As public awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the use of plants as a source for producing plastic resins is gaining momentum. Recently, Goop, an Italian company, announced that it has begun using NatureWork, a plant-based polymer from Gargill-Dow Corporation, to manufacture single-use plastic cutlery. This marks a significant step forward in utilizing renewable resources for plastic production.
While some still question whether disposable plastic tableware can truly be eco-friendly, Italy is taking action to prove otherwise. The focus on sustainable raw materials has led to increased attention on renewable sources like grains, textiles, wood, sugarcane, and sugar beets. Converting these into polymers offers an effective solution for resource regeneration and sustainability.
Though producing polymers from natural materials isn’t new—cellophane was used as early as the 20th century—the key difference today lies in the perception of synthetic vs. natural materials. According to standards like DIN and ASTM, materials like cellophane are not considered synthetic, which makes them more appealing in today’s environmentally conscious market.
UCB Surface Special Processing Company sold its thin film division in 2005 to a private consortium. Their NatureFlex product line is a fully biodegradable cellulose film, known for high transparency but lacking moisture and heat sealing properties. However, after coating, these issues can be addressed, though at the cost of reduced biodegradability.
Andy Sweetman, UCB’s marketing manager, noted that the company uses a synthetic polymer coating on NatureFlex, making it one of the few fully biodegradable options. While cellulose films have been largely replaced by traditional polymers like BOPP, Sweetman believes now is the best time to introduce degradable alternatives.
The global demand for cellulosic film is around 100,000 tons annually, while BOPP exceeds 3 million tons. Despite this, UCB sees potential in replacing traditional materials with NatureFlex in transparent packaging applications.
NatureFlex comes in both uncoated and coated versions, with the latter offering better moisture and air resistance, along with improved heat-sealing properties.
In the organic food packaging sector, performance remains a top priority. Sweetman emphasized that even in this market, end-users are highly selective about product quality. Bioplastics often struggle with moisture resistance and sealing, which can affect product preservation.
Enhancing these properties is a major technical challenge, but collaboration among companies could help overcome it. Sweetman believes that balancing market growth with technological development is essential, though cost remains the main barrier.
Starch-based materials may suit certain applications, while moisture-resistant, transparent cellulose films are ideal for other packaging needs. Despite advancements, the application of cellulosic materials in extrusion or injection molding hasn’t seen major progress yet.
Cargill Dow is leading the way in biodegradable materials, with a PLA production facility in Nebraska capable of producing up to 14 tons annually. With process optimization, capacity could increase further. Their manufacturing process is becoming more efficient and cost-effective, making their products competitive with traditional plastics.
Cargill Dow has already secured several major clients, including Italian supermarkets and European packaging companies. They aim to expand into larger industries and continue promoting sustainability.
Bader, a representative from Cargill Dow, highlighted the company’s genuine commitment to environmental protection, unlike many others who merely talk about it. He also pointed out that oil prices are rising, making bio-based materials more attractive in the long run.
The packaging industry, especially food packaging, is where most of the opportunities lie. With PET being easier to replace, the market is ripe for innovation. As oil prices remain volatile, customers are becoming more aware of the long-term benefits of sustainable materials.
Italy remains the largest market for biodegradable materials in Europe, thanks to Novamont’s progress with Mater-Bi. The company recently acquired Eastman’s biological business, expanding its portfolio and accelerating the development of bio-based polymers.
Dupont and Tate & Lyle formed a joint venture to produce propylene glycol using fermentation processes, aiming to create bio-based polymers like Sorona. Their new plant in Tennessee is set to start operations in 2006, signaling continued growth in the bioplastics sector.
Overall, the shift toward sustainable materials is not just a trend—it's a necessary evolution. Companies that invest in innovation and collaboration will lead the future of packaging and plastic production.
Product Introduction
Pump type MM is the standard medium duty slurry pump which designed for the continuous pumping of highly abrasive, high density slurries with minimal maintenance requirements.They maintain high efficiencies over the wear life of its components and typically used in process plant transfers, wet waste processes, recycling-washing plants, sand plant duties, heavy minerals processing, mineral recovery and chemical process plant.
Product Features
-Wear resistant metal or rubber wet end parts, long service lite
-Wide option for Impeller
-Various types of pump seals to suit different working condition
-Grease or oil lubrication
-Discharge branch can be positioned at intervals of 45 degree
-Can be installed in multistage series
-Easy to maintain
Application Range:
Discharge Size:20 to 650 mm
Capacity:3 to 12000 m /h
Head:4 to 60 m
Horizontal Slurry Pump,Sludge Dewatering Pump,Coal Mine Dewatering Pump,Mining Dewatering Pumps
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