Showa Denko starts biopolymer production
12 Jul 2012
Tokyo – Showa Denko KK (SDK) has started commercial-scale production of biodegradable polyester resin, which is based on bio-derived succinic acid. Film grades of the material, called Bionolle, are being produced at its Tatsuno Plant in Hyogo Prefecture.
SDK said it aims to expand the biodegradable, bioplastics by the end of this year. It is also planning to secure the supply of 10,000-20,000 tonnes a year of bio-derived succinic acid.
The volume production technology uses succinic acid made from starches or sugars. This, said SDK, means that about 50% of main raw materials for Bionolle are now bio-derived. This can rise to 70% with products that also incorporate starch.
Bionolle, which can be fully decomposed after use into water and carbon dioxide, is being used in compost bags and mulch films.
The product is also being test-marketed to some customers, including Natur-Tec, a division of Northern Technologies International Corp., a US-based bioplastics products manufacturer.
The company is already using conventional grades of Bionolle for certain high-volume consumer goods packaging applications developed by Harita-NTI Ltd, its joint-venture in India.
“Our customers are increasingly demanding higher bio-based carbon content in our materials, in order to reduce the overall carbon footprint of their finished products,” said ineet Dalal,vice president and director of Global market development for NTIC’s Natur-Tec business unit.
