How can you optimise performance without compromising sustainability??
Join us at Compounding World 2024 and discover the winning formula.
❯ Biopolymers: the new paradigm for a sustainable future
Over the last decade, the bioplastics market has experienced exponential growth and represents one of the most promising frontiers of the sustainable economy. This trend is confirmed by the European Bioplastics study, which recorded approximately a 29% increase in global production in 2023 compared to 2022. (European Bioplastics). Even though the recent European regulations on single-use plastics require further clarification, research in biopolymers is paving the way for more sustainable and innovative solutions for the plastics industry.
This growth has involved several strategic sectors of industrial production, such as packaging, agriculture, automotive and biomedicine. In particular, biopolymers have widespread applications, ranging from compostable food packaging to organic waste bags, coffee capsules, packaging for cosmetics, and healthcare products.
❯PHA vs PLA: a snapshot of the current status
In spite of the enormous potential of Biopolymers, the market for these materials is still struggling to take off. The main reason lies in the difference in performance between bioplastics and traditional plastics which are more versatile and adaptable in a greater number of applications.
PHA and PLA are two of the biopolymers obtained from 100% renewable resources, which are the focus of numerous studies and have promising properties, but they present different characteristics and challenges. PLA, which is widely used for single-use products, has the advantage of being very tough, but at the same time has low ductility and low barrier properties.
On the other hand, PHA belongs to a family of polymers that are among the most versatile and adaptable depending on the need. In fact, PHAs can boast outstanding mechanical stabilities, excellent elasticity and high temperature resistance. However, the future of these materials will depend on the ability of research centres to develop new formulations and production processes that can reduce costs and increase competitiveness.
❯ Compounding: the key to improve performance
The most encouraging Bioplastics research strand is focused on the development of compounds to maximise the unique potential of these materials. For example, PHA and PLA combined with PBAT and PBS whose monomers may be of fossil origin) can produce biocomposites with mechanical performance very similar to the virgin polyethylene, without compromising biodegradability.
These innovative formulations are expanding the horizons of bioplastics, enabling a wide range of applications from blown and flat-die extrusion to thermoforming and injection moulding. This versatility proves bioplastics' potential as a sustainable and valuable alternative to traditional polymers.
❯ From research to finished product: find out EUR.EX.MA’s laboratory lines
How can we enhance the potential of biopolymers facing these new challenges and opportunities? Small-scale testing is the essential step to keep up with research and move into industrial production with low investment and consumption.
EUR.EX.MA offers complete laboratory solutions for testing innovative formulations reducing the time-to-market with low investment. We provide a wide range of extrusion solutions, perfect for meeting the growing demands of R&D departments. Thanks to our 25 years of experience in laboratory machinery our engineers can support you in finding the perfect combination of materials and process parameters, designing tailor-made configurations based on the desired performance.
- Single and Twin Screw Compounding Lines: perfect for the development of new formulations, can be equipped with dosing systems and side-feeders to work also with additives, fibres or liquids;
- Cast and Blown Film Lines: specific for quality control and physical/mechanical tests on the final product, essential for the pilot or pre-industrial phase;
- Lines for Injection Moulding, Thermoforming, Melt Spinning and Filament 3D Printers: specific lines for various types of processes, depending on the needs of the industrial sector.
We look forward to seeing you at Compounding World 2024 in the Syncro Group booth, HALL 3 STAND C720, to see our MICROEX CAST machine live and discover our other complete laboratory lines!