IMA, a world leader in the design and manufacture of automatic machines for the processing and packaging of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, tea and coffee, are stepping-up their testing of compostable K-Cup compatible compostable coffee pods based on NatureWorks low-carbon PLA biopolymers. The joint strategic partnership accelerates on the first significant trial phase, based on promising results. Compatibility testing on capsules, filter, and top lid films are being performed at IMA Coffee Lab with the precise aim to identify and achieve optimum material sealing parameters and limits as well as a suitable set up of IMA packaging machineries to handle the pods successfully.