Page 49 - Plastics News Issue December 2024

BUSINESS NEWS
Tony Rehn, head of the INGA development
team at Fortum, emphasizes the urgent need
to rethink plastic production. "It is time to move
away from fossil feedstock," he states. "There is
an ever-increasing demand for high-quality sus-
tainable plastics that meet various requirements,
including hygiene, color, and barrier properties.
INGA not only meets these demands but also
biodegrades without leaving harmful microplas-
tics behind."
INGA is classified as a polyhydroxyalkanoate
(PHA) material, known for its biodegradabil-
ity and versatility. The mechanical properties of
PHAs can be adjusted to suit a wide range of
applications. INGA’s rigidity and durability make
it ideal for use in electronic appliances, toys, and
cosmetics packaging. Additionally, its excellent
barrier properties—such as low water and oxy-
gen transmission rates and high grease resist-
ance—make it a safe choice for food packaging.
The production process for INGA continues the
evolution of PHA development by combining
PHA polymers with additives and fillers to cre-
ate a polyester plastic that boasts several key
characteristics:
♦ Hydrophobic: Water-resistant and does not
dissolve in water.
♦ Thermoplastic: Can be melted and reshaped,
making it recyclable.
♦ Biodegradable: Decomposes in various envi-
ronments including marine, freshwater, soil,
home composting, landfill, anaerobic diges-
tion, and industrial composting.
♦ Malleable: Suitable for diverse processing
methods such as extrusion, injection mold-
ing, and dispersion coating.
The global demand for plastics is projected to
triple by 2050; however, recycling efforts have
December 2024
lagged significantly. In 2023, only 9% of annual
plastic waste was recycled globally according
to the European Environment Agency and the
United Nations. Traditional bio-based plastic
production faces limitations due to the availabil-
ity of raw materials like wood and vegetable oils.
Rehn explains that INGA aims to complement
existing recycling methods by promoting a com-
prehensive circulation of materials. "We believe
that INGA will pave the way for a new category
of responsible plastics," he asserts. "While me-
chanical recycling and bio-based solutions re-
main essential, innovations like INGA are crucial
for sustainable plastic production."
Fortum plans to begin industrial production of
INGA by the end of the decade. The company is
actively seeking partners to help commercialize
this revolutionary product. "Our goal is to have
the first products made from INGA on the mar-
ket within this decade," Rehn notes.
The introduction of INGA not only presents an
eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics but
also addresses the pressing issue of plastic pol-
lution by ensuring that even if it inadvertently
enters natural environments, it will decompose
without leaving harmful residues.
As Fortum Recycling & Waste leads the charge
towards sustainable plastics with INGA, this in-
novation heralds a new era in material science.
By transforming CO emissions into valuable
2
resources for plastic production, Fortum is not
only tackling environmental challenges but also
setting a precedent for future developments in
biodegradable materials. The potential impact
of INGA on both industry practices and environ-
mental health could be profound as we move to-
wards a more sustainable future in plastics.
Source: - Interplas insights
PLASTICS NEWS 49