Page 48 - Plastics News June 2023

Biobased cups made from 100% recycled PLA

Total Corbion is actively promoting
the development of a collection struc-
ture for PLA, in order to broaden the
options for recycled PLA.

“We have a team of specialized engi-
neers to work with our partners and
develop the right Luminy PLA grades.
And we also buy back the used PLA
to recycle it at our facilities. Advanced
recycling of PLA is much more en-
erg efficien proc in comparison
with other plastics. We appeal to all
PLA users to get in touch and set up a
collection structure,” said Derek At-
kinson, senior director Sales and Busi-
ness Development at the company.
Luminy rPLA is a biobased polymer
LA manufacturer TotalEnergies existing FFS facilities were needed to produced from sugarcane. The car-
PCorbion and rigid packaging pro- produce the cup using the recycled bon captured from the atmosphere
vider Coexpan have announced the material. by the sugarcane is kept in the cycle
launch of a new cup produced using "We are very proud to include in our with advanced recycling. This occurs
form-fi technolog fro portfolio a new sustainable product through a process of depolymerisa-
recycled PLA. The cup is available in that increases the number of techni- tion, yielding lactic acid from which
both white and high transparency. new PLA is produced. The rPLA has
cal solutions we can put on the mar- the same properties as virgin PLA, in-
All testing for the new solution was ket, a clear added value for all our cluding food contact approval in the
conducted at Coexpan’s Innotech customers. Having used this material EU (EC No. 10/2011), the USA (FDA
centre in Spain, where Coexpan and for more than 10 years, we are un- 21 CFR) and China (GB 9685-2016).
Innotech are continuously research- doubtedly the leading PLA resin con-
ing options to reduce the footprint of verter in the FFS market," said Gon-
the products they offer. No additional zalo Sanchez, Coexpan’s recycling
investment or significant changes in manager.

Is Automatic Ultrasonic Cleaning the Answer to Cleaning Injection Moulds?
tion moulds can be a challenging task. Cleaning is also a time-consuming
Removing built-up waste plastic, re- process that often employs a combi-
lease agents, lubricants and other con- nation of mechanical methods (e.g.,
taminants thoroughly can be difficult, brushing and scraping) and hand ap-
especially if they have hardened or plied chemical agents tailored to the
adhered to the mould surface. Com- mould’s characteristics.
plex mould geometries can make it Now companies like Aptaca Spa, who
challenging to reach all the nooks and are looking to improve the efficiency
crannies. And the cleaning methods of cleaning and maintaining injection
Regular cleaning and maintenance are or chemicals used need to account
moulds have the option of partnering
essential for prolonging the lifespan of for mould material, heat-sensitivity with Safetykleen, who provide an au-
injection moulds. But cleaning injec- and issues with thermal stress.

48 PLASTICS NEWS June 2023