Background
We have developed a range of polymeric composite materials that can be used injection moulding. They contain fibres of wood, straw or bamboo and may be based upon polypropylene
(recyclable) or polylactic acid (biodegradable). Bio-based polymers are plastic materials produced from renewable biomass sources,
in our case corn starch, straw and woodchips. A polymer is considered "bio-based" if it was produced partly or wholly with biologically sourced polymers.
A polymer is considered "biodegradable" if it can degrade into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass within a given time frame (compared on different standards).
Finally to be "compostable" it has to completely degrade within a similar time to cellulose, based upon certain composting conditions
Biodegradation is a process whereby enzymes in a liquid phase depolymerise an adjacent solid phase. This process commences at the solid-liquid interface.
Both bio-based polymers and conventional polymers ("plastics") containing additives are able to biodegrade, but for the latter it may take an exceedingly
long time for this process to occur, and toxic residues may remain. Bio-based polymers are able to biodegrade in different environments, including composting,
which not only accelerates and increases the efficiency of biodegradation but also significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, no toxic residues remain and because bio-based polymers require approximately half the energy required to manufacture petroleum-derived polymers,
carbon dioxide "greenhouse gas" emissions are halved. Bio-based polymers are therefore gaining in popularity, being now regarded as indispensable components
of a resource-saving recycling economy and are predicted to make up 5% of all manufactured plastics in 2020, and 40% of all manufactured plastics by 2030.
Sustainability Options
The most sustainable option is to choose polymer composites that are recyclable. For this, of course, they must have acceptable forming, mechanical
and thermal properties. Polypropylene, a thermoplastic, is ideally suitable. Where recycling is not possible, notably in the case of food-contaminated
packaging that would otherwise necessitate cleaning prior to recycling, the alternative is bio-based composites. Here the necessity should be noted for
responsible disposal: such material cannot be littered and presumed to disappear!
How we can help
We offer products that fulfil either of these options. Fibres from wood or straw are dried, mixed with the appropriate polymer and additives,
extruded with a twin screw extruder and finally pelletised. These can be blown into film, moulded into sheets or injection moulded.
Resulting products have higher strength and toughness.
The polymers we use are PP (polypropylene) and PLA (poly lactic acid). The former polymer is intended for products that can be recycled whilst
the latter can be adopted for disposable items, such as packaging, crockery, cutlery, pots, bowls, and straws.
Advantages
• Formability. Our materials can be supplied as granules for injection moulding, sheet moulding or blowing film. Instructions can be provided, depending upon your preferred manufacturing process.
• Mechanical Performance. Excellent tensile strength, flexural modulus and low density make for strong, stiff and lightweight structures.
• Impact Strength. High Rockwell hardness, Charpy and Izod notched impact strength values indicate that products made from our
fibre-reinforced polymer composites are tough and can take the knocks.
• Sustainability & Recyclability. If helping the planet though sourcing sustainable materials is one of your corporate objectives, then we can help you achieve this without sacrificing performance.
• Chemical Stability & Safety. Our products resist the vast majority of solvents, adhesives and oils. They contain no heavy metals, are non-stick, mould-resistant and non-toxic.
• Processing properties, physical characteristics, mechanical properties, thermal properties and certifications all available upon request.
Applications
Our compostable material can be formed into any number of products including:
• Disposable items: mugs, knives, spoons, forks, toys, combs and toothbrushes.
• Containers: boxes and cylindrical containers for items and food.
• Furniture: the inclusion of fibres provides a "recycled look".
• Seed cups: seeds can be placed inside cups along with soil and fertiliser.