NEC has successfully developed and implemented the first flame-retardant bioplastic, Nucycle™ (includes biopolymer: polylactic acid) that can be used in electronic devices due to its high flame retardancy and processability.

The impressive bioplastic features more than 75% biomass plant-derived resin and emits less than half CO2 during manufacturing in comparison to conventional petroleum-based plastic manufacturing processes.

As part of efforts against global warming and petroleum resource exhaustion, bioplastic is lauded as a feasible alternative. The development and implementation of this flame retardant polylactic acid composite has enabled the first time creation of materials that demonstrate the coexisting characteristics of environmental friendliness, heat resistance, moldability, shock resistance and more.

Dr. Masatoshi Iji, Research Fellow & Senior Manager,Eco-material Research Group of NEC Corporation will share insights at 4^th Bioplastics Markets on NEC’s experience of developing the successful flame-retardant bioplastic and also touch base on future initiatives which include capitalizing on non-edible raw materials such as cornstalks. Full details here.

If you are keen to find out on this latest bioplastic development, you must join us at the 4^th Bioplastics Markets.

Click here to view the expert panel of who’s who in the bioplastic industry that will be sharing their expertise at the forum.

With just four weeks to the forum, click below to confirm your registration today.

06 May, 2010

Bioamber, an innovative JV between DNP Green Technology from the US and the French ‘ARD’ (Agro-industrie Recherches et Développements) announced the successful start-up and commissioning of the world’s first bio-based succinic acid plant early this year. The plant began operations in December 2009, producing renewable succinic acid from wheat derived glucose.

According to Mr. Patrick Piot, Bioamber’s General Manager, the plant, which is situated in Pomacle- France has an initial annual capacity of 2000 metric tons. The bio-based succinic acid produced is also reportedly of a higher purity than the petroleum derived equivalent.

Bioamber have emerged as the fore-runner in the race to develop commercially viable Bio-based succinic acid, where key players include CSM, BASF and many other major chemical companies. As a basic chemical platform for producing plasticizers, polymers & resins, Bio based succinic acid offers bioplastics producer a greener alternative.

However, this landmark development raises several key questions. Will Bio-based succinic acid production have the advantage of the traditional petrochemical route? Can Bio Succinic acid be used in bioplastic production? How will Bio-succinic acid use impact bio-plastic quality and labeling?

Bioamber’s GM, Mr. Patrick Piot will be offering some clarity on the company’s landmark achievement, as well as its implications for the bioplastics industry at the 4th Bioplastics Markets conference, during his speech titled “Bio-Based succinic acid development and its future prospects”. The 4th Bioplastics Markets conference is meeting in Shanghai on 1-2 June 2010, discussing the theme, “Strategizing to sustain profitability with new technology and application”

Those keen on participating in the conference can click on the link below to register or contact Ms. Grace Oh at grace@cmtsp.com.sg for more information.

07 Apr, 2010

Despite the poor global economy in 2009, the bioplastics and biodegradable polymers market grew in 2009, and even predicted to grow at an annual average of 13% through 2014. These figures were revealed by SRI Consulting’s new study, “Biodegradable Polymers”.

The report added that the single-largest end use will be in ‘food packaging, dish and cutlery market’ which it said, ‘will be the major growth driver in the future’.

Some noteworthy abstracts of reports include:

• Europe continues to be the largest biodegradable polymers-consuming region, with about half of the global total. Major market drivers for biodegradable polymers in this region include legislation, depleting landfill capacities, pressure from retailers, growing consumer interest in sustainable plastic solutions, fossil oil and gas independence, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
  
• North American and Asian consumption of biodegradable polymers have also grown significantly in recent years.
  
• Japan has enjoyed growth in biodegradable polymers use as a result of government and industry promoting their use. The rising prices for petroleum and petroleum-based products have also contributed to the replacement of petroleum-based polymers with biodegradable polymers. However, Japanese consumption of biodegradable polymers has not increased as much as expected.
  
• In Other Asian countries however biodegradable polymer demand is expected to increase greatly in the next several years. In China, high growth will be due to several factors: an increase in production capacity, demand for environmentally friendly products, and the government’s plastic waste control legislation.

The growing market for Bioplastics and the factors contributing to this increase will be the focal point of the 4th Bioplastics Markets conference, a global bioplastics industry forum meeting on 1-2 June in Shanghai. Conference highlights include:

• Global outlook & developments of bioplastics
• Effectiveness of "Green" Marketing
• Latest market update: Indonesia/Thailand/China/Japan/Korea/Taiwan
• Product design challenges using bioplastics
• Update on new bio materials available and case study
• Brand owner & end user's perspective on bio plastics application
• Development of bioplastics compounding & processing challenges

4th Bioplastics Markets, THE Must-Attend global bioplastics industry meet, is already welcoming participation from bioplastics producers, suppliers, brand owners, retailers, processors, converters, financial & academic institutions, machinery suppliers & all other key executives looking for an update on the opportunities in the bioplastics business.

Those keen on participation can submit their registrations online. >>Click here to access<<

Those who are keen on perusing Sponsorships and Media Partnership arrangements for this conference can email their enquiries to Ms. Grace Oh, Marketing Manager at grace@cmtsp.com.sg.