AMSTERDAM (Thomson Financial) – CSM NV said its unit PURAC will begin to produce lactides, an essential ingredient for the production of biodegradable plastics.
The announcement represents one of the first times that biodegradable plastics will be able to be produced on an economical, industrial scale, according to the company, meaning a ‘significant’ boost for the development of the industry.
The raw material for biodegradable plastics, Poly-Lactic Acid (PLA), is made from agricultural products such as corn, sugar beet, tapioca and sugar cane.
Companies will be able to produce biodegradable plastics that can withstand temperatures of at least 175 degrees Celsius using the new products being produced by CSM, according to the company.
Bioplastics are used in, for example, hot-fill bottles, microwave trays, temperature-resistant fibres, electronics and automotive parts.
Arno van de Ven, vice-president chemicals and pharma at PURAC, says: ‘Market growth has been hampered by the availability of economically achievable production technology. By using lactides as a monomer for PLA production, PURAC bridges the technology gap that currently restricts the plastics industry to accelerate the PLA market growth.
‘The Lactide technology will reduce costs and investments for the bio-plastics industry and significantly contribute to the growth of the PLA market.’
Reference: http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2007/08/15/afx4020913.html
