Page 48 - Plastics News September 2017

PRODUCT NEWS

Raepak launches biopolymer Total Corbion launches PLA
plastic bottles from sustainable sugarcane

aepak (Wymondham, UK), a global supplier of ioplastics maker Total Corbion PLA is taking its
Rplastic packaging, has introduced two new 100% Bsustainability credentials to the next level, and is
recyclable biopolymer bottles that the company claims now offering polylactic acid (PLA) made from sugarcane
are direct replacements for standard HDPE and PET fossil- that is farmed in a certifi ed sustainable process.
fuel-based plastics. One is The company, with headquarters in Gorichem, the
a 100% biobottle and the Netherlands, said Aug. 22 that it has commercialized
other is a 50% biobottle that the production of PLA certifi ed by London-based
includes 50% post-consumer nonprofi t group Bonsucro. Total Corbion is a joint
recycled (PCR) content. venture between resin maker Total SA and Corbion
These new biopolymer
NV to make and market sustainable resins. Renewable
bottles are totally recyclable
feedstocks from sugarcane and sugar beets are used
and provide a genuine direct
to produce lactic acid, which in turn is converted into
replacement for standard
PLA bioplastics. Thailand’s biggest sugar producer,
HDPE and PET fossil-based
Mitr Phol, achieved Bonsucro certifi cation in July
plastics. This gives the
2016, as the fi rst sugar producer in the country to
packaging industry more
do so. Following this milestone, Total Corbion is now
choice when considering a
"Bonsucro Chain of Custody certifi ed," which means
plastic bottle for domestic
that all claims of compliance with the Bonsucro
and commercial liquid contents.Andrew Paterson
standard can be tracked along the entire supply
Owner of Raepak Ltd explains; “Until we develop a new
biodegradable product that has the same benefi ts as chain, from fi eld to mill. The company’s PLA resins
BIOPOLYMER, HDPE or PET we need to work with what are also produced in accordance with this process.
actually works for our target market. The resins will be promoted within the company’s
existing, commercial Luminy PLA resin portfolio. “A
Investment is going into looking at alternative
reduced carbon footprint and the multiple end-of-life
biodegradable options, however, these need more
solutions that PLA offers are key reasons why many
time to make sure they can store products safely
brand owners convert from traditional plastics to PLA
and have a sufficient shelf life” Raepak offer two
bioplastics,” said François de Bie, senior marketing
biopolymer options which include a 100% Bio made
bottle or a 50% PCR (Post Consumer Regrind) Bottle.
PCR is plastic that has been reprocessed to be used
in manufacturing new plastic products such as bottles
or jars. PRC also conserves energy and non-renewable
resources as recycling replaces the need for extraction
of new materials.Biodegradable product options have
been successfully trialled with blowmoulded HDPE, PP
bottles, jars, caps and polyethylene tubes. A blend of
oxo-biodegradable ingredients is mixed with the polymer
in the manufacturing process. This breaks down the director at Total Corbion PLA. Total Corbion PLA
product by making it brittle, which shortens the overall has outlined its position on feedstock sourcing for
degradability time. Instead of hundreds of years, the bioplastics in a whitepaper published together with
plastic can start to break down in 5 years. This is a great Corbion, which also includes the company stance on
alternative for plastic products that are unlikely to be feedstock selection, land use, feedstock effi ciency
recycled. and food security.

Plastics News | September 2017 48